FreeviewPlus coming mid-2015, smart TVs from April

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692 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#1334442 30-Jun-2015 20:30

LGSAM:
butlerboy:
LGSAM: I notice in the compatible devices for LG and Panasonic TVs there are a few models not listed that have been enabled to work on the Freeview Plus in Australia . I hope that's not a ploy to get people to upgrade as these were only 2014-2015 sets and are probably capable of using NZs Freeview plus with software update .

I've been told by Panasonic NZ that my 2014/15 Panasonic TV won't be getting any updates to make it compatible.
Is that because it dosnt have the hardware or because they want to sell new TVs ?

In my case, the same hardware has support in Australia, and the reason given by Panasonic for no NZ support was "due to the difference between Australia’s and New Zealand’s broadcast".

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#1334450 30-Jun-2015 20:47

Here's the response I got from Samsung about my BD-F8500:

Thank you for contacting Samsung Electronics New Zealand.

I understand that you are inquiring if the Freeview plus can be used after updating the firmware of the Samsung BD-BD-F8500A. For this inquiry of yours, the Freeview plus can be accessed for tv models 2015. I can also be accessed from setup box designed to be compatible and working with Freeview plus. I can provide you the website and contact number of Freeview as it is a third-party provider for the signal source of free-to-air networks.

Please refer to the link : http://www.freeviewnz.tv/support/

I think they're saying nothing older than the 2015 model TV's will get freeview plus, but yeah, it's not exactly clear.

BigPipeNZ

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#1334702 1-Jul-2015 09:51

LGSAM:
BigPipeNZ:
LGSAM: I notice in the compatible devices for LG and Panasonic TVs there are a few models not listed that have been enabled to work on the Freeview Plus in Australia . I hope that's not a ploy to get people to upgrade as these were only 2014-2015 sets and are probably capable of using NZs Freeview plus with software update .

I noticed my LG TV isn't listed, although it is listed as freeviewplus on the LG website. (65UC970t)

I went on the LG live chat and asked. They said it will work for Freeviewplus in NZ, just needs to be enabled in the menu once it launches. :)

fingers crossed they know what they are talking about :P
Can you see an HBB TV option in the programe settings .? It should be there even if Plus is live or not .

Nope. the guy on live chat told me where to look for it. when I got home to check, it wasn't there. I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that it will require a firmware update or something to become active when freeviewplus launches (today?).

If I don't see anything in the next day or two I will follow up with LG again.

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LGSAM

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Master Geek

#1334762 1-Jul-2015 10:32

I can set my LG to Australian broadcast and then HBB TV shows as an option , I notice on the list of LGs there are a few to be available from august so maybe there is a firmware update coming . Could be wishful thinking , don't think I will call LG again its too hard to get some one who understands what you are asking .

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#1334768 1-Jul-2015 10:34

Just received:

Freeview has launched a new digital TV platform designed to give New Zealanders easy access to on-demand video services on their TVs - FreeviewPlus.

In a New Zealand first, FreeviewPlus uses Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) to enable seamless integration and switching between broadcast TV and on-demand services. The service is free to view and easy to set up via a new FreeviewPlus set-top box (from around $150), and is built into most new 2015 Smart TVs.

Sam Irvine, General Manager at Freeview, says the launch of Freeview is a game changer for television in New Zealand and signals a new era in TV viewing.

“FreeviewPlus is a smarter way to watch TV. The simple on-screen programme guide lets viewers search across a massive library that brings together broadcast content from 19+ live channels and on demand content from TVNZ OnDemand, 3NOW and Māori Television On Demand, something that has to-date not been available in New Zealand.”

And in what Irvine says is ‘another first to market’ FreeviewPlus offers an eight day ‘catch-up’ or reverse programme guide that allows viewers to go back in time across TVNZ, MediaWorks and Māori Television channels and select programmes to catch up on demand straight from the guide.

TVNZ Chief Executive Kevin Kenrick says FreeviewPlus is about giving viewers access to content when and where they want it.

“We know people want to be able to view their content on the biggest screen in the house, what’s changing is that they want to be able to do so on their terms – that’s where FreeviewPlus comes in with seamless access to linear and OnDemand TV.”

MediaWorks Group CEO Mark Weldon says FreeviewPlus is compelling because it’s free to view with more than 600 On Demand shows and movies available.

“MediaWorks, TVNZ and Māori TV, through FreeviewPlus, are offering a leading free-to-view service that adds significant value for audiences and advertisers.”

Māori TV CEO Paora Maxwell says FreeviewPlus is an important new platform for viewers to access New Zealand content, particularly Māori language and cultural programming.

"Our mission is to engage the hearts and minds of more New Zealanders with our unique content that entertains and informs them. Along with others, the FreeviewPlus platform is the perfect vehicle in enabling us to do this."

FreeviewPlus is available in all areas with Freeview|HD coverage.

