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Google have today announced the launch of their YouTube service on the freesat platform, in a first for British TV.
By the end of next month, customers of the freesat satellite television platform will be able to flick to the YouTube online video site on the main programming guide, instead of having to link up their television sets to the internet or watch YouTube on a computer.
The deal will help to boost YouTube, which last year launched 60 broadcast-style channels featuring programmes by some of the UK’s most respected production companies, including BBC Worldwide and Jamie Oliver’s Fresh One.
Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat, said:
We’re now delighted to add to our already fantastic customer offering with YouTube. They join Freesat at a time of rapid growth for our business and will offer our viewers an exclusive, first view of their latest version – previously unseen on free to air TV in the UK.
Today’s great news is a testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering genuine viewer choice.
Peter Sherman, Product Marketing Manager for YouTube said:
We’re happy to be working with Freesat so that Freesat users can now access YouTube from the platform. Our creator community is developing quality content that will delight and inspire viewers and we’re pleased to be able to bring it to people in new ways.
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. Access to YouTube will soon be possible from the freesat platform – the first time the service will be available from a free to air provider in the UK. The version of YouTube that will be launched is built on HTML 5 and will be its very latest iteration offering a TV-optimised, visually stunning and fully interactive viewing experience.
You will require the latest generation <free time> receiver, and a broadband connection of at least 2mbps to access the YouTube service.
February 11th, 2013 at 9:10 am
So it’s only on the new ‘Free Time’ boxes and not the older ones..
Thanks Freesat…. Not….
PhilQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 9:20 am
The older units are not capable of the HTML5 format. As with everything, technology moves on at a fast pace and older units can’t support new features indefinitely. Do however appreciate the disappointment of this though.
adminQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 9:34 am
That’s some great news for Freesat customers at last. Check out my channel (31videos) just type my name in the search box.
Richard CrichtonQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 9:40 am
But are the ‘old’ boxes capable of supporting HTML5 with a software update? Or is that completely beyond the spec of the first boxes even if manufacturers did have a reason to offer it?
Part of the reason I ask is I wonder if encouraging users to replace equiptment is a great move for freesat. Firstly as it dilutes the value of the ‘one payment – free tv forever’ benefit of freesat and secondly as I imagine many freesat adopters now have more choice that when they bought their first box (eg I couldnt access freeview but post switchover now can) and so may choose other platforms.
RichQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 9:45 am
No, they are not capable, the HTML5 format as well as other parts of the software require a much more capable chipset.
adminQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 10:28 am
The Foxsat range was essentially designed before 2008, it has limited RAM, limited flash memory and a modest processor. There are products out there of that vintage which have a simple HTML browser but they won’t have the same richness of HTML5 content which a modern system can deliver. Even the HDR-Fox T2, which has a browser, has half the processing capability of the HDR-1000S and is currently more than 50% slower than the HDR-1000S.
As far as many consumers go there is nothing wrong with the Foxsat models and Freesat continues to try and get the best broadcast content for the platform, however if people want to have the next generation of technology they will eventually need to upgrade.
Bob HQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 10:44 am
Does anyone know if the latest free time receiver will be coming out as a standard HD version, that is without the “record” facility and be able to get the new on-demand services that are coming out?
I must also express my annoyance that freesat are bringing out new services for the platform, putting them on new equipment and seem to be totally ignoring the people that have supported them since the beginning. I joined freesat as I no longer wanted to be a sky subscriber, but I never thought that freesat would ignore the loyal customer base they have built up since the start of the service. What are the rest of us going to get that haven’t got the new boxes, can’t afford them as they are very expensive?
Come on freesat, show some appreciation to the customers that have supported you since the start.
KeithQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 11:20 am
Hardly a “first for British TV”. You Tube is already available on Smart TV’s and Virgin Media’s Tivo service, as well as through game consoles!
PaulQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 11:48 am
Admin,
Should have asked in post 7, do you have any insight into the first point I asked, and possibly into the rest of the posting. Thanks
KeithQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 11:50 am
@Keith – see the post above yours!
If you really, really want all the latest tech and innovations which take advantage of new techology and are really desperate for Youtube, then you are going to have to keep up-to-date with all the hardware to run it all.
