Loading ...**Update 21/12/2009**
The code for accessing BBC iPlayer has been released to us for all of you to use; the code is 5483. Please note BBC iPlayer is currently in beta test so may still have bugs and glitches, plus is only available via Humax Freesat HD or Freesat+ receivers with the latest software versions. We’d ask that you have a play and leave your comments/feedback below so BBC/Freesat can take the information to assist in the development before an official launch in the New Year. For more information on the BBC iPlayer trial with Freesat, please visit this page.
Though not officially announced, we have it from a very reliable source that BBC/Freesat will release the BBC iPlayer code to the general public from early next week.
This will give those with a Humax Freesat HD or Humax Freesat+ receiver the opportunity to test out the service over the Christmas period enjoying all there is to offer through the festive season from the BBC.
The BBC iPlayer setup video can be found here
All other Freesat HD and Freesat+ makes/models will be able to enjoy BBC iPlayer some time in the new year.
December 18th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Great news if it’s true !
December 18th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Come on TechniSat, sort it out
December 18th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
@Tony Peake
It’s true
@zag
Nothing to do with TechniSat or the other manufacturers; Freesat/BBC have chosen to start with Humax as they treat them like their own internal testers
December 18th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Ding dong Merrily on High!!
December 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
So early next week means Monday then does it ?
December 18th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
So it’s the New Year before my Freesat enabled Panasonic will be able to recieve iPlayer?
December 18th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
receive even!!
December 18th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
So how do I get the iplayer option on my HUMAX HD BOX? I goto BBC1 and press red button but no option for iplayer, is this going to be an over the air download next week?
December 18th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
What about Pany users? Hardly fair just to release it to Humax boxes.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
hurrah if it’s true
December 18th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
If only there was the option for us non UK Freesat users to pay for it. I’m sure most of us would be more than happy to pay for iPlayer as long as it was reasonably priced of course.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I for one can’t wait – opps, I forgot, I haven’t got broadband. D’oh.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Regarding Pauls comment at 8, currently it’s accessed via a four digit code you enter as a text page number, but I would assume there will be a permanent link on the BBCi home page when launched. Humax’s software update 1.00.23 gives your box all it needs.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
#11 – Froggie
Assuming you have the right Humax box, have you tried connecting to the internet via a UK-based proxy? A bit of Googling should tell you how and suggest some suitable proxies – but be careful as the bad guys also use proxies to lead you into their web.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
#11 – Froggie
UK Telecom offer various broadband packages in France and they will supply you with a pre-configured router that has a VPN connection to their network in the UK.
In theory this should allow all traffic on your LAN/WAN from all of your network devices (Humax HDR included) to be routed to the UK via a UK IP address.
Hope this helps.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
From bbc Today at 4.30pm. We appreciate your feedback concerning the launch of our service on Freesat. However, this is currently in a beta trial stage with specifically invited participants and we hope to roll out the service to all Freesat users as soon as possible
December 18th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Where can I find full and detailed information regarding the BBC iPlayer service?
December 18th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
“some time in the new year.” hmmm I do hope LG don’t hold out on us, as its a humax inside, knowing LG iplayer will only be available on the LF7710 model tv in 2010….logic being you didnt pay for the iplayer feature on the LF7700 and leave it disabled in the firmware.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
yawn. got it on Wii, got it on Virgin Media. it’ll be on my microwave next
December 18th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
and i nearly forgot. got it on my pc as do all of you who are moaning about not having it.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Fluffy – it may be your view of the world, but there are planty of people looking forward to this significant development. I have multiple means of viewing iPlayer too, but having buttons on the remote control of the main STB in my home seems like a major step forward in delivering catch-up IPTV to the main family TV. Some people might like the chance to lead a solitary existence huddled over a laptop though……….
P.S. At the risk of opening the old debate again….. does homeplug work with microwaves anyhow?
December 18th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Good. I cant wait. How will we be notified of the code
December 18th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Once its up and running, can someone/admin be so kind to take screen shot pictures?
December 18th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
@fluffy
What about all the rest of the Freesat owners who bought into the platform with the hope of expanding the facilities and capabilities as promised – who do not have or want a Wii, Cable, smart microwave etc…………. Or indeed those who do not have a PC in their living room or do not have/want want it streamed to their living room. Many will have more than one Freesat box, so they will be able to expand and utilise the full flexibility of the service.
Loosen up and be pleased that others can fully enjoy what they have paid for.
Regards
December 18th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
some time in the new year? – so anything up to the 31st of December 2010? – i suppose i will have to use my Media Center extender for a bit longer yet – at least I have a Technisat box which is the best!…
December 18th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
@ Paul S Watts
I was speaking for myself and didn’t suggest otherwise.
Please let me watch previously broadcast BBC programmes. Please.
December 19th, 2009 at 12:05 am
As far as i am aware this is the first time the I-player has been available as an MPEG 4 encoded steam, thats why it has taken so long to get right. Its also why it wont work with SD Freesat boxes as they cant decode MPEG 4. The picture quality should be significantly better than for the conventional steam on any given broadband speed.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:37 am
mr no name Says:
December 18th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
some time in the new year? – so anything up to the 31st of December 2010? – i suppose i will have to use my Media Center extender for a bit longer yet – at least I have a Technisat box which is the best!…
———————————————————————————————————-
I suppose that’s why the BBC chose Humax then eh?
December 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I think a more extended trial is a great idea. The BBC obviously want to the Freesat iPlayer service to be robust, reliable and able to cope with the demand.
I think this is going to be hugely popular – most people don’t have PC’s or microwaves connected to their TVs, so Freesat iPlayer is going to give them excatly what they are waiting for.
OK – maybe not exactly. It’s a shame that we’ll only be getting SD – but hopefully that’s just the beginning. If the BBC has the capacity and the bandwidth, then I guess there’s no technical reason why Freesat iPlayer can’t supply HD as well.
Also, it’s going to be interesting to see if any of the non-Humax receivers are able to access the iPlayer WITHOUT a firmware upgrade!
December 19th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
@Bob Warriner
The BBC chose Humax because it’s the most popular HD box.
I have both and the Technisat is better all round. The Humax is in storage.
December 19th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
@Brain Damage
What gives you the idea we’ll only be getting SD?
December 19th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
To BOUDICCA@18 I have just downloaded new software on my LG7700 don’t know if its for BBCi took about 13min so its a big one ATV1.00.19/DTV LGHST 1.00.14 Don’t know what the differance is yet.
December 19th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
@Tony wow Mpeg 4 that should allow for an excellent picture quality, lets hope the bitrates are high enough…the bbc don’t have the best record on bitrate recently.
December 19th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Thanks Chriso69@13, I am using 1.0.24 firmware on my Humax HD
got a couple of codes from google and youtube but no success.
