Vision247™ solves time delay issues for live programming over the internet

• Ensures over the top (OTT) internet streaming is viable for time-sensitive channels like news, auctions, gambling and other live programming

• Reduces delay to just 5 seconds in most popular protocol for global live streaming

• Company sets new industry low HLS latency record

Miptv Cannes, Stand G3.20 – Broadcast specialist Vision247, has cracked the issues of time delay in live video transmissions with the launch of a new low latency service which reduces the delay in HLS (HTTP live streaming), the de facto delivery protocol for streaming broadcast content to any device over the internet.

The issue of latency in broadcast, most recognisable as the time delay when a live news reporter is speaking from the other side of the world, is a particular challenge for the latest generation of content distribution networks. As live news, live auction and gambling channel operators move to online video platforms for content distribution, the demand is there to compare and match the sync achieved with satellite or terrestrial transmission with the over the top internet stream onto any device. This is a particular challenge, especially onto mobile devices which can potentially access a stream from anywhere on the planet

Despite HLS (HTTP live streaming) gaining market share to become the delivery protocol for OTT streaming, the latency it exhibits - on average as much as five times that of Flash streaming – can prove a considerable disadvantage when seeking to broadcast live. With a proven track record in delivering low latency streaming service which are comparable to a satellite broadcast with Flash and Silverlight, Vision247 has turned its attention to delivering new encoder and server technology to reduce HLS streaming latency to a minimum.

Matt Vidmar, Vision247 chairman and group CTO explained: “Measuring from video input to client device screen, we set ourselves the task of achieve around a five to a maximum of seven seconds delay. That is a real challenge, especially when it comes to fine tuning HLS streaming to mobile devices.”

With the commercial launch this week of Vision247’s new encoder and server, the company’s new low latency service has achieved this remarkable benchmark observing a delay of only 5 seconds, fluctuating typically by maximum 350milliseconds for even the most remote regions globally.

For a demonstration of this low latency HLS solution, visit Vision247 at MIPTV, 1st – 4th April 2012, Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France, stand G3.20

FACTFILE:
 First to market in the provision of functional internet delivered broadcast, Vision247 provides a complete solution to clients wanting to create compelling TV and video services for connected audiences worldwide. The Vision IPTV platform can be customised for clients and supports all current commercial models from subscription, pay-as-you-go to PPV and advertiser funded. www.vision247.tv

BBC Three Commissions STV Productions To Produce Pilot Panel Show, 'Fake Reaction'

STV Productions has won its first ever commission from BBC Three, which will see the company produce a new panel show pilot for the channel.



'Fake Reaction' will be hosted by Matt Edmondson (Radio 1/ T4 /PocketTV).


It sees six celebrities battle it out over a series of rounds where the aim is to hide their natural reaction as they face an array of unusual situations that test all of their senses. If they can conceal their real reaction and fool the rest of the panel, they win.

The commission follows a successful run-through for the channel which featured comedian Chris Ramsey, musician Skepta and 'Harry Potter' actress Jessie Cave.

'Fake Reaction' was ordered by Zai Bennett Controller, BBC Three and Alan Tyler, Executive Editor, Entertainment Commissioning. It will be filmed at Pacific Quay in Glasgow in April.

Gary Chippington, Head of Entertainment for STV Productions, said: "We're thrilled to be working with the team at BBC Three on this enormously exciting project."

Alan Tyler, Executive Editor, Entertainment Commissioning at BBC said: "Matt is a terrific talent whose rapier sharp wit really brought a funny and inventive format to life. We're delighted to be working with STV on the pilot".

Executive Producer for STV Productions is Gary Chippington. Series Producer is Paul McGettigan (The Sarah Millican Television Programme, Frank Skinner's Opinionated, The Bubble, Room 101).

STV Productions developed the 'Fake Reaction' format with LA-based production company Kinetic Content, with whom they have an established partnership. Fake Reaction is based partly on a Fuji TV game show format.

SES and Samsung unveil Africa's first TV with integrated free-to-air satellite receiver

SES announced at the Samsung Africa Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, that it is collaborating with Samsung to drive digital broadcasting via satellite in sub-Saharan Africa. Samsung will introduce an LED television with an integrated free-to-air satellite receiver, the Samsung LED TV Free Satellite, that will be distributed in Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in August 2012. Distribution to additional countries will follow.

