Since June, you may have noticed that your Freeview TV might look significantly different. You may have been thinking, “is the Freeview platform down?”, “why are some Freeview channels missing?”.
That’s because, from 29th and 30th June 2022, there have been changes in how channels have been currently broadcasted.
With 10 channels being taken off the service, you can still keep your beloved tv channels on your service by retuning your TV.
In this article, we give you the lowdown on what’s changed and what to expect for the future.
What’s Changed?
Freeview has decided to switch off its broadcast signal, called COM7 Multiplex allowing viewers to watch content on the latest 5G mobile technology from EE.
The closure of COM7 gives less space to broadcast Freeview channels using terrestrial airwaves which uses more bandwidth when watching HD channels.
Therefore, Freeview has been forced to make changes to the service by taking some TV channels off the air.
Why Have Some Freeview Channels Closed?
As a result of the limited bandwidth and the ways in which we watch TV nowadays, Freeview has closed several of its channels to modernise the service and keep up to date with industry trends.
Broadcasters have now actively reviewed their channel portfolio and strategy as more people are streaming programmes online.
With the emergence of on-demand services in recent years, there’s been less of a need for +1 channels to catch up with the programmes you might have missed.
Despite having to say goodbye to some much-loved channels, Freeview viewers have been recommended to retune their TVs so they can still watch channels such as BBC Four HD, CBeebies HD and Together TV.
What Channels Are Closing?
Sadly these are the channels that have departed from the service:
- Freesports 65
- CBS Justice 69
- More4+1 86
- PBS America+1 87
- Forces TV 96
- BBC News HD 107
- QVC HD 111
- QVC Beauty HD 112
- Quest HD 114
- Craft Extra 95
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Freeview has introduced and rebranded some existing channels to their service.
What New Channels Have Been Added To Freeview?
Channel 4 has rebranded and introduced 4 Music as E4 Extra which Freeview watchers can watch on channel 31.
This new channel will include various much-loved comedy and entertainment shows such as Batwoman, Ninja Warrior Japan, Undercover Boss USA and Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.
If you love getting a thrill, then you can watch the channel Horror on a new channel called Legend.
If you’re a music enthusiast then you can still enjoy the channel, That’s Music on Classic Hits.
What Channels Can I Watch Moving Forward?
If you still wish to watch your entertaining historical documentaries on PBS America or would like to get your quick fix of Teleshopping on QVC and QVC Beauty; you can still watch them on the following channels.
Despite the changes, some channels have stayed including BBC Four HD, CBeebies HD and Together TV.
If you need more information on how to retune your TV, you can visit the Freeview website.
Freeview Aerial Installation
If you’re interested in making the most out of these new channels, contact Aerial Force now for a free estimate and we’ll come to your doorstep on the same day as your call!
Contact us today to book your appointment, or call us on 0330 162 7094.
