Re: Freeview changes
 

An new Shopping channel to launch on Freeview???

UK Terrestrial TV via Twitter has reveal that an new dtas channel licence has been given to TheJewelleryTV.

https://twitter.com/ukdtt/status/1460937023032864775

Re: Freeview changes
 

I hope not. There's been shopping licenses without new launches before.

They reported a new license for Vision the other week too. I don't expect to see any difference in that instance as I believe it's just for delivering their existing IP service via HbbTV rather than MHEG.
https://twitter.com/ukdtt/status/1457977522549923844

Re: Freeview changes
 

Here is the list of channels NOT broadcasting on Freeview but is listed on OFCOM:

5STAR1 - channel close when COM8 was axe.
5USA1 - channel close when COM8 was axe.
AlJazeera6-8
AlJazeeraEngHD - channel close when COM8 was axe.
BTPreviewHD
BTSport1
BTSport2
BloombergTelevision
CBSJustice1
CBSReality1 - channel close when COM8 was axe.
ClassicFM
Daystar
HorrorChannel1
NOW70s
POP1
QVCBeautyHD - channel close when COM8 was axe.
SkySports1
SkySports2
SkyText
TJCBeauty - Channel just launch this month on Sky.
TVWarehouse
TheJewelleryTV

http://static.ofcom.org.uk/static/ra...sdtps-main.htm

Re: Freeview changes
 

QVC Beauty HD is technically still on Freeview, it timeshares for 2 hrs with its parent QVC HD. The slate says you can get "all" channels by Pressing Red. So it sounds like they deliver it via internet. Whether the internet versions are HD I have no idea.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Media Mole are reporting that BBC Three will launch on Freeview Channel 23 on February 1st.

Re: Freeview changes
 

RXTV is reporting that "Adult Channel" Studio 66 stop broadcasting on Freeview Channel 679 on November 30th.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Midnight to 5am freed up, so Midnight to 6am now free. Can only see it being of use to Ideal World as they have the rest of that stream.

Unless a +1 placeholder service wanted it for overnight use e.g. Yesterday+1 which is currently 2hrs from 5am on COM5.

---------- Post added at 19:32 ---------- Previous post was at 19:28 ----------

Or maybe Xpanded TV take it for longer/earlier hours and Smithsonian goes 24hrs?
http://www.xhxf.uk/timeshares/

Re: Freeview changes
 

As far as I know Xpanded TV use Together TV (12AM to 3AM) and Smithsonian (3AM to 7AM) to broadcast.

Also Xpanded TV broadcast on COM4 but Studio 66 was on COM5 (as posted by Freeview - as posted by you on Forum Box UK)

Re: Freeview changes
 

Yes, if you go to that channel, there’s nothing on.

None of them had anything on before, to be fair.

Re: Freeview changes
 

So true. :D

I wonder how much transmission money those first channels that stopped at midnight saved that stopped them taking the overnight space on the streams in the first place. If those channels can afford it it must be pretty minimal the cost saving.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Possibly connected to this: https://rxtvinfo.com/2021/ofcom-sanc...t-chat-channel

Re: Freeview changes
 

Sounds like it. A cost saving measure to pay for legal costs and/or a prospective fine?

Re: Freeview changes
 

Or just not renewing their freeview contract as Ofcom will possibly revoke their licence. They clearly don't want to operate within the rules.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Some channels set to move on January 26th 2022:

All channels from Dave ja vu - From channel 23 to 25.
and ITV4 - From channel 25 to 26 to Shopping Quarter - From channel 72 to 73.

Will all move on January 26th to make room for BBC Three to launch on Channel 23.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Rumour: Is ViacomCBS set to rebrand Paramount Network as 5Action???

A poster over on DS Forum has started a thread called 5Action, is it coming to Freeview? but I have been working to see if I can find anything on the web to back this rumour up with no luck.

A other poster think ViacomCBS are maybe thinking about axing the Paramount Network brand ahead of Paramount + launch in 2022.

https://forums.digitalspy.com/discus...reeview#latest

Re: Freeview changes
 

Yes, makes sense to rebrand the Paramount Network if they are launching Paramount + in the UK.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Confirmed: Together TV moving to Channel 83 from 82 in January

https://www.atvtoday.co.uk/190914-together/

What is confirmed so far as set to move on January 26th on Freeview:

-Dave ja vu - From channel 23 to 25.
-ITV4 - From channel 25 to 26.
-Yesterday - From channel 26 to 27.
-ITV +1 - (England and Wales only) - From channel 34 to 35.
-STV +1 - (Scotland only) - From channel 34 to 35.
-UTV +1 - (Northern Ireland only) - From channel 34 to 35.
-4seven - From channel 48 to 49.
-GREAT! tv - From channel 49 to 50.
-TG4 - (Northern Ireland only) - From channel 52 to 53.
-RTÉ One - (Northern Ireland only) - From channel 53 to 54.
-RTÉ2 - (Northern Ireland only) - From channel 54 to 55.
-5SELECT - From channel 55 to 56.
-Blaze - From channel 63 to 64.
-Together TV - From channel 82 to 83.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Now confirmed as going to happen on January 19th 2022.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Is Gems TV set to move to HD only stream from January 26th?