The integrated satellite receiver will allow consumers to receive free-to-air television channels without the need for an additional set top box as the LED TV will be directly connected with the satellite dish. In preparation for the launch, SES and Samsung will jointly arrange training sessions with distribution partners and installers to ensure the proper connection of the TV device to the satellite dish. Both partners will also run a joint marketing campaign in June 2012.

As a leader in the free-to-air digital TV market, SES delivers more than 60 free-to-air channels in more than 40 African countries. The launch of the new Samsung LED TV Free Satellite coincides with more channels becoming available in Africa.

"This collaboration is the first of its kind and will drive digitalization in Africa," said Christoph Limmer, SES's Senior Director of Marketing Development and Marketing in Africa. "Today, one out of three households in Africa has a TV set but less than 10 million homes receive content in digital format. Our cooperation will not only help to improve access to digital content for African consumers but it will also encourage African broadcasters to launch more content.

"In servicing more than 40 African countries, we are well aware of the huge demand for more and higher quality TV services. The opportunity lies in providing an increasingly sophisticated African viewership with a significantly increased number of TV channels - a first for many African countries."

"The Samsung LED TV Free Satellite is our contribution to the continent's efforts to 'go digital', providing African consumers with greater choice and broadcasters with the opportunity to grow the region's media industry," said Dae Hee Kim, Regional Product Manager at Samsung Africa.

FACTFILE:
SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements. SES (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

White on! Mountech brings first all white TV wall mount range, designed and manufactured in the UK, and guaranteed to fit any screen for life

The ‘Pure White’ range by Mountech has been developed to give a wider choice when selecting a wall mount to suit the interior of modern homes.

The brackets are designed and manufactured in the UK from a high-grade steel, which is then coated in premium quality, pure white powder gloss. The range includes brackets to suit any fitting requirements, such as, Corner, Flush, Ultra Slim LED or Swivel & Tilt mounting options, and fit a range of TV and Computer screen sizes from 10 to 63 inches. Prices start from as little as £19.99.

All Mountech brackets are covered by a Guaranteed Fit (“G-Fit”) Service. This means in the event of the customer having a problem with a bracket, Mountech will guarantee to remedy the problem and send out replacement parts directly to the customer within 48 hours. All Mountech brackets are also covered by a unique Lifetime Guarantee.

FACTFILE:
With over 40 years of combined retail experience, Mount Technologies (Mountech) was founded in 2006 to address a need in the market for premium quality; British designed and manufactured TV wall mounts that encompass a unique personal customer service guarantee.

It was apparent that retailers were not fully equipped to deal with the common issue of brackets being returned, due to the wide variety of screens and their different fittings. With their local manufacture, Mountech provide a solution to this by offering a Guaranteed Fit service that ensures a customer has all the components they need to fix the screen to the bracket, and in turn, the bracket to the wall.

In the event of a fixing issue, customers are encouraged to contact Mountech, rather than returning the bracket to the place of purchase. The problem is assessed by Mountech’s in-house engineers, and if necessary, parts are sent to the customer within 48 hours. This ultimately eliminates the need for customers to return products, and the retailers need to accept returned goods.

Why do we need G-Fit?:
Screen manufacturers are attempting to provide a more consumer friendly approach to wall mounting a screen by adopting the VESA standard. VESA are an independent organisation that try and encourage amongst other elements a common approach to wall mounting and cable positioning. This standard however, remains largely exclusive to a select group of Blue Chip LCD/TFT manufacturers. Non, or Own Branded LCD manufacturers have a less organised approach to wall mount connectivity which often causes a problem when people try to wall mount entry price point televisions or computer monitors.

