Freetsat BBC iPlayer beta goes public

Freesat has announced that the beta of BBC iPlayer has now been expanded to all set top boxes manufactured by Humax.
Slightly behind its initial launch schedule, a code (5438) for the trial has been released to anyone with Humax Freesat HD or Freesat+ HD receivers.
To participate in the trial, users will need to hook up their boxes to an internet connection of a minimum speed of 1Mbps and then input the code on the BBC Red Button page.
Freesat managing director Emma Scott said that initial feedback from the closed iPlayer beta run before Christmas has been “really positive”.

“For many, it was the first time they had accessed BBC iPlayer on the television, and there were high levels of satisfaction with the service itself, as well how easy it was to set up and operate,” she said.
“I’m really pleased that we can now expand the number of Freesat viewers who can now access BBC iPlayer.”
Scott also discussed the forthcoming launch of ITV Player on Freesat, which is part of an ongoing strategy to build the platform’s on-demand offering.
“With ITV Player also due to launch on Freesat in the first half of this year, we will be the only TV platform to offer catch-up services from both major broadcasters on a subscription free basis and without the need to buy new equipment,” she said.
“The ability to access on-demand is increasingly important to viewers, and Freesat’s exclusive ability to offer this to TV viewers without a subscription demonstrates our strategy of innovation and long term growth for the platform.”