New Linear channels questions

wwwebber · 20-06-2012, 17:17

Hi, not sure if anyone will know here but here goes :-

So BTV / Youview is to get various linear streamed sd / hd channels in the very near future. I assume that you'll be able to record these channels too just like you can with the Freeview channels.

The question I have is - can you record one linear channel whilst watching another ?. I guess for those with decent BB speeds this should be possible. But what about recording a HD linear channel & watching another HD linear channel ??. Wont this require some very meaty BB speeds ?. I have a 80meg line so it can handle anything thrown at it but what will happen to those people who dont have enough speed ?.

Just wondering how BT will approach this as it seems there may be limitations for some or maybe all of use when it comes to what we can do with the sd / hd linear channels. Maybe it's restricted to one linear stream at a time which does bring limitations.

jamcambs · 20-06-2012, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwwebber

Hi, not sure if anyone will know here but here goes :-

So BTV / Youview is to get various linear streamed sd / hd channels in the very near future. I assume that you'll be able to record these channels too just like you can with the Freeview channels.

The question I have is - can you record one linear channel whilst watching another ?. I guess for those with decent BB speeds this should be possible. But what about recording a HD linear channel & watching another HD linear channel ??. Wont this require some very meaty BB speeds ?. I have a 80meg line so it can handle anything thrown at it but what will happen to those people who dont have enough speed ?.

Just wondering how BT will approach this as it seems there may be limitations for some or maybe all of use when it comes to what we can do with the sd / hd linear channels. Maybe it's restricted to one linear stream at a time which does bring limitations.

As far as I know BBC IPlayer HD is around 3.5MB, while full HD which even Sky dont offer is 25MB.

It has been said you can record the linear channels.

wwwebber · 20-06-2012, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamcambs

It has been said you can record the linear channels.

I know but what about recording 2 linear channels? or recording one whilst watching another?

jamcambs · 20-06-2012, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwwebber

I know but what about recording 2 linear channels? or recording one whilst watching another?

I would assume this would be possible. Depends what speed your Broadband is.

derek500 · 28-06-2012, 16:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwwebber

So BTV / Youview is to get various linear streamed sd / hd channels in the very near future.

Not in the very near future.

Quote:

Live TV will initially only be available from existing Freeview channels over DTT before phase two allows content providers to stream linear channels via IPTV.

The decision means pay-TV broadcasters and niche content providers will be limited to offering consumers VoD in the short term.

One executive involved with the service said live streaming would prove vital in driving uptake. “Having a selection of live channels will dramatically improve the chances of selling the service,” he said. “People understand linear TV more readily than VoD.”

No date has been set for rolling out linear streaming capability, but BT is likely to be keen to launch it before next August to enable it to distribute its forthcoming Premier League channel via YouView.

http://www.screendaily.com/news/uk-i...&contentID=417

1andrew1 · 28-06-2012, 17:34

I think BT Vision will have this facility by the end of the year as BT has signed contracts with UKTV and FX amongst others. BT's new HD box will be manufactured by Pace and be a hybrid YouView/BT Vision box. However, other regular YouView boxes will not have this functionality for some time but I don't recall reading it was ever intended that they would.

k1tsun3 · 09-07-2012, 18:37

Do you think they will offer the box upgrade if you're in the middle of a contract? I'm trying to decide whether to add BT Vision to my package or go for Sky, but I like the changes coming up for BT Vision. I just don't want to get it too soon and then not have the newest box with YouView.

jamcambs · 09-07-2012, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by k1tsun3

Do you think they will offer the box upgrade if you're in the middle of a contract? I'm trying to decide whether to add BT Vision to my package or go for Sky, but I like the changes coming up for BT Vision. I just don't want to get it too soon and then not have the newest box with YouView.

Why not wait until BT launch their youview box and service?

k1tsun3 · 09-07-2012, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamcambs

Why not wait until BT launch their youview box and service?

