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Freewire TV: Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I start using Freewire TV?

  1. Look to see if Freewire is available in your residence.
  2. Download the client from the Freewire website.

See How to setup Freewire TV for more details.

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Can I get [my favourite channel]?

See the list of available channels. At Bristol we have the full lineup of channels available on Freewire. The lineup is similar but not identical to the Freeview over the air digital TV service. Channels are limited by Freewire's contractual agreements with the channels. In particular ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 are not available.

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Does it cost anything?

There is no charge to use Freewire's standard channels, but you must purchase a TV license if you do not already have one.

In February 2008 Freewire launched a package of premium channels, including sport, for an additional monthly charge. The original range of channels remain free.

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Why do I need a TV licence?

The law in the UK states that you must have a TV licence to watch broadcast TV channels. This applies even if you view TV on a computer and don't own a TV set. As a student in hall viewing TV in your own room you aren't covered by your parents' licence back at home, or your hall wide licence for communal areas.

For more information see TV licenses for students.

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How do you have the capacity on ResNet to provide this when you are encouraging people to use less?

Freewire works using a technology called IPTV multicast.

IPTV just means TV signals carried over an IP network (IP is the standard Internet protocol)

Multicast means that there is only one copy of the Freewire traffic coming in to the University no matter how many people are viewing it - so it is very efficient and doesn't use up much of our limited pipe.

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Does using Freewire count towards my personal fair usage allowance on ResNet?

No it doesn't. We only need to carry the traffic once for everyone on ResNet so it doesn't count as part of your personal usage.

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What happens if I move rooms?

Please use My ResNet to make sure the signal is switched on in your new room.

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What if I want to stop using Freewire?

Uninstall the Freewire Television application using Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Control Panel, Uninstall a program (Windows Vista).

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What sort of computer do I need?

The Freewire TV client is available on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and in a beta version for the Apple Mac. See getting started for the minimum PC specification.

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Does it work on Mac or Linux?

A Freewire client for Macs is now available to download from the Freewire website. It only works with the 25 free channels, not the additional package of subscription channels.

If you want the premium channels you can run the Freewire Windows version on an Intel-based Mac using Boot Camp or with virtualisation software such as Parallels Desktop.

There are no plans for an official Linux client, but you can receive Freewire channels using VLC.

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Can I view Freewire elsewhere in the University?

No, Freewire is only available on ResNet.

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Can I record programmes?

There is no feature to do this currently but one may be developed in future.

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Are there any other ways to receive digital TV on my computer?

You can purchase digital TV adapters for your computer to receive the Freeview channels. However almost all rooms in residence have no access to a rooftop TV aerial, and the reception from portable aerials is often poor. It varies between halls and between rooms in the same hall.

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More questions

Further Freewire TV FAQs are available on the Freewire website.

If you are having any problems please see ResNet's advice on getting Freewire TV working.

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