Is there something I need to download?
Your help is appreciated.
December 20th, 2009 at 8:24 am
I cannot use the BBC red button multiscreen on my Humax HD box since that upgrade, so I doubt I’ll get the Iplayer working. Humax promised another update to fix the missing channels etc, but no sign yet. My latest update was dated 26 November.
December 20th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Tony Hales Says:
December 19th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
@Bob Warriner
The BBC chose Humax because it’s the most popular HD box.
I have both and the Technisat is better all round. The Humax is in storage.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I have had both as well, just given the Technisat away as a Christmas present.
The Humax is the most popular because it’s the best, and very well supported, I expect you will be digging the Humax out of storage before very long…like this week (-:
Bob.
December 20th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
i seem to be in the same situation as Derek, there is no iplayer showing on my TV,
i have just tried to do an update, none available,!!!!
bit of a shame as i went out yesterday and bought the gearfor the iplayer,
maybe upgrade os on the way??
my sortware is showing 1.00.12 guess this is the wrong one,?
December 20th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
advise please,
i have been on the Humax site and found loader update,7.53 and saved to memory stick, following there instructions, press stand by and hold, guess what nothing happens,
guess i am going wrong somewhere!!
December 20th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Loader update wont affect your ability to get I-Player. It sorted out problems setting up a motorised dish installation so unless you have such a beast I wouldnt worryt aqbout the lader update.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
@Doug
You won’t see iplayer showing on your TV yet. It can be accessed by a bbci page number after pressing the red button. Hopefully the code will be made public tomorrow!
December 20th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
many thanks,
fingers crossed for tomorrow,
December 20th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
The Technisat HDFS box is the highest rated box on this site. There is a difference between popularity and quality. Maybe the Humax is being chosen as it would put the beta through a tougher test with an inferior machine. Maybe if I had a dual LNB I would have bought a different machine, but for someone who doesn’t need or want two tuners, the Technisat HDFS offers USB recording, can read media from networked PCs, has a very good non freesat mode, and a 3 year warranty! Eventually it will have iplayer too, so Bob Warriner will make someone happy this Christmas!
December 20th, 2009 at 11:31 pm
I agree about the technisat. I much prefer it over my humax. The OSD might not be quite as pretty as the hummy but the extra features, good reliability, long warranty and great looks steal the show.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Although the Technisat is a quality set top box, the bbc iplayer team decided to use the Humax to test they’re iplayer as more Humax set top boxes have been sold. Everyone will have BBC iplayer on freesat soon. To start a “my box is better box” is pointless. At the end of the day everything the BBC broadcast is repeated anyway.
December 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am
@Bob Wariner
My Technisat is a PVR. My Humax isn’t so why would I be digging the Humax out of storage this week. To see iPlayer I don’t think so. The Humax remote control layout is very poor compared to the Technisat which is a dream to operate.
The Humax is more popular because its £30 cheaper than the Technisat not because it’s better.
Project Canvas has been given a provisional go ahead and Sky are moaning. No suprise there then.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/6606617/BBC-to-allow-internet-through-TV.html
December 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Sat waiting for the codes
December 21st, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Does anyone know the exact date the i-player will be available, when this will be?, as I have just noticed that one of my recordings on my Humax Pvr has failed, so it would be great to be able to use the i-player to retrieve it, as watching catch up on my laptop on a small screen is not ideal.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Does this mean that to watch BBC iplayer the hd box needs to be connected to the internet, or is this for the trial period only, or will it be availavle via the satellite. I have a grundig HD box how will this work any ideas?
December 21st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
It won’t work on your Grundig as yet, but yes it will have to hooked up using the Ethernet port and a cable to you router to the Internet using broadband.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:48 pm
@Ian M
Yes the box has to be connected to the internet, that is what the ethernet port on the back is for. The internet connection will allways be needed, not just for the trial period.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
got a humax hdr and connected to ethernet pressed the red button but still no iplayer showing? when will we know it’s going to be there ?.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I’m looking at buying a Panasonic plasma 42 G10 which has HD freesat and an ethernet port.
Does anyone know if this will support the BBC iPlayer?
Many thanks
December 21st, 2009 at 1:59 pm
@adamcovfan
If you don’t even have the iPlayer option it is likely that you are not on the very latest version of software yet.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:00 pm
@Markdj
Yes, eventually, see original post.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:03 pm
ok how do i get the latest softwear as my box say’s no new updates?
December 21st, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Sorry all, BBC/Freesat have jointly decided to delay launch until after Christmas when staff are available to assist in release.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
ok so when it’s launched when i press the red button the iplayer option will just appear?.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:19 pm
yet another turnaround, BBC/Freesat Should be ashamed of themselves building everybody’s hopes up then dashing them against the rocks again, should be used to it by now though, well over a year ago join freesat loads off HD channels coming etc etc etc, same old s##t they promise one thing and do another, or not even deliver at all no staff my arse.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:21 pm
i agree with you robert more like after christmas next year
December 21st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
So now BBCi player won’t be released until January. I think this et again shows that Freesat is not as forward as other platforms and im beginning to think that Freeview will soon be a better option.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Quote
BBC/Freesat have jointly decided to delay launch until after Christmas when staff are available to assist in release
End Qoute
So they suddenly thought of this today at the last minute. None of them had the sense to think of it last week before they said it was going to be released.
It’s what I expected anyway. Remember at the start of the year when they said it would be released for autumn? The they changed it to before Christmas – now it will be the new year – When?
Clowns
December 21st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
#58 – Robert – don’t see why you are getting so upset. I didn’t see anything announced by Freesat or the BBC, just an unconfirmed source. Many posts on this site complain about issues with software releases. When you consider that iPlayer relies on the system working at the BBC, Freesat and the Humax boxes it seems sensible that this should not be rolled out during a national holiday. I for one would prefer that my stable (and highly value) Freesat set-up does not take a backwards step to add iPlayer, regardless of how much I am looking forward to it. Chill, and spread some Christmas cheer.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:33 pm
@adamcovfan – you’ll press red button, bring up the “normal” BBC “teletext” menu, and iPlayer will either be an option on the menu or you’ll enter a code (like “3456″) as a page number. From there you’d be able to start browsing / selecting something to watch.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Bar Humbug, lol
December 21st, 2009 at 2:38 pm
plug your computer into your telly and everyone stop complaining!!
December 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
That’s better Robert
All the best and happy viewing. Hopefully iPlayer will prove worth the wait and we are all still able to view and record after the upgrade.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Just seen the update – ‘code to be released after Christmas’. Why am I not surprised?
