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.

BBC Sky Channel Number Changes

BBC Alba, the Gaelic TV service from the BBC and MG Alba, is has moved to a new channel number on Sky. BBC Alba will take over channel number 117, last used by the short lived STV2 service.

With Disney having withdrawn its linear children’s TV channels, CBBC and CBeebies has moved to vacated numbers 607 and 608 respectively. If you have a HD box, the SD versions are on 643/644, and vice-versa for older SD boxes

The number swaps took place on 1st October (2020). Viewers should not need to take action, as the changes will be made automatically.

COM8 Closure and Freeview Reshuffle

Temporary Freeview multiplex is to close on the 22nd of June, as part of the clearance of frequencies for future 5G mobile phone services. Some services are moving to the other temporary multiplex, COM7, whilst some +1 and HD (high definition) channels are closing.

Due to the nature of the channels closing, most viewers will be unaffected, as there is already and alternative version of the channel available. Additionally, the temporary multiplexes offer limited coverage on newer DVB-T2 devices only, further reducing the number of viewers affected.

Although some recievers may make some of the changes automatically, a re-tune is required in most cases, due to channels moving frequencies. A full re-tune will ensure you are viewing the correct version of the channel, as dual-transmission of some services will take place for a short amount of time.

The table below shows the full changes.

Channel (No.) Current Multiplex Expected Change
5 Star +1 (55) COM8 To close on 22nd June
5 USA +1 (56) COM7 To close on 22nd June
Freesports (64) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
CBS Reality +1 (67) COM7 To close on 22nd June
CBS Justice +1 (69) COM8 To close on 22nd June
CBS Drama (71) COM6 To be renumbered to 67 on 22nd June
Shopping Quarter (74) COM7 Moving to PSB3 (BBC B) on 22nd June (replacing TBN UK?)
Now 80s (83) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
Togther TV +1 (89) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
PBS America +1 (93) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
Forces TV (96) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
BBC Four HD (106) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
Channel 4 +1 HD (109) COM7 To close on 22nd June
4 Seven HD (110) COM7 To close on 22nd June
QVC HD (111) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
QVC Beauty HD (112) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June
TJC HD (115) COM7 To close on 22nd June
Cbeebies HD (205) COM8 Moving to COM7 on 22nd June

As can be seen, CBS Drama is being promoted further up the channel list, taking over channel number 67 from CBS Reality +1 when that service closes.

Other platforms are unaffected by the changes.