Freeview EPG: So much hot free-to-air

Mike Bantick
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 16:25

Opinion and Analysis

The Freeview DTV consortium has announced a new EPG for those equipped with Freeview badged devices.  Behind all the bluster and diversionary tactics, this new EPG does add one nice feature that is enticing, but don't rush out and buy a Freeview device.

On the Freeview website there is a prominent link to 'Questions About Freeview', and it is a nice little resource for those still wondering what all this new-fangled digital TV means to the consumer. 

If people are still wondering in Australia that is, for those living in and around Mildura, that will be a problem come tomorrow when the area becomes the first in Australia to go pure digital, thus losing access to the analogue broadcasts as part of a systematic shutting down of the system.

In steps the Freeview consortium to clear up the confusion amongst Australian consumers.  Like a white knight riding into town laden with digital devices to allay fears of the unknown.  Brandishing a bold icon of confusion banishing guidance, thus the 'Freeview digital compliant device' was born.

So, those braving the new frontier of digital broadcasts can safely wander into an electronics shop, spot the Freeview logo and be assured of purchasing a device that they saw on a tele ad somewhere, and therefore must be going to work in the new age.

Really what they have bought is part of the great consortium scheme that will make it difficult to fully enjoy digital broadcasting.  No add skipping and considerable difficulty in sharing of recordings is pretty much all you are buying when grabbing a Freeview branded product.

Until today that is.  Freeview has announced a new (!) Electronic Program Guide that will be shipped automatically to all[most] Freeview anointed equipment. 

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