December 21st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I’m very surprised on this one, it was scheduled for release
December 21st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
You never know 2010 might bring us a channel we want – there again it could be vasts more shopping channels lol
December 21st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Whilst it’s hardly the end of the world, it is a major disappointment and is starting to lead to a fair bit of disenchantment amongst the Freesat faithful (see above). In my opinion, Freesat desperately need to get the wheels turning on this one, or else people will start signing up with sky, virgin etc. to get the HD and interactive services everyone wants.
Come on Freesat folks. Please get things moving behind the scenes and launch strongly in 2010.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I guess you’re going to be looking for a new reliable source
Thanks for the update.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Promises promises promises, its been a Freesat feature more so than the sadly lacking HD and decent channels, like the promsies 200+ channels, most of which are +1, shopping channels, god squad and soft porn. Freeview is looking a lot better these days after my freesat investment and experience, in fact i would go sofar as to say that the best advertisment for Freeview is Freesat. …. or am i trying to start a debate
i love a good mass debate !
December 21st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Well – there we have it – dismal performance from the BBC.
Freesat’s been out well over 18 months and the promised iplayer is still not here.
We still only have one and a half HD channels, and the quality’s not as good as when the service was launched.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
@Chris Hawkins
December 21st, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Admin can you not do a poll asking who is happy with Freesat overall, i guess we all know the answer anyway!
December 21st, 2009 at 4:07 pm
@avidwatcher
This poll was conducted in April this year and suspect that it won’t be as favourable at the moment, so maybe will wait a while longer until things have settled a little. You can see the original poll second one down:
http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/index.php/about-us/pollsarchive?poll_page=2
December 21st, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Guess christmas has just snuck up on them and caught them by surprise ?
Why oh Why oh Why does nothing on Freesat go to plan. Begining to feel like I bought a Betamax or a HD-DVD player
December 21st, 2009 at 4:32 pm
got the code and works a treat on my humax freesat hd box. been reliably told will work for all other humax freesat hd & + boxes too
5483 (live – very clever)
December 21st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
It’s been one disappointment after another with Freesat, all the promises never materialize, now no i-player. I feel l have been let down so many times, that I will never again believe any information they give in the future. This could have been a marvelous Christmas present for FreeSat viewers with a Humax Pvr, but now the only thing they, it seems are capable of is , Scrooge, Humbug, …….No father Christmas! For FreeSat
December 21st, 2009 at 4:52 pm
erm, have you seen my last post?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
@ Owen
Fantastic It works great
December 21st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Cool, just watching Dances with Wolves in HQ and the quality is very good.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Thanks Owen just what we all wanted.
Dont suppose you have any extra HD channels tucked up your sleeve do you?
December 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Having just been playing with our new feature, i was always worried about the quality of the picture as my broadband is poor at a meagre 1.5mbps. i’ve never really been able to watch the iplayer through my pc however the humax doesnt seem to struggle with the low line speed. while the picture quality isnt mind blowing (not as good as SD pictures through the box) its still watchable without the annoying buffering that i would normally have experienced through my laptop.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:37 pm
thank’s owen work’s a treat mate’y.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Thanks Owen, works well here too.
December 21st, 2009 at 5:53 pm
wonder how long before the jobsworths pull theplug ?
December 21st, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I’m really impressed with this, nowhere near as slow as seen on the demo’s on youtube, the menu’s are a lot quicker than I was expecting. The high quality version seems a fair bit better than skyplayer high quality through my xbox. A+ from me. Just don’t change the code so I can have a good play with this over xmas.
December 21st, 2009 at 6:20 pm
shame about iplayer,no ware to be seen on my screen, good things are worth waiting for,!!!
i just wish Humax could fix the problems with there box, my still keeps jaming,and every time i record anything i am un able to stop recording, the only way to fix the problem is to factory reset, (driving me mad)
December 21st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
@owen and once again thanks
December 21st, 2009 at 7:08 pm
works on humax foxsat freesat hd box
December 21st, 2009 at 7:10 pm
@Owen et al,
works perfectly. Watching cbeebies panto in HQ. Good image, pixilates with movement, but very watchable indeed
December 21st, 2009 at 7:16 pm
WORKED VERY WELL, MENUS WERE SLOW . A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES WOULDN’T PLAY IE STRICTLY COME DANCING BUT IT IS A BETA
December 21st, 2009 at 7:19 pm
Now the Beeb will change the code again – I’ll have to remember a new one!
December 21st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
@owen
Thanks for posting the code.
The high quality option works fine on my just under 2Mbps broadband into my Foxsat HDR. No pausing to catchup at all whilst watching James May’s Lego program. Some ‘blocking’ occasionally, but generally almost up to SD standard.
Well done BBC, Freesat and Humax,
December 21st, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Excellent thanks owen, very impressed I have to say. The quality is better than I expected.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Got my connection from my broadband set up for my Humax HD today in the hope that the BBC i-player was going to be ready for Christmas! Oh Dear going to have to wait!
December 21st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hi all I am still trying to get iplayer, have latest Humax download 1.00.12 connected to home hub by ethernet cable, cant see where to put code when pressed red button ? can anybody help.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:50 pm
only connecting….. on the lg lf7700 no fun here….move along
December 21st, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Hi guys i’m really new to freesat i was just looking at Owens post
owen Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 4:32 pm
got the code and works a treat on my humax freesat hd box. been reliably told will work for all other humax freesat hd & + boxes too
5483 (live – very clever)
Does this work for all boxes or just the Humax ones ? any advice would be great.
thanks Mike
December 21st, 2009 at 7:57 pm
@Owen Thanks!
Its excellent and very useful, well done BBC.
Its a proper feature that Freesat will be able to advertise.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:57 pm
P.S do you have a forum and can somone point me in the right direction if you do many thanks again.
December 21st, 2009 at 8:09 pm
@ Mike
yes it’s currently only available on Humax boxes
come and join us at digital spy http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=141
December 21st, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Same from me – @Owen Thanks!
Logged on OK, but initially had real problems. Would not load any of the last weeks Family Guy. Bizarre.
Then had a bash at Gavin and Stacy [can't stand the show, but thought it would be a good one to test] came up OK, but picture quality was frankly very disappointing.
It wasn’t until I thought I would have a look at Dances With Wolves that I realised there was an option on picture quality, subject to bandwidth. I have a 20Mbps connection and chose the higher quality – EXCELLENT. Massive, massive improvement.
Generally, I am much impressed and hopeful that once the Beta phase is over bugs such as really slow menu screens and refresh rates are sorted out, this will be an excellent addition to my platform of choice.
Now, are they also going to get the Radio option on here as well?
Well done BBC and Freesat. PLEASE do not change the code………………… The ones watching are the ones that will feed you back their experiences through this forum. Use us.
