6 BFBS TV channels - for free!
BFBS rolls out multi-channel TV to Germany this summer
This summer sees the start of multi-channel BFBS television for BFG. Those who've been on operations in Iraq, the Balkans or Afghanistan will already have sampled the delights of six free channels and now it's coming home. It's the end to a single, transmitted analogue BFBS channel with its inconsistent reception and variable picture quality. By using direct-to-home satellite technology, we not only give you six channels but crystal clear digital pictures and sound.
Work will start in the summer, fitting dishes to houses and accommodation blocks, and putting in cable systems. We'll be announcing in Sixth Sense shortly where work will be starting first, and keep you up to date with which garrisons are next on the list over the coming months. As soon as the first homes have been completed, we'll start printing full listings for all six channels in Sixth Sense. We'll be providing viewers with full information on how we'll be getting your set-top-box and viewing card to you, plus a website with regularly updated information at www.bfbs.com/dth and a telephone helpline number for information.
So what channels will you be getting? Here's the line-up:
BFBS1 remains the all-round family channel, with the usual mix of sport, news, drama, comedy, soaps and movies. BFBS2 will start at 1900 until 0030CET, giving you a choice of two entertainment channels in the evenings. This is where you'll find the Simpsons, CSI, Stargate SG-1, Mile High, Futurama, World of Rugby and Scottish Premier League. By popular demand, we've introduced a 24-hour music channel, The Hits; and of course two Sky Sports channels to keep the sports fans happy. And finally, Sky News for live rolling news at whatever time of day or night you want it particularly important at times of conflict.
Six great channels and all free! No deposit, no subscription, no rental fees.
David Crwys-Williams, Managing Director of SSVC, said: "I'm delighted that we now have the funding to roll-out all our channels to troops and families in Germany. I think the mix of channels will provide something to suit everyone. And I'm especially delighted that we can provide these six channels completely free of charge to the viewer."
Helen Williams, Controller of BFBS TV explains: "Various changes will be happening from April 11th in readiness for roll-out to non-operational areas to make sure that we honour the 9pm watershed in family areas, including new times for some of the soaps! Coronation Street will start at 18.05CET on BFBS1 from April 11th when it goes five nights a week; and Hollyoaks is moving to 1900CET on BFBS2 but don't worry, there'll be an omnibus edition of Hollyoaks on BFBS1 on Sundays from April 17th!"
It won't be long now watch this space for further updates.
Multichannel BFBS TV is coming to Cyprus
This summer sees the start of multi-channel BFBS television for Cyprus. Those whove been on operations in Iraq, the Balkans or Afghanistan will already have sampled the delights of six free channels and finally its coming home. Its the end to a single, transmitted analogue BFBS channel with its inconsistent reception and picture quality. By using direct-to-home satellite technology, we will not only give you six channels but crystal clear digital pictures and sound.
We anticipate MoD funding to roll-out multichannel TV to homes and accommodation blocks, entirely free, in 2006.
However, we can offer multichannel BFBS to clubs, messes and other communal Forces viewing areas immediately, for a one-off installation fee of Cy£275.
So what channels will you be getting? Heres the line-up:
BFBS1 remains the all-round family channel, with the usual mix of sport, news, drama, comedy, soaps and movies. BFBS2 will start at 20.00 local time, giving you a choice of two entertainment channels in the evenings. This is where youll find the Simpsons, CSI, Stargate SG-1, Mile High, Futurama, World of Rugby and Scottish Premier League. By popular demand, weve introduced a 24-hour music channel, The Hits; and of course Sky Sports One and Sky Sports Two to keep the sports fans happy. And finally, Sky News for live rolling news at whatever time of day or night you want it particularly important at times of conflict.
BFBS will be hosting a lunchtime reception from 11.30am to 12.30pm in the Ante Room of the Episkopi Officers Mess on Thursday 19th May for club secretaries and anyone who runs a Mess, garrison bar or other communal area. You can see the channels on offer, get an information pack, chat to Controller TV and technical experts, and even sign up on the spot. And enjoy a snack and a drink, too, of course. You are welcome to just turn up, but it would be helpful for catering numbers if you could call Sarah Dornford-May on + 44 1494 878290 or e-mail: sarah.dornford-may@ssvc.com to let us know youll be coming.
As soon as MoD funding has been approved for the roll-out to homes, well announce it on BFBS Reports and in the Cyprus Lion, and will keep you posted with regular updates on TV, Radio, the BFBS website and in the local Forces press.
So it is finally coming - six great channels and all free! No deposit, no monthly subscription, and no rental fees. But why wait until 2006 get your club to sign up now.