BBC iPlayer on Sony Bravia discontinued in September?

huxley1 · 07-08-2014, 17:29

I've just opened the iPlayer app on my Sony Bravia KDL-40CX523 TV and am faced with a message stating this version of iPlayer is being discontinued in September.

Does anyone know if there will be a new iPlayer app. for Sony Bravia TVs or not?

quinnicus · 07-08-2014, 17:42

My mum would definately not be impressed if thats the case !! (Which would be my problem then - LOL) - She also has a 2011 TV.

mac2708 · 07-08-2014, 18:11

I have the same TV and there's no message.
I would imagine that if the BBC do update iPlayer in September that there will be an OTA update from Sony.

No doubt if the current version of BBC iPlayer is being discontinued/updated that Sony TVs won't be the only ones affected

quinnicus · 07-08-2014, 18:25

I can also confirm that my mum also does not receive that message, (2011 TV, on latest FW) - Issue isolated to OP.

huxley1 · 07-08-2014, 19:18

The FAQs have been updated in my iPlayer to confirm that this version will be discontinued.

I've found this message buried in the BBC website.

http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.u...rsion2_iPlayer

-GONZO- · 07-08-2014, 19:30

I see the message on my Sony s370 Blu-ray player.
It shows the message in a grey box above the Home,TV,Radio & Search tabs.

Going the the ?Help tab and selecting 'iPlayer version closing' gives this message,

Quote:

We've decided to close this version of BBC iPlayer. Its run it an old outdated system that is expensive to support and this wouldn't be an efficient use of the license fee.

Nigel Goodwin · 07-08-2014, 20:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac2708

I have the same TV and there's no message.
I would imagine that if the BBC do update iPlayer in September that there will be an OTA update from Sony.

One would like to think so

We'll find out fairly soon anyway.

mac2708 · 07-08-2014, 21:51

Update to my previous post..

The message has now appeared - but in small white font on a light grey background

are we supposed to miss it?

Anyway I expect something will be done or there's going to be a lot of unhappy Sony owners.

quinnicus · 07-08-2014, 22:05

Thanks Huxley for the link - Im wondering if all this is due to the many issues over the last few months - even the "long playback issues" hmmm

huxley1 · 08-08-2014, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac2708

Update to my previous post..

The message has now appeared - but in small white font on a light grey background

are we supposed to miss it?

Anyway I expect something will be done or there's going to be a lot of unhappy Sony owners.

My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty.
The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it.

If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose.

mac2708 · 08-08-2014, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by huxley1

My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty.
The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it.

If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose.

That's something to keep in mind if the worst happens.

I await Sony's reaction and solutions to this news.

-GONZO- · 08-08-2014, 10:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by mac2708

Anyway I expect something will be done or there's going to be a lot of unhappy Sony owners.

I expect that will all depend on the hardware concerned.
If the hardware is capable of running the new software then an updated version of iPlayer may indeed happen, but if say for example they go down the HTML5 route then it will need more than just a software update to work on most older devices.

-GONZO- · 08-08-2014, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by huxley1

My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty.
The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it.

If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose.

Don't these sort of things get covered in the documentation with a disclaimer that basically says that any services maybe withdrawn at anytime?

mac2708 · 08-08-2014, 10:52

Maybe all is not lost
http://www.a516digital.com/2014/08/b...-new.html#more

anthony david · 08-08-2014, 10:58

Try "refresh internet content", available via the menu.

mac2708 · 08-08-2014, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by anthony david

Try "refresh internet content", available via the menu.

Just tried that and still the same message:
"This version of BBC iPlayer is closing this September"

Guess it's wait and see with fingers crossed

ovbg · 08-08-2014, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by huxley1

My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty.
The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it.

If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose.

I feel for you, but you won't have any luck there. The Warranty protects against the product itself failing within a specified period of time, and has nothing to do with third party services that may go through the product.

Case at hand. Let's just say Channel Five went off air, or even stayed on air, but changed their format so much it wasn't the same Channel Five that was on the front of the box when you bought the TV. It is not Sony's fault, so they are not to blame.

