BBC IPlayer on SKY HD via Ethernet? - Sky+ HD

nickdenker · 18-01-2008, 10:28

Probably an unlikely possibility - but as the BBC have announced they want to get the iPlayer running on Virgin, wouldn't it be nice if Sky got their act together and got the proper on demand service running via the ethernet port and ADSL on HD boxes... then the BBC may do the same for us...?

reece1605 · 18-01-2008, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by nickdenker

Probably an unlikely possibility - but as the BBC have announced they want to get the iPlayer running on Virgin, wouldn't it be nice if Sky got their act together and got the proper on demand service running via the ethernet port and ADSL on HD boxes... then the BBC may do the same for us...?

I would love this addition, especially after having seen how well the BBC iPlayer will be working when put on the Virgin platform (See here for youtube link)

Dont get me wrong, Sky Anytime can be great and deliver some right gems (on the odd occasion) but lets be blatently blunt and honest, its not true On Demand viewing, especially when you consider all the equpiment is there already in our homes (if you have Sky broadband and a Sky + or HD box with ethernet port in the back) to deliver it.

Reece

reece1605 · 14-04-2008, 07:31

Does anyone have any updates on this maybe?

Or specifically the ethernet port?

andybno1 · 14-04-2008, 07:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by reece1605

Does anyone have any updates on this maybe?

Or specifically the ethernet port?

nope I doubt this will appear on sky ..... well at least for the time being anyway

Dave-H · 14-04-2008, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by reece1605

I would love this addition, especially after having seen how well the BBC iPlayer will be working when put on the Virgin platform (See here for youtube link)

This one is amusing too, from the same guy, who must be a number one mark for Virgin Media.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkg4tbcOGCs&NR=1
What a shame he can't spell!
"BBC iPlayer plans to lunch on TV" is my favourite.............

soapboyz2005 · 21-07-2008, 13:36

Any updates as to whether this will be available on Sky? I like the iPlayer but don't really like watching it from my laptop screen.

montehampster · 21-07-2008, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by soapboyz2005

Any updates as to whether this will be available on Sky? I like the iPlayer but don't really like watching it from my laptop screen.

Are you able to connect lap to to your TV and watch that way?

Blake Connolly · 21-07-2008, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by reece1605

Does anyone have any updates on this maybe?

Or specifically the ethernet port?

No updates. The last we heard from Sky is that the new EPG coming this Autumn "lays the groundwork" for VOD through the Ethernet connection, and the last rumours about this VOD were that they were working towards launching in Spring 2009 (but they were just rumours so who knows).

mgroves · 21-07-2008, 15:00

Maybe I'm missing something, and I've only looked at a couple of short bits of programmes, but it's hardly what you would call high definition. Put full screen on my laptop the PQ is pretty poor - typical internet download quality I would say. Fluid enough though, with no data interruptions causing stuttering.

I certainly wouldn't give it time on my 50" plasma..

Assa2 · 21-07-2008, 16:23

I use my Wii to watch iPlayer on my HD TV and the quality is not really good enough at the moment. Once higher speed connections become more widely available and they can up the bit rate, it might be worth it.

kmusgrave · 21-07-2008, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgroves

Maybe I'm missing something, and I've only looked at a couple of short bits of programmes, but it's hardly what you would call high definition. Put full screen on my laptop the PQ is pretty poor - typical internet download quality I would say. Fluid enough though, with no data interruptions causing stuttering.

I certainly wouldn't give it time on my 50" plasma..

I was pleasantly surprised when I watched a couple of programmes from I-player on my 50" plasma - much better than typical "internet quality"

mgroves · 21-07-2008, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmusgrave

I was pleasantly surprised when I watched a couple of programmes from I-player on my 50" plasma - much better than typical "internet quality"

But I would venture to suggest not up to SD broadcast quality and most certainly not HD, so why should Sky bother streaming iplayer via ethernet into an HD box?

sodafountain · 22-07-2008, 07:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgroves

But I would venture to suggest not up to SD broadcast quality and most certainly not HD, so why should Sky bother streaming iplayer via ethernet into an HD box?

Because, presumably, they would do a deal with the BBC, and source the content direct, rather than through the normal internet stream.

I expect it would not be complete on demand, it will probably download x% to the hard drive first, like the internet version does anyway, i believe.

VM have it, and i doubt their quality is lower than SD, maybe someone has seen it, as i haven't?

2Bdecided · 22-07-2008, 12:42

I'd be more interested in getting BBC HD on the iPlayer - and better encoding of interlaced SD content before that. I'm sure it'll come, and it'll come to TVs in the living room via a variety of methods.

Cheers,
David.

pareo · 22-07-2008, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by sodafountain

Because, presumably, they would do a deal with the BBC, and source the content direct, rather than through the normal internet stream.

I expect it would not be complete on demand, it will probably download x% to the hard drive first, like the internet version does anyway, i believe.

