Author: Scott

More Channels Depart TV Player

TV Player, an online streaming platform for free and subscription television has suffered a further loss of channels, as Paramount Global removes all of its remaining channels from the platform.

The channels removed are free-to-view services Channel 5, 5 Select, 5 Star, and 5 USA, plus subscription services Comedy Central, Comedy Central Extra, and MTV. It would appear that other Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) channels, such as Nickelodeon and 5 Action (formerly Paramount Network), had already been removed.

TV Player is one of few places that offer online live streaming of regular TV channels found on other platforms, such as satellite, cable, or terrestrial. The website was largely unique, as it works directly with broadcasters, ensuring that consents are fully obtained and required royalties are paid.

TV Player first launched in 2014 (official launch), and has seen channels come and go since then. However, in most case channels have been removed from the platform, with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Discovery Inc. all having removed channels, largely in favour of developing their own platforms.

TV Player is currently owned by Alchimie, a digital content distributor, based in France. TV Player currently operates in the UK, France, Spain, and USA. UK content is now largely limited to niche market services, with most currently unavailable on other platforms.

Alternatives to TV Player have also expand in recent years. Pluto TV, owned by Paramount Global, offers several free online channels, largely unique to the service, and curated around individual TV series. These include content from Channel 5, via a range of bespoke My5 branded channels.

Kapang is another alternative, owned by View TV Group. This largely replicates traditional viewing, with live streams available for a large number of free-to-view channels found on other platforms such as Freeview and Freesat. Channels include those from the BBC and ITV, plus others operated by View TV Group themselves, including a reboot of the Men and Motors channel. View TV Group are probably most known for online motoring channel OnlyMotors, and the ill-fated digital radio station Rathergood Radio.

Changes to Broadcast Hours on Freeview

Unsurprisingly, the previous post on the Freeview (terrestrial) channel shuffle did miss some details. Most changes, except those to BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD (click link for article), were made as expected, but there are a couple of broadcast hour changes that I missed.

That’s TV (UK) and sister channel Classic Hits (formerly That’s Music) timeshare, and share a single 24 hour video stream. That’s TV (UK) broadcasts from 7am to 1am, with Classic Hits limited to 1am to 7am in the early hours of the morning.

PBS America, now without its Freeview only +1 channel (which broadcast for longer hours than the main channel), has extended its hours marginally. PBS America now closes down at midnight each night, instead of the previous 11pm. It would appear, that negotiations are still ongoing for future increases in broadcast hours once bandwith (space) becomes available, though this has not been confirmed.

Delays to Freeview Migration for BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD

The migration of BBC Four HD (high definition) and CBeebies HD to the PSB3 Freeview terrestrial multiplex has been delayed. With the temporary COM7 multiplex having now closed, these channels are currently unavailable, with information slates on the respective channel numbers advising of their imminent return.

This issue is relates to a capacity issue on the PSB3 multiplex. In its current form (or at least its form when the COM7 multiplex was in operation), there is no vacant space (or bandwidth) available to broadcast BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD.

BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD timeshare, with CBeebies HD running from 6am to 7pm, with BBC Four HD taking over from 7pm (in similar practice to how the standard definition versions broadcast on the PSB1 multiplex). Therefore, to enable both channels to broadcast, a single 24 hour video stream is required

This means that in order for both channels to broadcast on the PSB3 multiplex, either an existing channel needs to move or close, or technical changes need to be made in order to free up sufficient space for the video stream. The BBC, who control this multiplex, have opted for the latter, and it is these changes that were not made in time before the COM7 multiplex closed.

As yet, no completion date has been given for when these changes will be made.

All (Or at Least Most) Freeview Updates

A large number of Freeview changes are happening, either on the 29th or 30th June (2022). I hope that this article will be a round up of them all, but there may be changes to what’s planned.

As already mentioned, 4 Music will switch over to E4 Extra on the 29th. See the previous article for more details. On the same date, BBC Four HD and CBeebies HD will be added to the PSB3 (HD/DVB-T2) multiplex, and will become available to those who receive signals from a relay transmitter for the first time. Quest Red +1, Together TV, and That’s TV (UK version) will also move, but to permanent commercial multiplexes. Not all viewers will be able to receive these channels, but the channels will benefit from improved coverage. The placeholder for Craft Extra on channel 95 will also be removed.

The following day sees the second part of the changes. Now 80’s will reduce coverage to being available in Manchester only (on the Greater Manchester multiplex). CBS Drama will rebrand to Reality Extra (see previous article, and will also reduce coverage by moving to the COMUX multiplex which is used to broadcast locally licensed TV services.

