All News – All About Digital TV

Great Real Relaunches

Despite having recently closed on traditional TV channels, Great Real from Narrative Entertainment has relaunched as an internet delivered channel. This time round, Great Real is available as a Free Ad-supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel, on the Netgem TV platform.

Sky Commits to Satellite Until 2029

Sky, who operate the satellite based Sky Q and internet based Sky Glass/Stream, has committed to offering services via satellite until 2029.

Review: GHR 60s, Capital Anthems, Smooth 80s

Both Bauer and Global have recently launched further new stations on DAB+ digital radio. Setting aside (mostly) the debate on whether or not jukebox style automated stations can be called radio station, I thought a take a quick listen to three of them; Greatest Hits Radio 60s from Bauer, Capital Anthems from Global, and Smooth 80s from Global.

Virgin Media Channel Changes

Cable platform Virgin Media has made two changes which will improve its channel line up in the UK. One service, CNN International, has returned to the platform after a period of absense. Another, PBS America, has been upgraded to high definition (HD).

That’s TV Revises UK Wide Lineup

That’s TV has made further changes to its UK lineup which sits along side various localised versions of its main channel. Six natioanl channels are now availble, split evenly between general entertainment and specialised music services.

Tiny Pop to Return to the Airwaves

Children’s channel Tiny Pop is to return to traditional broadcasts this month, after converting to streaming only back in March. Sister channel Great Real, which took over bandwith used to transmit Tiny Pop, is closing down after an existence of less than 6 months.

Software Update for Manhattan T3-R Freeview Box

Manhattan, a satellite and terrestrial set-top box manufacturer, has released a software update for the T3-R Freeview recorder box. The move indicates an ongoing desire by the manunfacturer to continue supporting older devices, despite the launch of a successor, the T4-R.

Licence Fee to Be Retained

The new Labour led UK Government has confirmed a commitement to the TV Licence providing some certainty on how the BBC will be funded going forward. There had been some debate on the best way forward for funding the state owned public service broadcaster, amid a rise to streaming services such as Netflix meaning some no longer required a TV licence.

Box Plus Network Closes Down

Satellite and cable channels The Box, 4Music, Kerrang, Kiss and Magic, all closed down at midnight on 1st July (2024), bring in an end to what had been known as The Box Plus Network. Channel 4 have axed the channels in the first move away from linear broadcasts.

DAB Change Log: Surrey & North Sussex

The following services have been added; Brit Asia Radio (32 kbps DAB+ stereo – poor audio quality), and Darbar Sahib Radio (24 kbps DAB+ stereo – very poor audio quality).