WD TV Live SMP - iPlayer useless

castalla · 23-05-2012, 11:26

The WD TV plus iPlayer combo is flawed .... all programmes are cut off before the stream ends.

I know this is the same as Tivo .....

It really needs to be be fixed - by whom, I don't care, just FIX IT!

linea · 23-05-2012, 13:07

You've posted about this issue before and keep blaming the SMP. The BBC iPlayer app is a pass-through service which means, like Youtube's leanback app, the iPlayer app is little more than a glorified link which loads a version of iPlayer directly from the BBC.
If content is being cut off by a minute, then it's the BBC at fault not WD. Virgin Tivo users were having the exact same problem as the WD SMP and Hub use the same version of iPlayer as Tivo.
The issue was fixed nearly two months ago, if you're still having problems then update your firmware and post your issue on the iPlayer forum.

castalla · 23-05-2012, 13:15

When I update from 1.06 then there's no iPlayer listed - so what now?

linea · 23-05-2012, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

When I update from 1.06 then there's no iPlayer listed - so what now?

What are you updating to? I'm on 1.08.17 and it works flawlessly.

drabble · 23-05-2012, 14:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

When I update from 1.06 then there's no iPlayer listed - so what now?

Are you in the UK?

Quote:

Originally Posted by linea

What are you updating to? I'm on 1.08.17 and it works flawlessly.

Firmware versions above 1.06.04 use geolocation, so no UK IP address no iPlayer and Netflix UK apps.

castalla · 23-05-2012, 17:18

I give up on this unfriendly device. Geolocking is user unfriendly - if I'd known the box was that crippled, I would never have bought it.

rottweiler · 23-05-2012, 17:18

Both working on my Wd

linea · 23-05-2012, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

I give up on this unfriendly device. Geolocking is user unfriendly - if I'd known the box was that crippled, I would never have bought it.

You repeatedly criticise the WD, yet despite people asking you questions in an attempt to help, you just choose not to answer.
If your the same "castalla" who has posted on the WD community forums, you posted the same critisms and again chose not to respond to questions which would have helped others assist you, specifically ones asking where you purchased the unit or where you're located.

And as for geolocking, I hate it too, though it's the app/service providers which insist on it, not the hardware manufacturers.

If you really dislike the WDTV then just stick it up on ebay or amazon marketplace, used units still in the original box sell for about £60.

castalla · 23-05-2012, 18:02

I'm currently outside the UK - so when I take it to the UK will the WD automatically discover the iPlayer app? Or will I have to engage in firmware downgrades and upgrades?

I don't have a PayPal account so I can't easily sell it on eBay.

drabble · 23-05-2012, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

I'm currently outside the UK - so when I take it to the UK will the WD automatically discover the iPlayer app? Or will I have to engage in firmware downgrades and upgrades?

Downgrade to 1.06.04 if you want iPlayer back now.

With the geolocation firmware if iPlayer and Netfilx UK doesn't automatically comeback when connected using a UK IP then perform a factory reset and they should comeback, same procedure if you are in the US and want Netflix US, Hulu and so on.

linea · 23-05-2012, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

I'm currently outside the UK - so when I take it to the UK will the WD automatically discover the iPlayer app? Or will I have to engage in firmware downgrades and upgrades?

I don't have a PayPal account so I can't easily sell it on eBay.

Ok, when you're next in the UK update to the latest firmware and iPlayer will be good to go. The geolocation check only occurs during the firmware update, so if you update it in the UK it will be geolocked to the UK wherever you use it in the world, but remember when you're overseas don't update the firmware.

Chocdoc · 23-05-2012, 22:56

So using Unblock US wont get around this?

castalla · 23-05-2012, 23:04

As far as I can see, the usual vpn/dns workarounds don't work.

linea · 24-05-2012, 13:26

This is just a thought, but could you not bypass the WD geolocation check by connecting the WD to a PC via a bridged ethernet connection and then setup the PC with a UK or US proxy?
From what I understand the WD uses a simple http post command to get its geolocation, if you can bridge the WD via a PC setup with a proxy you could in theory spoof the WD into thinking you are in whatever geolocation you choose.
The geolocation check only occurs during the firmware update so you would only have to do this while performing an update.