No exact date yet. I'm happy to wait if it's going to be available by the end of Aug, but I'm looking to get it by then so I can have sky sports for the new EPL season.

jamcambs · 09-07-2012, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by k1tsun3

No exact date yet. I'm happy to wait if it's going to be available by the end of Aug, but I'm looking to get it by then so I can have sky sports for the new EPL season.

Ok so you got a few weeks to wait then.

1andrew1 · 09-07-2012, 23:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamcambs

Ok so you got a few weeks to wait then.

The BT AGM is 11am this Wed 11th. I would expect an update on BTVision then, maybe even earlier.

SimonBlackham · 10-07-2012, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by wwwebber

I know but what about recording 2 linear channels? or recording one whilst watching another?

If the linear channels are 7-day catchup VOD too then why record?

intercept · 10-07-2012, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonBlackham

If the linear channels are 7-day catchup VOD too then why record?

You're confusing two concepts here - if its a linear channel then it can't be VOD! You could have +7 day channel(s), but VOD is far more efficient for catchup.

Given that the STB already has the internal capacity to record 2 video streams to disk whilst playing back another from disk then the only additional bottleneck for linear channels is broadband throughput. If your broadband is good enough then there is no reason why the same "record 2 channels whilst playing a recording" facility can't be done.

joshua_welby · 10-07-2012, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek500

Not in the very near future.

http://www.screendaily.com/news/uk-i...&contentID=417

If you are not a Subscriber to Screen Daily then you need to use Google to open it up

jamcambs · 10-07-2012, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by derek500

Not in the very near future.

http://www.screendaily.com/news/uk-i...&contentID=417

Incorrect linear channels are launching in the next few months on BTVision

k1tsun3 · 10-07-2012, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

The BT AGM is 11am this Wed 11th. I would expect an update on BTVision then, maybe even earlier.

That would be nice. I went to the Talktalk website to check out the info they had for their version, and they are saying their's will be available from the 26th July, but no pricing yet.

I just want BT to release the package info with prices so I can make a decision. I just don't like the waiting game. I have signed up for info, so hopefully I'll get an email soon.

SimonBlackham · 10-07-2012, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by intercept

You're confusing two concepts here - if its a linear channel then it can't be VOD!
:

No I am not - BBC1 is a linear channel - a BBC1 programme on iPlayer is VOD.

Linear channels are just streamed VOD with a publication time before which you cannot watch.

wwwebber · 11-07-2012, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

The BT AGM is 11am this Wed 11th. I would expect an update on BTVision then, maybe even earlier.

Well the AGM has been and gone. Anyone see any news or has it been a damp squid?

1andrew1 · 11-07-2012, 16:38

http://football.uk.reuters.com/footb...248033923B.php

Not much we don't know in today's Reuters report and does not mention linear channels or YouView.
* BT Vision now has more than 700,000 customers.
* Open to wholesaling BT Sports basis to other platforms.
* Would also consider small deals to buy more content. "Having these matches gives us a lot of options. A lot of people have been on the phone that we were not hearing from before." - Marc Watson, head of BT Vision. But no aspirations to become another SkySports.
* Watson said the offer of more exclusive sports content would help BT compete with BSkyB and cable operator Virgin Media in the sale of triple play.
* He also said it could stimulate roll-out of BT Infinity.

betsvigi9 · 12-07-2012, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by k1tsun3

No exact date yet. I'm happy to wait if it's going to be available by the end of Aug, but I'm looking to get it by then so I can have sky sports for the new EPL season.

Do they mean August this year or August next year? BT Vision don't start broadcasting EPL games until 2013 and so I wonder if it means next year. Would be surprised if it means the end of August 2012, but hope I'm wrong.

jamcambs · 12-07-2012, 17:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by betsvigi9

Do they mean August this year or August next year? BT Vision don't start broadcasting EPL games until 2013 and so I wonder if it means next year. Would be surprised if it means the end of August 2012, but hope I'm wrong.

I would imagine this year, as thats when the linear channels are due to launch

scotty2808 · 12-07-2012, 21:17

BT have said that Linear TV will start in the autumn and I think it will launch to those with Infinity first.

