January 2008

Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:40 pm

January 2008.

Dear iPlayer+ users,

Last month we received a letter at our head office in France, from one of the forum members petitioning Netgem for further software upgrades for the iPlayer+. This letter has been passed to us for reply.

We are sorry that it has not been possible to provide any further software upgrades for the iPlayer+ after version 4.6.23c.

From the introduction of the iPlayer in November 2002 to September 2005 when 4.6.23c was released, there have been numerous upgrades, which provided enhancements, new features and general improvements. As you know, the iplayer “classic” was replaced in September 2003 by the BT DigitalTV adapter, and later by the iPlayer+.

In terms of support, in June 2003 the iPlayer forum was set up to facilitate technical exchanges and improve communication. Many of you were forum members, some more active than others and, collectively, with assistance from the moderators, technical gurus and through many beta programmes, you helped refine the iPlayer software.

Since the introduction of the iPlayer, the channel logos and idents have been regularly updated to reflect the changes on Freeview, this service has been provided free of charge and the iPlayer is the only adapter to offer this dynamic feature.

As with all consumer electronics products, the iPlayer+ reached the end of its production life, and unfortunately, following BT’s decision to limit and subsequently stop the promotion of the BT DigitalTV adapter, it was no longer possible to provide free support and additional software development.

We understand that there are limitations in the capabilities of the iPlayer (yes, it’s not compatible with YouTube or Facebook), but we consider that given the limited hardware, the iPlayer has proven to be a technological success by providing a versatile and rich set of services and features to all of you. Judging from the feedback and testimonials we have received and from the fact that a large majority of iPlayers are still in use today (including yours), it would be unfair to say that the iPlayer quickly became obsolete as it continues to be one of the best Freeview tuner devices in use.

As a sign of good will, we have decided to offer you all a free update to the “Audio Description” feature, previously only available as a £10 upgrade! This includes the possibility to enable the audio description track when it is available, as well as the “talking channel logos”.

To take advantage of this offer, simply go to netgem.com/ad with your iPlayer+ or BT DigitalTV adapter.

Thank you for your continuing interest in our products and for your on-going support.

Sincerely,
The iPlayer+ Team