I know Xbox and PS3 users use this method to download games on Xbox live and the Playstaion network that are geolocked and only available to specific regions.

castalla · 24-05-2012, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by linea

This is just a thought, but could you not bypass the WD geolocation check by connecting the WD to a PC via a bridged ethernet connection and then setup the PC with a UK or US proxy?
From what I understand the WD uses a simple http post command to get its geolocation, if you can bridge the WD via a PC setup with a proxy you could in theory spoof the WD into thinking you are in whatever geolocation you choose.
The geolocation check only occurs during the firmware update so you would only have to do this while performing an update.

I know Xbox and PS3 users use this method to download games on Xbox live and the Playstaion network that are geolocked and only available to specific regions.

I tried something similar using connectify-me ... got the wd tv to connect to the pc running connectify and a vpn. Still reverts to vanilla firmware when updated.

Maybe I'm doing something wrong ....?

I need idiot-proof instructions, I'm afraid!

Many thanks for the advice.

castalla · 24-05-2012, 18:10

Okay .... here's an update.

Somehow, someway using Connectify I seem to have loaded the latest firmware AND iPlayer!!!!

However, the iPlayer is still listed as version 1.0.49 .... and programmes still crash out before the end.

In fact, I have my doubts that the firmware is actually 1.08.17 even 'tho that's what it says in the Update Settings.

How can I be sure? And what version iPlayer do others have?

linea · 24-05-2012, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

Okay .... here's an update.

Somehow, someway using Connectify I seem to have loaded the latest firmware AND iPlayer!!!!

However, the iPlayer is still listed as version 1.0.49 .... and programmes still crash out before the end.

In fact, I have my doubts that the firmware is actually 1.08.17 even 'tho that's what it says in the Update Settings.

How can I be sure? And what version iPlayer do others have?

First of all, great news that you're up to date with the latest firmware, at least you know you can bypass the geolocation check now. If it say's 1.08.17, then that's what it is.

As for iPlayer mine is version 1.0.49 and I'm not having any problems with it. If you can tell me the name of a specific program which you know cuts off the end, then I'll watch it too and post back if I get the same issue.

suedehead · 24-05-2012, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by linea

First of all, great news that you're up to date with the latest firmware, at least you know you can bypass the geolocation check now. If it say's 1.08.17, then that's what it is.

As for iPlayer mine is version 1.0.49 and I'm not having any problems with it. If you can tell me the name of a specific program which you know cuts off the end, then I'll watch it too and post back if I get the same issue.

I am on the latest software version 1.08.17 and I have the same problem with iplayer. Also when playing iplayer in HD the image is cropped - you can see this by the BBC logo in the top left hand side of the screen being half missing. The early cut off is only a problem however when you get a program with short credits.

castalla · 24-05-2012, 22:25

Ah ... okay. So, the problem hasn't really been fixed despite what some others have said ....

In a strange way that mollifies me somewhat - at least we are all in the same boat!

A good test programme is Points of View - it's only 15 mins. and cuts off at about 14:30 min.

I've tested the same on the Roku iPlayer - plays fine including the credits (as do all the other programmes).

The slightly cut-off picture seems to be common in most of the players - it's there on my sat-box player too.

Thanks for the patience you all showed me despite my grumpiness!

When the WD forum comes back I reckon we should all complain like heck to get this fixed!

PS: I'm willing to give advice on the Connectify method, but it was all a bit hit and miss, so I can only give some general hints.

linea · 24-05-2012, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by suedehead

Also when playing iplayer in HD the image is cropped - you can see this by the BBC logo in the top left hand side of the screen being half missing.

That sounds like an overscan issue with your TV. Try going into your TV's settings and making sure the option for overscan or screen fit is set to "Off".

castalla · 24-05-2012, 22:56

A supplementary question:

Does the Proxy setting on the SMP work?

