Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/03/26/technisat_joins_freesat_iplayer_beta/

TechniSat Freesat set-top gets BBC iPlayer support

USB-connected wireless networking too

By Tony Smith

Posted in Personal Tech, 26th March 2010 17:14 GMT

Own a TechniSat HDFS Freesat set-top box? You'll soon be able to gain access to BBC iPlayer on your telly if you do a couple of things.

First, update the box's system software. TechniSat has begun pushing out an over-the-air patch that will enable the BBC's catch-up service.

Second, plug a Wi-Fi adaptor into one of the box's USB ports. The system software update also enables this feature.

TechniSat HDFS

TechniSat's HDFS: now with iPlayer and USB Wi-Fi support

Actually, the second step is optional - the HDFS has an Ethernet port and you can use that instead. But allowing the USB port to take a Wi-Fi adaptor will please all those folk who have wireless networks at home but whose router is too far away from the set-top box for an easy cable connection.

May we suggest some Ethernet-over-mains powerline alternatives, such as Belkin's Powerline HD Gigabit - reviewed here - or the Devolo dLan AV Plus; our write-up is here.

Earlier this month, the BBC iPlayer beta became available through participating devices' red button rather than a punch-in code. In addition to TechniSat, the beta is available on Humax boxes and Sony TVs. ®