In the same month Gemporia cut Jewellery Maker from Virgin Media are more cut coming to Freeview viewers?

GemsTV is currently on COM5 LCN 44 for 24 hours/day
Jewellery Maker is currently on COM6 LCN 71 between 08:00 and 13:00
LCN 72 is currently Shopping Quarter (also a Gemporia channel)

What may happen?

GemsTV moves to BBCB - Midnight to 5pm.
Jewellery Maker stays on COM6 from 8am to 1pm.
Shopping Quarter - but hours cut to 5pm to Midnight (GemsTV share stream).

https://forums.digitalspy.com/discus...ment_100269882


It may not happen and is only a mixup by Gemporia.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I think two of the three of your possibilities are more likely than the third MB.

That FB post they did isn't half inconsistent. :D The text doesn't mention HD but the graphic does. The text calls Ch45 Gems TV, the graphic calls it Gemporia.

So it seems one of their channels is getting rebranded to Gemporia Lifestyle on Freeview, and another might change from Gems TV to Gemporia. And it's possible that one of the channels is disappearing from Freeview as only 2 channels are mentioned.

"You can also watch our Shopping Quarter channel, which features a diverse mix of programming, including Gemporia Lifestyle from 5-10pm, Gem Collector from 10-11pm and silent auctions from 11pm to midnight every day:" Source: Gemporia Website How To Watch page.

The Shopping Quarter slot on COM6 is the newest, so probably has the longest contract still to run. As the website quote says above Gemporia Lifestyle is part of the Shopping Quarter schedule already from the 5pm start time given. That all suggests to me Gems TV is moving to share with the current Shopping Quarter stream and the Shopping Quarter name is disappearing from Freeview to be replaced with the Lifestyle branding.

The Jewellery Maker slot might be difficult for Arqiva to sell if PBS don't have the money to take more of that stream, so it might remain cheap enough for JM to keep running as an early in the day slot on its own is relatively unappealing.

I can't see anything being added to PSB3 (BBCB) unless they've determined that they can't fit in more HD streams. The encoders are likely getting updated as they are having to add HD regionalisation in England anyway. The encoder updates on Virgin Media have shown the technological progress made in encoding, even recently, and how you can fit many more HD channels on a multiplex just by updating HD encoders. With COM7 closing I think they are more likely to try to add HD streams if at all possible rather than add another SD stream to the HD multiplex.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I have no idea on what Gemporia will do on January.

SDN have a free slot - 5Select old slot.

Only Channels set to launch in the coming months on Freeview are:

BBC THREE - Using CBBC slot
BBC THREE HD - Using CBBC HD slot - not in Scotland
S4C - may move to BBC A in Wales - so that GREAT! action movies can launch in Wales (with S4C using BBC Scotland slot).
S4C HD - launching soon in Wales - testing right now.
Talk TV - launching by April 2022 on Freeview.

Re: Freeview changes
 

So will they run both, or be planning to combine the business side and axe a channel? It raises a few questions on Freeview especially. Create & Craft has 24hr stream on a crowded COM4 and Craft Store 7am- 10pm slot on COM5.

Also Ideal Shopping is 7am- Midnight on Freeview COM6, the rest of their stream is empty as of recently. They could use sale funds to go 24hrs.

I can see some space getting freed up soon, but not immediately, whatever happens. Having said that, the imminent reshuffle is arguably good timing for some changes.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Idea World HAS NOT been today I think Ideal world will keep their COM6 as they broadcast from around Midnight to 3am on ITV and STV also the Adult channel that was shown after midnight on their stream was removed last night.

Idea World Extra do broadcast have a 24 hours stream but that is on the Local TV.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I don't understand this part.
Very logical.
Last night? It's been away since before Christmas according to the Freeview timeshare I regularly look at (based on my observations of the website, there are no dates for change on page now as changes have happened since). http://www.xhxf.uk/timeshares/
Completely slipped my mind last night. Ta.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I was too busy posting on here and on my Twitter page - I will start updating my blog from 3.30pm today (My blog takes longer to update).

A: 1) I did mean to say "Ideal World was not sold today".
A: 2) Nothing is up with that one
A: 3) I also did mean to say "last month" not last night.
A: 4) Nothing is up with that one

Sorry about that.