The rest of us - I can see there being some compromise. The logical thing to do would be for the Vision client to determine how many channels it can/can not stream at one time.

Looking at bandwidth reqs - Vision VOD was known to be at 1.4mb and the picture quality was reasonable.

From memory (so prepared to be pulled up if wrong) Sky Player runs at around 1.6-1.8mb and it produces ok results.

I'd speculate that double that would produce Freeview like SD quality.

jamcambs · 13-07-2012, 05:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty2808

BT have said that Linear TV will start in the autumn and I think it will launch to those with Infinity first.

The rest of us - I can see there being some compromise. The logical thing to do would be for the Vision client to determine how many channels it can/can not stream at one time.

Looking at bandwidth reqs - Vision VOD was known to be at 1.4mb and the picture quality was reasonable.

From memory (so prepared to be pulled up if wrong) Sky Player runs at around 1.6-1.8mb and it produces ok results.

I'd speculate that double that would produce Freeview like SD quality.

There is no reason why linear channels cannot launch to everyone, after all if you can watch ondemand content then its no different to linear channels. I believe current VOD is about 2-2.5MB. BBC iPlayer currently offers HD at around 3.5MB.

mfr · 15-07-2012, 09:26

Surely the new software incorporates better compression? To save on my bandwidth allowance I watch Netflix on the lowest quality setting (0.3 GB/h) and it's perfectly watchable.

Jono · 15-07-2012, 13:10

The linear channels will only be a available to people with Infinity because multicast is only been used on fibre products.

20-06-2012, 17:17	#1
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	New Linear channels questions Hi, not sure if anyone will know here but here goes :- So BTV / Youview is to get various linear streamed sd / hd channels in the very near future. I assume that you'll be able to record these channels too just like you can with the Freeview channels. The question I have is - can you record one linear channel whilst watching another ?. I guess for those with decent BB speeds this should be possible. But what about recording a HD linear channel & watching another HD linear channel ??. Wont this require some very meaty BB speeds ?. I have a 80meg line so it can handle anything thrown at it but what will happen to those people who dont have enough speed ?. Just wondering how BT will approach this as it seems there may be limitations for some or maybe all of use when it comes to what we can do with the sd / hd linear channels. Maybe it's restricted to one linear stream at a time which does bring limitations.

10-07-2012, 11:23	#14
joshua_welby Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: London Posts: 7,584	New Linear channels questions Quote: Originally Posted by derek500 Not in the very near future. http://www.screendaily.com/news/uk-i...&contentID=417 If you are not a Subscriber to Screen Daily then you need to use Google to open it up

11-07-2012, 16:38	#19
1andrew1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3,981	BTVision breaking through http://football.uk.reuters.com/footb...248033923B.php Not much we don't know in today's Reuters report and does not mention linear channels or YouView. * BT Vision now has more than 700,000 customers. * Open to wholesaling BT Sports basis to other platforms. * Would also consider small deals to buy more content. "Having these matches gives us a lot of options. A lot of people have been on the phone that we were not hearing from before." - Marc Watson, head of BT Vision. But no aspirations to become another SkySports. * Watson said the offer of more exclusive sports content would help BT compete with BSkyB and cable operator Virgin Media in the sale of triple play. * He also said it could stimulate roll-out of BT Infinity.

20-06-2012, 18:44	#2
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by wwwebber Hi, not sure if anyone will know here but here goes :- So BTV / Youview is to get various linear streamed sd / hd channels in the very near future. I assume that you'll be able to record these channels too just like you can with the Freeview channels. The question I have is - can you record one linear channel whilst watching another ?. I guess for those with decent BB speeds this should be possible. But what about recording a HD linear channel & watching another HD linear channel ??. Wont this require some very meaty BB speeds ?. I have a 80meg line so it can handle anything thrown at it but what will happen to those people who dont have enough speed ?. Just wondering how BT will approach this as it seems there may be limitations for some or maybe all of use when it comes to what we can do with the sd / hd linear channels. Maybe it's restricted to one linear stream at a time which does bring limitations. As far as I know BBC IPlayer HD is around 3.5MB, while full HD which even Sky dont offer is 25MB. It has been said you can record the linear channels.