If so, then maybe there's another way to work round the firmware business ....

linea · 24-05-2012, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by castalla

Ah ... okay. So, the problem hasn't really been fixed despite what some others have said ....

In a strange way that mollifies me somewhat - at least we are all in the same boat!

A good test programme is Points of View - it's only 15 mins. and cuts off at about 14:30 min.

I've tested the same on the Roku iPlayer - plays fine including the credits (as do all the other programmes).

Please read my earlier post. This is not the fault of WD!, the blame is 100% with the BBC iPlayer team. All the iPlayer app does on the WD is link to a remote HTML5 page on the BBC's servers (the exact same page used on Virgin Tivo). This means the BBC have complete control over how iPlayer is displayed on the WDTV and what streams go through it, it also enables them to update the iPlayer version without relying on manufacturers to supply firmware updates.
There is absolutely no point comparing iPlayer programs on the Roku as it uses an entirely different version of iPlayer.

As I said before, if you are having issues with iPlayer go to the iPlayer forums and post a bug report.

castalla · 24-05-2012, 23:26

Oh okay .... but couldn't WD choose a different iPlayer implementation?

It looks similar to my Freesat box iPlayer, but which doesn't have these issues.

I'll hunt out the iPlayer forum and make a pest of myself there!

castalla · 24-05-2012, 23:53

@linea

You wrote - go to the iPlayer forums and post a bug report

Err .... which forums would that be? I can't find any specific iPlayer forum - seems the Beeb shut down their dedicated forum! Is there no way to lodge a bug report anywhere?

linea · 25-05-2012, 01:16

You're quite right, the BBC in their infinite wisdom have shut down the iPlayer forum.
They do have an iPlayer help site here: http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.u..._latest_issues

and the contact page is here: https://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co....orms/emailPage
You can send issue reports from there.

23-05-2012, 11:26	#1
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	WD TV Live SMP - iPlayer useless The WD TV plus iPlayer combo is flawed .... all programmes are cut off before the stream ends. I know this is the same as Tivo ..... It really needs to be be fixed - by whom, I don't care, just FIX IT!

23-05-2012, 13:07	#2
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	You've posted about this issue before and keep blaming the SMP. The BBC iPlayer app is a pass-through service which means, like Youtube's leanback app, the iPlayer app is little more than a glorified link which loads a version of iPlayer directly from the BBC. If content is being cut off by a minute, then it's the BBC at fault not WD. Virgin Tivo users were having the exact same problem as the WD SMP and Hub use the same version of iPlayer as Tivo. The issue was fixed nearly two months ago, if you're still having problems then update your firmware and post your issue on the iPlayer forum.

23-05-2012, 13:15	#3
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	When I update from 1.06 then there's no iPlayer listed - so what now?

23-05-2012, 14:05	#4
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla When I update from 1.06 then there's no iPlayer listed - so what now? What are you updating to? I'm on 1.08.17 and it works flawlessly.

23-05-2012, 14:41	#5
drabble Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 613	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla When I update from 1.06 then there's no iPlayer listed - so what now? Are you in the UK? Quote: Originally Posted by linea What are you updating to? I'm on 1.08.17 and it works flawlessly. Firmware versions above 1.06.04 use geolocation, so no UK IP address no iPlayer and Netflix UK apps.

23-05-2012, 17:18	#6
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	I give up on this unfriendly device. Geolocking is user unfriendly - if I'd known the box was that crippled, I would never have bought it.

23-05-2012, 17:18	#7
rottweiler Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: England Posts: 2,523	Both working on my Wd

23-05-2012, 17:50	#8
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla I give up on this unfriendly device. Geolocking is user unfriendly - if I'd known the box was that crippled, I would never have bought it. You repeatedly criticise the WD, yet despite people asking you questions in an attempt to help, you just choose not to answer. If your the same "castalla" who has posted on the WD community forums, you posted the same critisms and again chose not to respond to questions which would have helped others assist you, specifically ones asking where you purchased the unit or where you're located. And as for geolocking, I hate it too, though it's the app/service providers which insist on it, not the hardware manufacturers. If you really dislike the WDTV then just stick it up on ebay or amazon marketplace, used units still in the original box sell for about £60.