It's just like if you bought a coffee machine and your favourite coffee pads (which was said to work on that machine) went the way of the dodo. You can't get your money back 5 years down the line.

Your best bet would be to grab a £10 Now TV box. It is so cheap that it will hardly be noticeable to buy, has far more worthwhile catch-up apps including the BBC iPlayer and a better UI to boot.

Nigel Goodwin · 08-08-2014, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by huxley1

My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty.
The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it.

If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose.

Doesn't really matter if you consider that, but will a court agree?

As it's a change by the broadcaster, similar to discontinuing 405 transmissions, the set manufacturers can't be held responsible.

But I would really hope that suitable updates will be forthcoming, to that end I've asked the Sony rep today to look in to it (it just happens he was here today

), I'll update on any replies I get.

1andrew1 · 08-08-2014, 12:37

More information in this extract from a blog from Marcus Parnwell, Executive Product Manager at the BBC:

"As I outlined in my previous post, over time, we are looking to migrate the majority of all existing devices to the new version. However, with BBC iPlayer now available on over 1,200 devices, this is a major task and will take a bit of time. Today, I am happy to announce the next wave of devices is ready to go.

These include (by device):

TVs:

Sony (2011, 2014),

These will be rolled out over the coming week.

For full brand and model information, please refer to the BBC iPlayer help pages.

Closure of BBC iPlayer ‘Bigscreen’

"The eagle-eyed amongst you will see the list above includes a number of devices that are currently using our ‘Bigscreen’ version of BBC iPlayer - which launched over five years ago and is currently only being used by 0.1% of BBC iPlayer users.

With this in mind, limited resources, and new BBC iPlayer rolled out to over 85% users, we’ve had to make the tough call to retire the ‘Bigscreen’ version. This means that from next month (September 2014) some devices that are using this ‘Bigscreen’ version on some TVs, Blu-Ray devices and PCs connected to TVs will no longer have access to BBC iPlayer. There are lots of other devices that can access BBC iPlayer and for the full list please refer to the BBC iPlayer help pages."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/internet/...ted-TVs-update

radamfi · 09-08-2014, 15:46

I've got the grey message on my Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray player. Will this be upgraded to the new iPlayer?

-GONZO- · 09-08-2014, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by radamfi

I've got the grey message on my Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray player. Will this be upgraded to the new iPlayer?

That all depends what year that model was released?
If that models production date was earlier than 2012 then it's unlikely.
http://www.a516digital.com/2014/08/b...-new.html#more

Colin_London · 11-08-2014, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by -GONZO-

That all depends what year that model was released?
If that models production date was earlier than 2012 then it's unlikely.
http://www.a516digital.com/2014/08/b...-new.html#more

Marcus Parnwell has now admitted in the Blog comments column that the BBC has missed out some descriptors for certain Sony models from the software. So presumably the new software should have been made available to 2011 Sony models, but has not as yet because of the error....

Colin_London · 11-08-2014, 16:04

The fallback for unsupported devices is... Buy a Chromecast!

chenks · 11-08-2014, 16:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colin_London

The fallback for unsupported devices is... Buy a Chromecast!

that's only useful if the person wanting to watch iplayer has a mobile device handy, with the iplayer app installed on it.

ovbg · 11-08-2014, 16:17

Or a Now TV Box, Pros over Chromecast for UK catch-up.

Has a better UI (doesn't need a smart phone)
Has 4oD
Has ITV Player
Has Demand 5
Has Now TV
Cheaper, only costs £10

Cons:
Takes up a tiny bit more space.
Box is white.

07-08-2014, 17:29	#1
huxley1 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 85	BBC iPlayer on Sony Bravia discontinued in September? I've just opened the iPlayer app on my Sony Bravia KDL-40CX523 TV and am faced with a message stating this version of iPlayer is being discontinued in September. Does anyone know if there will be a new iPlayer app. for Sony Bravia TVs or not?