VM have it, and i doubt their quality is lower than SD, maybe someone has seen it, as i haven't?

iPlayer content is uploaded by the BBC to Virgin Media servers and streamed via the customers set top box at 4.5 Mbp/s to 6Mb/s bitrate (MPEG-2). Virgin also offers BBC HD On Demand streamed at 22Mb/s bitrate (MPEG-2).

Batch · 22-07-2008, 12:57

Any idea when they are adding iPlayer to the PS3. This looks like the best route onto my main TV for me.

Blake Connolly · 22-07-2008, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Batch

Any idea when they are adding iPlayer to the PS3. This looks like the best route onto my main TV for me.

Point your PS3 browser to http://www.ps3iplayer.com/

nick.king · 22-07-2008, 13:40

To be fair VOD isn't all that......

Sky have HD (which I want)

I have VOD (that you want).

Swap?

Batch · 22-07-2008, 16:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Connolly

Point your PS3 browser to http://www.ps3iplayer.com/

Thanks!

lazygamer · 27-07-2008, 23:45

It would be nice to know what the 'groundwork' is, I think what is making Sky drag their heels on VOD is infrastructure.

Sky VOD would work one of three ways:
1. Downloaded direct from Sky's servers. This would need any broadband connection, and would likely be buffered partially to the hard disk before you can watch. Although that would certainly be 'on demand', it would not have the same instant feel you get from Virgin's VOD.
2. Stream direct from Sky's servers. This would need a fast internet connection and act not unlike a flash player (live buffering). Although instant, I can't see this working as people would tire quickly of the stream stalling.
3. Streamed from Sky equipment in your local exchange. This is a likely route Sky will take, and would explain what's taking so long. Going for the Homechoice/Tiscali TV approach, of equipment in each exchange to handle the VOD would remove many of the issues of simply streaming/downloading from Sky directly. It's also another good reason for Sky to get customers to move to Sky Broadband as you would need a Sky connection to the exchange (and even potentially charge a premium for the service)

Getting Sky+HD installed tomorrow and the old Sky+ moved upstairs, good times

Yanson · 28-07-2008, 16:31

How are 2&3 any different? Live streaming over the same twisted pair. That you need a SkyBB connection? Don't see how that makes an difference if you have the same speed connection from someone else. Having the equipment in the exchange doesn't help assuming the back-hall network has the capacity.

Mayhew132 · 28-07-2008, 23:22

It would probably be like DirecTV's VOD (America's answer to sky)

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global...16749634553054

Captain W · 29-07-2008, 02:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayhew132

It would probably be like DirecTV's VOD (America's answer to sky)

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global...16749634553054

I've just watched their video and reckon it looks quite easy to use - is Virgin's VoD similar in the way it works, or is it different? I've asked on here for people to post screen grabs/shots in the past but haven't managed to get anyone to put them up. Anyone?

damoedge25 · 29-07-2008, 09:46

Just watched the link from DirecTV and i'm impressed. Virgin Media's on Demand is different as this is instant and programs are streamed on the fly. The advantage Virgin have is because it's Fibre/coaxile network connection for each customer the speed is no issue so they can stream stuff real time.

The DirecTV is a download service but I think for Sky this would be brilliant. Potentially Sky could do the BT Vision/Tiscali route but with them having over 8Million customer limiting ondemand customers to people only with Sky BB connection would be silly I think. So if they do it as a download service this allows any ISP to be used. I used to have Sky BB only got an 8Mb connection, I now have O2 and get 14Mb I think Sky may implement this download service once the new EPG hits HD boxes later in the year.

thedrifter · 29-07-2008, 18:12

would be a great service.

be great to watch tv shows that we missed,catch up last 30 days or so

i for one would love sky to add this feature,but im not sure if they would add it to sky+ or will it be only sky hd+ boxes.

i know the new sky hd+ epg is great you can search for title,actor,any movies on planner that is comming on soon

it gives you 4 weeks of epg not 7 days like sky+

they could easy add this to new sky hd+ boxes.

lets hope and see what they do in 2009,that is the date they will add video on demand service.

18-01-2008, 10:28	#1
nickdenker Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: South Staffordshire Services: Sky HD, Freeview, ENTANET ADSL, Sony GXD500 DVB DVD, JVC 32" LCD Freeview Posts: 48	BBC IPlayer on SKY HD via Ethernet? Probably an unlikely possibility - but as the BBC have announced they want to get the iPlayer running on Virgin, wouldn't it be nice if Sky got their act together and got the proper on demand service running via the ethernet port and ADSL on HD boxes... then the BBC may do the same for us...?

14-04-2008, 07:31	#3
reece1605 Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Middlesex Services: SKY HD multiroom, O2 Broadband, Vista, Leopard OSx, iPhone 3G Posts: 139	Does anyone have any updates on this maybe? Or specifically the ethernet port?

