Keep up with the daily developments that effect free TV in the UK. This list is updated often - you can follow
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Podcasts
First, here are some podcasts to listen to - click the link for direct play.
Media Talk podcast: Nick Grimshaw and the missing million Media Talk podcast: Nick Grimshaw and the missing million Media Talk podcast: Radioplayer and Simon Cowell Recommended reading
And here are the daily recommendations for developments with Freeview, Freesat, Freesat from Sky, Digital radio, free HD and online viewing. Summaries are done by
Clipped-Your articles and documents summarizedSunday 01 July 2012, PM
informitv - BBC Red Button reinventedThe BBC is proposing to reinvigorate the red button in the connected television environment. After more than a decade since its inception, pressing the red button has become synonymous with interactive television in the United Kingdom. It was not until 2002 that the BBC was able to offer enhanced television services such as multiscreen Wimbledon coverage across satellite, cable and terrestrial platforms. - informitv.com
BT Vision's Marc Watson: How we stole a share of the Premier League crown jewels - Media -…The 42-year old former barrister heads BT Vision, the pay-TV minnow that has so far struggled to make an impact. Watson was a member of the small group of BT executives who plotted the telecoms giant's dramatic entry into the top tier of live football last month. No rival, and certainly not one with such deep pockets as BT, has established such a foothold since Sky won its first Premier League rights deal in 1992. - guardian.co.uk
Saturday 30 June 2012, PM
Freeview customers should not pay for 4G disruption, BBC says - TelegraphJohn Tate, director of policy and strategy at the BBC, has now said the enormous payment ought to be met by mobile phone companies, under the principle of the polluter pays. This is a hugely profitable business for the companies, and hugely cash-generative for the Government, and the viewer shouldnt be the party that loses out, he said. Freeview and the BBC argue the cost should not be met by viewers. - telegraph.co.uk
Argyll News: Freeview and Virgin Media deliver for BBC ALBA - For ArgyllOver 200 short films made by individuals, schools and communities can be viewed here at the FilmG website. - forargyll.com
YouView sets launch date; plans for linear streaming - News - BroadcastIt takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the Broadcast website along with a copy of the magazine delivered every week. - broadcastnow.co.uk
Howling: Freeview at risk from spectrum policy - Advanced Television - Advanced Television…If you lose the 600 MHz band and the 700 MHz band, Freeview will be a pale imitation of itself, she warned. She reiterated previously-expressed concerns that mobile operators should bear the cost of protecting viewers TV services. Noting that 2.3 million households are at risk of losing their digital TV signal from 4G interference, Freeview has called on the Government urgently to revise its 4G proposals on the levels of support being offered to consumers. - advanced-television.com
Lord Sugar to launch long-awaited internet based television service YouView next week - On…YouView, the long-awaited internet based television service which is intended to be the next generation of Freeview, will finally be launched by Lord Sugar next week. The Amstrad founder and presenter of The Apprentice was appointed to the YouView board last year with instructions to cure or kill the service which was originally scheduled to come to market in 2010. A couple of years ago if you had said to me that you wont be in market in June 2012 I would have said that might be a problem. - independent.co.uk
Saturday 30 June 2012, AM
Ofcom - Measuring media plurality -
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: Launch of Live Interactive Video PlayerAs product manager for this player, I've been defining exactly how the finished product should function and what it should look like, working with colleagues from editorial, design and technical teams. One of the main impetuses behind the project is the incredible video rights package that the BBC holds for London 2012. That means up to 24 different streams of live sporting action at any one time. - bbc.co.uk
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: What's on BBC Red Button 30th June - 7th JulyStudio contestants compete to win their Secret Fortune, anything from 100 to 100,000. Press the Red Button during the show to play along at home with the contestants. Go to the CBBC Messageboards to join in and let us know what you're up to. - bbc.co.uk
Millions will have to pay to get Freeview TV - Home News - UK - The IndependentMore than 2 million Freeview customers face bills of up to 212 more than the cost of a years subscription to cable television in order to pay for interference with signals caused by the 4G mobile network. Estimates suggest that between 2.3m and 3m households within 2km of 4G transmitters - face interference with their television pictures, with some losing their signals entirely. If you dont have a filter you literally wont be able to watch television. You will get very significant pixelation and the picture will break up and you wont be able to carry on watching Freeview. - independent.co.uk
Go Digital summer campaign launches : Radio TodayDont miss a thing of the amazing summer of music and sport with digital radio. Thats the message of the summer digital radio communications campaign that is being launched on Saturday 30 June by both BBC and commercial radio. A lot of the summer event coverage will be broadcast exclusively on digital radio stations so there has never been a better time to get a digital radio. - radiotoday.co.uk