Mountech prides itself on its close relationships with display manufacturers. It is these long-standing alliances that have resulted in the most thoroughly researched and developed wall-mount designs on the market. Mountech innovative universal wall mounts are therefore, a convenient and retail friendly way of meeting the demands of an ever changing and rapidly expanding market, offering 100% manufacturer compatibility. However, the lack of uniformity between display manufacturers, does present a challenge to even the most generic wall mount design. Common problems encountered are:

- A poorly positioned SCART socket
- A poorly positioned Antenna socket
- A poorly positioned HDMI Socket
- The mould of the rear screen panel. (Convex or Concave)
- A brand name that has been pressed into the rear mould of the screen
- Screw depths as these can differ dramatically
- Removal of a table top stand to expose the fixing points for wall mounting

To overcome this problem, Mountech (and only Mountech) provides an after-sales service consisting of a direct link between customer and our factory. “Guaranteed Fit” is a free of charge service providing a total problem solving solution. The Guaranteed Fit, or “G-Fit” service, allows all compatibility issues to be dealt with efficiently and without involving the retailer. This stops product returns and guarantees total customer satisfaction.

www.mountech.co.uk

Oh, no! Not another digital TV switchover? International agreement boosts pressure for another TV switchover

A deal signed by representatives of 165 countries has greatly increased the likelihood of a second digital switchover across Europe. This could involve viewers having to retune their sets or buy a new set top box or TV. It comes only a few years after they had to replace equipment to receive digital terrestrial television.

The agreement was made at the World Radio Conference (WRC) in Geneva, held by the United Nations body with responsibility for Information and Communications Technology, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

Delegates agreed to clear the way for mobile services in the 700 MHz band, which is currently used for terrestrial TV in most of Europe. The deal means that from 2015 mobile services operating in this band could legally demand protection from interference by other countries.

In practice this means that the 700 MHz band could not be used for mobile and broadcasting where two countries shared a land border as the mobile signals would be drowned out by the high power broadcasting signal. This creates a strong pressure for regional blocks, like the EU, to use the 700 MHz band for either broadcasting or mobile.

The switchover from analogue to digital TV has freed up the 800 MHz band for mobile services, a process known as the digital dividend and coordinated across Europe. This was agreed over the past few years, and the emergence of this deal for a second “digital dividend” in 700 MHz has taken many by surprise.

Furthermore, 700 MHz will be globally harmonised as it is also a mobile band in North America and the Asia - Pacific. Today’s agreement will ultimately extend that arrangement to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Ironically, what may be a headache for Europe will be good news for Africa and the Middle East who proposed the 700 MHz mobile agreement. In these two regions 800 MHz is used for other services, meaning that they would have had little or no “digital dividend” from the switch to digital terrestrial TV. Giving them access to 700 MHz would bring huge economic benefits by allowing the roll out of wireless broadband networks in a much shorter timescale than the wired equivalent.

“This WRC decision doesn’t mean that any European government has to move TV out of 700 MHz but it certainly tips the scales in the decision making process,” said Martin Sims, PolicyTracer’s Managing Editor. ‘If a significant number of European countries want to have mobile in 700 MHz this wouldn’t be practical unless the whole region went along with them. The economies of scale associated with a global market mean that 700 MHz mobile handsets could be cheaper, creating a powerful incentive for a second TV switchover,” he argued.

FACTFILE:
PolicyTracker is the spectrum management newsletter and has been published online and in printed form since 2004. We also provide consultancy services, market the Global Spectrum Database and organise conferences and training courses. For more details please see www.policytracker.com

Classic Sitcom 'Cowboys' Complete Second Series Is Out On DVD 5th March 2012

THE COMPLETE SECOND SERIES (12)

The decorating and handyman trade takes on a whole new meaning when you encounter the builders of Joe Jones Limited. The '80s sitcom COWBOYS - THE COMPLETE SECOND SERIES (12) is available to buy on DVD for the very first time on 5th March 2012.

Should your kitchen need repainting or your bathroom require renovation, you certainly wouldn't want to hire the dubious firm of builders that goes by the name of Joe Jones Limited. Geyser, Wobbly Ron and Eric work for Joe because no-one else will employ them. And Joe has to employ Geyser, Wobbly Ron and Eric because no one else will work for him.

Starring Oscar-winning scriptwriter and actor Colin Welland as the aptly named plumber Geyser, David Kelly (Robin's Nest) as his terminally confused co-worker, and Roy Kinnear as the boss entirely unburdened by a conscience, this wickedly funny early '80s sitcom was written by Surgical Spirit creator Peter Learmouth, and is set to win over the hearts of a whole new generation of fans.

