Freesat users have seen the disappearance of popular 4K recording boxes, with models made by Arris/CommScope now discontinued and largely unavailable to buy. This led to concerns that the Freesat platform might be coming to an end. However, a new device from Manhattan TV is set to change that.

The upcoming Manhattan S4-R recorder, expected in 2026, will bring modern features such as 4K support, multi-channel recording, and integrated on-demand apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Its release suggests that Freesat is still very much active, with ongoing demand for subscription-free satellite TV—particularly in areas with limited broadband or for viewers who prefer traditional recording functionality. 

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BBC iPlayer Could Add ITV and Channel 4 Shows

 

The BBC has proposed a major change to its BBC iPlayer as part of its next Royal Charter plans, suggesting it could host programmes from other UK broadcasters such as ITV and Channel 4. The idea is to create a single, unified streaming platform where viewers can access content from multiple public service broadcasters in one place.

The proposal aims to help UK broadcasters compete with global streaming giants like Netflix by combining resources and audiences.

BBC content would remain ad-free, while partner content could still include advertising or subscriptions depending on the broadcaster’s model.

Although the plan could simplify viewing, it remains a proposal and would require approval and cooperation from other broadcasters before becoming reality. 

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Authorities in Italy are stepping up their crackdown on illegal IPTV use, with football league Serie A now demanding €1,000 in damages from individuals caught streaming matches illegally. These payments are in addition to existing government fines, which can range from around €150 to €5,000 depending on the offence.

The action follows a major investigation that identified thousands of users through subscription and payment records linked to a dismantled IPTV network.

Letters have been sent to suspected users requesting compensation, with some already paying the €1,000 settlement. Authorities say this is just the beginning, signalling a tougher approach that targets not only providers but also end users of illegal streaming services. 

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 BBC Player is now available on Movistar Plus+ in Spain, giving subscribers access to a wide range of British content on demand. The service includes hundreds of hours of programming from BBC Studios, featuring popular series, documentaries, and entertainment shows, all curated for Spanish audiences and available in Spanish.

Rather than a traditional TV channel, BBC Player is integrated into the platform as an on-demand section, accessible عبر compatible devices and UHD set-top boxes.

The launch also strengthens the partnership between Movistar Plus+ and BBC Studios, alongside additional channels such as BBC Earth and BBC Lifestyle.

Overall, the addition of BBC Player expands the platform’s international content offering, bringing more UK programming to viewers in Spain.

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 Channel 5 has removed its standard definition (SD) broadcast from UK satellite platforms including Sky and Freesat, marking another step towards an HD-only future. The SD version was switched off in early March 2026, with viewers now required to watch via the HD channel instead.

This change follows similar moves by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, all of which have already phased out SD channels on satellite to improve picture quality and free up bandwidth.

Most viewers will not be affected, as modern receivers support HD. However, those using older SD-only satellite boxes will lose access to Channel 5 unless they upgrade their equipment. Overall, the switch reflects the wider transition to high-definition broadcasting across UK TV platforms. 

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That’s TV Closes Music Channels on Sky & Freeview

That’s TV has closed several of its dedicated music channels across Sky, Freesat and Freeview, including That’s 80s, That’s Oldies and That’s Melody. The channels officially ceased broadcasting at the end of February 2026, with on-screen messages confirming the shutdown and directing viewers to other That’s TV services.

The move reflects the ongoing decline of traditional linear music TV, as more viewers switch to streaming platforms and online video services.

While the standalone music channels have closed, music content will continue to be shown within other That’s TV channels. The closures follow a wider trend of music channel shutdowns in recent years, leaving fewer options available on traditional broadcast TV.

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Casting vs Mirroring: What’s the Difference?

 Casting and screen mirroring are two common ways to display content from your phone, tablet or computer onto a TV, but they work quite differently. Casting sends specific content—such as a video or music—from your device to the TV, which then streams it directly from the internet. This means you can continue using your device for other tasks while playback continues.

Screen mirroring, on the other hand, duplicates your entire device screen in real time, showing everything including apps, menus and notifications

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March 2025 Solar Outage to Disrupt Satellite TV

 Satellite TV viewers across Spain and Europe may experience brief signal loss during March 2025 due to a natural phenomenon known as a “solar outage.” This occurs when the sun aligns directly behind geostationary satellites, overwhelming their signals with solar radiation.

The disruption typically happens around late morning (approximately 10:30–11:30 AM) and can last up to 20 minutes per day over several days.

This is a normal and predictable event that happens twice a year around the spring and autumn equinoxes, affecting satellite TV, radio and internet services.

There is no permanent impact on equipment, and signals return automatically once the sun moves out of alignment. While unavoidable, the outages are short-lived and should not be a cause for concern.

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British Expats Arrested in Costa Blanca IPTV Raid

 Two British expats have been arrested in Spain’s Costa Blanca after police uncovered an illegal IPTV operation being run from a home in Alicante. The suspects, aged around 50 and 70, are accused of providing unauthorised access to premium television channels across Europe via a paid subscription service.

The platform reportedly had around 330 customers and generated an estimated €190,000 in revenue. Users were given login details to stream content on smart TVs, set-top boxes and mobile devices.

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Does Freely Work Abroad on Netgem Pleio?

 The Freely TV platform, available on devices like the Netgem Pleio, is designed primarily for use within the UK and relies on an internet connection to stream channels from broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. However, using Freely outside the UK is not straightforward. Due to licensing restrictions, these services are geo-blocked, meaning they will not normally work when accessed from abroad.

While some users attempt workarounds such as VPNs or Smart DNS services, success can vary, as many broadcasters actively block known VPN connections. In most cases, a reliable solution requires a UK-based internet connection or residential IP setup. Overall, Freely is intended as a UK-only service, and accessing it overseas remains limited and technically challenging.

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