Loading ...We have unconfirmed reports that a request was made yesterday to all major retailers and distributors that the Alba Group Freesat receivers (namely Grundig, Goodmans and Alba) have been recalled and must be returned to the main wholesaler.
We don’t have specific details on the reason, other than ‘software’ complications.
In an earlier blog it was suggested by Humax commercial director Graham North that they would be the only manufacturer to have a HD receiver available at launch. As time went by we were led to beleive this was wholly inaccurate, it would seem maybe it was spot on after all. Do we suspect a conspiracy? (just kidding!)
For anyone that managed to obtain an Alba Group receiver, we would suggest calling Freesat to check whether it needs returning or not. It would seem that if a recall is required, then its not just an easy ‘over the air’ software update to resolve.
May 9th, 2008 at 11:16 am
well, the gufsat01 has disappeared from the Comet website… that doesn’t prove anything though does it? How many times have things appeared and disappeared over the past week?
May 9th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Glad i got a humax now.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Does this include the BushHD box?
May 10th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Just got this reply from freesat ? How can freesat promise CH5 under these circumstances ???
Dear Geoff
Thank you for your recent enquiry.
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4′s decision to broadcast in the clear from a
different satellite is not something that Five can copy. The satellite
coverage now used by the BBC can still reach parts of mainland Europe,
and the Republic of Ireland. Five is licensed by Ofcom; also, when we
acquire broadcast rights for programmes and films, these are
specifically licensed for the UK territory. The terms of our license
prohibit broadcasting outside the United Kingdom.
This is why Five pays BSkyB to encrypt and broadcast our channel via
digital satellite. Five does remain free-to-air, meaning you do not pay
a subscription for the channel. However, a viewing card is needed to
able to watch our programmes. These cards are properly seen as part of
the equipment cost of satellite television, like the receiving dish,
set-top box and the television itself.
If there is anything further we can help you with, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in Five.
Yours sincerely
Margaret
VIEWER ADVISOR
Please note that the contact details for Five Customer Services are as
follows:
Telephone: 0845 7 05 05 05 / 020
7421 7270
Text telephone for use by deaf people: 0845 7 41 37 87
E-mail: customerservices@five.tv
Fax: 020 7836 1286
Free booklets and factsheets available at http://www.five.tv/factsheets
—–Original Message—–
From: gruff@boat16.fsnet.co.uk [mailto:gruff@boat16.fsnet.co.uk]
Sent: 08 May 2008 16:08
To: Customer Services
Subject: technical enquiry from: Geoff Clarke
technical enquiry from: Geoff Clarke
comment:
When will Channel Five become ”Free to air” & be viewable on the new
Freesat service
May 13th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Just sent this email to 5.
———————————-
2 quick questions.
Quite:
The BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s decision to broadcast in the clear from a
different satellite is not something that Five can copy. The satellite
coverage now used by the BBC can still reach parts of mainland Europe,
and the Republic of Ireland. Five is licensed by Ofcom; also, when we
acquire broadcast rights for programmes and films, these are
specifically licensed for the UK territory. The terms of our license
prohibit broadcasting outside the United Kingdom.
This is why Five pays BSkyB to encrypt and broadcast our channel via
digital satellite. Five does remain free-to-air, meaning you do not pay
a subscription for the channel. However, a viewing card is needed to
able to watch our programmes. These cards are properly seen as part of
the equipment cost of satellite television, like the receiving dish,
set-top box and the television itself.
End of quote.
Question 1
are BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s not covered by Ofcom’s rules?
Question 2
when BBC, ITV and Channel 4’s acquire broadcast rights for programmes and films, are they not
specifically licensed for the UK territory only too?
Basicly to me it looks like they are more or less covered by the same rules and broadcast rights as you but they don’t seem to have any problem with it, why do you?
Pete.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:21 am
It all sounds a bit like Terminal 5.
I think I’ll wait a couple of months before I venture into Freesat.
Bob