Category: Cable

True Crime Closure and Other True Changes

True Crime will leave Sky (satellite) and Virgin Media (cable), at the end of programming on the 30th June. The channel was reinstated in February, replacing the UK version of the TruTV channel. True Crime is also available on Freeview in Manchester, but it is unclear whether this outlet will continue.

Meanwhile on Freeview, True Entertainment and True Movies and will be reducing their coverage area from midday tomorrow. A re-tune will be required for viewers remaining within the coverage area to be able to continue to receive these services. However, both will gain a more prominent channel number with True Entertainment moving from channel 61 to 48, and True Movies moving channel 62 to 50.

Movies4Men+1 and Sony Movies+1 currently occupy slots 48 and 50 on Freeview (respectively), and it is unclear what will happen to these channels. A move to numbers 61 and 62, would seem likely.

All of the channels mentioned above are owned by Sony Pictures Television.

Eleven Sports – Is It Coming or Going?

Following on from the report that Eleven Sports had handed back its Ofcom licenses, they have reappeared on Ofcom’s list of cable and satellite license holders. There a three services listed; Eleven Sports 1 UK, Eleven Sports 2 UK, and Eleven Extra Bel (presumably the latter is a Belgium service).

This suggests that they are still planning on launching a ‘conventional’ channel in the UK, but could also be an error on Ofcom’s list. The full list of satellite and cable license holders can be view on Ofcom’s website.

Eleven Sports continues to operate in the UK online.

Freesports Starts Satellite HD Tests

Article Updated

Freesports, the free to air sports channel, has commenced HD (high definition) tests on satellite. Currently a test card is being displayed, with a full EPG.

The tests are unencrypted, meaning that the Freesports HD service is likely to be available on both Sky and Freesat. It has not yet been confirmed when the channel will launch.

Freesports abandoned an earlier attempt at launching a HD channel on satellite last year, and instead launched the HD version exclusively on cable service Virgin Media.

Virgin Media Renews Sponsorship Agreement

Virgin Media will continue to sponsor Southampton Football Club, under a renewed sponsorship agreement.

The deal will run to the end of the 2021/22 season. Virgin Media will be the sleeve sponsor for the first, under 18, and under 23 squads. From the start of next season, Virgin Media will become the first ever shirt sponsor for the women’s team, with their logo appearing on the front of the shirts.

Virgin Media, who provide broadband, TV, and mobile services, first started to sponsor Southampton Football Club at the beginning of the 2016/17 season.