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Following on from our previous post regarding the lack of BBC iPlayer on LG televisions with Freesat built-in, it would seem that LG are now offering customers of the LG LF7700 television a free Freesat digital box, so that they can receive iPlayer.

This would strongly suggest that LG have no plans to make iPlayer available on their now discontinued LF7700 range, choosing to supply all customers who ask with a separate receiver; maybe it is cheaper to buy receivers than develop their software for iPlayer, or they simply cannot get it to work; either way, this does seem an acceptance of blame which they have denied for so long.

So, if you have an LG LF7700 LCD television with Freesat built-in, contact LG on 0844 847 5454 (01753 491300) for further information. If LG agree to supply you with a receiver, they’ll need a few details from you including your original purchase invoice.

Please do let us know what they say to you, what brand they offer, and when/if it arrives.

Below is a copy of the communication received by MCMLXXIII and Phil, joinfreesat readers just in case you need to back up your phone call:

Thank you for your email.

There are technical difficulties in ensuring that the LG Freesat TV is fully compatible with the BBC iPlayer. As a gesture of goodwill LG will provide a set top box to enable your LG Freesat TV to work with both the BBC iPlayer and ITV Player

We require contact details (if not already provided), the serial number and a copy of the proof of purchase in order to process the claim, once received the Freesat box will be delivered within 7-14 days. Please call our Customer Service Team on the below number with these details.

Best Regards,

LG Electronics UK Helpdesk

There has been quite a mix of reports coming from our readers over the past few months regarding LG and their plans to launch BBC iPlayer on their range of Freesat enabled televisions.

From the email communication below between a joinfreesat reader (Stewart B) and LG, it doesn’t seem that LG even have an agreement in place yet, let alone are working on the software for a launch any time soon.

In our opinion, we have to question the likelyhood of this ever happening, especially as LG have now dropped the Freesat range, but hopefully we are proven wrong and Freesat/BBC put pressure on LG to introduce the on-demand service across their Freesat range, so all those customers who purchased can enjoy the same facilities as the rest.

Here is Stewart B’s email to LG;

…having made enquiries of you before, and having been advised that BBC iPlayer for Freesat would be available in July, this has obviously not happened. I purchased plug in ethernet adaptors to allow this to function and now find them redundant.

Can you advise, once and for all, whether your company has now abandoned a whole cohort of your customers by deciding not to proceed with this, or when (with accurate indication please!) it will happen. It is now very frustrating to see a red button EVERY time I click on a BBC channel saying “get BBC iPlayer” when I cannot do so despite previous assurances that my equipment would do so.

If you cannot give me these assurances please give me the name of the senior manager in your department or the department responsible for this decision in order that I can write to them to formally complain and request some form of compensation. thank you…

The response from LG’s UK helpdesk is;

The software for iPlayer is released by the BBC. As of yet there has not been a deal reached between BBC and LG to allow software for iPlayer to be added to LG televisions. As soon as a deal has been reached, the expected released date will be broadcast to the public via our website. This is as much information as we have regarding this matter at the present time.

We are also not aware that this unit was ever advertised by LG as having BBC iPlayer on it, nor that it would ever be available on the set. If you have evidence that says BBC iPlayer was going to be added to this particular unit please forward it to us so that we can investigate this matter further.

To reiterate as of yet there has been no deal reached between LG and BBC to enable LG to add iPlayer to their televisions, as soon as there is any news on this it will be available on our website.

For more information please visit the following link:
http://www.freesat.co.uk/index.php?page=iPlayer.WhatYouNeedProduct

We would advise you to put your concerns in writing to:

LG Customer Services,
PO Box 645,
Huntingdon,
PE29 6YU.

This is the only way to pursue an issue that falls outside of procedure.

Best Regards,

LG Electronics UK Helpdesk

If we get any further response from LG, or from Freesat/BBC, we’ll add to the post.

ITV have confirmed plans to launch their on-demand ITV Player service on Freesat this Autumn.

The player, which allows you to catch up on ITV programmes, will be rolled out across all Freesat HD receivers via a software update; though it is expected that a beta test will take place on select brands first to ensure reliability.

ITV Player, which is funded by advertising revenue will also be made available on the Sony Playstation 3 by the end of the year, to sit along side the already available BBC iPlayer.