Re: Freeview changes
 

So easily done. No worries. :)

Re: Freeview changes
 

Has I work out all new channel numbers on Freeview from January 26th:

4. S4C - SDN (The BBC move soon S4C from SDN to BBC A - Wales only)
23. BBC THREE - BBC A
24. BBC FOUR - BBC A
25. Dave ja vu - ARQ B
26. ITV4 - D3&4
27. Yesterday - ARQ B
28. ITVBe - SDN / D3&4
29. ITV2 +1 - SDN
30. E4+1 - D3&4
31. 4Music - ARQ A
32. 5STAR - SDN
33. 5Action (Known as Paramount Network until January 19th) - SDN
34. GREAT! movies - ARQ B
35. ITV +1 / STV+1 / UTV+1 - D3&4
36. Pick - ARQ A
37. QVC Beauty - ARQ B
38. QVC Style - ARQ B
39. DMAX - ARQ B
40. Quest Red - ARQ A
41. CBS Justice - ARQ B
42. GREAT! movies action - SDN (Not in Wales ~ for now see S4C)
43. Food Network - ARQ A
44. HGTV - ARQ B
45. Gems TV - ARQ A
46. Channel 5+1 - SDN
47. Film4+1 - ARQ A (If I was Channel 4 I would move Film4 +1 to channel 49 from January 26th)
48. Challenge - ARQ A
49. 4seven - ARQ A (If I was Channel 4 I would move 4seven to channel 47 from January 26th)
50. GREAT! tv - Local
51. TJC - SDN
52. GREAT! movies classic - Local
53. TG4 - NI mux
54. RTÉ One - NI mux
55. RTÉ Two - NI mux
56. 5SELECT - BBC B
57. Smithsonian Channel - ARQ A
58. ITVBe+1 - SDN
59. ITV3+1 - SDN
60. ITV4+1 - SDN
61. GREAT! movies +1 - Local
62. GREAT! tv +1 - G-MAN
63. GREAT! movies classic +1 - G-MAN
64. Blaze - SDN
65. FreeSports - COM7 HD
66. TBN UK - BBC B
67. CBS Reality - SDN
68. CBS Drama - ARQ B
69. Horror Channel - SDN
70. QUEST+1 - ARQ A
71. Quest Red+1 - COM7 HD
72. Jewellery Maker - ARQ B
73. Shopping Quarter - ARQ B
74. Drama +1 - SDN
75. Yesterday+1 - ARQ A
76. NOW 70s - G-MAN
77. NOW 80s - COM7 HD
78. TCC - SDN
79. NOW 90s - G-MAN
80. Clubland TV - G-MAN
81. Blaze+1 - SDN
82. TalkingPictures TV - ARQ B
83. Together TV - ARQ A

We may also see:
89. TV Warehouse - G-MAN
90. That's TV UK - COM7 HD
91. Ideal Extra - Local
92. Create & Craft - SDN
93. Forces TV - COM7 HD
94, OD365.TV - G-MAN

109. BBC THREE HD - BBC B (Not in Scotland or Wales)
110. S4C HD - BBC B (Wales only)

Re: Freeview changes
 

Has the S4C SD on BBCA/PSB1 thing been said by anyone that isn't the two of us Media Boy?

I've been suggesting it for years now, but only because it was an obvious move given with BBC's involvement with them, not because I've ever read anything official.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I have not see anything about S4C may move but I do know that BBC Scotland slot is not being use outside Scotland. If S4C do move that will make room for GREAT! movies action to launch in Wales on Freeview.

I have seen reports of S4C HD testing on Freeview in Wales (using the CBBC HD stream) so will only broadcast when CBBC goes off air.

The listing I posted is base on the Freeview "platform management" page.

But I can't work out why ITVBe is on two streams (SDN / D3&4 [Channel Islands only])

If I was ITV and Channel 4 I would remove any +1 channel from D3&4 and launch a non +1 channel on that stream.

Remove ITV +1 for ITVBe.
Remove E4 +1 for 4Music.
Remove Channel 4 +1 for 4Seven.

Re: Freeview changes
 

DS Forum poster "dachse" has revealed that they saw a announcement on Ideal World (currently Freeview Channel 22) last night that says Ideal World is moving to Freeview Channel 50 on Wednesday (19th Jan) and then to Freeview Channel 51 from 26th Jan.

But TJC is on Channel 50 right now.

Media Boy Views: Look like Ideal World is set to close soon due to them selling their EPG slot (Channel 22) on Freeview to TJC from Wednesday.

With Ideal World set to move to Channel 50 from Wednesday then Channel 51 from January 26th.

I am only thinking this way due to Ideal World selling their sister channel last Monday.

https://twitter.com/thecraftstoretv/...28111986081794

Re: Freeview changes
 

I saw something the other day that suggested IW was having to raise money to pay off some debts. Freeview is the most expensive platform, so easiest place to cost cut if you have multiple options to choose from on the platform.

