Satellite – Page 2 – All About Digital TV

Further Restructure of AMC UK Lineup

AMC Networks UK has made a further restructure of their channel lineup, following a similar exercise in 2022, which has seen the end of the use of the CBS brand. No changes have been made to platform availability, with the channel remaining on Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and Freeview.

Standard Definition Migration on Satellite

The pace of conversion to high definition (HD) broadcasts is becoming quicker, with many changes upcoming that will largely render older standard definition Sky and Freesat boxes redundant.

Sky to Revamp Pick

Pick, a free-to-air channel operated by Sky but without Sky branding (similar to sister channel Challenge), is to be rebranded to Sky Mix. Existing programming will be maintained, however additional content from across Sky’s portfolio will be added.

Ideal World Ceases Broadcasts

Shopping channel Ideal World has ceased broadcasts, with the company entering administration. 250 staff are losing their jobs, whilst the channel is unlikely to return to TV screens.

DAZN Launches Linear Channel

Sports broadcaster DAZN, which specialises largely in boxing, women’s football, and other niche sports, has launched a linear channel on satellite.

Called DAZN 1, the new channel is currently exclusive to the Sky satellite platform, on channel number 429. The channel broadcasts in HD, as is the norm for sports channels. However, a DAZN subscription is required, costing between £100 and £240 a year depending on contract.

Until recently, DAZN had only been available as an online streaming service, and the expansion to satellite broadcasting forms part of plan to wide distribution.

BBC Football Coverage to Resume

As covered in mainstream media, a high profile dispute between the BBC and Gary Lineker resulted in significant coverage to football coverage of the weekend (11th/12th March 2023). The dispute resulted from opinions expressed on the presenter’s personal social media account relating to current government policy.

ITV to Close CITV

ITV is to close it’s dedicated children’s TV channel in favour of moving content over to it’s new ITV X online streaming platform.

HD Upgrade for BBC Alba

BBC Alba, operated jointly by the BBC and MG Alba, is now available on satellite in HD for the first time.

Now Rock Launches

All Around the World Productions (AATW), who broadcast 4 music video channels using the Now and Clubland brands, have changed their line-up. Following the temporary festive music service which replaced Now 90s over the Christmas and New Year period, instead of reverting to Now 90s, a new Now Rock channel was launchedin its place.

Government Changes Direction With Channel 4

The UK Government have (for now at least), scrapped the controversial move to privatise Channel 4 Television (Channel 4)corporation, abandoning the plan put forward by former culture secretary Nadine Dorries.