23-05-2012, 18:02	#9
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	I'm currently outside the UK - so when I take it to the UK will the WD automatically discover the iPlayer app? Or will I have to engage in firmware downgrades and upgrades? I don't have a PayPal account so I can't easily sell it on eBay.

23-05-2012, 18:29	#10
drabble Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 613	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla I'm currently outside the UK - so when I take it to the UK will the WD automatically discover the iPlayer app? Or will I have to engage in firmware downgrades and upgrades? Downgrade to 1.06.04 if you want iPlayer back now. With the geolocation firmware if iPlayer and Netfilx UK doesn't automatically comeback when connected using a UK IP then perform a factory reset and they should comeback, same procedure if you are in the US and want Netflix US, Hulu and so on.

23-05-2012, 18:30	#11
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla I'm currently outside the UK - so when I take it to the UK will the WD automatically discover the iPlayer app? Or will I have to engage in firmware downgrades and upgrades? I don't have a PayPal account so I can't easily sell it on eBay. Ok, when you're next in the UK update to the latest firmware and iPlayer will be good to go. The geolocation check only occurs during the firmware update, so if you update it in the UK it will be geolocked to the UK wherever you use it in the world, but remember when you're overseas don't update the firmware.

23-05-2012, 22:56	#12
Chocdoc Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 3,480	So using Unblock US wont get around this?

23-05-2012, 23:04	#13
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	As far as I can see, the usual vpn/dns workarounds don't work.

24-05-2012, 13:26	#14
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	This is just a thought, but could you not bypass the WD geolocation check by connecting the WD to a PC via a bridged ethernet connection and then setup the PC with a UK or US proxy? From what I understand the WD uses a simple http post command to get its geolocation, if you can bridge the WD via a PC setup with a proxy you could in theory spoof the WD into thinking you are in whatever geolocation you choose. The geolocation check only occurs during the firmware update so you would only have to do this while performing an update. I know Xbox and PS3 users use this method to download games on Xbox live and the Playstaion network that are geolocked and only available to specific regions.

24-05-2012, 13:33	#15
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	Quote: Originally Posted by linea This is just a thought, but could you not bypass the WD geolocation check by connecting the WD to a PC via a bridged ethernet connection and then setup the PC with a UK or US proxy? From what I understand the WD uses a simple http post command to get its geolocation, if you can bridge the WD via a PC setup with a proxy you could in theory spoof the WD into thinking you are in whatever geolocation you choose. The geolocation check only occurs during the firmware update so you would only have to do this while performing an update. I know Xbox and PS3 users use this method to download games on Xbox live and the Playstaion network that are geolocked and only available to specific regions. I tried something similar using connectify-me ... got the wd tv to connect to the pc running connectify and a vpn. Still reverts to vanilla firmware when updated. Maybe I'm doing something wrong ....? I need idiot-proof instructions, I'm afraid! Many thanks for the advice.

24-05-2012, 18:10	#16
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	Okay .... here's an update. Somehow, someway using Connectify I seem to have loaded the latest firmware AND iPlayer!!!! However, the iPlayer is still listed as version 1.0.49 .... and programmes still crash out before the end. In fact, I have my doubts that the firmware is actually 1.08.17 even 'tho that's what it says in the Update Settings. How can I be sure? And what version iPlayer do others have?

24-05-2012, 20:04	#17
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla Okay .... here's an update. Somehow, someway using Connectify I seem to have loaded the latest firmware AND iPlayer!!!! However, the iPlayer is still listed as version 1.0.49 .... and programmes still crash out before the end. In fact, I have my doubts that the firmware is actually 1.08.17 even 'tho that's what it says in the Update Settings. How can I be sure? And what version iPlayer do others have? First of all, great news that you're up to date with the latest firmware, at least you know you can bypass the geolocation check now. If it say's 1.08.17, then that's what it is. As for iPlayer mine is version 1.0.49 and I'm not having any problems with it. If you can tell me the name of a specific program which you know cuts off the end, then I'll watch it too and post back if I get the same issue.

