Hasta La Gadget!

Brits can’t really complain about Freeview TV since it comes at no recurring charge, but it doesn’t stop them tiring of the channel selection. Those who also aren’t interested in signing on the dotted line with the likes of Virgin, Sky or YouView now have another way to perhaps cure their programming apathy with VuTV. Launched today, the new service adds 13 channels to compatible Freeview-equipped TVs or set-top boxes for a fee of £7 per month (no extended commitment necessary). VuTV manages to add these new channels via a selection screen hosted within a single Freeview channel, Inception-style. While it sounds like a fair deal, we’re far from convinced it’s worth the money, unless you’re into MTV-made reality shows or have a house full of children to keep entertained. Then again, Comedy Central is a good pick-up on VuTV’s part, and you can always take the two-week trial before throwing down any cash. Full channel list after the break.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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CNET

Source: VuTV (Twitter), VuTV (website)

If Freeview is down on your Sony device in the UK, don’t worry: you’re not alone. Sony has tweeted that the service isn’t working on many of its DVD recorders, like the RDR-HXD870, following a recent firmware update. The company said that “it appears something has change(d) in the way these devices are receiving EPG data from (Freeview operator) Arqiva,” adding that some Pioneer DVD players are also affected. It’s still trying to get to the bottom of the issue, but pointed to several temporary fixes on its community forums that might tide you over (check the More Coverage link). If that doesn’t do it, you’ll have to wait for new firmware or get your TV fix elsewhere.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Sony

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Via: CNET, BBC

Source: Sony (Twitter)

Isn’t it better when we work together? British carriers think so. EE, O2, Three and Vodafone have officially created a non-exclusive joint venture, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited, that should speed up the deployment of 800MHz LTE by keeping Freeview over-the-air TV signals clear of interference while the partners bring their low-frequency 4G online. Previously, the networks were bound to form an equivalent company called MitCo that wouldn’t have been active until after the 800MHz auction, preventing companies from getting their wireless houses in order until they’d already made a commitment. There’s also a competitive angle involved to go with the cooperative work, as you might imagine: with EE’s 1,800MHz LTE poised to go live on October 30th, choosing infighting over assistance would only help widen the frontrunner’s lead. Whether DMSL represents altruism or pragmatism, we’ll appreciate knowing that the hurdles to a catch-up in UK 4G will be more those of the technical reality than the usual political maneuvering.

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile

UK carriers form alliance to speed up 800MHz LTE rollout, let us enjoy our Freeview TV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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