Regards
Paul S Watts
December 21st, 2009 at 8:13 pm
It works really well. My broadband is only 2mbps but works on the higher definition. Why all the fuss it looks good. No doubt we will need to discover a new code in the morning !! Thanks Owen
December 21st, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Excellent on higher bandwidth setting (just about possible for me), “standard” is pants, prefer the Wii iplayer to this very soft picture.
December 21st, 2009 at 9:18 pm
“Logged on OK, but initially had real problems. Would not load any of the last weeks Family Guy. Bizarre.”
Well no, it wouldn’t would it?
December 21st, 2009 at 9:38 pm
To BOUDICCA 97 Not work on LG7700 yet but have you done new software download by satterlite could be to get it ready.
December 21st, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Hi
Where do I enter the code? Should I be seeing an iPlayer option on my Humax HDR when I press red button?
Thanks
K
December 21st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Hey Kyle, just type it in as a page number after you press the red button
December 21st, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Sorry guys being a total noob to free sat again can i just confirm is this only for Humax boxes for now ? i have a Bush box will it work on that ? is it open to all now ?
Many thanks Mike
December 21st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Tried it on my technisat (which unfortunately updated to the latest sw) it just says connecting…
December 21st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Guys, please read the original post and some of the comments there after; Humax only for now!
December 21st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Sorry admin like i say i’m a total noob and thought it was already in beta test for Humax.
admin Says:
December 21st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Guys, please read the original post and some of the comments there after; Humax only for now
If thats the case thats a disaapointment as i thought the bets testing was already out and running
December 21st, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Many thanks Pete, just tried it.
K.
December 21st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
This works just fine, great quality, fast response, search excellent.
Beeb, please don’t change the code, am very happy thank you
December 21st, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Humax Foxsat PVR to Panasonic TX-P42V10B via o2 broadband, works an absolute treat, stunning PQ regardless of whether you select watch now or higher quality. many thanks to the BBC itech team for the 12 months worth of effort, testing and patience that has gone into this to date, another good reason to get a Humax freesat HD box.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:21 am
Works great for me high quality streams fine (12mb tested connection)
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:25 am
Update: Watching Merlin and using the Humax remote to fast forward the show it doesn’t seem particularly responsive and is quite slow to catch up, just shows the swirling dots in the middle of the screen for a while (then again this is normal I think with iplayer even on the PC/iphone). However, when it finally settles (not necessarily where you want it), it leaves the swirl dots on the middle of the screen and they only seem to clear if you hit stop which means starting the show again. Hopefully they are already working on this for the Live roll out but just in case. Since I’ve read that plasma’s suffer from screen burn this could be an issue or maybe completely harmless to the screen but warrants consideration.
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:51 am
FURTHER TO MY LAST COMMENTS HAVE TRIED I PLAYER THIS MORNING AND PIC QUALITY IS EXCELLENT AND MENU SPEED GOOD NOW WELL DONE BBC
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:41 am
I have got mine working even with a crossover cable, thanks Owen. The picture is superb and no swirling dots. Works great in high quality. Very pleased.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:12 am
So what’s the average MB usage for say an hour prog, both in standard and the higher quality?
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 am
Well they say 1Mb/s required for low quality and 2Mb/s for high quality so would assume around 128KB/s and 256KB/s peak respectively.
Very impressed by quality anyway. Have to agree that skip forward is pretty painful but can cope with the speed of the menus as they are, as the HDR wasn’t really designed with fast menus in mind anyway. All the processing power was given to the streaming itself.
Only minor bugs I’ve found is that single programmes seem to appear multiple times when searching (e.g. Have I Got News For You). You think they’re all for different airings but they’re not – realise once you select them (should be able to see the date aired at a glance in the list really). Also when you scroll down the corresponding picture against the programme at the bottom of the page seems to be always incorrect. Scrolling down and up again so it is top of the page corrects it.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:04 am
Hey as there are not enough staff at the Beeb to set BBC iPlayer up, then maybe just maybe there is no one to change the code,
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am
now thats a good thought lol. well done robert hudson.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:07 am
Also, call me cynical but would suggest that the code will never be changed as it was probably leaked out on purpose by the Beeb as a soft launch. Less complaints that way. Funny that there was a well-respected rumour that it would be released this week which was then backtracked hmmm
)
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:11 am
As said, they won’t change this code, we wouldn’t have allowed it to be leaked on this site if we didn’t have enough authorisation to do so without risking change of codes.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:18 am
Didn’t see where there was said but bonus cheers
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:18 am
Didn’t see where that was said but bonus cheers
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 am
OWEN-thanx for the code-works great
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Have had a look. It’s quite impressive – far, far better than via Wii. The picture is still a little soft compared to broadcast TV, but it’s not at all bad (and the motion is far smoother than via Wii). Will definitely be using iPlayer more often now, given this leap in quality. Many thanks to the BBC and Freesat!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:29 am
I’m not that impressed, yet. I have it on the PS3 and, whether its the software or the upscaling or something else, the sound and picture quality are much better on the PS3.
The user interface is also better on the PS3 but I’d imagine the BBC will upgrade that on Freesat before they roll it out for everybody to use.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 am
connected a homeplug to my Humax and punched in the code and it works great!
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:44 am
Watching on a six-foot screen using my Infocus projector. Obviously a bit demanding for Net-delivered material but amazingly it looks fine: most content’s at or around broadcast SD level and nothing’s less than watchable. Well done to all concerned, very well implemented. Precious little to show this is a Beta. To be perfect it would just need quicker response, more content, and a slightly more user-friendly interface.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:24 am
If you go to the Humax menu, then to System, then to Network make sure your IP address is present and press confirm then exit. Now go to BBC1 press red button and put in the numbers (5484) and the you should get the Iplayer.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 am
For a “first stab” this is excellent – as a broadcast engineer for 20 years I was sceptical about this technology but I am convinced of its workability now.
Still don’t think it will replace PVRs but as another mechanism for viewing it is a great concept.
…all they need to do is up the bitrate on BBCHD and everything ill be cushty!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:34 am
Working well – have watched a couple of programs on it now. Image quality in “high quality” is just okay.
@owen: Thanks for the code. Just hope they don’t go changing it again.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
so does anyone know the answer this earlier post by Glyn Smith as I am interested in the answer as well
“So what’s the average MB usage for say an hour prog, both in standard and the higher quality?”
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
@Steve
I have the network address and put in 5484 from red buuton on BBC1 but nothing happens.
Does it matter which region of BBC1?
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
tried it today morning on my Humax PVR, quite impressed with the speed and quality, no doubt they will tweak it and improve it(wish they would do this for BBC HD) further in time for official launch.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:17 pm
#135 Steve
The code is 5483 (LIVE) not 5484.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Put in 5483
‘Due to a technical problem we are unable to carry out your request at this time.
