Freeview viewers will see ten channels disappear today and face having to retune their set-top boxes to keep some of their favourite shows. The subscription-free service is having to make changes to make way for the latest 5G mobile technology from EE.
With less bandwidth to use, Freeview has to make the changes which include a number of channels being taken off the platform for good, the Express reports. BBC FOUR HD, CBeebies HD, Together TV are staying but people will need to retune.
They are moving to a new signal and actually getting increased coverage whilst others are being forced to switch positions on the planner. Freeview is recommending all users to run a system update to make sure they keep every channel up to date.
A Freeview spokesman said: “Since the decision by Ofcom to make more airwaves available for mobile data, the Ofcom licence for some channels broadcasting on Freeview has expired. This means that affected channels are making changes to the way they are broadcast moving forward."
On the system update, they said: "Channels will be making changes to the way they are broadcast on 29th June 2022. You will need to retune your TV to continue watching these channels."
The BBC said: "As a consequence of the closure of COM7, BBC News on Freeview will be available only in SD from the end of June 2022. However, you can still watch it in HD on BBC iPlayer."
Although some will be disappointed to hear about that channel loss it's not all bad news with Channel 4 launching a new service called E4 Extra today which Freeview fans will find on channel 31.
Channel 4 is promising that its new channel will focus on comedy and entertainment with shows already confirmed including Batwoman, Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Ninja Warrior Japan and Undercover Boss USA.
Channels closing
- FreeSports - current channel 65
- CBS Justice - current channel 69
- More4+1 - current channel 86
- PBS America+1 - current channel 87
- Forces TV - current channel 96
- BBC News HD - current channel 107
- QVC HD - current channel 111
- QVC Beauty HD - current channel 112
- Quest HD - current channel 114
- Craft Extra - current channel 95
How to retune your Freeview box
Freeview has issued advice on how to retune devices and here are the steps every user needs to follow.
- Press menu on your box or TV remote control
- Select ‘set-up’, ‘installation’, ‘update’ or a similar option. If you’re asked for a password, the default code is ‘1234’ or ‘0000’.
- Select ‘first-time installation’ (sometimes called ‘factory reset’, ‘full retune’ or ‘default settings’).
- Press ‘OK’ if your equipment asks if it's OK to delete existing channels and then your retune should start automatically. If you’re prompted to, save the channels that are found.
