Tag: BBC Four HD

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.

BBC Confirms COM7 Closure Plans

With the limited coverage temporary Freeview (terrestrial TV) multiplex COM7 closing at the end of this month (June 2022), the BBC has now confirmed its plans for its high definition (HD) channels on the multiplex.

BBC Four HD, BBC News HD, and CBeebies HD are currently distributed on the COM7 multiplex. As yet, no dates have been given, but two of these will migrate to another multiplex.

The BBC have two multiplexes of their own, know as BBC A and BBC B (or PSB1 and PSB3). BBC A is used to transmit all of the BBCs standard definition channels, alongside national and local/regional BBC radio channels. The BBC are currently prohibited from renting out spare capacity to other broadcasters.

BBC B can be opened up to other broadcasters, and the BBC currently uses this multiplex to broadcast core HD services from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, as well as broadcasting one or two standard definition channels.

The BBC have managed to find enough capacity on the BBC B multiplex for one full 24 hour HD video stream. CBeebies HD and BBC Four HD time share, with the former being available during the day, and the latter taking over in the evenings at 7pm. With these two channels sharing the same video stream, both can be accommodated on the new space found on the BBC B multiplex.

At the time of writing, some details are limited, but what can be confirmed is that CBeebies HD and BBC Four HD will now have a wider coverage area, with the BBC B multiplex being available from all main and relay Freeview transmitters. Theoretically, anyone with compatible HD equipment (eg. Freeview Play, Freeview HD, or DVB-T2 marked devices), will be able to access the two channels once the migration takes place.

BBC News HD will close on Freeview, presumably at the same time as the final closure of the COM7 multiplex, but will continue to broadcast on other platforms such as satellite. The other assumption at this stage is that all existing BBC B channels will continue broadcasting unchanged. No other details are yet available for other channels affected by the COM7 closure.