We apologise for any inconvenience.’
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Sorry typed it wrong code is 5483.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Just hooked up my Humax PVR to my router, very impressed with Iplayer works well.
Who got hold of the code?
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
#143 Richard
Just tried it on my setup and is still working fine.
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
We did in agreement with a ‘contact’ we like to call Owen
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:57 pm
#144 Derek
Tried again and got the home page. It’s slow but got the story of Roxy Music playing in what they say is higher quality.Works ok but some mpeg blocking visible.
December 22nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Thank you ‘Owen’ for my Christmas present. Crooked House part 3 failed to record but now I can snuggle down and watch it on the living room tv using the iPlayer. I think the beta is excellent. The picture quality is great, much better than I expected. Well done BBC. You know for all that people moan about the BBC/license fee etc let’s face it the BBC is on the cutting edge of technology in Internert broadcasting and provides some fantastic quality advertisement free shows. If it weren’t so good then we wouldn’t all have been so desperate to get it. I actually hope that the BBC is allowed to just get on with it in the future without meddling from politicians !
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Well said DavidM. The BBC is one of the few things these days that this country can still be proud off. It has shaped television on a global scale for many years, long may it continue. If they were to scrap the BBC I would be first in line in the March to Downing Street!!!
I’ll be trying iPlayer tonight.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
#149 @BBC Supporter
Seconded
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
#149 – BBC Supporter
I wholeheartedly agree. The quality of the product and service is quite astonishing to me. I have the benefit of travelling all around the World with work and no other country can offer anything close on TV alone. Add in the radio and online coverage and it is often my primary point of news & entertainment. I am a frequent iPlayer user on PC and sometimes PS3 on the TV. I think that iPlayer on the STB will be game-changing in delivering IPTV to the family in a more user-friendly way.
Well done to all concerned.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
**Update 21/12/2009**
The code for accessing BBC iPlayer has been released to us for all of you to use; the code is 5483. Please note BBC iPlayer is currently in beta test so may still have bugs and glitches, plus is only available via Humax Freesat HD or Freesat+ receivers with the latest software versions. We’d ask that you have a play and leave your comments/feedback below so BBC/Freesat can take the information to assist in the development before an official launch in the New Year. For more information on the BBC iPlayer trial with Freesat, please visit this page.
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Is it posible to connect the Humax PVR wirelessly (but not using home plugs)? All the WiFi dongles I can find are USB – as far as I can see WiFi seems to be USB (not ethernet) based. Although there’s a USB port on the hummy, I suspect the dongles won’t work without the specific software (correct me if I’m wrong!) – I can’t find any dongles with an RJ45 connection. Any ideas?
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Works nicely here. First ran the Ski Sunday opening titles, as it’s fast moving, and was stunned not to see any pixelisation. Then watched a 1hr doc on Thunderbirds, and a couple of times I briefly had slight blocking, but no worse than Channel 4 seems for me at the moment. Certainly was better than using iPlayer via the Wii.
A nice add-on facility for my FoxSat box. What astounds me more is that the box is still working after well over 1 year – a record compared with all the Sky & Sky+ boxes that regularly used to fail after 9 months (though some made it to just past the warranty period).
We have a broadband rate that hovers around 10Mbps (so says thinkbroadband) using O2 more expensive package. In the house we have 3 gigabit ethernet hubs and wired CAT5b / CAT6; we have a couple of WiFi hubs plugged in as well for iPhone & netbooks (but I learnt long ago that walls & wifi don’t mix). I’d like to thank to the plumber who caused a leak, which meant the ceiling needed repairing in the lounge, and once they found asbestos, the whole thing was removed, thus letting me stuff some ethernet wiring to the TV & playroom hubs…
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:02 pm
so far so good, works just fine bit slow only a bit though but no glitches for me at present, and no complaints, no not from me, if and when I see any I will report them. Thank you all concerned
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:15 pm
To the BBC crew on the ground who delivered this – this is quallity.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:16 pm
153 Jonboy I have my HDR connected via ethernet cable to a Belkin wireless G games adaptor which communicates to my wireless Belkin router.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Beta feedback
Programme delivery works fine.
Observations compared to Wii:
a) Much better picture in “Higher Quality” with correct dynamic range Thank you MPEG4.
b) Menu slow and clunky
c) Aspect ratio of programme icons (pretty pictures) mucked up thoughout. Ultra-wide 16:9 on a 16:9 setting. Not nice.
d) fast forward remains a mystery
e) No iPlayer radio. Yet
Summary. Once you get to the TV programme it’s a reasonable viewing experience provided you accept what you get. And I do.
ABC
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
working fab with my foxsat HD connected to my 02 router-Yes it could be a little faster,but PQ is very good in High qulity mode.hopefully we’ll have some regional tv (bbc wales,NI and scotland )programes and some radio content in a future version.welll done to the bbc tech boffins for a great feature
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
congratulations to bbc i-tech team.I have watched several programmes before commenting and considering my broadband only averages 3′5mbps I am more than impressed by PQ.There are one or two elements that need to be improved ie fast forwarding and rewind which I am sure that they will be.Well done to both bbci and freesat.
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Working great connected over a netgear powerline adapter. My broadband averages at about 19mbps so its nice and fast and looks great! Fab.
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Hey, this is great! Watching Dara O’Briain live at the Apollo from July while also browsing the web on this pc and it’s working on my 2Mbps broadband without any hesitation. Well done BBCi & Freesat. Can we have some radio, please?
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Steve (157) – many thanks for your suggestion.
Did the adaptor require any setting up via your PC, or was it a case of plug and play?
December 22nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Thanks chaps – got home and can get onto the iplayer Beta.
Immediate comments;
Nice easy and quick interface
Poor picture quality, blurry. MacBook plugged into the TV via mini HDMI is much clearer. Why is this ?
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Setup with Cat 5 cable to my router, everything just worked no problem (over ADSL at about 6Mbps).
Initial comments – looks good, works well, although navigation could be faster. High Quality mode is noticably better than standard
Aspect ratio of selection screens is wrong – looks stretched.
That’s all so far
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
When I click play nothing happens! I am outside the UK though. Will it work?
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
@164
Because iPlayer streams are encoded differently depending on the target platform. e.g. You wouldn’t expect iPlayer for iPhone or perhaps Wii to be encoded in the same way as for other platforms. Why the quality difference? It’s a beta and the BBC is seeking feedback to see what’s acceptable.
Let your eyes be the judge.
Thanks for the feedback on differing PQ.
ABC
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:24 pm
@165 If you read from the top, you will see your question is answered.
ABC
PS The answer is no.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
@163
These adaptors are plug and play, unless you want to set up encryption.
