Freewire TV.
What do you want to know?
Here are the answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
- Q. What is Freewire TV and how does it work?
- Q. Do I need a TV Licence to watch Freewire TV on my PC?
- Q. Help! I'm not getting any channels displayed. What's going on?
- Q. All I get is a message saying: "There appears to be a technical problem with this channel". What's wrong?
- Q. I want to change my account details. What do I do?
- Q. Where is Freewire Extra! available?
- Q. I have purchased Freewire Extra! but I don’t see the new channels?
- Q. Is it true that if I use a router in my room the Freewire Extra! channels will not work?
- Q. Help! The new channels I purchased are still greyed out, how do I enable them?
- Q. I want to move up to the Extra! channels, can I use Freewire Lite?
Q. What is Freewire Television and how does it work?
A. It's TV that comes through your University data network or home broadband connection rather than a conventional aerial, satellite dish or cable. So rather than watching on a normal TV, you can take your pick from over 50 digital TV channels on your PC or laptop. Clever, eh?
Q. Do I need a TV licence to watch Freewire TV on my PC?
A. If you're watching any kind of broadcast TV – even if it's on a PC and it's not the BBC – it's your responsibility to stump up for your licence fee. It's all there at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/information/students.jsp.
Q. Help! I'm not getting any channels displayed. What's going on?
A. If you can sign in and all other features work, but you can't see any channels it's possible that you're not on a network where the service is available right now. Freewire TV only works on multicast-enabled networks. Basically, that means your internet service provider has to jiggle around with their network so it can carry Freewire programming. If you've already checked you're in a Freewire enabled area, have a word with your internet service provider or network operator.
Q. All I get is a message saying: "There appears to be a technical problem with this channel". What's wrong?
A. It sounds like the firewall on your PC might be stopping Freewire getting through. Closing down Freewire TV and resetting your firewall to its default settings should solve the problem. Click below for some guidelines to help you:
Q. I want to change my account details. What do I do?
A. Simple. Just visit My Account and enter your Username and Password (or Freewire ID and PIN) to log in. You can view and edit your account details in the My Profile section.
Q. Where is Freewire Extra! available?
A. Currently Freewire Extra! is available in halls at the following universities: University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cranfield University, Imperial College London, University of Kent, Loughborough University, University of Manchester, University of Portsmouth, University of Sheffield and University of Strathclyde. It is also available at Ellersile/Lyddon, Charles Morris and Henry Price halls at the University of Leeds. Freewire Extra! will be growing over the next few months so watch this space for updates.
Q. I have purchased Freewire Extra! but I don’t see the new channels?
A. You need to restart Freewire Television to allow any new channels that you buy to become available.
Q. Is it true that if I use a router in my room the Freewire Extra! channels will not work?
A. Yes, if you’re in halls you must connect directly to your university's network. The use of wireless or wired routers in your room may interfere with your ability to receive Freewire Extra!
Q. Help! The new channels I purchased are still greyed out, how do I enable them?
A. If your Freewire Extra! channels are still listed grey don’t worry. First of all, restart Freewire Television and see if the channels are there. If not, visit My Account on the Freewire website. Have a look at your subscription details and ensure your purchase was completed successfully. If you have been viewing pay or premium channels for some time, make sure the subscription hasn't run out!
Q. I want to move up to the Extra! channels, can I use Freewire Lite?
A. To view any Freewire pay or premium channels you need to ensure you are using our latest Freewire Television application. It’s free to download. Freewire Lite currently only support free channels.