Ch22 being a LCN not affected by the upcoming BBC3-induced reshuffle, it has extra value, and the timing so close to said reshuffle helps too.

Re: Freeview changes
 

UK Terrestrial TV told me via twitter:

But IW says on a ad seen my me that they are moving to channel 50 - TJC channel slot.

Re: Freeview changes
 

If true, it would save so much hassle if they could just continue to use Ch22. Odd that they'd get to use it temporarily. (I'm assuming that's @ukdtt you're referencing.) If IW have sold Ch22, maybe the buyer has given BBC3 temporary use to help the whole platform.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Yes I am taking about @UKDTT

He told me today:

Re: Freeview changes
 

TJC has revealed that they will be moving to Freeview Channel 22 from Wednesday.

Ideal World (currently Freeview Channel 22) is moving to Freeview Channel 50 on Wednesday (19th Jan) and then to Freeview Channel 51 from 26th Jan.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Wonder if TJC will stop their simulcast on That's TV (Local version, not Gold). I'd imagine That's would look to replace it with another simulcast if TJC did so, if only to ensure the two services remained different enough.

Re: Freeview changes
 

S4C HD on Freeview in Wales is a go.

Placeholder due this afternoon (19th) with channel number 110.

This will affect existing CBBC HD series links according to this RXTVlog article.
https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/s4c-hd-freeview-launch

Re: Freeview changes
 

Also Paramount Network will be rebranded as 5ACTION on Channel 32.

RXTV has reveal that BBC THREE HD will be on Freeview Channel 109 in England and N. Ireland.

RXTV also reveal that BBC THREE SD will be on Freeview Channel 23, With Dave Ja Vu moves to channel 25 and ITV4 to Together TV will all move down the EPG by one number.

RE ITV+1 will move to Channel 35.

Full list: https://www.freeview.co.uk/help/serv...c-three-launch

Re: Freeview changes
 

a516Digital says on Twitter that CBBC HD will close at 2pm at weekends to make may for S4C HD to broadcasting in Wales - now we know why a new CBBC HD Channel did appear in Wales yesterday for.

https://twitter.com/a516digital/stat...64209390096385

Re: Freeview changes
 

Some had suggested beforehand they could be running BBC3 HD after midnight in Wales as they saw an extra ID on the multiplex, but it wasn't showing in Scotland so I doubted it when I read it. It was probably this transmission time change (unless there was some other reason I've not read about).

It wasn't a completely daft idea, BBC Scotland channel ends at midnight usually, overnight repeats for night owls or timeshifting with a recording for Scotland and Wales could appease some viewers a little.

It's not impossible they upgraded the encoders for CBBC HD/S4C HD while they were at it. I'll have to see if there are any indicators.

Re: Freeview changes
 

@ cheekyangus

Have you seen any up to date info on when COM 7 is set to close?

I know it got an "No later than June 2022" date.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Nope.

Will depend on the mobile phone companies if they want space before that date and their work on neighbouring frequencies doesn't affect it by being too close. COM8 would've still been around to close in June if it had been commercially viable. I think COM7 will probably run very close to June, but will probably make it.

I believe the mobile companies have to give them 3 months notice if they want the space, so we'll likely know one way or another fairly soon.

Re: Freeview changes
 

CONFIRM: The Craft Store to close on February 25th.

Hochanda Global Limited has today reveal a following will happen from February 25th on Freeview:

85 The Craft Store will be closing*
95. Create & Craft will move to Channel 85*

*Note at time of posting Hochanda Global Limited has still reveal what Freeview slot their would keep.

-Hochanda Global Limited have got a 24/7 slot on COM4 for Create & Craft.
-Hochanda Global Limited have got a part time slot on COM5 for The Craft Store (Broadcasting 7am to 10pm).

https://thecraftstore.com/about/what...Is0DNl0unTg2Bc

Re: Freeview changes
 

UPDATE: RXTV is reporting that Create & Craft did only sign a two year deal with COM4 for it channel slot in 2020 and it up on February 25th.

So RXTV says Create and Craft will then use The Craft Store part time slot on COM5.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/the-craft-...h-create-craft

Re: Freeview changes
 

That link for the The Craft Store you gave says in the FAQ what the Freeview hours for the "new" Create & Craft will match those of the COM5 slot. So the RXTVlog article is probably correct about it.

That means SDN/COM4 will be, from 25th February, and until any other announcements, back to 16 video streams like COM5 and COM6.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Talk TV is set to launch in a coming months on Freeview and other networks.