BBC News - BBC uses Facebook to stream Wimbledon and London 2012 OlympicsThe application launched on Thursday, with live coverage from the Wimbledon tennis championships. Live chat The launch is the first time the BBC has used Facebook to broadcast live events. Users are able to share information about what they are viewing with their friends, as well as discuss the action with other fans via a live-chat feature. - bbc.co.uk
http://www.arqiva.com/corporate/press/archive/2012/2012-6-27%20-%20Dover%20and%20Bluebell%… -
Friday 29 June 2012, PM
DTG :: News :: Sony ready Google TV deviceSony has announced their new Internet Player with Google will be available to buy in UK stores from 16 July. Its a universal remote that controls all Sony devices in a home and has a motion sensor for playing games. DTG Staff 27.06.2012 Links open in a new window. - dtg.org.uk
BBC - About the BBC: What the BBC spends on television content - a response to today's Ofc…I'm disappointed though that Ofcom has chosen to lay such emphasis on an apparent downturn in BBC content spend - when the true situation is quite different to the one Ofcom sets out and indeed perfectly explicable. Ofcom's report suggests that BBC spend on new network TV programming fell by 11 in real terms between 2010 and 2011, from 1.4bn to 1.25bn. Unlike 2010, 2011 was a year without major biennial sports events so spend on sport was down - by around 85m. - bbc.co.uk
Friday 29 June 2012, AM
Google TV will get subscription billing, support for movie and TV purchases in Google Play…Along with a new UI that looks a lot like the one on other Android devices it will have support for purchasing movies, music and TV shows as mentioned yesterday, and also subscription billing. Mentioned during the presentation, later this year Google TV will no longer require hardware manufacturers to provide a physical keyboard on their input device. - engadget.com
Thursday 28 June 2012, PM
Ofcom - Statement - Television channels required to provide television access services in …1.1 The Communications Act 2003 required Ofcom to publish a code setting out the obligations of television channels licensed in the UK to provide television access services. A copy of the current version of the Code, incorporating amendments made since the Code was first published, can be found at http//stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/broadcast-codes/tv-access-services/code-tv-access-services/. 1.2 The Code also provides for a mid-year review of the audience share and revenues of UK-licensed television channels, based on data for the previous year. - stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk
Ofcom - Public Service Broadcasting Annual Report 2012Published 280612 Ofcom has a duty to assess the designated public service broadcasters, taken together, in terms of their delivery of the public service purposes as set out in the Communications Act 2003. This reduction is a continuation of the 20 decrease in spend over the past five years. A similar trend was evident for first-run originated programmes, with expenditure 6 lower than 2010 at 2.4bn. - stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk
Wednesday 27 June 2012, PM
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: The Future of Red ButtonThirteen years ago this week, the BBC launched the first interactive experience for Wimbledon audiences via the Red Button. Just two years later this figure was four million - fully 44 of our audience who tuned in played along. Wimbledon helped us define what Red Button could deliver to our audiences. - bbc.co.uk
Does Sky Atlantic push two-tier TV? - Media - The GuardianIn the thick of it Veep, premiered on Sky Atlantic. Yes, it's home to Game ofThrones and Mad Men, but those areshows best hoovered up in weekend-long, box-set binges, not dripped out one measly episode at a time. Not much, unless you have such a preoccupation with AnnWiddecombe that you'd happily pay to see her present a gameshow called Cleverdicks. - guardian.co.uk
Ariel - World Service tv pumps up global figures'With the Chinese, Russian and Iranian Governments all pumping money into journalism designed to give their own perspective on the world, there's no room for complacency.' New platforms However, the figures are a reason for 'cautious confidence' believes the director, and suggest the strategy to embrace new platforms is correct. Global online services are now accessed by 30m including a 20 increase for World Service online, while the bbc.com mobile site is reaching 2.7m unique users each week - a 30 increase. More than this, the figures are 'a credit to the dedication, bravery and professionalism of our journalists,' says Horrocks. - bbc.co.uk
Tuesday 26 June 2012, PM
Howling puts case for FreeviewHowever, decisions being made by the regulator Ofcom would potentially shape the future of broadcasting for the next 30 years. Whats encouraging the way that Ofcom have written their UHF consultation is that Ofcom get that, said Howling. In order for Freeview to go on thriving it is essential to set aside the 600 MHz band. - broadbandtvnews.com
Google TV site gets revamped, Google I/O will probably see some GTV loveAndroidGuysDuring last weeks podcast, we talked about what we were expecting to see at Google I/O this year. One of the predictions from yours truly was that we would see some Google TV love, and that Google wasnt anywhere near ready to give up that baby. Fast forward to yesterday, and Sony announced a new Google TV set-top box, which looksreallycool. - androidguys.com
