Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Is BBC Iplayer working on TiVo ? Looking at the support forum it appears not. VM are being less than forthcoming with replies/solutions.

This is a bit of a deal breaker to me. Am due to get my V+ replaced with TiVO next week. At the moment I'm tempted to cancel as i use catch up on BBC alot. I know about the issues with red button/reminders but not worried about that as I don't use them.

Getting TiVO makes my bill £3.50 a month less (because my extra box would be free), which was the main reason to change. However there is of course a £50 installation charge and I'm prepared to pay slightly more each month to a have a working service.

To quote Romeo, 'TiVo or not TiVo, that is the question ?' (that's what he really meant to say wasn't it ? ;) )

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Im watching, well ok, my kids are currently watching 'Baby Jake' on BBC Iplayer right this moment.
Its a little hit and miss at the moment, last night my wife was trying to watch Master Chef but it kept cutting out.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

thanks.

Think it's in the evening when most of the issues are, presumably when most are trying to access it. BBC catch up works flawlessly on the V+ (and it was apparently ok on the TiVo before the 'update').

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I think there is a difference between how catch up works and using the I player app. I could be wrong about that but they certainly look different when they load up.

Put it this way, I have noticed some problems with the I player app, but have been aware that the are known issues, so have been waiting for them to be sorted out. During the same period I have used catch up without any problems.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

We are aware of some issues and the TiVo Team are working on them with the BBC

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

thanks, but appox. timescale - hours/days/weeks/months/never ?

Why don't they just go back to Virgin servers for BBC programmes until this is sorted (as with the V+, VHD) ? It's annoying a lot of customers.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Not sure on timescales, Mr K. All we know is that it's being worked on.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Still borked. It was stuttering earlier today, now it won't even load. Watching Frozen Planet on the 15" laptop just isn't going to be the same :-(

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Yep IPlayer not working here either (Manchester), then again neither is YouTube. Other catchup services OK.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Perhaps the dedicated 10 meg connection has needs beefing up

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

No.

10 meg is more than enough for the iplayer streams.

Even the HD iplayer stream is only 3.5Mbit/s.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Thanks for the info. TiVo is obviously pile of pants. I'm going to cancel my installation next week and stick with the V+, a far superior and more reliable box by all accounts.

Might come back to it when you've all finished beta testing and VM have solved all the issues. ;)

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Pile of pants!!? I think not! Iplayer is working for me, as is YouTube. Granted its a bit glitchy at times but very much not a pile of pants.

Even with only the 500gb model my family have only used 9% total storage, and that's including HD recordings!

If TiVo is a pile of pants, they fit just nice to me ;-)

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I haven't had any problems with BBC iPlayer either, plus I've used it at peak times.

The problems affecting some customers is being worked on, not sure what more you can ask for? :shrug:

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I'd rather wear my V+ pants thanks. They seem to be a lot simpler and don't have any 'glitches' ;)

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

and that's your choice... enjoy :)

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

There is more content on the Tivo version on BBC iplayer compaired to the V+ version

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_iPlayer#Virgin_Media

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

indeed, that is correct.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I can get Iplayer on my blu-ray player for free (and it works !). Does the TiVo version have films and radio (these were missing on V+) ?

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Yes, they do have films and radio.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Yep and spotify... Facebook, and loads more ;-)

Ooooh my pants are nice

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

It has films and radio, and is generally excellent, in my opinion. Everything is going to play up now and again, but this is by far and away Tivo's best app-and it blows the v+hd version out of the water in terms of content and ui.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Is there a specific reason why it is affecting some customers and not others?

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I'm not sure.. could be localised or it may be just unlucky getting a bad connection.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I have had tivo for a couple of months now .
Before the last update I tended not to use the BBc I player App because it was always crashing.
Now after the update the I Player is the only way to access bbc catch up. It is absolutey rubbish for me I have now started recording programmes that I want to watch on BBC.
I wont even consider using catch up for BBc its so intolerable to watch and always ends up by me rebooting my box.
Catch up TV was one of the major features for me getting Tivo.I left sky two months ago to get this fantastic Tivo machine.There are a lot of good things about the system but also at the moment a lot of bad things.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Bad connection, as in bandwidth ;)

Never any problems with IPlayer on my 10mg virgin broadband connection :)

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Decision made, TiVo installation cancelled, I'm sticking with V+. Not risking having a duff service over Christmas.