COWBOYS - THE COMPLETE SECOND SERIES (12) is a Network DVD release

Release Date: 5th March 2012

RRP: £12.99

Discs: 1

Running Time: 175 minutes (approximately)

Screen Ratio: 1.33:1/colour

Cat. No.: 7953642

Charmian Biggs story to be made into TV drama

The story of the life of Charmian Biggs, ex-wife of Ronald Biggs, is to be told in a five part ITV drama produced by ITV Studios.

Written by award-winning writer and Executive Producer Jeff Pope (The Murder of Stephen Lawrence, See No Evil: The Moors Murders, Appropriate Adult as executive producer), 'Mrs Biggs', will chronicle Charmian's life from the fateful moment that, as a teenager on a train, she first met and fell in love with the flirtatious and worldly Biggs.

It will recount the story of their struggle to stay together in the face of fierce opposition from Charmian's family - aghast at Biggs' criminal record - and their idyllic life as the parents of young children before money worries forced Biggs to ask for a loan from an old friend to pay the deposit on a house they wanted to buy for their growing family. That friend was Bruce Reynolds, at that moment planning the most famous crimes in British history - the Great Train Robbery of August 1963.

The consequences of the robbery were to devastate Charmian's life. Blissfully ignorant of what her husband was up to - he told her he was on a tree felling job in Wiltshire whilst away on the robbery - she nonetheless went on the run with her husband and children after he'd dramatically skipped over the wall of Wandsworth prison.

Shunned by her parents and desperate to keep her own family together, she secretly emigrated with her sons to Australia on false passports. Biggs had already quietly slipped out there and she now managed to help her husband, one of the world's most wanted men, to avoid capture for more than four years.

But she was never to find any real peace and when - at her insistence - Biggs skipped the country for Rio, only hours before Melbourne Police discovered where they were living, Charmian and her three boys were on their own, facing an uncertain future in a foreign country.

Tragedy was to follow with the death in a car accident of her eldest son Nicky and she threw herself into building a life for her other two sons, studying for a degree and taking on a job as she pleaded to be allowed to stay in Australia. Then, when Biggs was discovered by Scotland Yard living under an assumed name in Rio, she flew out for an emotional reunion.

Biggs broke the news to her that that he had a chance of evading extradition as the father of an unborn child by a local night club dancer, Raimunda Nascimento De Castro - and then asked her for a divorce. He told his loyal wife that it would give him a better chance of persuading the Brazilian authorities that he intended to bring up his baby with Raimunda - and therefore be allowed to stay. Although utterly heartbroken, Charmian agreed.

Set on location in London, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Paris, Adelaide, Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro, 'Mrs Biggs' is a co-production with Melbourne based December Media for Seven Network in Australia.

Charmian, who was allowed to remain in Australia, has acted as consultant to the production. She said: "If my story were to be dramatized I wanted it to be done as accurately as possible. It seemed to me this was an opportunity to convey the rollercoaster of emotions involved, rather than just the bare facts.'

Jeff Pope has been developing the drama for four years.

He said: "Charmian's is one of the great untold stories of the 20th Century, set against the backdrop of one of the greatest crimes of all times. But at the heart of it is a simple love story between Charmian and Ron."

Jeff also commented on the fact the drama will be a co-production:

"The story is, on one level, about a young family coming to Australia in the '60s, when it was a land of opportunity and discovery. We always knew we were going to need an Australian partner and Seven Network were committed and supportive right from the word go. We are looking forward to working with Seven on this great adventure."

'Mrs Biggs' will be produced by Kwadjo Dajan (Appropriate Adult as co-producer) and directed by Paul Whittington (Vera, DCI Banks).

'Mrs Biggs' has been commissioned for ITV by Director of Drama Commissioning, Laura Mackie and Controller of Drama Commissioning Sally Haynes.

"'Mrs Biggs' is the heartbreaking story of Charmian's enduring love for Ron Biggs. It's a very moving and emotional narrative, which Jeff has written beautifully," said Laura. "We are delighted to have commissioned five episodes from ITV Studios."