If however you bought into Freesat because it delivers a huge range of free-to-air satellite TV services then what you’ve already got will serve you proud for many years to come.
I find it a bit funny in the press release though where it’s mentioned as an advantage that you can now use Youtube on your PVR instead of a PC or a TV. There are far too many connected devices now all with exactly the same apps and services. Some people would rather use all services in their TV so they don’t need another device powered up. Some people have their PC on all the time as a HTPC and prefer to access things that way. I would rather Freesat and manufacturers of Freesat boxes and software concentrate on the delivery of satellite TV services, recording them, and distributing them throughout the home, which is what I would have thought Freesat core functionality is supposed to be.
ChrisQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 11:51 am
No one is disputing the fact that YT is already available on various devices. I myself have had it for a year on my Blu-ray player.
It says first view of their latest version on FTA TV. They are talking about YT’s new player.
Richard CrichtonQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 11:53 am
I think this is great news HTML5 is the way to go as flash will be phased out over the next few years.
I am also interested to know if Humax intend to bring out an HD box without hard drive, it was rumoured that they intended to do this and that it would be able to view the content of the HDR-1000s if you had one.
This would be a real coup for freesat allowing for one’ master box’ with recorder and ‘satellite’ (excuse the pun!) boxes which could not only receive a channel independently but record and watch from the ‘master box’.
I keep an old sky box (freeview from sky only- costing me £10:00 a month for the privilege of recording!) as this gives me the nearest I can currently get to this and can watch recorded programmes in any of four separate rooms but not in HD.
I would certainly upgrade if I could ditch the sky box and get full HD and recorded HD TV in any room. Full proper HD I am talking here not the lower grade Iplayer HD. My main HD viewing is on a full HD projector and IPlayer just doesn’t cut it I’m afraid!
Martin BQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 11:57 am
There are suggestions of a non-PVR option, but cannot see this happening any time soon, nor may it fit in with how free time is structured.
Can’t really comment further on leaving the G1 boxes behind other than it is a sad reality of technology development and always being out of date the second you buy something.
adminQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Asda is still selling SD Freesat boxes made by whoever makes Goodmans kit so we may see G1 boxes around for a while by the manufacturers who don’t want or cant upgrade to G2. We may end up with a 2 tier marketplace for Freesat product budget and premium.
Richard CrichtonQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 12:16 pm
You will require the latest generation receiver,-
So there won’t be many people watching it then!!
fatblokeQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Freesat’s Samsung SMT Box has carried you tube for a few years now and the HD quality is fantastic. This is a good thing for Freesat but I agree with others, some early adopters of Freesat may be upset by the lack of availability of You Tube. I bought the Samsung just months before the announcement of Freetime if I had known I would have held off buying however I’m happy with the Samsung it serves my needs great.
mediamanQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I have to agree, great step forward for Freesat but not so great for someone like me who brought a new Humax box a couple of years ago and spent nearly £300 on it,it was at that time the best box available. Not so sure I’m going to fork out again.
AlanQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Last July I bought a Freesat HD+ box. It is just over six months and the box is out of date. No ITV player and now YouTube. I feel cheated!
Steven MorganQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
The biggest downfall of both the Freesat and Freeview systems (not so much the latter) has been an inability to set standards rigorus enough to limited the rate at which hardware becomes out-of-date.
The technologies that are being introduced now aren’t revolutionary and have been known about for some time, just not implemented. I think as a minimum requirement the hardware should have been…
• MPEG4 Compatible
• HTML5 Compatible
• Ethernet enabled
And a set of standards that allow applications such as ITV Player to be deployed across the platform.
It may have added an extra £5/£10 to the cost of a STB but ultimately saved consumers over the lifetime of their product and created a satisfaction level that blows subscription services out of the water.
ShaunQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 4:50 pm
Freesat have clearly learnt this which is why they have introduced the G2/freetime product range which has a much stricter set of conditions and a more universal platform so that all receivers get the same facilities in the future. It is no different from how Freeview was in the early days.
adminQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Why? You were obviously happy with the spec when you bought it. Your argument is as flawed as saying you bought a new car 6 months ago and now feel cheated as it doesnt have the newest onboard gadget fitted.
RoscoQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Why not add to the freesat experience, and buy a ‘Raspberry Pi’ in a box from Maplin for about £50 (including cables and power supply). Download the latest XBMC software, and BBC iPlayer, 4oD, Demand5, ITVPlayer, YouTube and Vimeo, and almost anything else you can think of are available by using your own TV remote!! …….. just plug it in to a spare HDMI socket. Add a hard-drive or memory stick and you can even timer-record using the built-in software!.
I’ve had mine for months plugged in to my old Panasonic. You do of course need the obligatory over-2Mbits internet download speed!.
Brian LincolnQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 5:49 pm
What about Panasonic Freesat TV’s?
David MillerQuote
February 11th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Out of date or just different? G2 boxes only offer catchup services for the past 7 days. My G1 Humax Foxsat HDR box allows me to access BBC and ITV programs first broadcast several weeks ago and sometimes even months ago. Not something I would want to lose just for the convenience of being able to access catchup services via the EPG. Incidentally, $ky boxes also only offer 7 days catchup for BBC & ITV, so Freesat has missed an opportunity of a real plus point over $ky by reducing G2 box catchup to the last 7 days.
Derek (Original)Quote
February 11th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
Look on the bright side: anyone who has a G1 Freesat box doesn’t have to put up with failed recordings and endless other bugs that the G2 Humax 1000s has.
TerryQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 9:20 am
That looks brilliant! At the risk of this careering off-topic what remote are you using? Nice idea
John HQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 10:08 am
Can you post a link please.. Can’t find this kit at Maplin, only cases for the Pi
PhilQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 10:29 am
Can somebody please explain why people rush out to buy the latest smart phone upgrade by Apple,LG,Samsung etc. but moan about having to upgrade a Freesat box for the latest additions to the service?
Soldierboy001Quote
February 12th, 2013 at 10:50 am
Standard Panasonic remote that came with the TX-32LZD81 Viera TV. I also use wireless keyboard and mouse. (Required for set-up).
Brian LincolnQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 10:58 am
Probably best to buy from Amazon or ebuyer etc rather that Maplin; they tend to charge more!
adminQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 11:00 am
Best bet is to go to http://www.raspberrypi.org, where details and suppliers are listed. (ie Premier Farnell and RS Components).
Brian LincolnQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 11:12 am
Sorry! I should also have given you the XBMC link http://www.raspbmc.com/about/
Brian LincolnQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Don’t make assumptions. I don’t upgrade my phone every few months. It just a scheme for manufacturers to make money out of us.! If the hardware companies provided a system software upgrade on existing boxes (even for a small fee) I would think that would be fair. Even Apple do that!
Steven MorganQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
Great news for freesat hope it dosent take as long as 40d and demand five still no movement there they need a good shove to get them going I think
MartinQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 5:53 pm
So your “Freesat HD+ box” is not made by Humax?
If it was a Humax then you would have BBC iPlayer, ITV player and The Space on demand services.
My 1st generation Humax STB has all of the above services.
Big AlQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Isn’t the big gotcha with XBMC/Raspberry Pi that 4OD material isn’t viewable dated after August 2012 because C4 changed the playback technology? It’s the one reason that I haven’t bothered with that as a solution. I’m happy to be proved wrong though.
Clem
Clem DyeQuote
February 12th, 2013 at 8:18 pm
No great loss as C4 seem to repeat their programs at least 20 times!
Kevin Ver1Quote
February 12th, 2013 at 9:38 pm
Same old story. Freesat is not the only one playing this game – “Smart” TVs, blu-ray players and the rest have all sold their platforms on the premise that great new services are being added all the time, forgetting to mention that a hardware upgrade will probably be required much sooner than you think. They didn’t promise it was future-proof, but it was heavily implied by the marketing.
I’m not falling for this one again. For £300 or less you can put a small HDMI enabled PC under your TV, and stick in a satellite or freeview card. You’ll get free TV plus everything the internet can throw at you, and never go out of date.
TimWQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 8:54 am
You appear to be correct! but some selections do play. ITV Player, BBC iPlayer and Demand 5 all work, including lots of other interesting goodies.
Brian LincolnQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Touble with using a desktop PC to watch TV apart from the fan noise is the power consumption of around 300 watts. Far too high just for watching telly in this age of constant energy price hikes. I suppose you could use a laptop or perhaps a tablet.