Re: Freeview changes
 

They haven't said who their carriage was with, so that's why I wrote "until any further announcements". COM4 just looks most likely at this point in time.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I think COM4, COM5 and COM6 will pick up 5 SD Channels from COM7 from later this year.

SD Channels on COM7:

-FreeSports
-More4+1
-NOW 80s
-PBS America +1
-Forces TV
-That's TV (UK)
-Quest Red+1

So take your pick.

I pick PBS America +1 and Quest Red +1* to be axe.

Quest Red +1 can still be on Freeview if Discovery close Really and move programmes to Quest Red and HGTV. (Quest Red, HGTV and Really broadcast lifestyle programmes)

Re: Freeview changes
 

Quest Red and Really, though going for the same type of demographic, both rate well, and similarly. It would be business sabotage to remove one, it wouldn't double the viewership of the remaining one, or spread those viewership hours without loss onto any other channels its content found itself on. There will be viewers of say Quest Red that dislike Really content and vice versa. Just because they are aimed at the same people doesn't mean they aren't very different and aren't both worth existing. BBC3 and E4 are for same demographic notionally, but their schedules are mostly very different.

Also, TV channels work on the model that a certain proportion of the hours is repeats, broadcasters can't justify the cost of new content all over the schedules. The amount of new content would likely significantly drop. E.g. You may have 20 hours new content a week spread over two channels become 13 hours when the two merge.

Quest+1 ( I know that's not COM7 but that's part of my point) would likely be axed on Freeview before any Really/Quest Red consolidation, the +1 ratings will be much lower than the main channels, especially given how much a permanent Freeview stream costs.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Look like Shopping Quarter is set to become know as HobbyMaker on Freeview

Source: Ofcom/UK Terrestrial TV

---------- Post added at 10:37 ---------- Previous post was at 10:19 ----------

A Presenter of The Craft Store thinks that Freeview will update The Craft Store EPG name today to be listed as Create & Craft on Freeview Channel 85.

Saw announcement live on The Craft Store today at 7am.

---------- Post added at 10:49 ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 ----------

RXTV: Channel 5 owner ViacomCBS becomes Paramount Global.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/viacomcbs-...ramount-global

Re: Freeview changes
 

Can confirm the Hobbymaker channel name change. It is labelled as Hobbymaker on my TV right now.

No swap at time of typing though.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Craft Store TV, has changed to Create & Craft on COM5

Create & Craft, has changed to Create & Craft Extra on COM4

https://twitter.com/ukdtt

Re: Freeview changes
 

Makes sense. Craft Store TV customers who haven't yet taken on-board the changes may find it easier to understand the company hasn't went belly-up if another channel name immediately replaces it, rather than a crafting channel disappearing entirely from their Guide at the same time. Using the Extra channel for the remainder of the COM4 contract gives those that don't immediately grasp the change something that hints at that change if the on-screen reminders weren't enough.

---------- Post added at 12:16 ---------- Previous post was at 12:10 ----------

Particularly since the Create & Craft channel will now be in a shorter slot rather than 24 hrs going forward. The Extra version gives them just over a week of C&C branded screen time outside those new Freeview hours.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Looks like UKTV’s W channel will be joining freeview and freesat as well.

https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/uktv/...o-air%20switch

Re: Freeview changes
 

Surprising, I was expecting Eden first, and I wasn't the only one.

---------- Post added at 17:08 ---------- Previous post was at 17:05 ----------

I see they haven't actually changed the channels yet on Freeview, just the channel name labels.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/freeview-c...hannel-changes

Re: Freeview changes
 

Do we now know why Ideal World sold Create & Craft?

Investor buys Ideal World shopping channel

Asset management firm Aurelius Equity Opportunities has sold the home shopping channel Ideal World to the investor Hamish Morjaria.

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2022...medium=twitter

Re: Freeview changes
 

The private equity business decided that running it as it was wasn't worthwhile still being invested and decided to asset strip, which is pretty normal for private equity companies because they can't be bothered making a go of businesses and just see them as way to make more money from selling off bits separately. So many businesses get destroyed to make money for little effort. Private equity companies often load them up with debt too.

RXTVlog seem to think this too.
https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/ideal-worl...ff-to-investor

Re: Freeview changes
 

Liz Truss: “Ofcom is looking into RT”

The UK’s foreign secretary Liz Truss has invited Ofcom to look into RT’s content over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an issue the watchdog views as a “priority”.

https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/l...ooking-into-rt

Re: Freeview changes
 

Update Hobby Maker has confirmed on it Facebook page at Hobby Maker will launch on March 2nd from 1pm to 6pm - Times base on my Freeview HD TV Set.

---------- Post added at 20:15 ---------- Previous post was at 20:11 ----------

Hobby Maker will also launch on March 2nd on Sky Channel 670.