24-05-2012, 20:10	#18
suedehead Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 83	Quote: Originally Posted by linea First of all, great news that you're up to date with the latest firmware, at least you know you can bypass the geolocation check now. If it say's 1.08.17, then that's what it is. As for iPlayer mine is version 1.0.49 and I'm not having any problems with it. If you can tell me the name of a specific program which you know cuts off the end, then I'll watch it too and post back if I get the same issue. I am on the latest software version 1.08.17 and I have the same problem with iplayer. Also when playing iplayer in HD the image is cropped - you can see this by the BBC logo in the top left hand side of the screen being half missing. The early cut off is only a problem however when you get a program with short credits.

24-05-2012, 22:25	#19
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	Ah ... okay. So, the problem hasn't really been fixed despite what some others have said .... In a strange way that mollifies me somewhat - at least we are all in the same boat! A good test programme is Points of View - it's only 15 mins. and cuts off at about 14:30 min. I've tested the same on the Roku iPlayer - plays fine including the credits (as do all the other programmes). The slightly cut-off picture seems to be common in most of the players - it's there on my sat-box player too. Thanks for the patience you all showed me despite my grumpiness! When the WD forum comes back I reckon we should all complain like heck to get this fixed! PS: I'm willing to give advice on the Connectify method, but it was all a bit hit and miss, so I can only give some general hints.

24-05-2012, 22:33	#20
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	Quote: Originally Posted by suedehead Also when playing iplayer in HD the image is cropped - you can see this by the BBC logo in the top left hand side of the screen being half missing. That sounds like an overscan issue with your TV. Try going into your TV's settings and making sure the option for overscan or screen fit is set to "Off".

24-05-2012, 22:56	#21
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	A supplementary question: Does the Proxy setting on the SMP work? If so, then maybe there's another way to work round the firmware business ....

DS Forums

WD TV Live SMP - iPlayer useless

24-05-2012, 23:14	#22
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	Quote: Originally Posted by castalla Ah ... okay. So, the problem hasn't really been fixed despite what some others have said .... In a strange way that mollifies me somewhat - at least we are all in the same boat! A good test programme is Points of View - it's only 15 mins. and cuts off at about 14:30 min. I've tested the same on the Roku iPlayer - plays fine including the credits (as do all the other programmes). Please read my earlier post. This is not the fault of WD!, the blame is 100% with the BBC iPlayer team. All the iPlayer app does on the WD is link to a remote HTML5 page on the BBC's servers (the exact same page used on Virgin Tivo). This means the BBC have complete control over how iPlayer is displayed on the WDTV and what streams go through it, it also enables them to update the iPlayer version without relying on manufacturers to supply firmware updates. There is absolutely no point comparing iPlayer programs on the Roku as it uses an entirely different version of iPlayer. As I said before, if you are having issues with iPlayer go to the iPlayer forums and post a bug report.

24-05-2012, 23:26	#23
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	Oh okay .... but couldn't WD choose a different iPlayer implementation? It looks similar to my Freesat box iPlayer, but which doesn't have these issues. I'll hunt out the iPlayer forum and make a pest of myself there!

24-05-2012, 23:53	#24
castalla Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 35	@linea You wrote - go to the iPlayer forums and post a bug report Err .... which forums would that be? I can't find any specific iPlayer forum - seems the Beeb shut down their dedicated forum! Is there no way to lodge a bug report anywhere?

25-05-2012, 01:16	#25
linea Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 499	You're quite right, the BBC in their infinite wisdom have shut down the iPlayer forum. They do have an iPlayer help site here: http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.u..._latest_issues and the contact page is here: https://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co....orms/emailPage You can send issue reports from there.