If you’re a Foxtel subscriber, you’ll want to hope that you’ve got a generous download allowance with your ISP. The pay TV provider is launching its new downloads service on October 1, but while there’s plenty of content, there’s no announced deals in place for cap-free downloads. Here’s all the news from today’s Foxtel press launch.
It’s not likely to be news to anyone who has grappled with what passes for an electronic program guide in Australia: a survey confirms that the commercial networks completely suck when it comes to broadcasting shows when scheduled.
Not-free-but-pretty-neat online electronic program guide IceTV has rolled out a major upgrade of its web client (and iPhone app) this week, adding features such as specifying recording quality, seeking out programs across a related group of channels (like Ten and ONE) and limiting recording of oft-repeated shows to once a day. Hit the IceTV blog for the full list of features. [IceTV]
Foxtel has fixed an annoying but minor gap in its services, making it possible to order movies from its Box Office service even if your iQ or iQ2 box doesn’t have a home phone line connected to it.
Ice TV has temporarily cut the price of its 12-month subscription from $99 to $69 in a deal being promoted as a celebration of its recent court victory over Channel Nine. Existing users can also extend their accounts under the deal, so it’s an option to consider if you’re happy paying for your electronic program guide. (The promotion expires May 22.) Ice TV
Last week’s legal victory by Ice TV doesn’t just mean that the paid-for electronic program guide (EPG) service can continue — it might also lead to a much wider range of free information online covering everything from train timetables to racing form guides and telephone directories.
Good news for users of the Ice TV electronic program guide — the company has won its latest court battle against Channel Nine, meaning that it is free to keep listing the free-to-air TV giant in its schedules.
Freeview has so far managed to do a pretty good job of convincing the tech-savvy that it hasn’t got a clue, so it’s good to see the commercial network digital TV conglomerate doing something right for a change.
When Lifehacker recently discussed the pros and cons of Freeview, the still-nascent plan to promote digital TV via extra free-to-air channels, some commentators pointed out that accessing these channels won’t require a Freeview-branded set-top box — any digital TV or set-top box would do. While that’s true, it turns out Freeview will have one nasty brand-enhancing trick up its sleeve. Ty Pendlebury at CNET reports that the electronic program guide (EPG) for Freeview won’t be compatible with current TVs and boxes — you’ll need a Freeview box to access that, though some manufacturers may offer firmware upgrades to make it possible. The lack for many years of a decent and comprehensive free EPG was unquestionably one of the reasons why media centres haven’t been as successful in Australia as elsewhere, so it’s disturbing to say the least to see the industry perpetuating its small-minded view of sharing programming information with newer platforms. Freeview EPG won’t be compatible with current TVs [CNet]
Last week, SBS upgraded its digital transmitters around the country. The practical consequence? The station can now differentiate its broadcasts for different regional areas, offers full 720p resolution on its HD channel and now has a seven-day EPG. The downside? You might need to retune your set-top box, digital TV or PVR/media centre software to match the new requirements. If your equipment gives you grief in this respect, the SBS how-to linked below has contact details for most TV manufacturers.
SBS Digital Upgrade