Monday 25 June 2012, PM
informitv - BBC iPlayer Restart enables live rewindLive viewing accounts for more than a fifth of all accesses to the BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom. A new feature will allow users to restart the live programme they are watching or scroll back to watch programmes from the previous two hours. Currently available on the web, it will be rolled out to BBC iPlayer on mobiles, tablets and connected televisions later in the year. - informitv.com
BBC - BBC Trust - BBC s Arab Spring coverage remarkable and generally impartial, but could… This was supported by analysis of programmes over the period, which showed that BBC audiences enjoy a greater range of coverage of countries across the region than those watching any other domestic broadcaster. These would be both in the scope of coverage to provide a fuller picture of events, and in providing better context for audiences. I was impressed by the standards in its domestic and international news programming, despite the inherent risks of reporting from this region, and particularly the skill and care it applies to checking 'user-generated content' - mainly video footage of events provided by activists or bystanders. - bbc.co.uk
Arqiva completes DSO for East Sussex and south-west Kent -
Monday 25 June 2012, AM
Google TV goes international, Sony NSZ-GS7 set-top box up for preorder in the US and UK --…Powered by the Google TV platform, the Internet Player will be available to buy in store from July, priced at 200/200. Pre-orders begin in July online at www.sony-europe.com. In 2010, Sony pioneered the internet-TV convergence as one of the first manufacturers to launch products powered by Google TV. - engadget.com
Google joins smart TV battle for the British living room - Technology - The GuardianGoogle is launching set-top boxes made by Sony in the UK in July. All have been aiming to catch a nascent market that analysts say will become very important because it is one of the few bastions of entertainment not yet revolutionised by the internet. Google has a partnership with Sony to launch the internet TV set-top boxes, priced 200-300, in UK stores from 16 July. - guardian.co.uk
DTG :: News :: BBC iPlayer adds live TV rewind and restart functionalityWith one simple click of a button viewers can skip back to the beginning of a live programme, ensuring they never miss a moment of their favourite BBC programmes. DTG Staff 20.06.2012 Links open in a new window. - dtg.org.uk
DTG :: News :: Teletext Holidays departs FreeviewTeletext Holidays has confirmed it will be shutting down its Freeview channel at the end of September. The Teletext information service on analogue and digital television platforms was shut down in December 2009, ahead of the initially scheduled January 2010 closure. Teletext Holidays continued as a standalone service on Freeview, but it has now been confirmed to come to an end this autumn. - dtg.org.uk
Wednesday 20 June 2012, PM
BBC iPlayer - Help - How do I use the Live Restart feature on live BBC channel streams?Live Restart allows you to rewind and restart live programmes without waiting for the programme to end. How do I use the Live Restart feature on live BBC channel streams Simply select 'Restart the Current Programme' and to return to the live stream, select 'Live'. - iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk
Monday 18 June 2012, PM
Ariel - Television writers to be paid per viewCurrently, writers receive a 15 additional fee for the rights to include their programmes on iPlayer and to repeat them on the digital channels over a five year period. 'We believe that these new agreements will facilitate the production of terrific new content in a framework that values fairly the contribution of all parties,' says Samra. - bbc.co.uk
Wednesday 13 June 2012, PM
The BBC director general has less power than critics might suggest - Television radio - gu…Photograph internet There has always been an odd chronological connection between the jobs of BBC director general and American president. Former presidents tend to reflect in their memoirs on their shock at discovering how little power a commander-in-chief, blocked by Congress and the constitution, really has one reason American leaders have been so prone to secret operations and BBC editors-in-chief rapidly undergo a similar disillusionment. If so, that would be both unfair and a misunderstanding of what the job of director general entails. - guardian.co.uk
Nick Clegg was warned that Murdochs papers would turn against Lib Dems if they opposed BSk… -
BBC - Research and Development: The Next Wave of Domain Names and the Potential of ".bbc"BBC RD registered the domain name bbc.co.uk in October 1991, almost 21 years ago. It wasnt until December 1997 that anything we would nowadays recognise as BBC Online became available from that url. The online landscape is set to evolve again over the next couple of years, asICANN the organisation that assigns and manages global top level domain names expands the webs suite of suffixes far beyond the traditional .com or .org. - bbc.co.uk
New Beta: BBC - RadioiPlayer Radio is a one-stop-shop for listening to live and on demand radio from the BBC. This is just the first step in improvements that will bring all BBC Radio together in one place on mobiles, tablets, desktop computers, digital radio and digital TV. Why arent the Radio 1 and 1Xtra pages designed like this - beta.bbc.co.uk
Tuesday 12 June 2012, PM
The Apple TV rumours that failed to deliver — seenit.co.ukDepending on which site you read, Apple was meant to announce either or both of an actual TV set, a software development kit to allow apps to be built or any number of content deals. Is the Apple TV a mere wishful projection or a mistimed but accurate whisper of a product yet to be delivered Support for Skys NOW TV would also be nice. - seenit.co.uk