07-08-2014, 17:42	#2
quinnicus Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 366	My mum would definately not be impressed if thats the case !! (Which would be my problem then - LOL) - She also has a 2011 TV.

07-08-2014, 18:11	#3
mac2708 Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,196	I have the same TV and there's no message. I would imagine that if the BBC do update iPlayer in September that there will be an OTA update from Sony. No doubt if the current version of BBC iPlayer is being discontinued/updated that Sony TVs won't be the only ones affected

07-08-2014, 18:25	#4
quinnicus Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 366	I can also confirm that my mum also does not receive that message, (2011 TV, on latest FW) - Issue isolated to OP.

07-08-2014, 19:18	#5
huxley1 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 85	The FAQs have been updated in my iPlayer to confirm that this version will be discontinued. I've found this message buried in the BBC website. http://iplayerhelp.external.bbc.co.u...rsion2_iPlayer

07-08-2014, 19:30	#6
-GONZO- Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 8,954	I see the message on my Sony s370 Blu-ray player. It shows the message in a grey box above the Home,TV,Radio & Search tabs. Going the the ?Help tab and selecting 'iPlayer version closing' gives this message, Quote: We've decided to close this version of BBC iPlayer. Its run it an old outdated system that is expensive to support and this wouldn't be an efficient use of the license fee.

07-08-2014, 20:10	#7
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by mac2708 I have the same TV and there's no message. I would imagine that if the BBC do update iPlayer in September that there will be an OTA update from Sony. One would like to think so We'll find out fairly soon anyway.

07-08-2014, 21:51	#8
mac2708 Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,196	Update to my previous post.. The message has now appeared - but in small white font on a light grey background are we supposed to miss it? Anyway I expect something will be done or there's going to be a lot of unhappy Sony owners.

07-08-2014, 22:05	#9
quinnicus Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 366	Thanks Huxley for the link - Im wondering if all this is due to the many issues over the last few months - even the "long playback issues" hmmm

08-08-2014, 09:06	#10
huxley1 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 85	Quote: Originally Posted by mac2708 Update to my previous post.. The message has now appeared - but in small white font on a light grey background are we supposed to miss it? Anyway I expect something will be done or there's going to be a lot of unhappy Sony owners. My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty. The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it. If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose.

08-08-2014, 10:27	#11
mac2708 Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,196	Quote: Originally Posted by huxley1 My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty. The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it. If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose. That's something to keep in mind if the worst happens. I await Sony's reaction and solutions to this news.

08-08-2014, 10:29	#12
-GONZO- Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 8,954	Quote: Originally Posted by mac2708 Anyway I expect something will be done or there's going to be a lot of unhappy Sony owners. I expect that will all depend on the hardware concerned. If the hardware is capable of running the new software then an updated version of iPlayer may indeed happen, but if say for example they go down the HTML5 route then it will need more than just a software update to work on most older devices.

08-08-2014, 10:48	#13
-GONZO- Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 8,954	Quote: Originally Posted by huxley1 My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty. The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it. If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose. Don't these sort of things get covered in the documentation with a disclaimer that basically says that any services maybe withdrawn at anytime?

08-08-2014, 10:52	#14
mac2708 Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,196	Maybe all is not lost http://www.a516digital.com/2014/08/b...-new.html#more

08-08-2014, 10:58	#15
anthony david Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 3,469	Try "refresh internet content", available via the menu.

08-08-2014, 11:17	#16
mac2708 Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 3,196	Quote: Originally Posted by anthony david Try "refresh internet content", available via the menu. Just tried that and still the same message: "This version of BBC iPlayer is closing this September" Guess it's wait and see with fingers crossed

08-08-2014, 11:44	#17
ovbg Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,348	Quote: Originally Posted by huxley1 My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty. The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it. If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose. I feel for you, but you won't have any luck there. The Warranty protects against the product itself failing within a specified period of time, and has nothing to do with third party services that may go through the product. Case at hand. Let's just say Channel Five went off air, or even stayed on air, but changed their format so much it wasn't the same Channel Five that was on the front of the box when you bought the TV. It is not Sony's fault, so they are not to blame. It's just like if you bought a coffee machine and your favourite coffee pads (which was said to work on that machine) went the way of the dodo. You can't get your money back 5 years down the line. Your best bet would be to grab a £10 Now TV box. It is so cheap that it will hardly be noticeable to buy, has far more worthwhile catch-up apps including the BBC iPlayer and a better UI to boot.