Richard CrichtonQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 3:05 pm
As does my Manhattan Plaza HD-S
Richard CrichtonQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 6:52 pm
So the moral is Buy a decent Freesat STB.
BTW: I will refrain from including my YouTube channel search details as I don’t think people would be interested in viewing my videos of me traveling on the Tube, DLR, London Overground and First Capital Connect. (Insert smiley face here)
Big AlQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 6:56 pm
Richard contributes quite a few comments to this site (albeit with a split personality at times); this is the only reason why his link was allowed to stay.
adminQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Why not do what I have done, built a Home Theatre PC, I have had it for around five years with the Same mother board and CPU, upgraded the Graphics card about a year ago, have a twin terrestrial tuner for Freeview, a twin Satellite tuner for Free-Sat, and other Satellites when I get my steerable dish up and running, has thirty Gb internet connection, But the main advantage is it doesn’t go obsolete, have upgraded the operating system to Windows 8 just recently with Media Centre running.
AlanQuote
February 13th, 2013 at 8:15 pm
There are fan less HTPCs available. The new generation of Intel cpus are more energy efficient and if you choose a decent motherboard you can use a fanless heatsink. If you want to use a high end CPU you can opt for water cooling. In addition SSDs can be used for storage.
Kevin Ver1Quote
February 13th, 2013 at 9:57 pm
How about 4OD on youTube?
It is always worth checking on the web for other solutions.
Kevin Ver1Quote
February 14th, 2013 at 4:30 am
This is one big con!,on my freesat box that has a 1tb hard drive in it says that YouTube will be coming to Freesat, doesn’t mention that you need the Freetime box though! If you think that will sell more of these ones you are sadly mistaken. Mine cost me nearly £300 and I for one are not going to fork out any more just for YouTube. You should make it clear on your adverts!
DavyQuote
February 14th, 2013 at 10:50 am
To get a fully working version of 4OD on Raspberry Pi, Apple TV2 and iPad, go to: http://google.com/p/mossy-xbmc-repo/downloads/list
Download script.module.socksipy-2.0.0.zip and plugin.video.4od-3.0.5.zip
Install the “socksipy” first – you won’t get comfirmation that it has been installed. Now install the “4oD” addon which does confirm installation. 4oD will now work! I’ve just done it this morning.
Brian LincolnQuote
February 14th, 2013 at 10:59 am
?????????
What does this reply have to do with my post?
I have never said I had any problem with his link on this site.
I was just implying that people would find my Youtube videos boring.
Big AlQuote
February 14th, 2013 at 11:06 am
Only because you quoted Richard so thought your comment implied that you didn’t want to include your YouTube videos like Richard has. Wasn’t a complaint, just thought I’d mention why a personal link was allowed in that instance
adminQuote
February 23rd, 2013 at 8:36 am
For those who want youtube etc. the cheapest (pi alternative and very effective option) is to get an android pc. A bit bigger than a usb stick and plugs into the hdmi. Comes with jellybean, wifi,micro sd slot. Some people at my workplace have bought these for £39 delivered. Specs The iMito MX2 Android 4.1 TV dongle stick aka Jelly Bean mini PC is one of the first dual core 1.6Ghz RK3066 thumb drives. The MX2 adds V3.3 Bluetooth and Flash 11.1 support
ZubQuote
March 5th, 2013 at 1:04 pm
Hi I have a Humax Freesat+ Freetime HD Digital TV recorder – HDR1000S. Can you confirm when the software update will be released for this. I have spoken to Humax and they advised that you release it to them – when will this be as want UTube! Thanks Yaz Dude.
Yaz DudeQuote
March 5th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Think you might be a little confused, Humax develop the software with freesat, then freesat provide the final sign off before it is then submitted to DTG for release. Youtube (not UTube) is due later this month.
adminQuote
March 5th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
Thanks. Have Humax developed the Youtube software with freesat for freesat to provided final sign off for DTG for release. At what stage are we at? If so when will it be release? If not can you provide any further information please?
Yaz DudeQuote
March 8th, 2013 at 1:35 pm
No need to reply Admin as I can see the software has now been released.
via http://www.joinfreesat.co.uk/software-update-for-humax-hdr-1000s-available-from-today/comment-page-1/#comment-55132
Yaz DudeQuote