YouView opens applications for public trials - June - 2012 - Which? NewsFor more information read our guide to YouView. The service was initially meant to launch in 2010 and has since suffered many delays with the latest suggested launch date being before the Olympic games. - which.co.uk
Sunday 10 June 2012, PM
BBC faces trouble if Ed Richards doesn't get director general's job - Media - The Observer…Ed Richards would need to recuse himself from any BBC supervisory business. He would also encounter a deal of muttering from BBC executives who don't like the idea of a statutory regulator with no programme-making experience ruling the Portland Place roost. What if the chief regulator of BBC taste, fairness and decency Ofcom is the guy who didn't become director general supervising the man or woman who did - guardian.co.uk
Saturday 09 June 2012, PM
UK consumers invited to register for YouView trial - uSwitch.comBroadband subscribers are being invited to register for the upcoming public trial of the YouView IPTV service. UK consumers can now sign up to take part in the customer pilot of the broadband-connected TV service, which is set to launch later in 2012. At present, 100 staff from the joint venture partners are testing the system, but YouView is seeking another 2,200 trialists for the next phase. - uswitch.com
DTG :: News :: Sky refreshes HD EPGSky has announced the roll-out of a new-look SkyHD EPG. The revised TV guide integrates on-demand content with linear programming on the genre landing pages, a search function has also been introduced for Sky Movies customers. Other changes include the whole guide being available in 'pinpoint HD', a larger number of channels available per page and a browse by genre function in the Sky Planner. - dtg.org.uk
DTG :: News :: Report: Viewers vote HD as top sport technologyOver 34m UK viewers 72 will be watching this summers sporting events on TV, according to a report from Freeview. High definition TV was the top choice for watching the Olympic Games for the majority 30 of those surveyed. Approximately one in eight viewers will watch some of the action on a laptop 14 and one in ten on a desktop computer 10. - dtg.org.uk
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: What's on BBC Red Button 9th - 16th JuneHighlights are available on the red button and the full archive collection is available online at BBC Four Collections. For more Springwatch content including more webcams and all the photos go to bbc.co.uk/springwatch. On weekends the tone becomes more conversational when Red Button viewers can watch a topical interview in 'Five Minutes with...' or a round-up of the week's weird and wonderful videos in Odd Box. - bbc.co.uk
Friday 08 June 2012, PM
Humax YouView box showcased in John Lewis Summer 2012 brochure - ITProPortal.comNew clues regarding You View's eagerly anticipated consumer roll out have surfaced courtesy of upmarket online and high street retailer John Lewis. The department store showcases the Humax version of the smart TV recorder and viewer in its latest print catalogue at the anticipated retail price of just under 300. John Lewis - who has recently entered the broadband market - offer little in the way of revelatory new information about the product but its appearance seems to confirm rumours that boxes could start hitting shelves as early as July. - itproportal.com
BBC News - Sports fans to view hours of Olympics on TV - surveyThat amounts to 97 minutes a day during the 17 days of London 2012. The survey of 2,000 viewers for digital television service Freeview also found that football fans plan to watch an average of 11 Euro 2012 matches on TV. The study suggests many people will be viewing on bigger television sets than before and millions will watch the Olympics and Euro 2012 at work. - bbc.co.uk
Sion Barry: Is there an appetite in South Wales for local TV? - Cardiff news - CardiffOnli… -
Friday 08 June 2012, AM
O2 News Centre -
Thursday 07 June 2012, PM
C4 to simulcast all content online - News - BroadcastIt takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the Broadcast website along with a copy of the magazine delivered every week. - broadcastnow.co.uk
Green Paper shelved as DCMS reveals 2015 deadline for Comms Act - News - BroadcastIt takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the Broadcast website along with a copy of the magazine delivered every week. - broadcastnow.co.uk
Wednesday 06 June 2012, PM
DTG :: News :: DTG Technical Seminar: SpectrumThe seminar will aim to discuss the key issues for industry surrounding the potential uses of TV spectrum and will focus on white space and LTE networks. For more information and to register please visit www.dtg.org.uk/spectrum. DTG Staff 06.06.2012 Links open in a new window. - dtg.org.uk
Tuesday 05 June 2012, PM
DTG :: News :: ITV Player app introduces live streamingThe new version includes live streaming, AirPlay mirroring support and the ability for users to switch seamlessly between catch-up and live content within the app and the video player component. We are especially pleased to be launching live streaming within the app ensuring our football fans can enjoy all this summers ITV Euro 2012 action on the move. Content switching from within the video player component will allow users to switch between live channels and catch-up content simultaneously. - dtg.org.uk
Sunday 03 June 2012, AM
