Confusing BBC iPlayer behaviour with on new TV

[Dunstan89]

I have a new XR-55A95K TV and I was told it was really easy to access programmes using the speech button, but it's not working out that way.

For example, I can use the BBC iPlayer app and watch anything I want on catch up. Also, if I select a recommended programme on the home page, and it happens to be a BBC programme, then it plays immediately with no problems.

Here's the issue. If I press the speech button and say 'play xxxx on BBC iPlayer' I get a voice message saying iPlayer is not installed, and a screen message saying the version is not compatible with my device. What the hell.

I've got auto software updates switched on, and I'm definitely running the latest version.

Any ideas would be appreciated 

[LightFoot]

Hi @Dunstan89   I would have been surprised if it did work. I cannot see Sony knowing all the programmes that are currently available in BBC iPlayer. Obviously, programmes advertised on the Home page have the link to the programme hard coded.

[Dunstan89]

Hi @LightFoot

Thanks for responding. It's not Sony that's searching, it's Google Assistant, and Google knows everything. I can say 'play xxxx on Netflix' or 'play yyyy on Spotify' and they work.

If I say 'play things I should have done' (which is a BBC series advertised on the home page) it says 'BBC iPlayer is not installed at the moment'. So it recognises the programme and knows it is on iPlayer, but it doesn't recognise that iPlayer is available on the TV.

[LightFoot]

Hi @Dunstan89   

Then it is probably cash strapped BBC not paying Google to include the link and schedule unlike Netflix and Spotify.

As you have discovered that it doesn't work, you could try Sony Support. 

https://services.sony.co.uk/supportmvc/en/Contact/Email?cat=televisions-projectors2&tab=Tips