Freeview Reshuffle

A number of changes have taken place on Freeview recently.

Starting with Channel 4, Film 4 +1, E4 +1, and More 4 +1 have moved to different frequencies. E4 +1 and Film 4 +1 have swapped places. E4 +1 now has expanded coverage, and is now available on PSB2 (D3&4), meaning the channel is now available from all transmitters. Film 4 +1 has made the opposite move, and can now be found on COM4. As a consequence, this channel can only be found on main transmitters, with around 90% coverage.

More 4 +1 has been moved from PSB3 (BBC B), the HD multiplex, to COM7. COM7 is one of two temporary multiplexes, currently being phased out to make way for 5G mobile phone services. The space vacated is currently vacant, with a suggestion that the capacity might be used for another HD service (More 4 +1 is standard definition only).

PBS America has also moved from temporary multiplex COM8 to COM6, expanding its coverage area. The channel is available from 1pm to 11pm, and can be found on channel 91. PBS America +1 has launched using the vacated capacity on COM8, and is available 24 hours a day on channel 93.

Together TV has made a less dramatic move. Frequencies have stayed the same, but the channel has moved slightly up the list, and is now on channel 88. Together TV+1 can now be found on channel 89.

Last Day for Total Country

Total Country has announced that it is closing today, just over a year after launch.

The channel launched initial on Sky on 1st November 2018, replacing Massive R&B. The channel was also added to Virgin Media cable platform in March of this year.

Following Keep It Country’s rebrand to Spotlight TV and introduction of other forms of music, Total Country was the only UK television channel to focus solely on country music.

Disney+ Launch Date Confirmed

Disney have confirmed that their Disney+ online streaming service will be available in the UK and Ireland from 31st March 2020.

Full details of the programme line up have yet to be confirmed, and might be impacted on existing rights deals with broadcasters.

The service will be available on a variety of platforms including:

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV, and fully integrated with the Apple TV app; customers can subscribe to Disney+ via in-app purchase)
  • Google (Android phones, Android TV devices, Google Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices)
  • LG Smart TVs
  • Xbox One
  • Sony (all Android based Sony TVs and PlayStation4)
  • Roku (Roku streaming players and Roku TV models)
  • Samsung Smart TV