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Access to BBC iplayer

(12 Posts)
MayBee70 Thu 06-Aug-26 18:49:22

Something popped up on my tv today to say in October I may no longer be able to access iplayer. I already can’t get catchup for ITV and Ch4 because my tv is a few years old, but I can watch them on my iPad. Losing BBC iplayer will be a big blow as I watch it all the time. Does it mean I’ll have to buy a new tv? I hate being a technophobe…

Retread Thu 06-Aug-26 18:52:56

You can watch BBC iPlayer on your iPad. 🙂

BlueBelle Thu 06-Aug-26 19:01:25

Yes I never bother with iPlayer on my tv as I often watch things to catch up in bed so I’m sure you ll still get it on your iPlayer

Graphite Thu 06-Aug-26 19:08:18

It's impossible to say for sure but it could be a DRM issues. DRM is Digital Rights Management. It’s the technology that controls access to copyrighted material. If you haven’t updated the software and firmware on your TV recently, then that could be blocking channels and streaming services.

You need to go into your TVs settings and check for updates.

How old is your TV?

petra Thu 06-Aug-26 19:13:14

Graphite

It's impossible to say for sure but it could be a DRM issues. DRM is Digital Rights Management. It’s the technology that controls access to copyrighted material. If you haven’t updated the software and firmware on your TV recently, then that could be blocking channels and streaming services.

You need to go into your TVs settings and check for updates.

How old is your TV?

My thoughts exactly. TV hasnt been updated.
Lots of older people worry when/ if they see this message and ignore it. I had to do it for a friend of mine.

MayBee70 Thu 06-Aug-26 21:39:25

It’s pretty old. Inherited from my son. To be honest I could do with replacing it with one that can access other catch-ups but it’s attached to a Humax box that I’ve got recordings on and also a dvd/video player ( I still watch DVD’s). Why does everything change all the time sad?

HelterSkelter1 Thu 06-Aug-26 21:50:48

One of the pleasures of my life is watching all sorts of things on iPlayer on my Samsung tablet tucked up in bed. And listening to all sorts of things on BBC Sounds. Tonight I just listened to part one of The Guitar Story wonderful. Can't wait for next Thursday's episode which is not available until next Thursday.
So OP I am sure you can watch iPlayer on your iPad.

Graphite Thu 06-Aug-26 21:52:54

There comes a point when manufacturers no longer issue software and firmware updates for older sets so that might be the case with your set.

You can buy a decent 32” Smart HD TV for £160 or less.

I have a Samsung bought nearly five years ago. I have it hooked up to a Humax box plus a DVD player so if you buy a new TV you can still use those.

My TV is a slightly older version of this:

ao.com/product/ue32f6000f-samsung-tv-black-106455-108.aspx?mm_rf=mm_76ae611390aec301c2b8

I do have a sound bar too as the sound quality on the TV is a bit thin but it may have improved on later version(s).

MiniMoon Thu 06-Aug-26 22:18:34

Last year, after our Samsung tv screen failed we bought a Hisense mini LED tv. We don't need an aerial or a satellite dish as everything is streamed over the Internet. We have tuned in the terrestrial channels as a back up just in case the broadband goes down. Our son was so impressed with it when he came to visit that he bought one too saying that, in his opinion, this is the future of television.

Graphite Thu 06-Aug-26 23:02:43

I still think having a Humax (or similar) box is worthwhile if you want to record from digital terrestrial channels and be able to fast forward through the ads. Those same programmes might be available to stream but you then have to sit through the ads unless you subscribe. Some channels, such as Talking Pictures TV, have a very limited streaming service

Wyllow3 Fri 07-Aug-26 00:13:32

BlueBelle

Yes I never bother with iPlayer on my tv as I often watch things to catch up in bed so I’m sure you ll still get it on your iPlayer

Me too. Watch an old favourite or the news....in the comfort of my bed in a sunny room or even in the night...sounds has music and stories.

nanna8 Fri 07-Aug-26 00:24:52

We have just got a new TV, too and once you get used to it you can get a lot of stuff quite easily. Tvs are much cheaper than they used to be . Our old one ‘died’ and it would have cost as much to fix it ,almost, as getting a new one so we splashed out. I can’t get bbc iview because we are not in the UK but we do get the BBC news on tv through the new tv.