4Seven: the TV channel with programmes chosen by Facebook - Media - The ObserverJoleene, who has learning difficulties, and Sam, who has Downs syndrome, feature on an upcoming documentary called The Undateables. Photograph Graeme Robertson Channel 4 will launch a new TV channel called 4Seven next month screening repeats of the programmes viewers and critics have most talked about from the previous seven days, prefaced by a snappy selection of their comments, good and bad. The channel, which takes its place alongside E4, More4 and Film4, will keep open the weekday 8pm and 10pm slots so that shows that create a critical buzz in newspapers, chatter on social media through Twitter and Facebook, and reaction on the overnight log of comments kept by the broadcaster can be repeated the next day. - guardian.co.uk
Saturday 02 June 2012, PM
BBC braces for the unknown - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - VarietyRichards lacks creative experience, but that may not be a problem in the current environment. For the first time, the job spec of director-general prizes experience in international operations over that in programming or journalism.Given the increasing importance of commercial arm BBC Worldwide to the company, it is easy to understand the new focus. Interviews for his successor are due to be held this month. - variety.com
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: What's on BBC Red Button 2nd June - 9th JuneFollow the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on the Red Button. There will be uninterrupted coverage from the events not available on Freeview during the BBC One programmes, you will be able to watch the events in full without commentary. Highlights are available on the red button and the full archive collection is available online at BBC Four Collections. - bbc.co.uk
Saturday 02 June 2012, AM
A licence to improve public service broadcasting – or political meddling? - Media - guar…Headline act the provision of national news, with presenters such as Julie Etchingham, is a key part of Channel 3's public service remit. The flash points are rising demands for national Scottish and Welsh TV services, sustaining high quality national news, better regional news, and investment in original UK programmes. An auction has to be the worst option, especially for anyone who lived through the only previous attempt, the 1991 shambles over the ITV licences. - guardian.co.uk
BBC - Media Centre - BBC iPlayer Performance Pack Jan-Apr 2012Summary headlines from Jan Apr 2012 BBC iPlayer has seen a very strong and stable performance throughout the beginning of 2012. Total requests between January and April have averaged around 190 million per month - with over 140 million for TV and around 46 million for Radio programmes - up 24 on the same period last year. Mobile and tablet devices delivered a significant increase in requests up 94 on April 2011 with 15 of total programme requests coming from mobiles and tablets in April 2012. - bbc.co.uk
Video: Freeview looks to capitalise on summer of sport with new ad campaign - The DrumFreeview has today launched a new advertising campaign urging the nation to watch the summer's sporting events on Freeview HD. Created by Leo Burnett, the ad uses the helium balloons from from previous Freeview campaigns to illustrate the immense amount of sport on screens this summer - including the Euros, Olympics and Wimbledon. There will also be point of sale literature placed in 2,000 retail stores across the country and experiential activity will take place in nine town centre locations across the UK during key sporting weekends. - thedrum.co.uk
Thursday 31 May 2012, PM
BBC - Research and Development: Opening Up the Archives: Part 1 of a 6 part film about R If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content. - bbc.co.uk
Thursday 31 May 2012, AM
Home - Channel 4 - 4viewersAt Channel 4, we believe that knowing more about you, our viewers, will help us give you more of the programming and services you love. However, we want to be clear about how we collect this information, what exactly we collect, and what we do with it. And, if you want more details, please visit our Viewer Promise section. - channel4.com
Wednesday 30 May 2012, AM
BBC News - RTE channels will go on Freeview in Northern IrelandFreeview delivery of the channels will be supplemented by overspill coverage from Saorview, its equivalent in the Republic. Digital switchover is to be completed in Northern Ireland on 24 October of this year. - bbc.co.uk
Tuesday 29 May 2012, PM
Channel 5 recovers with £26m profit despite advertising slowdown - Business News - Busine…Northern Shell, owner of Channel 5 and a stable of national newspapers, saw its revenues increase by 40 per cent during 2011, despite difficult trading conditions. The year saw the first full-year contribution from Channel 5 since Northern Shell acquired the broadcaster in July 2010. Channel 5 boosted turnover by 23 per cent to 353m in 2011, despite a largely flat UK TV advertising market. - independent.co.uk
BBC News - YouView net TV service gets first public trial in UKYouView, formerly known as Project Canvas, will initially be tested in 350 homes. Originally the system, which requires a set-top box to use, was earmarked for a 2010 launch but has been beset with technical problems. 'Surprise' As well as viewing catch-up TV, users will also be able to access add-ons such as Amazon's on-demand movie service LoveFilm. - bbc.co.uk
Big Brother helps C5 into profit - News - Broadcast29 May, 2012 By Lisa Campbell Northern Shell has announced its first full-year accounts since taking control of Channel 5, reporting an increase in group revenues of almost 40. It takes just 2 minutes and offers full, instant access to the Broadcast website along with a copy of the magazine delivered every week. - broadcastnow.co.uk
