Freeview Interaction Channel and new program guide

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freitasm

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#103017 28-May-2012 22:35

Just received:

With just four months before digital switch over begins, we're launching Freeview's new publicity campaign, and thought we'd share some of our latest news and technology while we're at it.

We'll be demonstrating the Freeview Interaction Channel, which will allow broadcasters to deliver on demand content directly to TVs through Freeview set top boxes. The channel is built with the same technology as the BBC's hugely popular iPlayer catch up service, and we believe it will completely transform the way New Zealanders watch free-to-air television.

We'll also be unveilling our brand new High Definition Electronic Programme Guide - a first for New Zealand audiences - and talk about new channels in the pipeline for the Freeview platform.

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#631764 29-May-2012 05:49

The MHEG5 app is very cool. I guess the big question will be content - will TVNZ think of this as a great idea or are they going to push igloo instead?

steve2222

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#631813 29-May-2012 08:39

What is the source for this release (a link please) as I cannot see it on the Freeview site ( I must be blind).

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freitasm

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#631814 29-May-2012 08:40

This was an invite to a media event this Friday. There's no release announcement.

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#631818 29-May-2012 08:46

Will this lot work with existing freeview hardware?
ie will my TV suddenly have an HD freeview EPG and be able to do cool interactive stuff? (and agreed, with what content....)

SteveON

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#631819 29-May-2012 08:50

Prepare for lag.

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#631825 29-May-2012 09:09

Jaxson: Will this lot work with existing freeview hardware?
ie will my TV suddenly have an HD freeview EPG and be able to do cool interactive stuff? (and agreed, with what content....)

All Freeview approved hardware supports MHEG5 so will have the ability to use these new features. You will obviously just need a internet connection to your TV/STB.

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#631828 29-May-2012 09:14

sbiddle:
Jaxson: Will this lot work with existing freeview hardware?
ie will my TV suddenly have an HD freeview EPG and be able to do cool interactive stuff? (and agreed, with what content....)

All Freeview approved hardware supports MHEG5 so will have the ability to use these new features. You will obviously just need a internet connection to your TV/STB.

So this will be different to just hitting the guide on your existing Freeview capable set?

Hmm sounds like someone needs to develop a PVR plugin since a lot of older sets are not network compatible.

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steve2222

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#631830 29-May-2012 09:18

Finally another reason to go with a Freeview box other than for the EPG.

I wonder if in addition to streaming 'on demand TV' they will let you stream say You Tube or Internet radio? Or maybe they will block the internet access to only sites they 'approve' so you keep watching the TV channels they support and not spend all the time watching YT or listening to radio.

Streaming access to a wide selection of internet sites eg YT, radio, TV on demand coupled with a TiVo device would be the ultimate non geeks home media solution, especially of you have a TiVo unit for each main TV.

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#631848 29-May-2012 10:03

davidcole:
sbiddle:
Jaxson: Will this lot work with existing freeview hardware?
ie will my TV suddenly have an HD freeview EPG and be able to do cool interactive stuff? (and agreed, with what content....)

All Freeview approved hardware supports MHEG5 so will have the ability to use these new features. You will obviously just need a internet connection to your TV/STB.

So this will be different to just hitting the guide on your existing Freeview capable set?

Hmm sounds like someone needs to develop a PVR plugin since a lot of older sets are not network compatible.

DVBViewer supports MHEG5 and allows the use of iPlayer on FreeSat in the UK.

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#632514 30-May-2012 11:24

Jaxson: Will this lot work with existing freeview hardware?

My last reply seems to have vanished so will try again
Most of the Freeview STB's that I have seen do not have internet access. The lastest ones like PVR's do but if you bought your STB when Freeview started you will be upset if you cannot take advantage of a new service without upgrading the STB. I dont think the Zinwell or Hills STB's have Internet

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#632625 30-May-2012 14:14

Perhaps it'll be on the Igloo platform....... New box, internet-enabled, required.

GregV

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#632637 30-May-2012 14:57

Is Tivo 'Freeview-approved' in terms of support for shiny features such as those mentioned?

EDIT - not on approved list - http://freeviewnz.tv/equipment-installation/approved-products.aspx

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#632748 30-May-2012 17:17

ronw:
Jaxson: Will this lot work with existing freeview hardware?

My last reply seems to have vanished so will try again
Most of the Freeview STB's that I have seen do not have internet access. The lastest ones like PVR's do but if you bought your STB when Freeview started you will be upset if you cannot take advantage of a new service without upgrading the STB. I dont think the Zinwell or Hills STB's have Internet

Zinwell's have an ethernet port, and my understanding is an ethernet port is part of the spec - I've never seen an STB that doesn't have one.

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#632772 30-May-2012 17:50

Well I have never seen a basic STB with an ethernet port. I have here a DSE STB which is the Zinwell
rebranded and no etherenet port. I also have a homecast 7000 and no port. I agree that some PVR's have
ethernet ports but the Freeview certification does not require one. Its a pity they did not include this in the specs but they did not so all those that purchased the early STB's that were certified will not have an ethernet port.
Its a bit sad that the original certification did not also include a pay card provision as well but I guess they
were scared of people latching onto that and accusing them of not being freeview.

Zinwell's have an ethernet port, and my understanding is an ethernet port is part of the spec - I've never seen an STB that doesn't have one.

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#632804 30-May-2012 18:33

GregV: Is Tivo 'Freeview-approved' in terms of support for shiny features such as those mentioned?

EDIT - not on approved list - http://freeviewnz.tv/equipment-installation/approved-products.aspx

Tivo is not approved,

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