UK TV Apps Samsung Smart TV Ireland?

thisNthat · 28-04-2013 7:24pm #1

Is it possible to install the itv player app, the BBC iplayer app and 5 OD app on to a Samsung smart TV in Ireland as they don't appear in the Samsung TV app store.

I don't want/need discussions/lectures about VPN's, Geotagging, DNS etc etc.. I know that's forbidden so please leave that for other forums

I just want to know if its possible to put these apps on a Samsung smart TV manually, Like the way you can install Android apps on a Galaxy S2/S3 etc without having to go through the play store.

If you google BBCNEWS.apk (For example) you will get a load of options of where to download the free .apk app for android and you can install it manually. Can you do the same for Samsung TV apps? What file format are these apps for Samsung Smart TV's? Can they be installed via USB?

Any constructive advice/opinions appreciated

Thanks

coylemj · 30-04-2013 8:26pm

I suspect that your TV (like my network-attached Sony Blu-Ray player) goes first to the manufacturer's gateway and then based on the IP address, they give you the appropriate apps for Ireland.

It wouldn't make any difference even if you managed to manually install the BBC Player, it wouldn't work because as happens with a web browser when you try it from a PC, it will refuse to play because the IP address will give away the fact that you're in Ireland.

thisNthat · 30-04-2013 8:43pm

coylemj wrote: »

I suspect that your TV (like my network-attached Sony Blu-Ray player) goes first to the manufacturer's gateway and then based on the IP address, they give you the appropriate apps for Ireland.

It wouldn't make any difference even if you managed to manually install the BBC Player, it wouldn't work because as happens with a web browser when you try it from a PC, it will refuse to play because the IP address will give away the fact that you're in Ireland.

Ok, firstly, Thanks for replying, appreciated.

I know why it doesn't come up on the app store in Ireland due to geographical location, I understand that. I don't want to know if it can play it or not, that's not the issue, there are ways around that which can't be discussed here and its a topic on its own so I understand your point but its not really the question I asked (I mean that in the best possible way)

I want to know if its possible to install these apps on a Samsung smart tv via another alternative to the built in app store? Like you can do with .apk files for Samsung phones? What is the file format for app's that are installed on Samsung TV's? and can they be installed via usb?

Thanks again for replying

Belfunk · 02-05-2013 7:30pm

I managed to get Hulu on my UE40D7000 by doing a factory reset, when the Tv rebooted i made the TV think i was in the US which launched the US Version of the app store.

Found this on another site which might be easier, haven't tried it yet

Press the following keys on the remote:
ff 289 rew and enter.

You can then change stores.

thisNthat · 03-05-2013 3:06pm

Belfunk wrote: »

I managed to get Hulu on my UE40D7000 by doing a factory reset, when the Tv rebooted i made the TV think i was in the US which launched the US Version of the app store.

Found this on another site which might be easier, haven't tried it yet

Unfortunately the ff 289 rew and enter job doesn't work with the F8000 series but thanks anyway. I did a full reset and it asked if I was UK or Ireland (The only options that came up), I said UK, It then asked me for a postcode and would only allow the numbers to be pressed on screen for some reason (No letters) Since most postcodes in UK have letters I just put in 1234, It said it couldn't locate the postcode, proceed anyway? so I pressed yes and went into the Smart section and it uploaded all USA apps for some reason, Hulu plus, HBO Go, Netflix etc and loads more USA apps (Happy days) but still no BBC iplayer or ITV player etc. and RTE player is gone (Although some might class that as a blessing

)
Anyway thanks for the info, Appreciated

queenonline · 03-05-2013 8:09pm

@thisNthat

http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/963325

is this any help to you?

thisNthat · 03-05-2013 8:20pm

queenonline wrote: »

@thisNthat

http://support.unblock-us.com/customer/portal/articles/963325

is this any help to you?

Thanks for that,

I guess the new F-series Samsung is one of those, unfortunately.

witchity2 · 14-05-2013 2:47pm

Has anyone got the 4OD app on their samsung store? Doesnt show up in mine, but i thought it would as 4OD does not have the location restriction on-line like BBC and ITV

rayz · 29-09-2013 6:25pm

Hey all, kinda related to this post, if I was to buy a samsung 4510 smart tv from amazon uk, would it come with the uk players or can i still get the rte player etc set up on it when i get the tv in ireland.

I presume the tv will know its in ireland based on the ip address and therefore rte player and the likes should show up on it?

on the verge of a purchase so would like to know asap please.

thanks

fbradyirl · 29-09-2013 9:01pm

I bought mine from Amazon. No problems. I was able to select Ireland and tune in all channels and access the Irish apps rte player, 3player etc. Go for it!

Jimbojimbo · 02-10-2013 10:31am

fbradyirl wrote: »

I bought mine from Amazon. No problems. I was able to select Ireland and tune in all channels and access the Irish apps rte player, 3player etc. Go for it!

@fbradyirl. Was there any problem getting Saorview channels? As far as I know, Saorview uses a different system than what is used in the UK?

fbradyirl · 02-10-2013 10:33am

Jimbojimbo wrote: »

@fbradyirl. Was there any problem getting Saorview channels? As far as I know, Saorview uses a different system than what is used in the UK?

The Smart TVs support both MPEG2 & MPEG4 so it works with both uk and Irish Freeview systems. Just run a full scan and it's done. No problems at all.

NATLOR · 02-10-2013 9:11pm

i just got a samsung f4500 smart tv,when i try to select a program in the 'on tv' or recommended section it just stays on the program im already watching is that because im watching through a sky box or am i doing something wrong

Jimbojimbo · 03-10-2013 9:13am

fbradyirl wrote: »

The Smart TVs support both MPEG2 & MPEG4 so it works with both uk and Irish Freeview systems. Just run a full scan and it's done. No problems at all.

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if it will also tune into analogue channels, eg the standard 15 or so (unencrypted channels) carried by UPC on thier cable network?

adelcrowsmel · 05-06-2014 2:43pm

Did anyone manage to get the 4od app working on the F8000 series?

PyramidHead · 15-06-2014 5:50pm

Make sure you're on TV then Menu then Setup and let it run its course until the T&C page then press 'Mute, Return, Vol Up, Chan Up, Mute' and the country list will pop up and select UK

kbarnesie · 30-09-2014 9:00am

How can I get 4oD on my new Samsung UE48H6400....dont see it in the app store

duploelabs · 30-09-2014 11:54am

kbarnesie wrote: »

How can I get 4oD on my new Samsung UE48H6400....dont see it in the app store

pretty sure you can't get it without messing around with your DNS etc

slicedpanman · 07-01-2015 2:38pm

Anyone tried this to change the smart hub to the UK for F and H series?

Also, anyone with the UK setup as their country - do you get access to the RTE/TG4 Player apps if you set your postcode to a NI address?

corajen · 04-03-2015 9:57am

Hi
Can anyone assist, I have a 350 Gb Hard Drive plugged into my TV via USB port. The TV sees the drive and formatted it ok. I set the record function and it records the TV channel ok. The HD shows the amount of data used and the TV states that the recording has completed but each time I can only view 8-10 minutes before a window appears stating "Failed to Play" this happens each time I reformatted but still the same issue?
Regards

thisNthat · 11-03-2015 11:22pm

corajen wrote: »

Hi
Can anyone assist, I have a 350 Gb Hard Drive plugged into my TV via USB port. The TV sees the drive and formatted it ok. I set the record function and it records the TV channel ok. The HD shows the amount of data used and the TV states that the recording has completed but each time I can only view 8-10 minutes before a window appears stating "Failed to Play" this happens each time I reformatted but still the same issue?
Regards

Just wondering does the Harddrive have its own power source or is it powered by USB only, The reason I ask is playing back HD by USB power only, can cause issues with the Harddrive and it can crash, fail to play or play very choppy and jumpy.

corajen · 12-03-2015 11:36am

thisNthat wrote: »

Just wondering does the Harddrive have its own power source or is it powered by USB only, The reason I ask is playing back HD by USB power only, can cause issues with the Harddrive and it can crash, fail to play or play very choppy and jumpy.

Thanks for your reply, no I was using a non powered USB hdd, I have now purchased a powered usb hdd just waiting for it to arrive. I presume I should go for a powered USB hdd for my Android box as well?

adelcrowsmel · 12-03-2015 12:27pm

I've never had any problems with my drive which is a 2TB usb drive (non powered). Is your HD an older one usb1.0 and maybe not usb2.0 and hence not the right speed needed?

thisNthat · 12-03-2015 12:48pm

corajen wrote: »

Thanks for your reply, no I was using a non powered USB hdd, I have now purchased a powered usb hdd just waiting for it to arrive. I presume I should go for a powered USB hdd for my Android box as well?

I would personally, It will give alot less problems when it has it's own power source. Let us know how the new powered HardDrive works?

adelcrowsmel wrote: »

I've never had any problems with my drive which is a 2gb usb drive (non powered). Is your HD an older one usb1.0 and maybe not usb2.0 and hence not the right speed needed?

A 2GB pen drive wouldn't hold a full movie in 1080p and it depends on make, model etc as to the quality of playback, but you're right it could be USB 1.0 and some USB powered harddrives may work better than others, overall its recommended to get a harddrive that has its own power source if your watching and recording movies etc to it, as the USB power only drives can give unreliable results.

adelcrowsmel · 12-03-2015 1:35pm

thisNthat wrote: »

I would personally, It will give alot less problems when it has it's own power source. Let us know how the new powered HardDrive works?

A 2GB pen drive wouldn't hold a full movie in 1080p and it depends on make, model etc as to the quality of playback, but you're right it could be USB 1.0 and some USB powered harddrives may work better than others, overall its recommended to get a harddrive that has its own power source if your watching and recording movies etc to it, as the USB power only drives can give unreliable results.

Sorry my post should have read 2TB...I wouldn't get very far wiith a 2GB pen alright. What I'm using is a WD portable hard drive - 2 TB and I've had no issues with playback on it - if I was going to go for more TBs I would get powered also.

corajen · 12-03-2015 4:45pm

thisNthat wrote: »

I would personally, It will give alot less problems when it has it's own power source. Let us know how the new powered HardDrive works?

A 2GB pen drive wouldn't hold a full movie in 1080p and it depends on make, model etc as to the quality of playback, but you're right it could be USB 1.0 and some USB powered harddrives may work better than others, overall its recommended to get a hard-drive that has its own power source if your watching and recording movies etc to it, as the USB power only drives can give unreliable results.

I received the Hdd drive today just to collect it I'll try tonight and let you know...
I had asked Samsung about this issue sometime ago but never got a reply until now see below:don't know why they mention its works when the TV is switched off???
Further to your query, the specifications for our recommended hard drives are as below. .

- 5400 RPM
- No more than 2TB
- The hard drive must have its own power supply. This is to ensure that this works when the television is powered off. We would recommend using a hard drive rather than a USB as these are often more reliable.

duploelabs · 12-03-2015 5:54pm

I've a 3tb and it works ok (although that's dc powered), as do the two self powered pen drives

corajen · 13-03-2015 4:17pm

I received the 500Gb HDD and its works fine, the powered USB hdd is the way to go. One other point how do you pulse live TV using this HDD. and remove programs from the drive?

jumbo · 30-03-2015 9:35am

Looks as though this thread has gone a bit O/T: It was all about getting 4od to work and now all of a sudden we're talking about HD recording?!?

Anyway, I just wanted to add my own findings to the 4od discussion.

I have an E-Series and the "ff 289 rew and enter" thing worked for me, though it wasn't necessary as it was possible to set location by just going to the setup menu under tools as well

As others have commented, it now removes the RTE Player and 3Player apps, and replaces them with ITV, BBC and "All 4" (which is what 4od is now known as).

Obviously BBC and ITV didn't work beyond the menus as they have geo-blocking on the assets themselves, but "All 4" worked, and the quality was amazing. Better than what I'd get on the actual UPC box.

But then after a while I did get some problems with the streams, and some on-screen messages saying that "Content is unavailable", though I am actually watching the content ... could be they do have some kind of geo-blocking enacted after all ...

But to revisit OP's original question .. though answers thus far suggest not ...

Is it possible to install Samsung application packages yourself, beyond those available on the App store? I say "possible", not manufacturer sanctioned.

I dream of a scenario where I can obtain the "all 4" app from the UK app store, and make a backup, and then after reverting to the IE app store I reinstall said backup.

I've been looking at "Samy2go" which seems to promise all sorts of wonderful possibilities beyond even this, and I'll keep ye posted if I discover anything interesting.

Johnny Bitte · 15-04-2015 9:10pm

jumbo wrote: »

Looks as though this thread has gone a bit O/T: It was all about getting 4od to work and now all of a sudden we're talking about HD recording?!?

Anyway, I just wanted to add my own findings to the 4od discussion.

I have an E-Series and the "ff 289 rew and enter" thing worked for me, though it wasn't necessary as it was possible to set location by just going to the setup menu under tools as well

As others have commented, it now removes the RTE Player and 3Player apps, and replaces them with ITV, BBC and "All 4" (which is what 4od is now known as).

Obviously BBC and ITV didn't work beyond the menus as they have geo-blocking on the assets themselves, but "All 4" worked, and the quality was amazing. Better than what I'd get on the actual UPC box.

But then after a while I did get some problems with the streams, and some on-screen messages saying that "Content is unavailable", though I am actually watching the content ... could be they do have some kind of geo-blocking enacted after all ...

But to revisit OP's original question .. though answers thus far suggest not ...

Is it possible to install Samsung application packages yourself, beyond those available on the App store? I say "possible", not manufacturer sanctioned.

I dream of a scenario where I can obtain the "all 4" app from the UK app store, and make a backup, and then after reverting to the IE app store I reinstall said backup.

I've been looking at "Samy2go" which seems to promise all sorts of wonderful possibilities beyond even this, and I'll keep ye posted if I discover anything interesting.

Thanks Jumbo, being trying everything to ctry and get iBBC Player and ITV player working

Let us know how Samy2go works out, I ve been reading their forums but still can't figure out what its all about any a little worried about bricking the tv

adelcrowsmel · 17-04-2015 3:18pm

Is anyone having problems since the app updated to All 4? I had 4od working no problems at all for months now but as soon as it changed to All 4 I'm having problems with it, it just stopping playing. I will be watching something and it goes to the break and that's it...it just stops with a spinning circle on screen and never moves on. Its not speed issues thats causing it.

jumbo · 17-04-2015 4:26pm

adelcrowsmel wrote: »

Is anyone having problems since the app updated to All 4? I had 4od working no problems at all for months now but as soon as it changed to All 4 I'm having problems with it, it just stopping playing. I will be watching something and it goes to the break and that's it...it just stops with a spinning circle on screen and never moves on. Its not speed issues thats causing it.

A few weeks ago I did set my Samsung TV to point to the UK App store, and I got the "All 4" app (I never had the old 4od app before).

I experienced problems like you describe. Shows would cut out half way through (typically after an ad break) or would not start at all. Sometimes I would have a message in the middle of the screen telling me that the "Requested content is not available in your area" - which I thought odd at the time since I was watching said content, albeit with a naggy message in the middle of the screen.

I guess they have started to perform a certain amount of geoblocking on their assets (the streaming content), and perhaps it isn't universal across them all. It could be that the servers have to be upgraded for this, and they haven't done them all yet, or it could be some kind of a courtesy to any grey subscribers (such as me or yourself) using the service.

duploelabs · 17-04-2015 7:03pm

adelcrowsmel wrote: »

Is anyone having problems since the app updated to All 4? I had 4od working no problems at all for months now but as soon as it changed to All 4 I'm having problems with it, it just stopping playing. I will be watching something and it goes to the break and that's it...it just stops with a spinning circle on screen and never moves on. Its not speed issues thats causing it.

How'd you get all4 working with it?

adelcrowsmel · 17-04-2015 7:40pm

duploelabs wrote: »

How'd you get all4 working with it?

PM sent

Johnny Bitte · 21-04-2015 12:48pm

Any one know how to get around geo blocking, VPN or some such service?

AndyBoBandy · 24-04-2015 11:55am

Looking for info on this, and I was told about setting up a develop account (not developer) and adding TV channels that way,

anyone have experience of this?

galtee boy · 28-05-2015 8:50pm

Power city are advertising Samsung model UE40H6500STXXU,it says Saorview and satellite, does anybody know if the satellite is Freesat or FTA and is this model Irish, as in will the apps be RTE Player and TV3 player instead of the UK Tv apps ? Any info would be appreciated.

paddylonglegs · 17-07-2015 9:46am

Hi Folks,

This is sort of related to this thread - Am planning on buying a smart tv, all websites show "Irish Digital TV" i.e Saorview compatible. I already have the dual saorview/freeview box installed but I was wondering if anyone has been able to tune in freeview directly from their Smart TV? I will probably be going for a Samsung, LG, or Panasonic

Thanks

adelcrowsmel · 17-07-2015 10:12am

paddylonglegs wrote: »

Hi Folks,

This is sort of related to this thread - Am planning on buying a smart tv, all websites show "Irish Digital TV" i.e Saorview compatible. I already have the dual saorview/freeview box installed but I was wondering if anyone has been able to tune in freeview directly from their Smart TV? I will probably be going for a Samsung, LG, or Panasonic

Thanks

Hi, my Samsung tunes in saorview, freeview hd and freesat hd and has two connections at the back of the TV - one for the aerial(saorive) and one for the dish(both freeview and freesat) - so I could get rid of the box altogether! What you need to be looking for when buying the TV if what type of tuners that have and this will tell you if you can or cant tune in freeview and then also whether you want freesat as an option?

paddylonglegs · 17-07-2015 1:35pm

adelcrowsmel wrote: »

Hi, my Samsung tunes in saorview, freeview hd and freesat hd and has two connections at the back of the TV - one for the aerial(saorive) and one for the dish(both freeview and freesat) - so I could get rid of the box altogether! What you need to be looking for when buying the TV if what type of tuners that have and this will tell you if you can or cant tune in freeview and then also whether you want freesat as an option?

music to my ears. 1 less remote control to deal with!

I'll keep an eye out for the dual connection when tv shopping then. Can I ask what model of Samsung you have?

adelcrowsmel · 17-07-2015 2:37pm

paddylonglegs wrote: »

music to my ears. 1 less remote control to deal with!

I'll keep an eye out for the dual connection when tv shopping then. Can I ask what model of Samsung you have?

Yes, having one remote is great. I've seen posts where some people aren't happy that its takes a few button clicks to switch modes - between Saorview and Freesat but to be honest that doesn't bother me at all and is a samll price to pay for getting rid of a box and another remote! Its a F8000 series which is not available anymore, I bought it about a year ago. I've been looking myself for another Samsung for my bedroom with similar tuners and I have noticed that they got rid of the Freesat tuner on models smaller than 32" and a 40" would be just too big for the bedroom. I don't know what size you are looking for, but now only 40"+ have the Freesat HD tuner along with the Freeview Tuner - I find the Freesat is the one I use as any station frequency changes are automatic so update without a retune, also you can series link for recording which I'm not sure you can with Freeveiw - must check this on my own TV.

adelcrowsmel · 21-07-2015 8:10am

paddylonglegs I checked the FTA V's Freesat on my TV and Freesat has 7 days epg and you can series link, while FTA only has now and next so if you are interested in recording anything on your TV I would definitely recommend getting a model that has a Freesat Tuner, so you need to be looking out for DVB-S2 (which is HD) in the spec of whatever TV you are buying

As mentioned by dubrov below, its not Freeview I should be referenceing, but FTA is what I meant.

dubrov · 21-07-2015 8:58am

Just to add DVB-S2 is required to view satellite channels but doesn't guarantee Freesat.
Make sure Freesat is in the specs if you want 7 day EPG for the satellite channels.

Freeview is the UK terrestrial service so you'd need to be close to the border to pick up these channels with an aerial.
I believe Freeview HD TVs have the required tuner (DVB-T2) to pick up Saorview in ROI.

If you go for a TV than can handle Freeview HD and Freesat HD, you should be covered for free TV.

galtee boy · 23-07-2015 8:38pm

I've just bough the Samsung 40H6500 series. It's got terrestrial and satellite tuners. You have the option of Saorview ( 7 day EPG ) and Freesat (7 day EPG ) combined, but to do this you must set country code to UK and enter a UK postcode. This puts the Saorview channels in the 800's, but easy to re number to 1, 2 , 3 etc. With this option, you can record and series link Freesat channels, but you can only record Saorview , no series link on Saorview as 2RN knobbled series link on non Saorview approved gear some time ago. Still a great TV though, having the RTE, TV3 and TG4 players on it, is very handy.

Umpalumpa · 01-08-2015 7:33pm

Is it possible to download showbox,Mobdro to the samsung smart tv?

Davexirl · 01-08-2015 9:18pm

galtee boy wrote: »

I've just bough the Samsung 40H6500 series. It's got terrestrial and satellite tuners. You have the option of Saorview ( 7 day EPG ) and Freesat (7 day EPG ) combined, but to do this you must set country code to UK and enter a UK postcode. This puts the Saorview channels in the 800's, but easy to re number to 1, 2 , 3 etc. With this option, you can record and series link Freesat channels, but you can only record Saorview , no series link on Saorview as 2RN knobbled series link on non Saorview approved gear some time ago. Still a great TV though, having the RTE, TV3 and TG4 players on it, is very handy.

I am thinking of buying this TV, where did you pick it up? what was the price? and how is the sound?

galtee boy · 01-08-2015 10:10pm

Davexirl wrote: »

I am thinking of buying this TV, where did you pick it up? what was the price? and how is the sound?

Power City, €599 . The sound is surprisingly good, considering how thin the tv is. I'm very happy with it, just to beef it up, I might get one of those surround sound soundbars, but a good one of those would cost almost as much as the tv ! In the meantime, the sound is fine, not at all " tinny".

adelcrowsmel · 04-08-2015 8:18am

galtee boy wrote: »

I've just bough the Samsung 40H6500 series. It's got terrestrial and satellite tuners. You have the option of Saorview ( 7 day EPG ) and Freesat (7 day EPG ) combined, but to do this you must set country code to UK and enter a UK postcode. This puts the Saorview channels in the 800's, but easy to re number to 1, 2 , 3 etc. With this option, you can record and series link Freesat channels, but you can only record Saorview , no series link on Saorview as 2RN knobbled series link on non Saorview approved gear some time ago. Still a great TV though, having the RTE, TV3 and TG4 players on it, is very handy.

When you say combined do you mean you managed to get them on the one channel list on this TV, or do you have to switch mode between Saorview and Freesat?

ThisRegard · 11-08-2015 9:58am

galtee boy wrote: »

Power City, €599 . The sound is surprisingly good, considering how thin the tv is. I'm very happy with it, just to beef it up, I might get one of those surround sound soundbars, but a good one of those would cost almost as much as the tv ! In the meantime, the sound is fine, not at all " tinny".

I recently picked up the H6400, same as the H6500 with the only difference being the 6500 has dual tuners and the 6400 just having whatever is needed for Saorview. I too was impressed by the sound from the tv, much better than the old LCD it replaced which was the old style with two full length speakers down either side.

duploelabs · 11-08-2015 10:27am

Has anyone got round the cinevia audio muting that occurs, I seem to get it even if I'm watching Netflix (which is a fully paid up account with no proxy)

adelcrowsmel · 11-08-2015 11:26am

duploelabs wrote: »

Has anyone got round the cinevia audio muting that occurs, I seem to get it even if I'm watching Netflix (which is a fully paid up account with no proxy)

I have never experience this at all to be honest!

UK TV Apps Samsung Smart TV Ireland?

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