Viewers blow a fuse over BBC iplayer fault on Samsung TVS
THOUSANDS of homes will be without BBC iplayer this Christmas, owing to a technical glitch in Samsung television sets.
Owners of several Samsung models manufactured in 2013 and on sale until 2015 will no longer have access to the streaming and catch-up service.
Those households will not be able to watch any non-live BBC programmes, including the 100 or more box sets that have been added to the service in time for the Christmas break.
Samsung said the issue was caused by coding used to verify whether or not a TV has the required permission to access iplayer content. A required software update is failing to download on older models.
The company said the update “should happen soon” but the issue might not be solved until early 2020.
Additionally, around 150 Samsung set-top boxes and Blu-ray players made between 2012 and 2018 will no longer support the BBC service.
Many viewers vented their anger on social media, calling the lapse “an utter disgrace”.
One said: “Early next year? Are you kidding me? That’s two of our three TVS where iplayer is no longer usable. Clearly you have utter contempt for your customers.”
Another wrote: “Merry Christmas! I can’t access BBC iplayer on my Samsung TV. How do I cancel my TV licence then?”
Others said they were struggling to install the software update, despite it being available.
A BBC spokesman said: “Samsung has informed us that its 2013 sets are still waiting to be automatically updated and that this should happen soon.
“Samsung tells us it is working hard to address the problem with its firmware and any viewers experiencing difficulty watching iplayer on Samsung TVS should contact the manufacturer to get it fixed.”
Kate Bevan, Which? computing editor, said: “People pay a lot of money for TVS and other smart devices, so it is understandable that they would feel frustrated when they are no longer able to access their favourite apps – a problem that is likely to become increasingly common.
“Manufacturers need to be upfront about how long they will provide updates for smart devices and do a better job of giving support and guidance about the options available to customers if they stop.
“App developers should also be clear with people about which platforms their apps work on and give them plenty of warning when an app is no longer going to be supported.”
Those affected who are determined to watch iplayer over Christmas will be able to do so, at extra cost, by buying a streaming stick, set-top box or games console.
The BBC announced last month that more than 100 box sets were being added to iplayer in time for Christmas.
They include a number of Sir David Attenborough’s natural history documentaries, comedies including Outnumbered, Miranda and Gavin & Stacey, and dramas Call the Midwife, Luther and Killing Eve. Adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s stories for children were also made available.