YouView Release New Software Update for their Broadband ISP TV Box

The YouView (IPTV) set-top-box, which offers broadband based video-on-demand and catch-up TV services via several UK ISPs (BT, TalkTalk, KC and JT), has started rolling out another software update for its Humax kit that will deliver various search and sound improvements.

As before the latest update (v9.5.0 for the Manufacturer Software / v1.2.6 for the Component Software) is expected to be rolled out across all Retail boxes over the next couple of weeks, with BT and TalkTalk expected to release their own special versions “shortly afterwards“.

Software Upgrade (Changes and Features)

* The introduction of Live TV content into the Search Function. You will be able to search for programmes from the Guide that are on-air now or on-air within the next 7 days. The results will appear in a separate ‘On Now & Next’ tab and when selecting a programme from the results that’s on-air now, you have the option to tune to the channel. If it hasn’t aired yet, you have the option to set a recording or a reminder. On Demand results will be presented as they are currently in an ‘On Demand’ tab. (Tabs will be hidden when they don’t contain any results)

* Support for Dolby surround sound over HDMI. You will be able to enable surround sound over the HDMI connecter through a new setting.

* Addition of an HDMI setting to allow you to address problems that some TV sets may encounter when connecting via HDMI. The HDMI Display Setting (under TV Signal & Quality) allows you to set an output preference of 1080p, 1080i, or 720p.

* Software Update notification. In the event that a future software update has not taken place automatically, YouView will prompt you to update to the latest YouView Software version (your box must be connected to the internet to see this prompt).

Users can check if you have the latest version by pressing the YouView button on your remote control and then navigating to Settings > System Information > Software Versions.

The update will take place automatically overnight, albeit only if the box is left powered and connected to the internet. People who don’t like the idea of leaving unused kit switched on at night can always perform a manual update by going to: Settings > Device Management > Software Update > Get Update, and pressing OK.