Upgrade of Freeview tuner for HD channels?

david39

I have a Panasonic Freesat / Freeview television. The software in the set updates itself automatically from time to time - I believe it does this from the Astra satellite through the Freesat system. It can also be done through Freeview but, I think this requires a manual operation. I've never initiated an update but, having checked the software on mine, it is currently the latest version so it must be automatic as I have had the set more than a year.

My question is, given that Panasonic issue these software updates, is it possible that they may update the Freeview tuner software to handle the new HD transmissions or does the tuner not have the hardware capabilities?

pcombo

They box has to have HDMI ports on them if not then its a waste of time having HD EPG.

MiserlyMartin

The freeview tuner is not likely to have the right chipset to do DVB-T2, which uses MPEG4. Freeview SD uses MPEG2, so in that case a software upgrade wouldn't be possible. Unless they have designed it in so it makes use of the MPEG4 hardware on the satellite tuner if you have a Freesat HD tv. Maybe...

david39

Thanks guys -

The Freesat tuner is built into the television - it is not an add-on box.

aliEnRIK

It wont work ~ martins quite right in what was said

david39

I thought it was unlikely. I just hope Ch4 HD and Ch 5 HD move onto Freesat when HD gets national coverage on Freeview

robredz

david39 wrote: »

I thought it was unlikely. I just hope Ch4 HD and Ch 5 HD move onto Freesat when HD gets national coverage on Freeview

You will most likely need a new Freeview box, as the freeview tuners built in to the TV will most likely be unable to handle mpeg4,

savemoney

as said you need a new freeview tuner these are coming out in early 2010

almillar

You've got Freesat HD and you're stuck with the Freeview SD hardware in there, no software update will fix that! I find that the freesat in my Panasonic gives the better picture anyway, so Freeview is rarely used.