Panasonic brings BBC iPlayer to Blu-ray/DVD Freesat recorders

22 Feb 2011

Panasonic DMR-BS850
Panasonic DMR-BS850, now with iPlayer

Panasonic has released a software update via its website to enable owners of its original Blu-ray/DVD Freesat recorders to install BBC iPlayer.

The updates are available for three models: the DMR-BS850, DMR-BS750 and DMR-XS350. Click on this link to go directly to the relevant download.

Failing that, there should be an 'over the air' update sometime today; just make sure you have the option set within the settings menu to 'automatically download'.

The only remaining Panasonic products without BBC iPlayer compatibility are the firm's 2008/2009 TV sets. Panasonic says the upgrade for these will now be available in September 2011.

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Comments

So it's almost the end of November 2011, have Panasonic made available any updates to the 2008/09 TV sets? Bought mine in 2010 as yet there's no sign of iPlayer being available...

So September 2011 is almost gone - have Panasonic made any updates to the 2008/09 TV sets which they've been ignoring for so long - or are they hoping we'll just give in and buy new ones? Wink

I was told last week by our local store that BBCiplayer would be along "any day now" and that the other channels would follow shortly-at the moment I am wondering why I bothered to buy this set as we dont do social networking!

For some reason Panasonic only seem to be supporting the iplayer for Freesat devices.  They seem unable to get the BBC iPlayer application working (for whatever reason) on their Viera cast platform even though others such as Sony and Samsung have.

Shame as when I bought my TV and DMR-BW780 I was hoping there would be more apps on it Sad

I have a DMR-BW880 Blu ray recorder/PVR. I e-mailed Panasonic to ask when the iplayer firmware update would be available. The response I got was -

"there are no plans to release BBC iPlayer through our current range of blu ray players and home cinema systems. The BBC iPlayer feature is only available through our current range of freesat recorders and televisions as the feature requires a connection to your internet connection as well being tuned into a freesat tuner as it is received through the RED BUTTON service from the BBC through Freesat."

This surprises me because the 880 is connected to the internet and my local Panasonic dealer advises me it should be available soon.

Does anyone have an idea what is going on ?

The DMR-BW780 was not on the list we were sent by Panasonic, best check with them by calling 0844 8443852.

I have the Panasonic DMR-BW-780, has this been updated to receive BBC iplayer?  As I can not see it in the viera cast section.