You Ask Freeview (February 2012) #AskFreeviewNZ

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freitasm

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#97532 16-Feb-2012 11:02

Hello folks. We have again arranged with Freeview to have a series of regular Q&A discussions here on Geekzone.

The idea is that we will have this discussion open for a couple of weeks or so (through end of February 2012) and lock this discussion while Freeview answers the questions.

We will then re-open the thread with their reply and leave it open for people to discuss. We will then follow with another discussion thread some time later and so on.

Remember folks, questions only, comments are ok after the Freeview answers are posted. Start with your questions below for this round...

And most importantly: the digital switch over is getting closer. I'd like to see more questions on this - and less on content (which is not something Freeview controls).

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#582265 16-Feb-2012 11:11

Why are some channels not being carried in Freeview|HD expansion areas where JDA supply the service?

xpd

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#582281 16-Feb-2012 11:32

When can Whangaparoa expect DVB-T coverage on the northern side (Stanmore Bay, Army Bay etc) of the Peninsula ?
Pretty much, what are your plans for expanding DVB-T coverage for NZ over this year ?

XPD / Gavin

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#582285 16-Feb-2012 11:44

What are your plans for allowing Freeview certified devices to record HD programs unencrypted, to facilitate format/device shifting and streaming?

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#582287 16-Feb-2012 11:45

Has there been any consideration to seek capacity on Optus D3 to offer HD channels to NZ (on the understanding users will need a dual lnb)

gustov

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#582491 16-Feb-2012 18:06

Is there any movement in putting up more radio stations onto the Freeview platform?

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#582500 16-Feb-2012 18:24

Is it true that new channels can not be added to the satellite service because there is no room on the satellite? If so, and all future channels will only be available via terrestrial freeview, shouldn't this have been explained to consumers so that they can be aware of the limitation before purchasing a satellite receiver?

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#582505 16-Feb-2012 18:38

With UFB becoming available in areas soon, any plans in the works to offer freeview channels over fibre?

bfginger

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#582508 16-Feb-2012 19:01

We have noticed that many Freeview receivers only receive updates via the "over the air" facility. Will OTA updates periodically re-cycle over the years or will we be unable to receive any OTA updates for receivers that have been bought "too late"?

Are you able to tell us if there are any plans to launch a second Kordia terrestrial mux to maintain bitrates for new channels?

Are there any televisions with Freeview Satellite receivers built-in coming?

With analogue connectors being phased out, at what point will Freeview mandate that all newly approved Freeview Satellite receivers not be without an HDMI output?

People have complained that some apartment blocks are still refusing to support the availability of UHF Freeview reception. There is a perception that good tenants have Sky and Freeview is for the riff raff. Has or will Freeview develop a strategy to address this problem?

The Freeview Set Up guides instruct to use composite when HDMI is not present. Would it be possible to add instructions on how to use component where available when HDMI isn't? I ask because the quality from composite is so bad that it makes Freeview almost look more like VHS than crystal clear digital quality on flat panel TVs, and many Freeview receivers are without HDMI.

Everybody I know personally has Sky TV, with their television left not plugged into the aerial even if they have Sky in SD. Freeview marketing has portrayed Freeview as a cheap alternative to Sky TV for those too poor to afford a Sky subscription. Will Freeview advertising start to encourage people to plug-in their TV with Freeview|HD built-in even if they have Sky?

The Freeview FAQ says of "MyFreeview via satellite" that "You can even record in high definition!". Isn't this incorrect?

The Freeview Code of Practice states "It is important that the service is technically sound to avoid the viewer perception that the service offering from Freeview is substandard.". But TV One keeps running its schedule in the evenings so badly out of synch with the Freeview EPG that MyFreeview recordings may be cut off at the end unless a 10 minute extension is made for that recording. Can broadcasters be sanctioned for providing a unreliable service?

The Freeview FAQ makes a distinction between Freeview Approved devices and "Freeview compatible devices". Do "Freeview compatible devices" still carry the Freeview logo?

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#582950 17-Feb-2012 19:26

CraigHumphrey: What are your plans for allowing Freeview certified devices to record HD programs unencrypted, to facilitate format/device shifting and streaming?

+1

It's a just a nuisance for people with Freeview-approved kit, and pretty ineffective anyway. Pretty much anyone with a $69 USB tuner, an unapproved box, or a Tivo with HNP can go around it anyway. All Freeview is doing is devaluing its own branding on boxes.

sbiddle

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#582970 17-Feb-2012 20:53

JimmyH:
CraigHumphrey: What are your plans for allowing Freeview certified devices to record HD programs unencrypted, to facilitate format/device shifting and streaming?

+1

It's a just a nuisance for people with Freeview-approved kit, and pretty ineffective anyway. Pretty much anyone with a $69 USB tuner, an unapproved box, or a Tivo with HNP can go around it anyway. All Freeview is doing is devaluing its own branding on boxes.

This is getting slighty OT, but Freeview devices don't encrypt content. Format shifting of video is also illegal under NZ laws.

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#582988 17-Feb-2012 21:31

When will we start to see 3D content broadcast? Have any tests been done so far?

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#583070 18-Feb-2012 08:41

sbiddle:
JimmyH:
CraigHumphrey: What are your plans for allowing Freeview certified devices to record HD programs unencrypted, to facilitate format/device shifting and streaming?

+1

It's a just a nuisance for people with Freeview-approved kit, and pretty ineffective anyway. Pretty much anyone with a $69 USB tuner, an unapproved box, or a Tivo with HNP can go around it anyway. All Freeview is doing is devaluing its own branding on boxes.

This is getting slighty OT, but Freeview devices don't encrypt content. Format shifting of video is also illegal under NZ laws.

Then I guess all VCR, DVD recorders, TiVo DVRs and the like are illegal to sell here??

Regards,

Old3eyes

freitasm

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#583091 18-Feb-2012 09:19

Rethorical question, you know they are not illegal.

Copying of a program for yourself of family in a residence to watch is legal. Moving video content from one format to another (DVD to PC or Bluray to PC) is illegal.

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#583104 18-Feb-2012 09:56

Because there is one more frequency on the Platform can you confirm to me that this is usable to any broadcaster. And are there any plans to upgrade the Satellite platform.

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#583853 20-Feb-2012 13:05

I'm currently trying to get my head around the EPG listing issue with PlayStation PS3 PlayTV and from what I understand it comes from the lack of EIT data being transmitted. I considered replacing my PlayTV with a TIVO, but it seems that it suffers a similar problem. I can't quite understand why when Freeview has access to all the EPG data, and clearly has the facility to transmit EIT data, that they don't do it? This would seem as unnecessary way to reduce the user experience and choice of freeview equipment, which cannot be condusive to encouraging up-take?

I do not understand the technical side of how EIT gets transmitted (whether FreeviewNZ handle it, or if the individual channels do), but its my understanding that FreeviewNZ work as a governance group and promoter for the service, so it would not appear to be outside their interests/responsibility to encourage this to happen. What action are they, or have they, taken with regards to this?

Thanks.

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