I'm not going to get something that might or might not work depending on the quality of the box/technician/my signal. The V+ (inc. Catch Up) works perfectly and meets my needs. According to according to some, TiVo picture quality isn't as good, it's slower and takes longer the to do simple tasks. Also not sure I need 500GB or 3 tuners, seeing that I've never filled the V+ up or ever needed to record 3 things at once (who on earth has time to watch all this telly ?)

Might have a look again when the new Samsung box comes out, some more updates/fixes have been done, Iplayer works (for everybody !) and when they offer to install it for free.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

It's your decision in the end as you are the one that's going to be using it.
:xmas:

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Just watching Frozen Planet on IPlayer and it's working fine. However, if the BBC programs are on the VM VOD servers for V+ etc, is there a good reason why these can't be watched on TIVO anymore? I just went into catch-up and HD and no sign of Frozen Planet, I then had to go back to the home screen and search for it. Personally, I think the quality of HD of the BBC programs via the old method is much better than via the web app - and I feel a little short changed having to watch the web version when there is a higher quality version available which the box is just not showing. Just my thoughts!

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

HD version is available, just not in that folder. Go to the BBC iPlayer App and Switch HD on :)

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Thanks DF, I found that. It's just that I don't think the HD quality via the app is as high as the traditional VM OD?

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

TBH, it's either HD or not :) I find the HD on BBC iPlayer is the same as VM's platform.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Seems much softer to me (lower bitrate I suspect), but maybe it's just me!

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

update for Mr K

http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/...884935/page/14

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

thanks for the update DF. At last a response fron VM!

Grateful if people could report whether it really is any better. thanks.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I've played a couple of HD programmes myself just now and they were ok, but I've not really had any issues prior.

Need someone whos had issues to check really. :)

EDIT: Make sure you reboot before checking, so the box updates with the BBC iPlayer update.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

hahaha Epic fail to the V+ fanboy that cancelled his TiVo install to prove a point. Good things come to those who wait...

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

This is even more funny.
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/35341906-post1.html

So why would did he cancel ? When he would still have his V+.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

That softness is caused by wrong field order. It's hard to describe, but it basically makes an image look undefined and fuzzy. Have a look at the BBC logo with HD streams... notice how instead of being perfectly square there seem to be fuzzy bits on the edges? That's the error.

I don't know, why don't you ask the question over in the original thread instead of crossposting it over here? Would make more sense.

---

Back to topic... remember to reboot your TiVo once or twice a week. I mean switch it off on the back, then back on, proper hard reset. Obviously when it's not recording, or about to record (allow five minutes). I was having iPlayer problems last week and after good old hard reset the app is back to the stability and non-choppiness of 15.1. Good work VM!

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I had trouble earlier (stuttering) when watching Eastenders with HD turned off. Picture quality was poor (soft). After reading the post here, rebooted TiVo (through menu) and set iPlayer to HD. Picture quality a lot better now (but I would have to say I've seen sharper HD channels on my TV) and there's been no stuttering.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Good stuff, thanks for updating :tu:

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I never not had any BBC iplayer issues before. I would also say the HD picture quality has improved since BBC iPlayer app update.

I would like to see a "prefer HD when available" option in the BBC iPlayer app settings menu.


That is because the BBC use 1440x1080i resolution for BBC ONE HD and BBC HD. Every other HD channel uses 1920x1080i resolution which gives a better picture quality.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I cancelled because iplayer wasn't working properly for a significant number of customers and VM weren't responding to the issue. Seems logical to me to wait until it is rather then take a chance and have a downgrade in my service. They have now responded, and hopefully it's solved, but I'll wait and see.

You're right, good (working) things do come to those who wait...

If I went for TiVo it would be in exchange for the V+. My extra box is a VHD which is the one I'd keep. Don't need 2 PVR's and the VHD is more suited to a bedroom (ie. less bright/quieter). Also there's the possibilty of streaming TiVo to VHD in future.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Update is working just fine....