Also on the 30th, That’s TV will change channel number, and will take over channel number 65 from Freesports, as that channel is leaving Freeview. Sister channel That’s Music will increase coverage (presumed to be also moving to a commercial multiplex), and will move up slightly, from channel 92 to 91.

Freesports has opted to leave Freeview entirely, and will rely predominantly on Sky and Virgin Media, but is also available free-to-air on satellite, so can be manually tuned into Freesat and other satellite receivers. CBS Justice is closing entirely, and will not be replaced on Freeview (but is becoming Legend on other platforms). Forces TV is closing on all platforms, and will no longer be available.

BBC News HD, QVC HD, QVC Beauty HD, Quest HD, and More 4 +1 will also leave Freeview on the 30th, but will remain on other platforms (where applicable). Standard versions also remain available on Freeview. PBS America +1 (itself only available on Freeview), will close, but it is understood that the normal version of the channel will be extending its broadcast hours.

The above is not exhaustive, and other changes may be made, triggered by the closure of the temporary multiplex COM7. If you can live without some channels for a few hours, re-tune once from around late morning onwards on the 30th to capture all of the changes. If you receive signals from a relay transmitter, re-tune on the 29th, as you will be only affected by the changes on this day (and you only need to re-tune if you have a HD compatible device).

You may need to re-set your scheduled recordings, so may a note of any programmes you has set to record before re-tuning. Consult your device instructions/handbook or manufacturer if you are unsure of how to re-tune.

CBS Dropped from UK Channels

The CBS name is being dropped from UK channels, as the former AMC Networks and CBS UK joint venture disbands. There will still be four channels, but CBS Drama and CBS Justice will come to an end. A precursor to the more widespread changes came earlier this year, when CBS Justice and Horror swapped channel numbers on Freeview. Horror moved from channel number 69 to 41, with CBS Justice making the opposite move.

Now, widespread changes are being made, with the CBS name being dropped, as Paramount Global (owners of CBS and other brands) gradually restructures. The changes have been timed to coincide with the closure of the COM7 Freeview multiplex on the 30th June (2022).

Horror, which already shows sci-fi programmes, will be replaced by Legend and Horror Extra. Legend will broaden Horrors reach to complimentary genres such as action, and increased amount of sci-fi programmes. Horror Extra will be a part time channel, focusing on horror movies and TV shows post watershed. On Freeview, Legend will take over the slot currently occupied by Horror, but on Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, will replace CBS Justice when it closes.

Horror Extra will take over Horror’s existing slots on satellite (Sky/Freesat) and cable (Virgin Media), but is not expected to be available on Freeview. Horror currently has a +1 version on these platforms, which Horror Extra will inherit.

CBS Reality will continue unchanged initially, but is expected to become Reality in due course. CBS Drama, itself no longer solely devoted to drama shows, will become Reality Extra. It is understood, that there will be no schedule changes, beyond the name change, but Reality Extra will have reduced coverage on Freeview.

The changes have been timed to coincide with the closure of the COM7 Freeview multiplex on the 30th June (2022).

Note: I became aware of the changes to the above channels a week or so ago, but have only recently had sufficient sources (and time) to be able to adequately cross reference the changes.

Freeview Changes – COM7 and Others

Next week, on Thursday 30th June (2022), sees a major reshuffle in Freeview channel availability, largely due to the closure of the temporary COM7 multiplex, but there are also some changes elsewhere.

Sadly, I don’t have the time just yet do post a full breakdown/analysis here, so for the time being, I’ll leave the link to the full list on the Freeview website here.

As already mentioned, E4 Extra will take over from 4 Music on Freeview, a day earlier on Wednesday the 29th. As an existing service, a re-tune is not actually required, as 4 Music will simply be relabeled to E4 Extra. However, your receiver may not automatically update the channel label/name on your EPG, so you may still need to retune, although you will still be able to watch E4 Extra.

As such, waiting until the 30th will to retune will mean you will only need to retune your TV or set top box once, and will reduce time wasted resetting series recordings etc. (if applicable).

Paramount Plus Reaches the UK

Paramount+ (Paramount Plus) has now launched in the UK and Ireland, and has joined a number of existing and established subscription video on demand (VOD) services available to viewers with an internet connection.

Paramount+ is home to a range of premium content from Paramount Global, the organisation formerly known as ViacomCBS. Paramount+ is home to new and original series such as The First Lady, movies including Transformers and Scream, and popular classics such as Grease.

The service costs £6.99 a month, and can be accessed on a number of devices including smartphones, tablets, TVs from Samsung, Android powered TVs, and Amazon Fire devices. An internet connection is required.

A promo loop on the website states an official launch date of 22nd June (2022), but despite this the service appears to be fully up and running today (21st June) (on-line via web browser at least).

Paramount Global also own MTV, children’s channel Nickelodeon, and Channel 5 in the UK.

Forces TV to Close

BFBS, the British Forces Broadcasting Service, has decided to close its Forces TV channel. Forces TV currently broadcasts news for the armed forces, alongside archive entertainment programmes, which has attracted a significant audience from outwith the armed forces.

Forces TV was due to lose its terrestrial Freeview coverage from 30th June, as the channel broadcasts on the COM7 temporary Freeview multiplex. The broadcaster has revealed on its Forces.net website, that options to continue broadcasting on the platform were not viable to BFBS, which is charity run.

This in turn appears to have sparked a wider review into the channel, with the broadcaster concluding it is also no longer financially viable to operate the channel on other platforms. Therefore, on the 30th June (2022), Forces TV will cease broadcasts on Freeview, cable (Virgin Media), and the Sky and Freesat satellite platforms.

Forces News and other military specific content will remain available on the Forces.net website, and other online platforms. Other services operated by BFBS will remain unchanged, with BFBS continuing with its remit to inform, entertain, and educate British forces communities around the world.

Forces TV has been on-air for a total of 8 years, having launched on the 10th June 2014 on Sky, Freesat, and Virgin Media. Freeview coverage followed around a year later. At the time, the organisation operating the channel was know as the Services Sound and Vision Corporation, which has now restructured as BFBS.

E4 Extra and a Return to Music for 4 Music

Channel 4 have unveiled changes to their entertainment and music channel line-up, including an E4 spin-off, and a return to full-time music programming for 4 Music. The changes will take place on the 29th June (2022).

In a press release later followed by promotion on E4, Channel 4 have unveiled an new spin off channel, E4 Extra. E4 Extra will sit alongside the current main E4 channel, and will largely broadcast re-runs of comedy and entertainment shows. This includes acquired programmes such as The Big Bang Theory and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as well as Derry Girls and The Inbetweeners both produced originally for Channel 4. Legendary, the reality vogueing competition which explores ball culture in the USA, will also move to E4 Extra.

E4 Extra will actually replace 4 Music, currently available on terrestrial platorm Freeview (channel 31, 90% coverage on main transmitters only), cable platform Virgin Media (channel 337), and satellite platforms Sky and Freesat (channels 139 and 181 respectively). It is unclear what programmes E4 will be left with, but it would appear that E4 will focus on reality programmes such as Below Deck and Married at First Sight, as well as premiere showings of Hollyoaks.

4 Music itself will continue, and will in turn replace Box Hits, with the latter permanently closing.. 4 Music is currently a hybrid music and entertainment channel, but will revert to its original format of full time music videos. However, the channel will lose Freeview coverage, and will become available on satellite platforms Sky and Freesat (channels 354 and 501 respectively), and cable platform Virgin Media (channel 336).

The Box Plus portfolio (wholly owned by Channel 4), will reduce to the 5 channels (4 Music, The Box, Kerrang, Kiss, and Magic), although with the creation of E4 Extra the total number of Channel 4 owned channels remain unchanged.

June Website Updates

I’m now slowly resuming updates to the All About Digital TV website, following my own house move and job change. Naturally this will be gradual, and a couple of news posts have been held back to allow myself time to cross-reference. A news post on the E4/4 Music Changes will follow shortly, amongst a couple of other stories I have yet to write about.

You may have noticed recently, that for a while I ran with a revised blue/yellow colour scheme. Naturally, this was for showing my support for Ukraine, but with most online platforms having made some form of logo change, I felt it was more appropriate to remove this, rather than continue to follow the band wagon. I do, however, continue to support Ukraine, and hope than any Ukrainian that happens to read this will have a better life soon.

That being said, I have now opted to change the colour scheme to this website in due course. Having settled initially on a red based scheme, in a nod to former sister website Scott’s Radio Site, I then introduced navy into this. However, it seems that many media based websites have adopted at least one of these colours as their base. Even a ‘rival’ website that I have had previous run ins with, recently adopted a navy header. To try and stand out from the crowd a little bit, and improve visual elements and readability of the website, I will soon settle on a replacement colour, which will be revealed in due course.

Lastly, the planned import of the community radio directory from the now closed second generation of Scott’s Radio Site has been cancelled. Unfortunately, whilst I do still offer my support for community radio, the subject falls too far out of the normal scope of this website for inclusion.