20-06-2012, 19:05	#3
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by jamcambs It has been said you can record the linear channels. I know but what about recording 2 linear channels? or recording one whilst watching another?

20-06-2012, 20:19	#4
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by wwwebber I know but what about recording 2 linear channels? or recording one whilst watching another? I would assume this would be possible. Depends what speed your Broadband is.

28-06-2012, 16:31	#5
derek500 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 20,375	Quote: Originally Posted by wwwebber So BTV / Youview is to get various linear streamed sd / hd channels in the very near future. Not in the very near future. Quote: Live TV will initially only be available from existing Freeview channels over DTT before phase two allows content providers to stream linear channels via IPTV. The decision means pay-TV broadcasters and niche content providers will be limited to offering consumers VoD in the short term. One executive involved with the service said live streaming would prove vital in driving uptake. “Having a selection of live channels will dramatically improve the chances of selling the service,” he said. “People understand linear TV more readily than VoD.” No date has been set for rolling out linear streaming capability, but BT is likely to be keen to launch it before next August to enable it to distribute its forthcoming Premier League channel via YouView. http://www.screendaily.com/news/uk-i...&contentID=417

28-06-2012, 17:34	#6
1andrew1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3,981	I think BT Vision will have this facility by the end of the year as BT has signed contracts with UKTV and FX amongst others. BT's new HD box will be manufactured by Pace and be a hybrid YouView/BT Vision box. However, other regular YouView boxes will not have this functionality for some time but I don't recall reading it was ever intended that they would.

09-07-2012, 18:37	#7
k1tsun3 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 10	Do you think they will offer the box upgrade if you're in the middle of a contract? I'm trying to decide whether to add BT Vision to my package or go for Sky, but I like the changes coming up for BT Vision. I just don't want to get it too soon and then not have the newest box with YouView.

09-07-2012, 18:40	#8
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by k1tsun3 Do you think they will offer the box upgrade if you're in the middle of a contract? I'm trying to decide whether to add BT Vision to my package or go for Sky, but I like the changes coming up for BT Vision. I just don't want to get it too soon and then not have the newest box with YouView. Why not wait until BT launch their youview box and service?

09-07-2012, 18:51	#9
k1tsun3 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 10	Quote: Originally Posted by jamcambs Why not wait until BT launch their youview box and service? No exact date yet. I'm happy to wait if it's going to be available by the end of Aug, but I'm looking to get it by then so I can have sky sports for the new EPL season.

09-07-2012, 18:53	#10
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by k1tsun3 No exact date yet. I'm happy to wait if it's going to be available by the end of Aug, but I'm looking to get it by then so I can have sky sports for the new EPL season. Ok so you got a few weeks to wait then.

09-07-2012, 23:30	#11
1andrew1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3,981	Quote: Originally Posted by jamcambs Ok so you got a few weeks to wait then. The BT AGM is 11am this Wed 11th. I would expect an update on BTVision then, maybe even earlier.

10-07-2012, 09:11	#12
SimonBlackham Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NewForest (Free-View/Sat+19E) Posts: 7,719	Quote: Originally Posted by wwwebber I know but what about recording 2 linear channels? or recording one whilst watching another? If the linear channels are 7-day catchup VOD too then why record?

10-07-2012, 10:48	#13
intercept Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 311	Quote: Originally Posted by SimonBlackham If the linear channels are 7-day catchup VOD too then why record? You're confusing two concepts here - if its a linear channel then it can't be VOD! You could have +7 day channel(s), but VOD is far more efficient for catchup. Given that the STB already has the internal capacity to record 2 video streams to disk whilst playing back another from disk then the only additional bottleneck for linear channels is broadband throughput. If your broadband is good enough then there is no reason why the same "record 2 channels whilst playing a recording" facility can't be done.

