BFBS Television introduces PIN Codes to BFC

From Monday 8^th June, all entitled personnel in BFC can have access to all the BFBS TV channels, all the time.

 

Currently, personnel with children under 15 at home have 'family' viewing cards, which block the repeats of BFBS2 and BFBS4, and deny access to the '1 day later' channel in order to protect children from unsuitable material at times when they are likely to be viewing.

 

But now, for the first time, as a result of an upgrade to the encryption system, BFBS is able to introduce PIN Codes and thus allow access to the repeat cycles. And it's very simple. When programmes that were originally shown after 10pm come on, a message will appear on screen and ask you to insert your four-digit code. (Those who already have 'adult' cards will not need to enter PINs.)

 

"We have wanted PIN codes for a long time.  It really is the only way to get around the problems we have with the very early working day in Cyprus, whilst still adhering to Ofcom guidelines to protect children.   This responsibility is embedded in our contract with the MoD," says Controller of BFBS TV, Helen Williams. "However, in the past it would have meant replacing all the set top boxes in BFC at a cost of over 500,000 euros, and the funding simply wasn't available.

 

"The changes we made to our encryption system as part of the work to increase capacity for the new channels, has had an added bonus of making PIN codes possible, without replacing set top boxes, which is really marvellous news."

 

So now all those with 'family' cards who would like to have a PIN code simply have to take their existing viewing card into their local DTH office from Monday 8^th June, sign a form, and be given a unique PIN. We are opening the DTH offices for extended hours for the next couple of weeks to cope with demand, but be aware that the DTH offices are likely to be very busy, so please give a thought to the DTH office staff and be patient.

Those who have an 'adult' card do not need to do anything.

 

Opening times of DTH offices

Please note changes to normal opening days and times:

Week beginning 8th June
ESBA
Dhekelia	Amenities Centre	(2474) 4600	Mon Wed	0900-1200 1400-1600
Ay Nik	Forum Welfare Centre	(2474) 4600	Tues	0900-1200
WSBA
Akrotiri	Ermes car park Opposite BFBS Radio	(2527) 5444	Mon Wed Thurs	0900-1200 1400-1600
Episkopi	Room 110, Block E, HQ ESU	(2527) 5444	Tues Fri	0830-1230

 

Week beginning 15th June
ESBA
Dhekelia	Amenities Centre	(2474) 4600	Wed Fri	0900-1200 1400-1600
Ay Nik - please call ahead on (2474) 4600 to check if open Tues morning
WSBA
Akrotiri	Ermes car park Opposite BFBS Radio	(2527) 5444	Mon Wed Thurs	0900-1200 1400-1600
Episkopi	Room 110, Block E, HQ ESU	(2527) 5444	Tues Fri	0830-1230

 

Week beginning 22nd June - back to normal opening times
ESBA
Dhekelia	Amenities Centre	(2474) 4600	Mon Wed Fri	0900-1200
Ay Nik	Forum Welfare Centre	(2474) 4600	Tues	0900-1200
WSBA
Akrotiri	Ermes car park Opposite BFBS Radio	(2527) 5444	Mon Wed Thurs	0900-1200
Episkopi	Room 110, Block E, HQ ESU	(2527) 5444	Tues Fri	0900-1200

BFBS Multiroom

With 9 channels now available to all around the clock, and a tenth coming soon, it's worth reminding people that it is possible to have BFBS TV installed in another room in your quarter. Click here for full details.

 

"I know many people feel the cost of a second outlet at 372 euros is high in comparison to Sky in the UK, but then they subsidise installation out of the subscription fees," says Helen Williams. "If you look at the cost of Sky Multiroom at £9.75 per extra room per month, over a three year period, it's about the same.  And of course that's on top of the £1500 average Sky subscription you'd pay over 3 years."