08-08-2014, 11:59	#18
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by huxley1 My TV is still covered by a 5 year warranty. The advertising for it promoted iPlayer as a feature and was one of the reasons I bought it. If iPlayer stops working I would consider the TV not fit for purpose. Doesn't really matter if you consider that, but will a court agree? As it's a change by the broadcaster, similar to discontinuing 405 transmissions, the set manufacturers can't be held responsible. But I would really hope that suitable updates will be forthcoming, to that end I've asked the Sony rep today to look in to it (it just happens he was here today ), I'll update on any replies I get.

08-08-2014, 12:37	#19
1andrew1 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3,981	More information in this extract from a blog from Marcus Parnwell, Executive Product Manager at the BBC: "As I outlined in my previous post, over time, we are looking to migrate the majority of all existing devices to the new version. However, with BBC iPlayer now available on over 1,200 devices, this is a major task and will take a bit of time. Today, I am happy to announce the next wave of devices is ready to go. These include (by device): TVs: Sony (2011, 2014), These will be rolled out over the coming week. For full brand and model information, please refer to the BBC iPlayer help pages. Closure of BBC iPlayer ‘Bigscreen’ "The eagle-eyed amongst you will see the list above includes a number of devices that are currently using our ‘Bigscreen’ version of BBC iPlayer - which launched over five years ago and is currently only being used by 0.1% of BBC iPlayer users. With this in mind, limited resources, and new BBC iPlayer rolled out to over 85% users, we’ve had to make the tough call to retire the ‘Bigscreen’ version. This means that from next month (September 2014) some devices that are using this ‘Bigscreen’ version on some TVs, Blu-Ray devices and PCs connected to TVs will no longer have access to BBC iPlayer. There are lots of other devices that can access BBC iPlayer and for the full list please refer to the BBC iPlayer help pages." http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/internet/...ted-TVs-update

09-08-2014, 15:46	#20
radamfi Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Crawley, West Sussex Posts: 10,617	I've got the grey message on my Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray player. Will this be upgraded to the new iPlayer?

09-08-2014, 16:41	#21
-GONZO- Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 8,954	Quote: Originally Posted by radamfi I've got the grey message on my Sony BDP-S185 Blu-Ray player. Will this be upgraded to the new iPlayer? That all depends what year that model was released? If that models production date was earlier than 2012 then it's unlikely. http://www.a516digital.com/2014/08/b...-new.html#more

DS Forums

BBC iPlayer on Sony Bravia discontinued in September?

11-08-2014, 15:45	#22
Colin_London Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Essex Posts: 3,866	Quote: Originally Posted by -GONZO- That all depends what year that model was released? If that models production date was earlier than 2012 then it's unlikely. http://www.a516digital.com/2014/08/b...-new.html#more Marcus Parnwell has now admitted in the Blog comments column that the BBC has missed out some descriptors for certain Sony models from the software. So presumably the new software should have been made available to 2011 Sony models, but has not as yet because of the error....

11-08-2014, 16:04	#23
Colin_London Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Essex Posts: 3,866	The fallback for unsupported devices is... Buy a Chromecast!

11-08-2014, 16:10	#24
chenks Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: North Ayrshire Posts: 11,399	Quote: Originally Posted by Colin_London The fallback for unsupported devices is... Buy a Chromecast! that's only useful if the person wanting to watch iplayer has a mobile device handy, with the iplayer app installed on it.

11-08-2014, 16:17	#25
ovbg Forum Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,348	Or a Now TV Box, Pros over Chromecast for UK catch-up. Has a better UI (doesn't need a smart phone) Has 4oD Has ITV Player Has Demand 5 Has Now TV Cheaper, only costs £10 Cons: Takes up a tiny bit more space. Box is white.