---------- Post added at 20:17 ---------- Previous post was at 20:15 ----------

https://www.facebook.com/HobbyMakerTV

Re: Freeview changes
 

Bizarre. "Launch"?! It's already a 24hr channel on Freeview, since it's recent rebrand from Shopping Quarter. And the Sky part is just a rebrand of the, hardly been around long, Gemporia Craft. Marketing departments don't half come up with a lot of misleading rubbish.

Re: Freeview changes
 

@cheekyangus

I see a old Create & Craft (own by Ideal World) slot on Channel 95 is still broadcasting as of 10am today.

So much for rumour of it Channel slot deal being up as of Midnight last night.

I feel that Create & Craft merge with The Craft Store was down to the old Create & Craft slot being up on March 1st but The Craft Store owners did not want to move Create & Craft things out of Ideal World HQ to their own HQ on a Sunday Night.

Re: Freeview changes
 

The impression given by some was that 25th was two years from the C&C contract starting, apparently based on when it launched. I can't say I ever looked into it, it felt like 2 years so I never questioned it.

The photo slate on Ch95 changed to a big Back Soon-type message in the evening yesterday, so you've got to wonder what's happening. Some on DS satellite forums were under impression Craft Extra was going to continue, and I saw a tweet from one of the presenters posted yesterday of him and another presenter in front of a Craft Extra logo with a Sky channel number, but I'm not sure what's going on on Freeview, unless Extra is going to continue on one of those late night slots that are empty on some streams, with the intention of providing coverage the rest of the time via IP.

And on the subject of the latter form of delivery, on my TV The Craft Store/new Craft & Create has had 24 hours data before this merger, and doesn't have an off-air slate. I think I read somewhere, probably RXTV, that they would be using IP for out-of-hours provision, so that could explain the 24 hours EPG data. Schedule data for the IP-only channels shows on Freeview TVs, even though they're not connected, it's not too much of a stretch to think that it's likely true for those that mix broadcast and IP too.

Re: Freeview changes
 

DS Forum is reporting that Craft Extra at 10am, 11am and 2pm was broadcasting today on Sky using The Craft Store but "Martin" did reveal on Facebook live yesterday that Craft Extra* will only be broadcasting "for a few weeks"

-To see Facebook live in full: To go "Create & Craft TV" and you will find video posted on Feb. 25th at 10.01 then play video.

*Look The Craft Store is just broadcasting to sell all "end of line stock" at Create and Craft did buy to sell on channel when Ideal World own them.

Re: Freeview changes
 

COM4, COM5 and COM6 - Can broadcast up to 18 (24 hours) stream - if they want too:

Right now

COM4 - 17 SD streams
-Create and Craft Extra is using one stream

COM5 - 16 SD streams
COM6 - 16 SD streams

Due to Create and Craft Extra closing down last week.

Up to SIX (24 hours) streams are up for broadcasters to launch on Freeview or channels moving from a soon to close COM7 (by June 2022)

-Talk TV (Channel to launch by June)
-W (Rumour only)

The following is broadcasting on COM7 right now (COM7 to close by June)

-FreeSports
-Quest Red+1
-Now 80s
-More4+1
-PBS America+1
-That's TV (UK)
-Forces TV

Re: Freeview changes
 

There's not really a number limit on the video streams, it just depends on what quality is deemed acceptable to the buyers. They could fill it with 100s of thumbnail video streams if they wanted to.

And the non-PSB multiplexes are all carrying a mixture of other services, they aren't carrying identical loads.

COM4 has 3 radio stations, 5 IP services & 2 "teletext" dating services.
COM5 has 5 radio stations.
COM6 has 9 radio stations.

It can't be assumed there's going to be 18 on each when they are differently loaded up currently.

Different content requires different space, you can get away with lower space usage for shopping channels and rolling news as their content is often static or slow moving imagery. They have to balance the multiplexes and mix channel types of different types of content. Remember the problems when all the BBC channels had the same content simultaneously when they were all transmitting the same coverage of Prince Philip's death. They had to shut a few channel services down because the channels had the same data transmission peaks and it affected the entire multiplex.

Freesports needs more space because of the content it shows if it's going to be watchable, the other SD services on the soon-to-close COM7 don't really need as much.

Re: Freeview changes
 

TVB Europe: European Union bans RT

In an unprecedented step, the European Union has announced it is banning both RT and Sputnik from broadcasting in the bloc.

https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/e...-union-bans-rt

Q: Will RT stop broadcasting in Freeview HD?
A: It will be up to OFCOM on what to do next with RT Broadcasting in the UK.
But if Freeview use Astra (a Luxembourg based company) to broadcast RT and RT HD* on Freeview HD it viewers may also be no longer be able to watch both RT and RT HD.