Sorry but you really were canning TiVo far too prematurely, VM solved the problem and you really should have been less hasty in cancelling the install over Iplayer..

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

I wrote that. If you're going to word for word copy what I've written, at least have the decency to use the QUOTE function so it shows my name next to it, rather than posting other peoples words as your own like a cheating University student.

What are you talking about? If they were using 1440x1080i then either the aspect ratio would be 4:3 fullscreen, or a 4:3 aspect image stretched to 16:9 because almost all the content is widescreen. The BBC have the highest quality 1080i channels and all knowledge I have on the subject tells me that's because they use the highest bitrate (as compared to all other HD channels) and a non-resized 1920x1080i image.

Stop giving out erroneous and misleading information.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Sorry

---------- Post added at 14:14 ---------- Previous post was at 14:12 ----------

That is incorrect.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_HD#...d_availability

BBC One HD is also the same.

The BBC does certainly not use the highest bitrate for there HD channels.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Look at this... several people on your other favourite forum have recently spotted that BBC HD is now full 1920x1080i, as I have. Besides, higher bitrate 1440x1080i will look better than lower bitrate 1920x1080i. It's a compromise either way, but bitrate can often make a bigger difference. It's a complicated subject.

In addition, the Wikipedia article (which is presumably accurate at the moment) does state that Virgin Media has the highest quality feeds of BBC HD right now, with 17Mbps MPEG-2 streams, and that this is about double what some of the other HD channels have (also MPEG-2).

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Yes but how long will that last.

Probably only for the Strictly Come Dancing final in 3D .

They did the same with Wimbledon and then when it finished it went back to 1440x1080i.

Also BBC ONE HD is still 1440x1080i.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Ridiculous how you have to go through the iplayer app rather than through virgin menus. You can't fast forward anything like as easily as you should.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

There are glitches on the V+, and frankly, I do think you will be better with the TIVO box. The problem with the i-Player on the TIVO is an irritation, but only a minor one. I am able to load all the programmes I want to watch, the problem is that about half way through, it tends to pause, as if it's uploading the rest of the programme. If I press rewind and play, it normally resumes.

However, they are working on it and I'm sure it won't be long before this is fixed. TIVO is a vastly superior box to the V+, you've got to operate it to know it!

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Now the problems with iPlayer have been addressed, I've had TiVo installed today. A bit risky just before xmas, but what the h*ll (!)

It's about what I expected from the comments others have made. Better than V+ is some areas, lacking in others. The HD quality is excellent, same as V+, SD is acceptable but not quite as good as V+. Didn't really notice the difference between HD and SD on my 32" LCD on the V+, both were excellent pictures. I can definitely notice a difference with TiVo. It's still very acceptable quality, I suspect it would be more of an issue on a larger screen.

iPlayer I've tested a couple of times and hasn't crashed, but the picture quality is nowhere near as good as the catch up service on V+/VHD, and it's more awkward to access. Definite backward step for no good reason.

On the plus side there's the recording space and extra tuner and hopefully things will continue to improve. I've networked and had fun with TiVo Commander, with the rest of the family just wondering why the channel is changing ;) Looking forward to the VHD getting TiVo software and I can network that.

Overall a very cautious thumbs up so far. If it didn't mean mean my package working out a bit cheaper suspect I wouldn't have changed. Just hope I don't wake up to the lights of death tomorrow...

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

A very good reason-more content. Hundreds of hours more stuff on the Tivo I player app compared with the V+ version. I agree its slightly less user friendly, but not to the point of it being unusable by any means, and the extra programming makes up for it in my opinion.

Re: Does IPlayer work on TiVo?
 

Most of that is radio though. Nice to have but i've never got into listening to radio on the tv. Suspect we're stuck with iPlayer as it's at the BBC's insistence; weird, because Catch Up is at it always was on V+/VHD. So they haven't insisted on that being withdrawn, which makes it a mystery why we don't have the choice on TiVo.

Still, no 'lights of death' today on my new TiVo today, so that's promising :)