With the announcement made today that ITV intend on launching their ITV2, 3 and 4 high-definition service on Sky only, you’ve got to question how much involvement ITV really have, or want, in this Freesat joint venture agreement with BBC.

Many of you will be aware that ITV have been close to financial ruin in recent years, with a £105mil loss last year alone, so you can excuse them a little for wanting to take the option which will see the biggest return, but judging by the number of emails we’ve received today, this is seen as a clear sign that ITV are turning their back on free-to-air (FTA) satellite television and as such, their own joint venture platform.

ITV have said that whilst they plan to offer ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD as part of Sky’s HD pack (£10 per month on top of £18-£48 per month), their standard-definition versions will continue to be available FTA, along with ITV1 (SD) and ITV1 HD.

If you’ve not read the full story, it is availale on the BBC News website here.

What are your thoughts on the news, do you see this as a kick in the teeth for Freesat, or that ITV’s programming is so poor in terms of content and quality that this makes no difference to you other than the obvious additional exposure for Freesat. One things for sure, the team at Freesat are no doubt unhappy with this announcement!

On better news (depending how you look at it), ITV do intend on launching ITV1+1 at the beginning of 2011, and this should be FTA.

Freesat has been announced as a finalist for the 2010 National Business Awards in partnership with Orange, the UK’s most prestigious independent business honours.

The subscription-free digital satellite TV service is in the running to win The Excellence in Marketing Award, for the success achieved around its recent World Cup in HD campaign in the lead up to this year’s tournament.

More than 150 of the UK’s most innovative businesses have been shortlisted for the awards with Freesat competing against nine others in its category.

Winners will be unveiled at a ceremony taking place at London’s Grosvenor House hotel on 9th November.

Freesat have confirmed their projection of reaching 2 million sales by 2012; showing the continued growth of the free satellite based platform.

Q1 2010 results show Freesat increased their figures by 108,000, accounting for a 34.3% share of the market during the period January to March this year.

Though not released yet, Q2 2010 figures would suggest a similar increase to achieve a confirmed 1.25 million sales to date.

It looks like Freesat have re-opened the debate on offering a Pay-TV option on the ‘free’ satellite platform, following high level discussions to consider allowing access to premium channels such as Sky Sports 1 and 2.

Though no decision has yet been made, Freesat are very keen to offer as many channels as possible on the platform, and with so many high profile channels deciding to remain ‘subscription only’ or free-encrypted (FTV), this might be a bold step forward, even if it goes against the initial reasons Freesat was launched.

Premium channels were made available wholesale to other platforms back in April when Ofcom forced BSkyB to allow access; this has led to BT Vision launching the sports channels (albeit SD only) in time for the new football season, and many see this as a chance finally to watch specific programmes/channels without having to sign up for others you don’t want.

It is expected that a third party will handle the sales (like Top-up TV on Freeview), with Freesat themselves taking care of the conditional access system thanks to the electronic programme guide (EPG) already in place.

Emma Scott, Managing Director of Freesat said;

We are looking at pay television. There is a lot of discussion around the Freesat and pay television issues taking place at board level. We haven’t taken a final decision. My personal view is that it would be odd for Freesat not to offer the option as well.

This is great news for Freesat (depending on how you look at it), but any developments are likely to be slow; Freesat would require the approval of the BBC Trust before proceeding.

What are your thoughts on the news, would you welcome this option? Leave your comments below and vote using the poll on the left.

Freesat has selected VCCP (Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest) as its creative advertising agency.

Part of the Chime Communications group, VCCP has been tasked with developing brand communication across traditional and digital media, to help Freesat build on its impressive performance of securing more than a million customers in under two years.

VCCP’s brief is to deliver integrated campaigns working with Freesat’s roster of agencies to highlight the entertainment brand’s ‘best of free TV’ offer, including service developments and innovations such as HD programming and catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer.

The agency was named following a competitive pitch process. VCCP Managing Partner, Jonathan Adler, who will lead the agency team, said;

We’re really excited to be working with Freesat at what is a key time for the TV entertainment industry. With an ever increasing range of choice, compelling communications has never been more crucial to continued business success.

Will Abbott, Freesat Marketing and Communications Director, said;

It’s a competitive market and often extremely confusing for consumers. VCCP impressed us with the clarity of their strategic thinking and consumer insight. We’ve got exciting plans for the brand and are looking forward to working with VCCP to help even more UK homes make the switch to Freesat.

