BBC iPlayer and ITV Player coming to Freesat

Although the BBC now says it won't officially release the code for the BBC iPlayer on Freesat until after Christmas, we've been told the code 5483 should work.

UPDATE 19/12/09

Owners of Humax Freesat HD or Humax Freesat+ set-top boxes will be able try out the beta version of BBC iPlayer on Freesat next week. Watch this video to find out how to access the service. Owners of non-Humax Freesat equipment will be able to access BBC iPlayer in the New Year.

More information on the BBC iPlayer/Freesat trial here.

Published 25/11/09

A Beta version of BBC iPlayer will be available on Freesat from the 7th December, offering the BBC catch-up TV service on a non-subscription TV service for the first time.

And Freesat has confirmed that ITV Player will launch on the Freesat platform during the first half of 2010.

During the initial stage of Beta development of the BBC iPlayer, selected journalists and partners will be able to access the service using a code but Freesat hopes "as many viewers as possible will be able to use the service by Christmas".

In the run up to Christmas around 450 hours of programming will be available each week, including popular programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing, Top Gear, EastEnders, Life, Gavin and Stacey, and The Gruffalo.

"All existing Freesat HD television equipment will be able to receive the BBC iPlayer service, so consumers will not need to buy a new set-top box or TV," says Freesat.

You'll need to connect your Freesat TV or box to your broadband connection using an Ethernet cable, and Freesat says viewers will need an actual broadband speed of 1Mbps to watch or 2Mbps to watch in high quality.

Initially the Beta service will be available by pushing the red button and accessing the BBCi service.

BBC iPlayer joins over 140 channels on the Freesat service alongside HD from the BBC and ITV, though you will need the dish installed and a tuner.

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

Latest in TV Streaming Services
Cobra Kai
The 'perfect' and 'emotional' finale to Netflix's action-packed hit series is finally here
Emily in Paris
Netflix's UK prices are rising – here's how much more you'll pay
BBC
Netflix viewers may soon have to pay the BBC licence fee – and I think it's a good idea
A TV showing the new Now home page with Free Guy as the featured selection. Two people sitting in the foreground watching the TV in a modern living room environment.
Now TV to receive a major overhaul with new features and a fresh look later this month
DC League of Legends Super-Pets
This "cute superhero romp" from DC Comics arrives on Netflix just in time for family movie night
Apple Music new releases and playlists on desktop app
Hurry! Sensational streaming deal gets you six months of Apple Music for just $2.99
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever