By: A.C.
I am sure that many of our readers, have a lot their technology worked out to give them the best experience for watching movies or their favourite TV series. Some may have Chromecast, Amazon Fire, Now TV, Netflix as wi-fi “ sticks” or stream them to their TV. Others may have Sky, but I think mainly due to financial restraints, many folk will probably have Freeview.
Freeview, which is in the TVs most of us own, has recently launched an inbuilt player which has been taken up by quite a number of manufacturers. These TV’s are called Freeview Player Ready. This Player allows connection to the internet like many “Smart TV’s”, but the difference is that in accessing the TV Schedule for Freeview you select any programmes from the schedule, and catch –up. Not just the BBC, Channel 4 ITV or STV, but every Digital Channel. This player is also accessed via set top boxes like these products detailed at Freeview.
Freeview describe their Player in a recent press release as
“Freeview Play brings an enhanced EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) to TVs and set-top boxes, allowing viewers to access catch-up programming from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Demand 5 and UKTV Play by scrolling back through the TV guide. Additional on-demand content is also available from the Freeview Play apps page on compatible devices.”
However, many of you will maybe like to get out and see the occasional film at the cinema.
Then again, maybe it is easier to just stream a film to the TV, and forget about the big screen and the experience of a visit to local ‘picture house’.
There may be accessibility problems, or maybe if you or the person you care for has autism, the Cinema is just too noisy, dark or strange.
Click the following links to see what our local Cinemas in Aberdeen say about accessibility.
Most cinemas have an Autism Friendly’ screening of the big blockbusters once a month on a Sunday morning. For a list of Autism friendly cinemas, this website is recommended by all the big cinema chains .
The agreed standard for Cinemas to use the terminology “Autism friendly” will include these adjustments:
“ A relaxed environment where people understand the needs of children and families with autism
- lights left on low
- sound turned down
- no trailers or advertisements (unless they are embedded in the film)
- staff trained in autism awareness
- disabled access
- chill out zone, where available
- freedom to move around and sit where you like
- bring your own food and drink
- free entry for carers with valid CEA Card.”
To that end, whether you are watching a film cosied up at home on your TV or going out, from time to time I will hopefully be posting a review on any film I have seen at the local cinemas.
If you would like to give your own opinion on anything you have seen at the Cinema, or indeed at home on your Premiere Network then contact us either through the office or by commenting here.
If you have any reviews on the Cinema Facilities or screenings in Aberdeen or nearby, why not contact our editor through the office, or comment bellow and add your experiences to our knowledge base.