Monday 28 May 2012, PM
BBC iPlayer app on Windows Phone? Not according to the BBC - Pocket-lintNews that an app that is already available on the iPhone, Android smartphones and BlackBerry devices, wont be arriving on Windows Phone will only exacerbate the situation. Do you think it's a big concern that they'll be no BBC iPlayer app for Windows Phone - pocket-lint.com
informitv - Options for future commercial television licencesThe public service broadcasting licence for ITV, the main commercial television channel in the United Kingdom, expires at the end of 2014. The communications regulator Ofcom has published options for the future of commercial public service television broadcasting, including the possibility of re-auctioning the licence. The key question is what value can be attributed to public service broadcasting over the following ten years. - informitv.com
ITU adopts two ultra-high def TV specs • The RegisterYou'd think the ITU would have learned from global confusion around just what constitutes a 4G network, but the respective respective resolutions will be known as 4K and 8K respectively. No details of niceties like frame frequency, colour depth or sound schemes are mentioned in the statement, or offered on the ITU's website. - theregister.co.uk
Monday 28 May 2012, AM
Expensive HDMI cables make no difference - the absolute proof - Expert ReviewsPosted on 25 May 2012 at 1100 Whether or not to buy an expensive HDMI cable is one of the most contentious subjects on the internet. On pro the side of buying them are home cinema magazines and audiophile websites, which sing the praises of more expensive cables, heralding how they can do remarkable things, such as boosting flesh tones. On the other side, you have the sceptics that say HDMI uses digital, so all cables are equal. - expertreviews.co.uk
DTG :: News :: Freeview urge Government to revise 4G proposals -
ITV could lose its prime slot as Ofcom suggest third channel could be put up for auction
…The broadcasters licences, along with those for Channel 5, expire at the end of 2014 and the Government has to decide if it will renew them or not. Yesterday media regulator Ofcom set out options for Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Among them was the suggestion that there could be a bidding war for the right to run the third channel and Channel 5. - dailymail.co.uk
YouView trials enter final stage - FT.comPrinted from http//www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a43fbde8-a821-11e1-b8a9-00144feabdc0.html Print a single copy of this article for personal use. - ft.com
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: What's on BBC Red Button 26th May - 2nd JuneYou can watch the Springwatch webcams for the first time on Red Button this year, as we follow the early lives of the UK's best-loved animals. On weekends the tone becomes more conversational when Red Button viewers can watch a topical interview in 'Five Minutes with...' or a round-up of the week's weird and wonderful videos in Odd Box. This has enabled the Red Button team to offer the best games tailored to each system. - bbc.co.uk
Friday 25 May 2012, PM
Sales of digital radios hit 15 million : Radio TodayNew figures from GfK Retail and Technology show that 15 million digital radios have now been sold in the UK. The numbers include DAB and internet-only WiFi radios, plus hybrid sets which contain a digital radio tuner. It comes as were told sales were up 11 in April compared with the same month last year and up 8 year-on-year in the latest 3-month period. - radiotoday.co.uk
Amazing space offered on Digital One : Radio TodayThe capacity on the national commercial digital radio multiplex previously used by Amazing Radio is being advertised to interested parties. Digital One is looking for expressions of interest from groups wanting to run either an audio or data service using its network of 135 transmitters across England, Scotland and Wales. Amazing Radio left Digital One last Monday, saying it had been unable to secure acceptable terms for an extension of its contract. - radiotoday.co.uk
BBC - Research and Development: Audio on the Web - Rediscovering the era of the Radiophoni…For the past two years, our team has been involved in the W3C audio activity, participating in an effort to bring open, standard technology to process and synthesise audio on the web. We knew we wanted our work to link the BBC's long history of audio 90 years this year and what we think is its future - on the web. We also knew there were many things the BBC might want to build with a working web audio processing technology. - bbc.co.uk
DTG :: News :: Freeview urge Government to revise 4G proposalsFreeview has called on the Government to revise its proposals on the level of support offered to consumers regarding potential DTT interference from the introduction of 4G mobile services. At a parliamentary briefing Freeview expressed concern that the Government commitment to securing a 180 million fund to pay for countering the effects of 4G interference 'does not go far enough to meet consumer needs'. Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview, said It is vital that any strategy listens to what consumers want and need. - dtg.org.uk
Wednesday 23 May 2012, PM
Media Analysis: My soft spot has hardened as Hunt’s shown his colours - Media - Business… -