21-07-2008, 13:36	#6
soapboyz2005 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Greenwich Services: Soaps Galore Posts: 4,664 Blog Entries: 20	Any updates as to whether this will be available on Sky? I like the iPlayer but don't really like watching it from my laptop screen.

21-07-2008, 15:00	#9
mgroves Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Aberdeen, UK Services: Sky HD - Netgear EVA9150 - Pipex Business Pro. Posts: 308	Maybe I'm missing something, and I've only looked at a couple of short bits of programmes, but it's hardly what you would call high definition. Put full screen on my laptop the PQ is pretty poor - typical internet download quality I would say. Fluid enough though, with no data interruptions causing stuttering. I certainly wouldn't give it time on my 50" plasma..

21-07-2008, 16:23	#10
Assa2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Solihull Services: Sky+HD, Sky+, O2 20mbps Posts: 2,553	I use my Wii to watch iPlayer on my HD TV and the quality is not really good enough at the moment. Once higher speed connections become more widely available and they can up the bit rate, it might be worth it.

22-07-2008, 12:42	#14
2Bdecided Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Yorkshire Services: Freesat+, Plusnet Posts: 1,918	I'd be more interested in getting BBC HD on the iPlayer - and better encoding of interlaced SD content before that. I'm sure it'll come, and it'll come to TVs in the living room via a variety of methods. Cheers, David.

22-07-2008, 12:57	#16
Batch Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Swindon Posts: 1,225	Any idea when they are adding iPlayer to the PS3. This looks like the best route onto my main TV for me.

22-07-2008, 13:40	#18
nick.king Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yorkshire Services: Toshiba 42WLT66, 47Z3030DB, HD-E1 DVD, 2x V+ HD Box, Sky HD, XBOX360, PS3. Posts: 2,015	To be fair VOD isn't all that...... Sky have HD (which I want) I have VOD (that you want). Swap?

27-07-2008, 23:45	#20
lazygamer Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Leeds Services: Sky+HD, Sky+Multiroom,32LG3000, Sky BB Max (~11Mb), 360, Wii, PS3, Sink Posts: 30	It would be nice to know what the 'groundwork' is, I think what is making Sky drag their heels on VOD is infrastructure. Sky VOD would work one of three ways: 1. Downloaded direct from Sky's servers. This would need any broadband connection, and would likely be buffered partially to the hard disk before you can watch. Although that would certainly be 'on demand', it would not have the same instant feel you get from Virgin's VOD. 2. Stream direct from Sky's servers. This would need a fast internet connection and act not unlike a flash player (live buffering). Although instant, I can't see this working as people would tire quickly of the stream stalling. 3. Streamed from Sky equipment in your local exchange. This is a likely route Sky will take, and would explain what's taking so long. Going for the Homechoice/Tiscali TV approach, of equipment in each exchange to handle the VOD would remove many of the issues of simply streaming/downloading from Sky directly. It's also another good reason for Sky to get customers to move to Sky Broadband as you would need a Sky connection to the exchange (and even potentially charge a premium for the service) Getting Sky+HD installed tomorrow and the old Sky+ moved upstairs, good times

28-07-2008, 16:31	#21
Yanson Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 216	How are 2&3 any different? Live streaming over the same twisted pair. That you need a SkyBB connection? Don't see how that makes an difference if you have the same speed connection from someone else. Having the equipment in the exchange doesn't help assuming the back-hall network has the capacity.

28-07-2008, 23:22	#22
Mayhew132 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Swalecliffe Services: Sky+ HD Samsung, Sky World, Opal Business Broadband, DirecTV Posts: 62	It would probably be like DirecTV's VOD (America's answer to sky) http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global...16749634553054

29-07-2008, 09:46	#24
damoedge25 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Miles Platting, Manchester, UK Services: SkyHD, 6 Mixes, O2 16MB BB Posts: 231	Just watched the link from DirecTV and i'm impressed. Virgin Media's on Demand is different as this is instant and programs are streamed on the fly. The advantage Virgin have is because it's Fibre/coaxile network connection for each customer the speed is no issue so they can stream stuff real time. The DirecTV is a download service but I think for Sky this would be brilliant. Potentially Sky could do the BT Vision/Tiscali route but with them having over 8Million customer limiting ondemand customers to people only with Sky BB connection would be silly I think. So if they do it as a download service this allows any ISP to be used. I used to have Sky BB only got an 8Mb connection, I now have O2 and get 14Mb I think Sky may implement this download service once the new EPG hits HD boxes later in the year.

29-07-2008, 18:12	#25
thedrifter Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Services: usa directv service though internet Posts: 416	would be a great service. be great to watch tv shows that we missed,catch up last 30 days or so i for one would love sky to add this feature,but im not sure if they would add it to sky+ or will it be only sky hd+ boxes. i know the new sky hd+ epg is great you can search for title,actor,any movies on planner that is comming on soon it gives you 4 weeks of epg not 7 days like sky+ they could easy add this to new sky hd+ boxes. lets hope and see what they do in 2009,that is the date they will add video on demand service.