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#1334775 1-Jul-2015 10:40

BigPipeNZ

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BigPipe

#1334779 1-Jul-2015 10:44

LGSAM: I can set my LG to Australian broadcast and then HBB TV shows as an option , I notice on the list of LGs there are a few to be available from august so maybe there is a firmware update coming . Could be wishful thinking , don't think I will call LG again its too hard to get some one who understands what you are asking .

that's why I prefer livechat or email. I can continue watching youtube or whatever whilst they go and find the answer, so I'm not wasting my time on hold with a confused helpdesk rep.
Calling the helpdesk is the absolute last resort for me.

(not to mention it's all documented in the livechat transcript, so I have a digital record of what they said if it turns out they are wrong - no searching through call recordings etc)

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grolschie

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#1334794 1-Jul-2015 10:54

LGSAM:
butlerboy:
LGSAM: I notice in the compatible devices for LG and Panasonic TVs there are a few models not listed that have been enabled to work on the Freeview Plus in Australia . I hope that's not a ploy to get people to upgrade as these were only 2014-2015 sets and are probably capable of using NZs Freeview plus with software update .

I've been told by Panasonic NZ that my 2014/15 Panasonic TV won't be getting any updates to make it compatible.
Is that because it dosnt have the hardware or because they want to sell new TVs ?

Funny, cos I could watch that IPTV test channel 600 a while back on my 2013 Panasonic E6. I could watch Big Buck Bunny and other stuff. So, older TVs do support IPTV TV via the Freeview platform.

Bung

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#1334826 1-Jul-2015 11:04

LGSAM: I can set my LG to Australian broadcast and then HBB TV shows as an option , I notice on the list of LGs there are a few to be available from august so maybe there is a firmware update coming . Could be wishful thinking , don't think I will call LG again its too hard to get some one who understands what you are asking .

LGs support is based in Australia so they have no NZ knowledge. There are some NZ Product managers that possibly understand but seem limited in their ability to deliver solutions.

gcorgnet

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#1334833 1-Jul-2015 11:10

Hey guys, what of using a DVB-T Tuner card on a Win 8.1 WMC computer? Would that get FreeviewPlus?

BigPipeNZ

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#1334898 1-Jul-2015 11:38

Bung:
LGSAM: I can set my LG to Australian broadcast and then HBB TV shows as an option , I notice on the list of LGs there are a few to be available from august so maybe there is a firmware update coming . Could be wishful thinking , don't think I will call LG again its too hard to get some one who understands what you are asking .

LGs support is based in Australia so they have no NZ knowledge. There are some NZ Product managers that possibly understand but seem limited in their ability to deliver solutions.

that is my concern.
I was very clear in the livechat though that I was in NZ, looking at the NZ website, and wanting it for NZ Freeviewplus.

I guess we'll find out soon enough :)

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Oncop53

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Ultimate Geek

#1334959 1-Jul-2015 12:22

I am probably dreaming here, but would it be possible to use FreeView Plus through a HTPC running KODI ?

DickDastardly

227 posts

Master Geek

#1334993 1-Jul-2015 13:18

Just had a response back from Panasonic after enquiring if my DMR-BWT840GZ Blu Ray would get a firmware Freeview Plus upgrade..

"There is a difference between Freeview Platform released in Australia and New Zealand.

In NZ - Freeview plus is only available on some of our new 2015 models - older models cannot be updated"

Old Model eh? Funny that seeing its still for sale on the Panasonic site with a supporting text which explains "If you demand the best in entertainment, the BWT840 is the High Grade Blu-ray Recorder of Choice".

This it seems isn't quite true Panasonic is it?? Seeing as this is sold as the premium Panasonic Blu-Ray Recorder here in NZ...this is a pretty poor response...

I don't want no sugar in it - thank you very much

littleheaven

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#1335009 1-Jul-2015 13:36

DickDastardly: Just had a response back from Panasonic after enquiring if my DMR-BWT840GZ Blu Ray would get a firmware Freeview Plus upgrade..

"There is a difference between Freeview Platform released in Australia and New Zealand.

In NZ - Freeview plus is only available on some of our new 2015 models - older models cannot be updated"

Old Model eh? Funny that seeing its still for sale on the Panasonic site with a supporting text which explains "If you demand the best in entertainment, the BWT840 is the High Grade Blu-ray Recorder of Choice".

This it seems isn't quite true Panasonic is it?? Seeing as this is sold as the premium Panasonic Blu-Ray Recorder here in NZ...this is a pretty poor response...

Yes! I just had the same response from them about the same model. And they also said no Netflix app for that model either, which is ridiculous since it's still selling. I told them I'm having buyer's remorse and expected better support for a current model. When I upgrade my 7-year old TV in the next couple of years, it won't be a Panasonic, that's for sure.

Will be interesting to see if anyone else gets a HbbTV firmware upgrade to their older non-Panasonic equipment, which would make a mockery of Panasonic's "our system is different from Australia's" excuse for not being able to update things.

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MileHighKiwi

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#1335011 1-Jul-2015 13:41

Sorry if this has been covered earlier in the thread, but will this work with my current Vodafone TV setup, which I get Freeview through?

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