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Freeview thread

(November 2003)

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BB
BBC TV Centre
chrisb posted:
RTS posted:
No, I couldn't notice any changes either. Please forgive my ignorance. Whats MHEG?


The MHEG engine runs interactive services (MHEG applications) such as Teletext and BBCi. It's rumoured that there will be a new version (1.06) but this isn't official yet as far as I know and the BBC have said they won't be making anything that doesn't work on the ITV digital boxes.

If the BBC changes MHEG to version 1.06, then what happens to the ITV Digital boxes?

Will they cease to function completely (not receive broadcasts) or will the interactive features just not function?
MS
Mark Smith
BBC TV Centre posted:
chrisb posted:
RTS posted:
No, I couldn't notice any changes either. Please forgive my ignorance. Whats MHEG?


The MHEG engine runs interactive services (MHEG applications) such as Teletext and BBCi. It's rumoured that there will be a new version (1.06) but this isn't official yet as far as I know and the BBC have said they won't be making anything that doesn't work on the ITV digital boxes.

If the BBC changes MHEG to version 1.06, then what happens to the ITV Digital boxes?

Will they cease to function completely (not receive broadcasts) or will the interactive features just not function?

The interactive services that are designed to run only on MHEG5 1.06 won't run, but those prorammed for 1.05 will still work.

Interactive applications using MHEG 1.06 will probably have some code that will make them work, but with more limited functionality, for receivers with the older software.
:-(
A former member
BBC TV Centre posted:
chrisb posted:
RTS posted:
No, I couldn't notice any changes either. Please forgive my ignorance. Whats MHEG?


The MHEG engine runs interactive services (MHEG applications) such as Teletext and BBCi. It's rumoured that there will be a new version (1.06) but this isn't official yet as far as I know and the BBC have said they won't be making anything that doesn't work on the ITV digital boxes.

If the BBC changes MHEG to version 1.06, then what happens to the ITV Digital boxes?

Will they cease to function completely (not receive broadcasts) or will the interactive features just not function?


The boxes will continue to receive programmes, but they will not be able to access interactive services anymore. Anyway, as said, the BBC will not be making any interactive services that won't work on the ITV boxes.

That doesn't stop the manufacturers upgrading their boxes to MHEG 1.06 but there won't be any services that make use of it. However, we may see F2P Games use it.
NG
noggin Founding member
chrisb posted:
The boxes will continue to receive programmes, but they will not be able to access interactive services anymore. Anyway, as said, the BBC will not be making any interactive services that won't work on the ITV boxes.

That doesn't stop the manufacturers upgrading their boxes to MHEG 1.06 but there won't be any services that make use of it. However, we may see F2P Games use it.


Is it not the case the 1.06 has been designed so that code can be backwards compatible to an extent - so that broadcasters don't have to dual broadcast 1.05 and 1.06 applications?

Sadly you are not correct about manufacturers being able to upgrade their receivers - specifically in the case of ex-On/ITV Digital boxes. The receiver manufacturers don't own the software installed on these boxes - this is copyright jointly between Canal+ and whoever owns the remaining bit of ITV Digital that retains the licence. For these boxes to be upgraded requires more than just the manufacturers effort. (I don't think it is possible to completely replace the copyright elements over the air...)
:-(
A former member
noggin posted:

Sadly you are not correct about manufacturers being able to upgrade their receivers - specifically in the case of ex-On/ITV Digital boxes. The receiver manufacturers don't own the software installed on these boxes - this is copyright jointly between Canal+ and whoever owns the remaining bit of ITV Digital that retains the licence. For these boxes to be upgraded requires more than just the manufacturers effort. (I don't think it is possible to completely replace the copyright elements over the air...)

Ooh... I was referring to the new boxes. Sorry if I didn't make that clear!
BB
BBC unTALENT
I have the Samsung box (there's only one type, I believe)... it hasn't ever received an update... has this anything to do with the poor signal I often have? Will it receive one when F2P updates with background music... or does it not need an update? Has anyone else got this box... seems like quite a good one, compared to some of the ones that people have have had problem with.

http://www.btinternet.com/~snowdonssalon/tmp/temp-peter.gif
Last edited by BBC unTALENT on 13 November 2003 11:09am
CW
cwathen Founding member
Ironically since they are the service most able to make use of it, F2P may not get background music - they've just struck that 'music while you play' deal with emap.
:-(
A former member
cwathen posted:
Ironically since they are the service most able to make use of it, F2P may not get background music - they've just struck that 'music while you play' deal with emap.


Well that *is* background music, is it not? The advantage of MHEG 1.06 is that it can play sound effects, not background music which can be done with the current MHEG - as you can see on the BBCi Multiscreens, it can load an audio feed which doesn't register as a channel on the EPG.

I think that the radio channels should broadcast the word 'Radio' in their information carrier (like the BBCi channel has 'More power to your finger') - this would make navigation that little bit easier for those with ITV Digital boxes as these boxes don't have any way of identifying audio channels.
:-(
A former member
Latest News:
Price-drop.tv launches on Freeview!

Rescanning your receiver will now locate 'price-drop.tv' on channel 14. This will signal the completion of the Digital3/4 multiplex when More4 launches next year.
JO
Johnnie
Can i ask a Question?
I am thinking of getting Freeview but i have been told i will need a rooftop aerial.

I am currently staying in Private Housing and wont be allow to put an aerial on the roof

So i was just wondering if anyone here is using Freeview just though a normal aerial with boaster maybe?
:-(
A former member
You can get Freeview with an indoor aerial and booster in strong signal areas. Check your coverage at www.bbc.co.uk/digital
RT
rts Founding member
I don't live in a Freeview area. Basically my post-code doesn't appear on the list of areas covered. But have a good ariel and booster, and get all the channels despite a bit of dodgy signalling here and there. But I have DSat too so that's not a problem pour moi.

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