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: A refresh of BBC's TV channel homepagesHow times have changed When the team relaunched these channel homepages nearly four years ago, how people interacted with the web and what people expected of it was quite different. Four years on, BBC iPlayer continues to grow from strength to strength with approximately 2bn requests served to audiences last year and an average of1 in 4 online users in the UK accessed it weekly last week. The approach - serendipitous discovery Showcasing the breadth of content unique to that channel in a way which would deliver simple and serendipitous discovery was a key editorial goal. - bbc.co.uk
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: Reimagining the BBC's TV channels in a four screen worldRather than a static website designed for a single screen size the PC, the new channel sites are responsively designed to work across multiple screen sizes and orientations. Whilst there's still some polishing to do e.g. support for swiping on touch screen devices, it feels like an important step in the right direction. The new designs also reflect the increasingly mainstream nature of on demand viewing. - bbc.co.uk
The Stage / TV Today / The CBBC channel dilemmaIve been away from the world of TV news, by which I mean news about TV, for the best part of two weeks. Part of my job at The Stage, apart from burbling about the world of telly and editing the rest of our papers online content, is overseeing our web development strategy. Thats taken up a huge amount of my time recently and will continue to do so, as were looking at rewriting every single line of code that drives the various sections of our website throughout 2012. - blogs.thestage.co.uk
Ofcom raises prospect of auctioning off ITV and Channel 5 public service licences - TV Rad…Communications watchdog Ofcom has raised the prospect of auctioning off the public service licences currently held by ITV and Channel 5. It said Channel 5 spent 62 million on UK original programming in 2010, down from 122 million in 2007, but said that figure had increased in 2011. - independent.co.uk
Ofcom - SummaryProposals for access services on non-domestic channels Summary Introduction 1.1 Within the UK, many people with hearing or visual impairments are nonetheless able to understand and enjoy television because of the access services subtitling, signing and audio description that Ofcom requires the more popular channels to provide. It is clear from the feedback that Ofcom has received that these access services are particularly valued by viewers with sensory impairments. 1.2 This document a seeks views on how Ofcom proposes to require certain television licensees which serve other European countries non-domestic channels to provide access services for the benefit of viewers in those countries with sensory impairments and b explains the proposed arrangements and when these would come into force, and invites views from interested parties by 5pm on 11 July 2012. - stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk
Wednesday 23 May 2012, AM
4seven launching July 4th - imediamonkeyAnnounced in March by Channel 4s chiefexecutive David Abraham, the new channel is said to reinvent catch up television. It has been announced that the station will launch on all major TV platforms on 4th July 04/07. Freeview it will launch on channel 47, and on Sky it will replace More 4 2 at number 269. - imediamonkey.com
Tokyo Skytree: the world's tallest broadcasting tower - in pictures - World news - guardia…The Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest broadcasting tower at 634 metres 2080 feet, has opened to the public on a grey, cloudy morning in Tokyo. Despite the weather, 8,000 visitors turned out to see the limited 360-degree views of the Japanese capital from two observation decks - guardian.co.uk
Tuesday 22 May 2012, PM
BBC iPlayer - Help - Why are BBC iPlayer downloads no longer working on my mobile phone?Over the last year, we have seen demand for full programme downloads decrease by over 87 on these phones. The BBC will continue to offer users of these devices the ability to stream programmes. - iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk
Tuesday 22 May 2012, AM
Leveson inquiry: Tessa Jowell quizzed Tony Blair over Murdoch deal - Media - guardian.co.u…The former Labour cabinet minister had the task of reviewing cross-media ownership law as part of the Communications Act that was due to go before parliament at that time and wanted to be assured she had a free hand in rewriting the rules. She asked the prime minister about whether his relationship with the media mogul would colour her thinking. She told Lord Justice Leveson that Blair was content with this approach. - guardian.co.uk
informitv - TalkTalk suggests YouView is still on track for launchTalkTalk says that YouView is still on track for a gradual ramp up from July to a marketing launch from September. Far from being an open platform, YouView appears to be increasingly driven by commercial interests. The company said YouView is on track for launch during Q2 FY13 that is in the second quarter of the the financial year beginning April 2012. - informitv.com
Monday 21 May 2012, AM
Does Blue Peter's CBBC move mean kids' television is being ghettoised? - Media - The Guard…It said viewing of children's programmes on BBC1 was in long-term decline, with reach down more than 50 over the last five years. Children's shows including Blue Peter were shifted earlier in the schedule and audiences fell. We are always concerned about the marginalisation of children. - guardian.co.uk
Sunday 20 May 2012, PM
4G networks to disrupt TV signals for two million homes - TelegraphThe culture minister Ed Vaizey said 945,000 households that use signal amplifiers could be afftected, as well as 953,000 households that rely on communal aerials. The mobile operators are currently preparing to introduce 4G networks, which offer mobile internet access typically 10 times faster than 3G, over the next three years. An Ofcom auction of radio spectrum licences has been delayed by legal wrangling, however. - telegraph.co.uk