Filming will begin in Manchester in February 2012 before moving to Australia, and will continue for eleven weeks. Casting details will be made known prior to commencement of production.

National TV And Radio Star Richard Andersone & Illustrator Wife Louise Andersone...'Expecting!'

Richard and Louise Andersone are expecting their first child.

Richard Andersone whose family orientated shows on the SKY TV platform include the Breakfast with Richard Andersone show, The Vacancy which aids presenters at the start of their career, The National Battle of the Bands and the new star studded revolutionary Explosive Unsigned show recently tweeted, 'Great news.... Expecting!'

The pair who married in 2007 are considered 'exemplary young public figures with a can do attitude' by MOBO Award winner Jai Amore, 'fabulous' by Gok Wan and recently snapped with Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness who was quoted calling them 'abit of alright'. Louise is known for her ongoing charitable work, fashion flair and illustration for personalities including renowned model Bip Ling.

Richard and Louise who contribute heavily to their community at both local and national level via various projects including fundraising initiatives, mentoring and activies such as Richard Andersone's Explosive Media Group's joint venture of the 'Be productive Not Destructive campaign'. The campaign raises awareness of the growing issue of gun and knife crime which has been supported by the Mayor of Walthamstow and is fronted by X Factor star Rachel Hylton and encourages young people to engage in productivity through music.

Richard Andersone said in a press statement today ''2012 marks a new beginning for us Andersone's; and for what we will offer Britain. I have set out a big year and vow to introduce more community projects to the country and plan for a bigger and better Explosive Unsigned Show in particular".. The show which aids emerging artists at the start of their career with constructive feedback and free help is expected to explode this year.

"This year we will have more stars involved, a bigger venue where the main show will take place and a new Awards Show called the Explosive Awads recognising emerging talent. We are very thankful to the public who have supported their new show in their tens of thousands last year and is still growing. We still aim to offer free help for new artists to feature on local and national stations, magazines and newspapers; and have them offered direct feedback from our music industry professionals and stars at the auditions. This year we are determined to have even more success stories than last year with signings and public appearances at local and national level of the shows acts on media platforms'.

For information on how and when to audition for the Explosive Unsigned show please visit www.explosiveunsigned.co.uk

China Central Television goes live with three new internet delivered channels on FreeviewHD

• VisionIPTV powers live streaming of free to view Chinese language channels
• Three channels on launch deliver entertainment, documentaries and news
• FreeviewHD channel 111 – the new home of China Central Television in the UK
 
Vision IPTV has announced the launch of the first dedicated Chinese language channels to use the company’s internet broadcast playout services, delivering ground breaking entertainment via FreeviewHD channel 111.

Through this service, China Central Television (CCTV), the largest TV network in China, is able to use the FreeviewHD electronic programme guide (EPG) to deliver compelling new channels to the Chinese speaking audience in the UK. Viewers visiting FreeviewHD Channel 111 with an internet connected television or set top box have access via an onscreen carousel to three, free to view channels of live 24/7 broadcast. CCTV Channel 9 broadcasts a mixture of programming including film and drama; CCTV Channel 4 provides a range of documentaries; while a third channel provides the latest news coverage from China and worldwide.

Mr Zhu Tong, deputy editor in chief, CCTV said, “This is an exciting day for us, by delivering the very best and latest compelling television from China to our UK audience we hope to make them feel closer to home, even when they live on the other side of the world.”

John Mills, CEO of Vision IPTV, said: “CCTV has embraced the opportunity that internet television delivered over Freeview HD represents; to deliver high quality, world class broadcasting to the Chinese expat audience in the UK, and all for free.”

Vision IPTV’s online video platform supports the latest FreeviewHD enabled television sets and set top boxes on the market, including forthcoming YouView set top boxes, ensuring broadcasters such as CCTV can deliver compelling new TV services to wider audiences in the UK. Legacy devices or FreeviewHD devices not connected to the internet will receive a call to action message displayed on screen advising users on what is required to view these new internet delivered channels.