ABC
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Programmes which are no longer available for playback being still listed is unhelpful.
ABC
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I thought that as of 19th Dec, all EU countries had to make their TV available to member states? Its now the 22nd Dec!
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Works very well. I’m running it through a Homeplug that’s also running a PS3 and surfing on a laptop while watching the iPlayer on the best setting through the Humax.
Well done BBC. Hope the bloody Tories don’t give any licence money to Sky or ITV.
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Just get “Connecting….” here after entering the code and pressing ok – are any specific ports needed open for a non NAT connection or is there something else I could be missing?
December 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
anyone know when the service is going to be available to the sony tv’s with built in freesat (KDL-W5810)?
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Johnboy 163 go through router,and see 135
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Tried iplayer today on BBC HD (Humax HDR Freesat box) channel using code. Watched one 30 minute program with no problems at all. Excellent.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Easy peasy and as cheep as chips !
I bought a 5m cable for £6, plugged one end into BT Home Hub and other end into Humax Foxsat, pushed red button, typed in code and all works fine….and I am impressed !
thank you Freesat
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Amazing – first it’s on before Christmas, then it’s off, then it’s on again !
Well – I retract my earlier comments – not as dismal after all
First impressions are quite good, though my box seems to stop on ‘Connecting…’ sometimes. Sure this is just a teething problem though.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Plugged our humax into our home network, pressed the red button, entered the code and it works a treat. Quality is very impressive. Looks better than on our Wii and on a par with our PS3. Very pleased.
well done BBC
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Not very technical. How do you get your ip address please
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Well, the code is ok on my Humax Foxsat HD ! I can navigate in the BBC iplayer and see the different categories but, as I thought, it doesn’t work outside the UK (I’m in France…)
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
I confirmed it works fine in NAT mode – so just need to find out what actual ports are in use now!
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Foxsat HDR picture is ok on SD but needs higher quality to make it watchable. If this is still in beta i’m impressed already bring on the final release lol
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 am
The iPlayer seems to load and run faster if you press the RED Button from channel 108 (BBC HD). Must have a higher MHEG bitrate than the other BBC channels. Can anyone confirm this? (ie. bitrate and reduced waiting time?)
AK
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:06 am
I know its still in its beta, anyone know if subtitles will be added? cause i can’t seem to do it at the moment unless i’m missing something
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:07 am
To the BBC…
To me, the picture seems over exposed compared to watching any other Freesat/Freeview footage! Has the brightness been increased to reduce the darkness of dark areas (helps with limited bitrate maybe?)
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:23 am
Beta feedback:
a) Make the “View in Higher Quality” the default – it will save hundreds of remote control batteries a year
b) If you overshoot a tab (which appears to be easy with the Humax remote – even with new batteries and distance about 3metres), then time and bandwidth are used in auto-populating a menu screen that you don’t need. I feel that after selecting a tab, the selection needs to be confirmed by pressing “OK”.
c) When fast-forward/rewind is implemented in a consistent manner, it would make sense to be able to use the ff/rw keys of the remote (as well as the cursor control?) but I understand that not all Freesat receiver platforms may have these keys readily available. e.g. some TVs.
ABC
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:24 am
Just watched top gear on page 108 in SD?, and the picture quality is poor blurry, then in higher quality and is about what i would say is about SD quality, keep up the good work
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:47 am
Steve @175
Many thanks
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Bought a 5m cable, plugged it into my Orange Livebox and then into the Foxsat HDR, hit the red button, entered the code and it worked straight away. I get about 3Mb and can watch in HQ with absolutely no break-up or “white Circles”. Brilliant effort BBC Team.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
Tried it last night and it just worked without any messing around using homeplugs.
I was pleasantly suprised by the interface, thought it my be some sort of functional off shoot of the bbc interactive pages but its quite attractive.
I can be a little clunky to use the interface, but nothing too bad.
I would like to see the picture quality improved in the final release. I watched the Michael Jackson dance competition and even in Higher Quality there was alot of artifacting (blocks) on screen.
I have used the search option and not been able to find programmes that I had only just watched which is a bit strange.
Overall though, I am very impressed. This really does add a very ‘high profile’ feature to the freesat platform and should lead to a healthy increase in takeup of the platform especially with ITVPlayer coming along in the new year. Maybe the fully complement will follow suite also.
Once it is fully released I will can see myself using it regularly. So much more convienent watching iPlayer on your main TV than on a laptop.
Well done to those involved.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Still no answer to my post no 122, so here goes again -
What’s the average MB usage for say an hour prog, both in standard and the higher quality?
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 am
Re post 192
In high quality I watched Victorian Farm episode 1 last night, which lasted about an hour and my ISP reported a 690MB download
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 am
Wow! It is working fine out in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Well done everyone. Our connection is not fast enough to watch in High Quality but the standard connection is working fine without any stops for buffering.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:38 am
@184 Alan
Not hight enough for the legions of moaners (bit rate)
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:40 am
Thanks hhmb. Realistically, this service will suck data allowances set by ISPs, so need to be careful how much iplayer viewing I use. Even unlimited usage ISPs have limits. They need to awake up to the fact that people are becoming more data hungry. Someone on a 2GB a month download limit (and they do exist) could not manage three hours before getting the chop. I need to start looking around as my 40GB limit may not be enough for my internet and casual use of iplayer.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Off topic sorry.
These proposed pre election leaders debates are a bloody disgrace.
One of the three will only be on Sky.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:54 am
@ Richard Crichton
I wouldnt loose sleep over it Richard, If anything remotely interesting happens the other networks will show it !
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 am
Yeah I suppose. Not that anything remotely interesting is likely to happen.
Its the principle of giving Sky equal status and assuming everyone has Sky which concerns me.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:00 am
With BT Internet and a typical 6.7Mbps connection I have been able to view 3 programmes to date. In Higher Quality, the viewing experience on my Loewe 40″ T.V. is about equal to Standard definition pictures of air.
Cannot access “Cranford” for some reason but, as it is only on test can’t complain!
Well done BBC and thanks for allowing us the chance to view ahead of general release.
Nice birthday present for my Humax Freesat+ as it’s one year old today.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Perfect! Two Humax Foxsat HD boxes down the same O2 broadband connection, no problems using both at the same time and viewing higher res content. Have had the code for over 10 days as it was an easy guess. Main box is direct to broadband via patch cable, second box is via WIFI (Netgear WIFI bridge plugged into the box). Both boxes on loader v7.24 / app V1.00.25.
Now when are we going to see some true interaction. Red button voting etc.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
if its on sky news we can get it on non freesat mode
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
Got my Humax box connected via 200Mbps Solway AV Homeplug and it works great, especially on the high quality option, just a little picture distortion from time to time but there is no picture stutter as I get through my pc.