*RT HD is set to close on Freeview HD by June 2022 anyway.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I can confirm Craft Extra (Freeview Channel 95) is NOT broadcasting a same thing as The Craft Channel on (Sky Channel 673).

Re: Freeview changes
 

Don't think that really needed confirming since there's been a slate since the evening of the 25th saying "BE BACK SOON PLEASE STAND BY THANK YOU" in big white capital letters on a dark blue background on Ch95.

Re: Freeview changes
 

The EU can switch off Hotbird & Eutelsat feeds. But RT UK is based in Millbank. The Russian feed passes through this facility as there is a UK opt-out. This is fed out to Chilworth & uplinked to Astra where it is output on Europe wide beams. So, the EU would have to ask the UK to switch off OUR feed? Gets more interesting by the minute. The Freeview feed also comes from Millbank for obvious reasons.

Re: Freeview changes
 

So is the upshot of this that RT could continue here using only UK provided content?

Re: Freeview changes
 

Latest reports say "Ofcom launches 15 investigations into RT's programmes based on what was shown on the channel during a 14 hour period on Sunday"

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/rt-ban-cha...minent-removal

---------- Post added at 13:18 ---------- Previous post was at 13:16 ----------

I feel something may happen on (Create and Craft old slot Channel 95) by Friday.

I see that Freeview has still to update a off air screen for Create and Craft new slot on channel 85 still (as of last night)

Re: Freeview changes
 

It’s up to Ofcom. I would think it unlikely they would see their role as being as proscriptive as designating which sources RT UK’s content may come from. I think that would be impossible to police, and in any case the problem with RT is not in the content of any individual programme but in its overall editorial policy. It is designed subtly to undermine UK national life and institutions in its daily choices around what to say and what not to say, and who to have say them. It surrounds that with a generous helping of regular news material by way of camouflage.

Ultimately Ofcom can dictate whether any broadcaster is permitted to spew forth its content across the airwaves within the UK. Freeview transmitters will not transmit its signals if Ofcom tells their owners not to. And the various UK companies providing EPG services can also be forbidden from doing so, as I understand that technically an EPG itself relies on a broadcast signal, which under UK law would require a broadcast licence.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Here is the up to date list of space on Freeview being unused.

24 hours slots:
-Old 5Select slot on COM4
-Old Create and Craft Extra slot on COM4

Part time slots:
-Smithsonian Channel slot on COM5 (11pm to 3am only)
-Together TV slot on COM5 (12am to 3am only)
-Ideal World slot on COM6 (12am to 7am only)
-Jewellery Maker/PBS slot on COM5 (5am to 8am only)

All information right as of March 1st.

Re: Freeview changes
 

I was thinking that if Ofcom doesn't ban RT, but that their feed is cut off from Europe because of the EU ban, that they might still lawfully be able to broadcast to the UK from Millbank using locally produced content.

It would be foolish UK staff that would attempt to do this from London though.

If RT was banned by Ofcom, it would have to be removed from all EPG's, but satellite users would still be able to tune it in manually. However, an EU ban would prevent it from being uplinked in the first place.

I've since been told by professional broadcast staff that (for various reasons) it's very unlikely that Millbank has a facility to uplink RT.

If the EU ban results in the loss of the satellite feed and, assuming that this is where Freeview get their feed from it'll go off air in the UK altogether by default.

As we won't have officially banned it, I'm hoping that Putin may allow our journalists to remain in Russia. There again...

Re: Freeview changes
 

The last time Virgin Media and Sky has to remove any Channels was back in early 2017 when OFCOM revokes ARY network UK licences - but ARY was say to be in liquidation when OFCOM done this

https://www.bizasialive.com/ofcom-re...k-uk-licences/

Re: Freeview changes
 

Uplink and broadcast frequencies are all regulated. For RT to continue to be available in the UK it would have to be uplinked from a location outside of the UK or EU, and then broadcast from a sat with a UK footprint but on a frequency outside of UK or EU control. Then the end user has to be motivated to manually tune their receiver (and most consumers don’t have a clue how to do that).

If the regulator decides to pull it, it’s as good as dead.

Re: Freeview changes
 

BREAKING NEWS:

Nadine Dorries MP has just post a following on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/NadineDorries/st...57648774320132

---------- Post added at 20:58 ---------- Previous post was at 20:44 ----------

https://www.theguardian.com/media/20...ithin-24-hours

Re: Freeview changes
 

Vive la France :D

Re: Freeview changes
 

It is likely that Astra will have been asked to terminate RTs transponder leases. That will certainly close them down on satellite.

The Russian feed goes through the editing suite at Millbank, from where Arqiva distributes it to Chilworth (Sky/Freesat) & through the DTT backbone to the Freeview transmitter sites.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Nadine Dorries says that it will be done by 'switching off a French satellite'

No idea what this means, but there again, Dorries isn't known for her knowledge of broadcasting issues!