Find China Central Television on the FreeviewHD EPG (electronic programme guide) Channel 111. CCTV will grow its offering on channel 111 with an expanding mix of compelling new TV channels, premium content and interactive services for Chinese speakers across the UK.
FACTFILE:

China Central Television (CCTV) is the national TV station of the People´s Republic of China and it is one of China´s most important news broadcast companies. Today, CCTV has become one of China´s most influential media outlets. www.cctv.com / www.cntv.cn

The UK’s first dedicated international language network of channels available via internet connected FreeviewHD. Located on Channel 110 (a FreeviewHD digital interactive channel), Vision International TV Network currently provides viewers with access to packages of live simulcast and time delayed broadcast, video on demand, and interactive services.

Launch packages include Polska Plus & Hellenic. A separate channel, 111, hosts live Chinese language broadcasts from CCTV. Further international languages packages will launch through 2012. Packages can include premium subscription and free to air content.

About Vision IPTV

First to market in the provision of functional internet delivered broadcast, Vision IPTV provides a complete solution to clients wanting to create compelling TV and video services for connected audiences worldwide. The Vision IPTV online video platform can be customised for clients and supports all current commercial models from subscription, pay-as-you-go to PPV and advertiser funded.

BBC iPlayer now streaming through 3G mobile networks - but know your data limits,warns expert

Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk commented: "32% of mobile phone users access the internet through their handset so the iPlayer app update for 3G is long overdue. Watching Eastenders on the train home from work could fast become a habit for over-enthusiastic iPlayer fans, however this raises the risk of breaching data limits and incurring hefty penalty charges as a result, particularly amongst younger customers as they are the biggest users of this type of service.

 

"Most smartphones come with a data cap of around 500MB or 1GB per month, so considering that an hour of TV viewing through iPlayer will set you back around 300MB there is serious potential for some nasty bill shocks at the end of the month. Ask yourself if finding out the latest Albert Square gossip is worth data charges of £2 per MB and think twice before streaming. Check the size of each file prior to downloading or use the below guide as a rule of thumb to keep track of your usage."

ONLINE ACTIVITIES:
Watching a 3 minute music video on YouTube: 12MB
Downloading a movie of DVD quality: 1.5GB
Watching an hour of Downton Abbey on iPlayer: 300MB
Uploading a photo to send to family overseas: 2MB

Broadbandchoices.co.uk's top tips for minimising data charges:

• The right tariff for you: When choosing a mobile tariff always compare your options and keep in mind your needs as a user. If you are a heavy mobile broadband user and access the internet through your phone frequently, you will need a package that reflects this - preferably with an unlimited data allowance.

• Size matters: Before downloading or streaming any content through your mobile phone, check the size of the file beforehand to make sure you are not unwittingly breaching your data limit. Bear in mind that HD files are considerably larger than usual and will eat into your allowance.

• Make use of wi-fi: Many places now offer free wi-fi when you are on the move – from train stations to libraries or even your local Starbucks. It is worth switching to these services whenever possible as downloading through free wi-fi will not count towards your data usage and will help you stretch out your allowance for longer.

The magic of digital TV brought back to you by One For All!

They promise us a great deal. Vinyl records would be unbreakable, you could treat a CD as badly as you wanted, but it would still play perfectly every time and digital TV would be much, much better than analogue TV! You would think we would have learned our lesson long since, but we still believe the technocrats when they praise up the next big thing.

But digital TV can be much better and you do not need a NASA base station size aerial to achieve this! All you need is the latest indoor electronic aerial system, the SV9390.

At one time indoor aerials were either gigantic rabbit's ear things or had twin telescopic aerials which were easy to damage during dusting, etc.

But the SV9390 has more of the chic, modern artistic gallery about it than a television aerial. It looks good and goes with just about any home décor that you could care to mention.

My wife set the aerial up when it came and this is her opinion of the said aerial: “It was very easy to install, there was none of that fiddling and messing around with things! When I connected it up to the television I realised I could pick up channels that I had not seen in ages, some that I had never even heard of!

“The picture and sound quality is absolutely superb. There must be some pretty good filtering in it, because our neighbour's dodgy video send unit that often blocks out some channels no longer puts in a peep, now!*

I can recommend this aerial unit for anyone who has problem reception like we did. Before we got the latest One For All aerial! And the Freeview HD programmes are really sharp, just as they should be!”