I for one won’t complain and will only look forward to ITV coming on board with this, as are CH4 & 5 as the BBC news reported last night.
My only beef with Freesat, and it isn’t actually Freesat but ITV is the amount of programs broadcast in HD, which apart from The Bill, football (ugh) and the odd film, is very little. In my opinion they should be showing the likes of X Factor, Dancing on Ice (whether you like those programs or not) and other light, family entertainment shows in glorious HD. Come on ITV, pull you finger out.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:06 am
I think it would be far more intresting if they where all wired up to polygraphs with the results live across the bottom of the screen. and maybe to apeal to the popular vote we could have a phone in election lol
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:09 am
Quick question: which is more efficient bandwidth wise, steaming or Downloading ?
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 am
Just tried using higher quality and worked well, quality good and no buffering. Also tried using BT Vision simultaneously and again for the short period I tested both worked fine. Just need to get the hang of the skip forward controls. This gives me something extra to what I expected when I bought the decoder so good news, just need some more HD broadcast channels and will be excellent!
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:19 am
@Busker 201
This has come up before about ITVHD – the infrastructure required to allow a full HD TX chain from studio to transmission is immense – that is just *not* going to happen quickly with ITV at the moment given the downturn and how hard it is being hit with loss of revenue. It wouldn’t even make it to the business case so their fingers will remain very much in their pockets.
Steve
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:28 am
@Busker Yep I agree about ITV 110%, Just looked at last nights 6 o’clock news on iplayer there storey on canvas & bbc iplayer and itv lasted all of 2seconds lol still its’ a start.
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
BBC iplayer works perfectly here on my humax HDR, good speed, good pictures a brilliant addition that I feel sure will be very well appreciated by everyone.
Thanks to The BBC for releasing the code and well done on the work that has given this very worthwhile addition to freesat .
My modem is about 3metres from the tv and I use a standard cable conection to the humax and have had good results on hd and sd programmes.
I am sure the addition of other broadcasters stuff will come eventually but lets hope the BBC can avoid the adding of advertising in the future, because I find it very irritating, especially now the frequency has been increased by ITV it seems .
I am really pleased I no longer contribute to the the Australian Gents pension fund too !
Thanks BBC and Humax and happy christmas to all .
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Went to the shop, bought a Ethernet Cable, plugged it in to my Router and Humax Foxsat, BINGO.
That is all I had to do !!!
Works perfectly, Thanks BBC.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
BBC iPlayer, Well done you technicians, Tis frightening wondering what is to come in the future, brilliant bit of work, pat yourselves on the back, I have used iPlayer for some time now mirrored on to my tv via my computer but your achievement takes the biscuit, I bet a lot of folk out there will look at it in awe but won’t admit its a marvellous bit of engineering.
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Having problems can anyone help, yesterday and today i player functioned perfectly early in the morning ie 7 am, tried from lunchtime onwards today and yesterday, shows getting ready to play then the time bar then nothing on any programme. my internet speed is 5.7 mbps. i,m really frustrated
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
i forgot to mention that my isp is orange has anybody else had a problem on that network. i cannot think of an answer as it seems most people on this forum are not having any great problems
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Dolphin @201
What Netgear WiFi bridge do you use?
Am I right in thinking that this plugs into the back of the HDR, which then gives you wireless connectivity to a standard (non-wifi router) – presumably via some kind of dongle which connects into the back of the router?
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
HAROLD@212 & 213
Yes, I have Orange and the same problem is apparent.
iPlayer was fine even in higher definition until after 09:00 this morning. I had same experience yesterday too until 23:00. I suppose this could be Orange’s idea of ‘fair use’ but I hope not.
Router is Netgear DG834G with a direct ethernet cable connection. Yes, the indicated speed is still over 5Mbps too and I am only 150 Metres from the BT exchange. I have no problem with access to iPlayer via my laptop PC and wireless network at the same time? Anyone else any ideas?
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Re 212
I noticed something similar around 2pm today, but it was only for one particular program, another was fine. Perhaps it was a beeb server problem. My ISP is Andrews and Arnold (AAISP) and currently I get about 10mbps. There was no evidence of network congestion in the ISP’s performance graphs.
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
PS to 216 – re 215
AAISP do not throttle back throughput in the event of excessive use – they just charge you for it. In any case, my use this month has not been excessive.
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I am seemingly having trouble with this – any help of this will be most appreciated (I am quite technical, so I think I have tried everything I can think of but perhaps missed something obvious!). I’ve upgraded to the latest update i.e. 7.52, plugged in my ethernet cable into the Humax and then naturally connected the other end to my wireless router and for some reason the Humax cannot get an IP address via DHCP nor does it connect to my network via manual IP; So obviously no iPlayer (when I tried that i.e after entering the code it just sits there with the word (not surprisingly) ’scanning’). So I tried the following:
– Tried different internet source (macbook with ’shared’ internet connection)
– Tried different ethernet (straight) cables – non crossover
– Tried factory restore on Humax
– Various combinations of above
I can see the ethernet light flashing – one green and one Amber + I can see the Humax has a mac address, so clearly it can see its ethernet port. I couldn’t see this mac address on devices connected to (netgear) router). So again, this verifies with the absence of IP address – but I can’t think or see anything obvious I need to do to get the Humax to ’see’ the network. Its very odd and coming to the conclusion that I must have a duff box
Any pointers would be welcome ?
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm
well done BBC and Freesat, works fine easy to use picture quality is good, the menue is alittle slow, all in all well done keep up the good work,
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
@167 (sorry its a little late)
Thanks for the response aybeesea, interesting.
Having paid a little more attention to what i was doing i found the higher quality feed for Spooks and have to say it was pretty impressive. A different ‘look’ to that off the mac but all in all decent viewing, after a little aclimatisation it really was very very watchable and i have moved from a stauch iplayer sceptic to someone eager to see what 2010 / 11 and 12 will bring for IPTV and on-demand services, particularly those for free !
I cant wait for the day i can pay the NFL directly for my game coverage, down the broadband and onto my tv in HD !!!!!! (rubbing hands in anticipation)
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Can anyone help.
I can access iplayer through my Humax Box and everything seems to be going OK up to the point when I select a programme to watch. I get the “getting ready to play …” screen, but then it goes blank.
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I can access iplayer through my Humax Box and everything seems to be going OK up to the point when I select a programme to watch. I get the “getting ready to play …” screen, but then it goes blank.
Has anyone had this problem and found a solution?
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:58 pm
@219
Seems like a router configuration issue.
Make sure you understand your firewall and DMZ settings and you haven’t limited access to your network by MAC address.
ABC
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Post above is @218, sorry.