BBC News - Ceefax founding editor Colin McIntyre dies at 85Colin McIntyre, who worked for the BBC for 30 years, died in hospital on Thursday after a short illness. When Ceefax was launched in 1974, he updated all 24 news pages on his own, feeding punch tape into machines. When he retired in 1982, Ceefax had a 20-strong team. - bbc.co.uk
Saturday 19 May 2012, AM
Why London can’t afford low-budget TV if it’s a world city - News - East London Advert…To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in. Its aim is to reflect London lifebut could also promote the capital as a true world city. London is among the first 21 areas across the UK being offered franchises next year, under Government plans for a new network of city-based channels. - eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk
BBC - BBC Internet Blog: What's on BBC Red Button 19th - 26th MayPress the Red Button for an interactive Eurovision experience allowing users to sing along to the lyrics of all the songs, in both English and the original languages. Along the way, they'll ask lots of fun questions which you can answer using the coloured buttons on your remote control. Every Saturday press the Red Button during the show to pit your wits against the studio contestants. - bbc.co.uk
Friday 18 May 2012, PM
BBC - About the BBC: The first Russian Service TV broadcast from New Broadcasting HouseFor me - someone who has spent almost 15 years of my professional life on the radio as a DJ, talk show host, reporter, and a news and current affairs presenter - it was a new chapter and a new challenge too. Our programme covers international events and reflects on how the international community, including Britain, reacts to significant news from Russia. - bbc.co.uk
YouView 'on track for summer launch' - TelegraphHowever, sources close to Lord Sugar revealed to The Telegraph last month that he did not think the box would be ready until the end of 2012. Boxes are expected to retail for around 200 and people can also acquire YouView as part of bundle offering when signing up for broadband with TalkTalk or BT. Consumers will need access to a digital TV signal and a broadband connection for the box to work. - telegraph.co.uk
Sky News referred to CPS and attorney general after naming rape victim - Media - guardian.…Ched Evans was jailed for five years last month at Caernarfon crown court. To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editormediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. - guardian.co.uk
Volkswagen to fit DAB radio as standard : Radio TodayVauxhall have also committed to the same timescale, with Ford saying the majority of new vehicles will include DAB by the end of 2013. People love listening to the radio in their cars and fitting digital means drivers and passengers will be able to enjoy the great range of stations on offer. VW, together with Ford and Vauxall, they represent 35 of annual new vehicles sold. The vehicle industry has been asked by Government to prepare for a transition to digital radio, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has said it expects its members to include digital radio as standard in most vehicles by the end of 2013. - radiotoday.co.uk
Friday 18 May 2012, AM
BBC iPlayer - Help - Why can I not download any editions of CBeebies Birthday Cards on BBC…CBeebies Birthday Cards are not TV programmes in the traditional sense, as they are part of the links that transmit in between programmes. This means that regrettably, for technical reasons, we are not able to publish them onto BBC iPlayer in the usual way, and currently can provide PC streaming options only, rather than the full range of viewing and download options. However we are aware of the demand for CBeebies Birthday Cards downloads to be made available. - iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.uk
Amazing Radio explains DAB disappearance : Radio TodayAmazing Radio has ceased broadcasting on the national Digital One multiplex this week, and has written an open letter to the radio industry to explain why. It states transmissions ceased because they were unable to secure acceptable terms for a contract extension. This letter explains what happened, and why we think it is important for all of us who love radio and care about music. - radiotoday.co.uk
Thursday 17 May 2012, PM
Communications green paper delayed while Jeremy Hunt deals with Leveson - Media - guardian…Policy thoughts go on the back burner Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt had hoped to publish the communications green paper in the spring. Those close to Hunt's Department for Culture, Media and Sport say the communications green paper, which will set out the government's initial policy thinking in areas as diverse as internet piracy, public service broadcasting and spectrum allocation, has largely been written but is now unlikely to be published until autumn at the earliest. There are also suggestions that the green paper could be shelved completely, with ministers instead moving to publish a white paper that by then would incorporate any relevant recommendations arising from the Leveson inquiry about the future of press regulation. - guardian.co.uk
BBC shrinks Red Button: Loses 8 channels after the Olympics • The RegisterThe changes were proposed last year, but have now been confirmed by the BBC Trust as picked up by the a516 blog. - theregister.co.uk
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