That's the review over, what about the technical specifications?

Fully compatible with Freeview and Freeview HD, the range-topping SV9390 features "multi patch" technology which has wider bandwidth than traditional loop or Dipole aerials.  It can be placed anywhere - horizontally, vertically or on the wall - providing a 360 degree reception angle without any loss in performance.  No more constant adjustment of a telescopic loop when changing channels - the six patches mean it's effectively six aerials in one, so it automatically receives a wider frequency spectrum.

Interference is minimised via an external digital amplifier.  Ten stages of filtering ensure that all unwanted signals like mobile phones, WiFi and other sources that cause overload and picture freeze are filtered out.  The micro-controller amplifies the pure signal, not other noise - to provide a constant and solid output level to the TV or set-top box.  Signal gain is adjustable in four 'touch control' stages up to 43dB.  And because the amplifier is external, not integrated, no component noise is picked up by the aerial.

Stylish, flat and discreet, the SV9390 comes in black with a brushed aluminium finish - it doesn't even look like a TV aerial!

Range is up to 18 miles from the nearest transmitter.  Visit www.oneforall.co.uk/aerials  to check your location.

The SV9390 can receive horizontal and vertical transmitted broadcasts simultaneously and offers up to 40% more bandwidth than previous models in One For All's range.  The omni-directional multi patch system means that high density information streams such as DVB-T2 and HD MPEG4 can be received with stable load and gain across the entire frequency spectrum.

The constant 75 Ohm impedance ensures a better load match to the set-top box, minimising echo and reflection between the antenna and the receiver.  Patch technology also means the aerial has a higher carrier to noise ratio, to ensure the signal quality is strong enough for the higher data rates needed for HD broadcasts.

All connectors are gold-plated for the best contact and signal transfer, and a 2.75m coaxial cable is included.  The aerial is powered by a 6V DC, 500mA AC/DC mains adaptor.

Ideal for digital TVs with an integrated IDTV tuner such as Freeview, or older TVs with a Freeview set-top box connected, One For All's SV9390 aerial is priced £59.99 (RRP).  It will be available from Argos, Comet, PC World and Curry's as well as online at www.amazon.co.uk and www.homebase.co.uk

The SV9390 aerial is also compatible with DAB radio.

*It would appear that my wife was right in her summation, there is some heavy duty filtering that blocks our neighbour's dodgy video sender is fully described above!

Control Your TV And Set Top Box With One Remote

Simplest ever set up from One For All...

Remote control broken or lost? Fed up with having to use one remote for the TV and another for the set top box?

Problem solved with the new Easy and Robust remote control from market leader One For All - the ultimate big button remote for simple control of your digital TV. It operates your TV and set top box as if they were one, and is guaranteed to work with all brands.

Set up is really easy too. The device comes pre-programmed for the top 10 TV and set top box brands in the UK. Just point at your TV and hold down the digit key assigned to your brand until it switches off. Repeat for your satellite, Freeview, cable or DVB-T box. And it's done!

Even if your brand is not in the top 10, it's simple to programme using the auto-search function. The remote will go through all the brands in its memory until it finds the right one. No more having to look up the codes in a booklet!

You can then use the remote to control power, volume, channel selection etc on your TV - as well as all the functions you would expect for digital viewing such as programme guide, info and the familiar red, green, yellow and blue buttons.

You can also easily 'copy' any function on the original remote onto any key of the One For All remote.

Ergonomically shaped, the Easy & Robust has a sturdy look and feel with rubber protection seamlessly integrated into the design. So no worries about dropping it on the kitchen floor or giving it to the kids!

Unlike many remotes on the market, it has a limited number of large keys - just the essential ones - making it very easy to use.

The One For All Easy & Robust 2-in-1 (URC 6420) will be available in Argos stores and online at www.argos.co.uk priced £14.99.

There's also a replacement remote just for your TV, LCD or Plasma - the Easy & Robust TV (URC 6410) priced £9.99. Both run on two AAA batteries.

For further information visit:  http://www.oneforall.co.uk


(EDITOR: It will go very well with your One For All indoor TV aerial, too!)