(Freesat press release)

Freesat has announced the winners of its annual Awards for 2010, with ITV1 HD, E4, Al Jazeera English and CBeebies among those receiving honours.

The very best in channels and services available on the subscription-free satellite TV service were recognised at the ceremony, showcasing the breadth and depth of choice and quality in programming on offer.

Compere comedian Ed Byrne announced winners at last night’s Awards event:

• Best Entertainment Channel: E4
• Best Children’s Channel: CBeebies
• Best News Channel: Al Jazeera English
• Lifestyle Channel: Food Network UK
• Best Music Channel: Flava
• Best Themed Channel: Horror Channel
• Best Shopping Channel: QVC
• Best Specialist Radio Station: Absolute 80s
• Judges’ Special Award: ITV1 HD
• Viewers’ Choice for Channel of the Year (joint winners): Ideal World (TV); Planet Rock (radio)

A panel of senior representatives from the broadcast industry formed the expert judging panel. They included: Radio Times Editor Ben Preston; Clive Jones, Chairman of Netplay and Sticky Moon; Fru Hazlitt, Managing Director of Commercial & Online, ITV; digital media journalist Jemima Kiss; MD of The Third Way, Nick Brampton; Patrick Younge, Chief Creative Officer of BBC Vision Productions; Arqiva Satellite and Media MD Nick Thompson and Emma Scott, Freesat Managing Director.

Commenting at the awards, now in their second year, Freesat Managing Director, Emma Scott said;

I’d like to congratulate all the winners honoured here tonight for their massive contribution to Freesat’s continued success. We’re proud to celebrate the original, high quality programming that keeps our audience entertained and informed and we look forward to bringing viewers even more exciting channels and services in the future.

Mark Briggs, Head of Channels at Freesat added;

We work very closely with our channel partners and it’s fantastic to get everyone together and celebrate our shared success. We’re regularly adding new channels to the Freesat service and hope to see some of them feature at future Freesat Awards, as we continue recognising the outstanding entertainment available on the UK’s fastest-growing TV service.

Freesat Awards 2010 winners

Best Entertainment Channel – E4
E4 was chosen by the panel for having an original voice that appeals directly to its target audience. The channel particularly impressed for taking risks that have paid off, with programmes such as Misfits being seen as very current, very exciting and perfect for the viewers it’s aimed at.

Best News Channel – Al Jazeera English
The judges commended Al Jazeera’s journalism and impartiality and recognised its coverage of stories that go unreported elsewhere, helping viewers discover a completely different window on the world.

Best Children’s Channel – CBeebies
CBeebies got the panel’s vote for being in a class of its own in the way it communicates with children. Its significant contribution to the broadcast environment and consistent placing in the top ten digital channels was also recognised by the judges, who highlighted CBeebies to be a jewel in the BBC crown.

Best Lifestyle Channel – Food Network UK
The panel thought Food Network UK was a real trailblazer for themed programming in the UK. It particularly loved the combination of programming in some really interesting formats, such as exciting new developments like Iron Chef America, combined with old favourites and familiar faces such as Nigella Lawson.

Best Music Channel – Flava
In a market where channels are very heavily influenced by the US music scene, the judges selected Flava for its representation of UK music, and Grime specifically, which is really important to younger British audiences.

Best Themed Channel – The Horror Channel
The Horror Channel won for its great on-air look and feel, its range of British hosts, audience outreach with ‘horror fests’, and other activities allowing its viewers to really enjoy their passion, such as making content for mobile and holding short film competitions.

Best Shopping Channel – QVC
Described as being really positive and very professionally produced, QVC was chosen by the judges for its UK-centric focus and successfully creating a whole brand lifestyle around its shopping programming.

Best Specialist Radio Station – Absolute 80s
Absolute 80s won for doing something new with a very en vogue genre, achieving an “astonishing” reach in a very short period of time. The judges were impressed by its ability to attract a huge amount of interest both from presenters and people that want to be involved in the station – but even more importantly, from listeners.

Judges’ Special Award – ITV1 HD
ITV1 HD was honoured because of the impact it has had across all Freesat homes in the past year. Moving from an initial red button service to a full channel, the judges awarded ITV1 HD for its huge commitment to developing the service into something Freesat viewers really love.

Viewers’ Choice: Freesat Channel of the Year (public vote) – Joint winners:
(TV Channel of the Year) – Ideal World
(Radio Station of the Year) – Planet Rock