Re: Freeview changes
 

She's already turned 3/4 of Britain off, a simple satellite should be no problem :D

Re: Freeview changes
 

RT and RT HD may not get axe today on Freeview HD.

https://twitter.com/MediaBoyUK/statu...31532761194499

Source: Mike aka A516Digital.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Reports that RT has just been removed from all UK TV platforms, including Freeview :D

Re: Freeview changes
 

Freesat is off as well with no manual tuning. All indications are that it’s Arqiva that has pulled the plug, although I might get this confirmed in a while.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Well the shop's still up and running.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Wow!

They’re not reading the room, are they?

(the "Z" t-shirts…)

I thought the "Freedom of Speech" face-masks especially ironic, all things considered what’s happening in Russia re protests at the moment.

Re: Freeview changes
 

The way things are going this shop will represent their total GDP :D

Re: Freeview changes
 

They could, but they won't. Arqiva has ceased carrying the output from Millbank yesterday as RT are no longer paying them for it, if indeed anybody is getting paid by them now. Several RT UK journalists have left the channel recently & they were scratching around for correspondents to fill the output. RT were using Hotbird 13 for their incoming feed but had options to use other more expensive non DBS links as backup.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Here is the up to date list of space on Freeview being unused.

24 hours slots:
-Old 5Select slot on COM4
-Old Create and Craft Extra slot on COM4
-Old RT slot on COM6

Part time slots:
-Smithsonian Channel slot on COM5 (11pm to 3am only)
-Together TV slot on COM5 (12am to 3am only)
-Ideal World slot on COM6 (12am to 7am only)
-Jewellery Maker/PBS slot on COM5 (5am to 8am only)

All information right as of March 3rd.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Do you know if Freeview are set to launch new channels in the coming months?

Any info on month and Channel name?

Re: Freeview changes
 

Talk TV is supposed to launch shortly (and should also be available on cable cable).

Re: Freeview changes
 

Started to test on Astra aka Sky early this week.

Re: Freeview changes
 

As per my answer in the other VM TV thread. I have no access to info from the Freeview “sales” side of the business. Even if I did this would be commercially sensitive. Channels requiring links into Sky’s uplink site & VMs SHE at Langley I might get to hear of. But as with the new news channel that is testing on Sky, not all channels will choose to use Arqiva’s services.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Media Boy Sources feel at UKTV will launch W on Freeview by June 21st.

My Sources did confirm that W was coming but I was given no launch date or month.

---------- Post added at 18:37 ---------- Previous post was at 16:43 ----------

TV FACT:

On October 15th 2007, UKTV Bright Ideas was replaced on Freeview by Dave. With Ftn (aka Virgin1 and Channel 1) using it air time on Sky and Virgin Media.

On 7 October 2008 W was launch as a replacement for UKTV Style +2* on Sky.

*UKTV Documentary +1 (Now known as Eden +1) was axe on Virgin Media just to relaunch on Virgin Media in 2009.

Re: Freeview changes
 

There was a demonstration of 5G Broadcast at this week's Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona.

This is likely to be the replacement for Digital Terrestrial Television technology in most of the world.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/first-5g-b...to-smartphones

Re: Freeview changes
 

Look like something is set to happen on Freeview this week.

My Freeview HD TV has no listing for Create and Craft Extra slot on COM4 from Friday.

Re: Freeview changes
 

It was amazing it had any listing as services were closing, anything new using the COM4 stream itself would not be connected to the LCN. Yet Ch95 carried wording that suggest it was showing something even though it wasn't.

Anyhoo! :p: I came here because the EPG guide (NOT the slate) for Ch95 now says Back Soon seemingly 24/7, as both show name and description. Makes me wonder if "new" Create & Craft is trying to keep the LCN for streaming by using a partial free stream. There were rules changes on the minimum daily transmission time for any new service, from 2hrs to 6hrs, so if they are planning on this will they be considered a new service or an existing service reducing hours? If the latter there's several empty slots of <6 hours, otherwise there's ironically only the Ideal World stream where 6 hours exactly is free.

It's not 100% clear if Hochanda plan on going from 3 channels, immediately post acquisition, to 1 channel, as it seems from some of their talk of Craft Extra being temporary on all platforms, or whether the plan is to just close 1 channel and keeping 2.

Re: Freeview changes
 

Is W set to launch on Freeview by June 21st?

Media Boy Sources has told me a following "End of spring is expected date for W to got FTA."

Re: Freeview changes
 

​W is seemingly guaranteed to go Free To Air now it's got a license.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/uktvs-w-ge...ch-on-freeview

Re: Freeview changes
 

Rumours are coming in from DS Forum that "COM7 to close on 1/4/2022".