10-07-2012, 17:25	#15
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by derek500 Not in the very near future. http://www.screendaily.com/news/uk-i...&contentID=417 Incorrect linear channels are launching in the next few months on BTVision

10-07-2012, 18:27	#16
k1tsun3 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 10	Quote: Originally Posted by 1andrew1 The BT AGM is 11am this Wed 11th. I would expect an update on BTVision then, maybe even earlier. That would be nice. I went to the Talktalk website to check out the info they had for their version, and they are saying their's will be available from the 26th July, but no pricing yet. I just want BT to release the package info with prices so I can make a decision. I just don't like the waiting game. I have signed up for info, so hopefully I'll get an email soon.

10-07-2012, 20:29	#17
SimonBlackham Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NewForest (Free-View/Sat+19E) Posts: 7,719	Quote: Originally Posted by intercept You're confusing two concepts here - if its a linear channel then it can't be VOD! : No I am not - BBC1 is a linear channel - a BBC1 programme on iPlayer is VOD. Linear channels are just streamed VOD with a publication time before which you cannot watch.

11-07-2012, 14:25	#18
wwwebber Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Nottingham Posts: 3,536	Quote: Originally Posted by 1andrew1 The BT AGM is 11am this Wed 11th. I would expect an update on BTVision then, maybe even earlier. Well the AGM has been and gone. Anyone see any news or has it been a damp squid?

12-07-2012, 08:50	#20
betsvigi9 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Huddersfield Posts: 389	Quote: Originally Posted by k1tsun3 No exact date yet. I'm happy to wait if it's going to be available by the end of Aug, but I'm looking to get it by then so I can have sky sports for the new EPL season. Do they mean August this year or August next year? BT Vision don't start broadcasting EPL games until 2013 and so I wonder if it means next year. Would be surprised if it means the end of August 2012, but hope I'm wrong.

12-07-2012, 17:25	#21
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by betsvigi9 Do they mean August this year or August next year? BT Vision don't start broadcasting EPL games until 2013 and so I wonder if it means next year. Would be surprised if it means the end of August 2012, but hope I'm wrong. I would imagine this year, as thats when the linear channels are due to launch

12-07-2012, 21:17	#22
scotty2808 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 435	BT have said that Linear TV will start in the autumn and I think it will launch to those with Infinity first. The rest of us - I can see there being some compromise. The logical thing to do would be for the Vision client to determine how many channels it can/can not stream at one time. Looking at bandwidth reqs - Vision VOD was known to be at 1.4mb and the picture quality was reasonable. From memory (so prepared to be pulled up if wrong) Sky Player runs at around 1.6-1.8mb and it produces ok results. I'd speculate that double that would produce Freeview like SD quality.

13-07-2012, 05:25	#23
jamcambs Inactive Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 575	Quote: Originally Posted by scotty2808 BT have said that Linear TV will start in the autumn and I think it will launch to those with Infinity first. The rest of us - I can see there being some compromise. The logical thing to do would be for the Vision client to determine how many channels it can/can not stream at one time. Looking at bandwidth reqs - Vision VOD was known to be at 1.4mb and the picture quality was reasonable. From memory (so prepared to be pulled up if wrong) Sky Player runs at around 1.6-1.8mb and it produces ok results. I'd speculate that double that would produce Freeview like SD quality. There is no reason why linear channels cannot launch to everyone, after all if you can watch ondemand content then its no different to linear channels. I believe current VOD is about 2-2.5MB. BBC iPlayer currently offers HD at around 3.5MB.

DS Forums

New Linear channels questions

15-07-2012, 09:26	#24
mfr Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Inverness Posts: 3,480	Surely the new software incorporates better compression? To save on my bandwidth allowance I watch Netflix on the lowest quality setting (0.3 GB/h) and it's perfectly watchable.

15-07-2012, 13:10	#25
Jono Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Altrincham, Cheshire, England Posts: 403	The linear channels will only be a available to people with Infinity because multicast is only been used on fibre products.