ABC
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Re beta feedback (only). I feel the BBC would receive most benefit in comments regarding the USER experience… especially interface design and picture quality, rather than an individual’s ability to connect a cable or use homeplugs (configuration).
I may be wrong.
ABC
December 23rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Beta feedback:
It would be really useful if the up/down scrolling was cyclic. i.e. you could scroll downwards thought the final item in a menu list into the first item or upwards through the first item to the final item etc.
ABC
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
ABC, thanks.
Not changed any major settings on router – certainly not DMZ (security risks) and currently router is not managed my Mac address; Also, DHCP is working just fine for all other devices on the network – so if they can see the DHCP server perfectly well, why can’t the HUmax? Maybe there are some bugs in the last update although I’ve not heard anyone having quite the same problem as me
I can’t see anywhere in the menu(s) to de-active ethernet and just assumed plug and play….
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Good quality picture and sound (I have 6.8Mbit/s download bandwidth), painfully slow menu navigation, and almost impossible to jump forward or backward within a program. I think a switch to low graphics versions of menus would be a good idea to improve speed.
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Very pleased so far, and this is a BETA?
Menus slow but like I said it’s BETA.
Look forward to the full release.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
@227
Can you be more explicit where the DHCP server is in your network…. if DHCP IP addresses are NOT being allocated by your router.
ABC
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I’ve watched a lot of stuff over the last couple of days, and I have to say, I’m really pleased with the results.
Set up is a doddle. I did have a problem with i hanging after typing the code (it just displayed ‘connecting…’), but this was fixed with a reboot.
One comment I do have is that several times, the box has rebooted itself when a program finishes. It also did this once in the middle of a program. No idea why, and no mention above of anybody else having the same problem. It’s not a big deal by any means, but I’d be interested to know if it happened to anybody else.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
@227
Assuming you’ve changed your network cable, and maybe tried a different port in your hub/switch/router, I would put that down to a faulty network connection on the Humax. If possible, best test would be to plug another Hummy in and see if that has any luck getting an IP address.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
# 157 # 163
Do you know what speed you are getting via wifi and is what the picture quality like, any buffering etc ?
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Excellent so far…. Have avoided a long CAT5 cable from my router by plugging into my SONOS…works like a dream. Shame the BBC doesn’t devote the same effort to sorting out the awful picture quality on BBCHD following the bandwidth reduction.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Brilliant…Well done BBC
Feedback…
1. Slow menus
2. First item on a list of programs shows the image of the last item on the list when viewing programs by type
3. Why list unplayable programs?
4. Program availability length (days left) should be shown on list rather than just when program is selected
5. Simple alphabetical list of all programs would be useful
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Re: Jonboy1959 and WIFI.
What I have are a pair of Netgear WG602 (hardware v3’s firmware v1.2.5 see, http://kb.netgear.com/app/products/model/a_id/2574)
One of them I am using as a plain old WIFI access point, default config out of the box, just plugged into a long length of Cat5e cable and into the back of the O2 broadband router, its purpose in life is just to act as another WIFI network for a few gadgets.
The other WG602 is running in “client” mode (its set up with the same WIFI key’s SSID etc) but acts as a client would (like a laptop would) and connects to the first WIFI access point, in effect creating a replacement for running a cable. A short 1m patch cable connects the Humax box to the WG602 (no cross over cables needed).
Its cheaper than home plugs, is fast enough to work, and you get a WIFI network you can use for other things.
WIFI speed is 22MBit/s, no buffering issues, picture quality same as cable. (If the beeb tech folks are reading this, we’ve watched a lot of shaun the sheep, and if you’ve got the logs, the reverse DNS will have a lot of dolphins in the name
).
December 24th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Dolphin@234
Many thanks for the details – an interesting set up!
December 24th, 2009 at 8:53 am
Iplayer working great using Extra Value 85Mbps Powerline Adapter Twin Pack From E-buyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/150039.
December 24th, 2009 at 9:30 am
@Rob – I had the same issue. I fixed it by doing a factory reset with the ethernet cable plugged in (being plugged in probably made no difference) and then letting it do the OTA update when it restarted.
December 24th, 2009 at 10:11 am
fantastic, bit slow loading, what do people want for free!!!!, i,m very happy and it will only improve,
COME ON ITVPLAYER
dave
December 24th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I’ve not had time to do a lot but so far:
It worked. Watched the Roxy Music thing. Picture looks reasonable but with lots of old footage it was difficult to judge. Sound was sometimes ropey with the phasing (?) you get on internet radio sometimes, but again, it may be the material.
Menu a bit slow as mentioned elsewhere, but not a big deal.
Couldn’t see any radio stations?
First conclusions: It’s nice to know we’re starting to get the benefits of what was ‘hoped for’ this time last year, but well done Beeb, I look forward to other broadcasters joining in. Well done Humax too – looks like the networking kit and software works OK – I look forward to other LAN functions in due course!
December 24th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Just tested and working fine on my HDR box. The navigation is quite sluggish – it would benefit from some caching, maybe, if possible. Playback in normal quality looks a little soft on a 42″ Viera plasma, but higher quality is better.
December 24th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Update on earlier comments:
a great service, works well.
menu navigation needs to be faster, and its very hard to FF/Rewind to find part of a programme. Hope these small niggles will be fixed in the full release
December 24th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Looks Good, My wish list, Bug list and Feature Request List.
* Love the option of view in higher quality, but is it possible to store this as a user preference??
* When scrolling on longer lists the images get out of sync with the programme names.
* Is it possible to scrolling up and loop round to the bottom of a long list to save scrolling down a few pages.
* When search page is selected, can the search box be selected by default rather than having to move the “cursor” into the box.
* Can the background be pure black, rather than shaded grey.
* Help Screen – Front screen has, back, terms, search via coloured buttons, what about using the remaining colour button for a help screen, few graphics showing what the remote buttons do etc.
* How do iplayer subtitles work?
* Can we have more info on the pause/progress bar? e.g. Programme name, date of broadcast, current time, and ad-hoc tech info, e.g. bit rate??
* Use the number buttons as a jump to 0=0% 1=10%….7=70% 8-80% 9=90% during play back… makes sence to hit 5 to go 50% through a programme.
December 25th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Subtitles ASAP Please
December 25th, 2009 at 5:30 am
From a standardisation viewpoint, I see it unlikely that iPlayer’s user interface will be implemented significantly differently for the Freesat platform.
Though there are performance wrinkles to be ironed out, I’m sure they will rightly seek to preserve as much of the cross-platform user-interface as possible.
ABC
December 26th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Orion30 – How on earth can you say BBCHD is awfull picture quality. I think it is brilliant. I would suggest perhaps it is you equipment.