Terrestrial TV – All About Digital TV

Al Jazeera English is Removed from Freeview

Egyptian news channel Al Jazeera English, a longstanding Freeview (terrestrial) channel is no longer available in the traditional sense, and has been removed from the COM6 commercial multipex. However, the channel remains available as a ‘streamed’ channel on channel number 251.

Eden Goes Free-to-Air

UKTV, a commercial subsidiary of the BBC, has converted Eden into a free-to-air channel, with ‘U&’ branding in common practice with others channels owned by UKTV. U&Eden is now available on both Freeview (terrestial) and Freesat (satellite).

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.

UKTV to Rebrand in 2024

UKTV, part of the commercial arm of the BBC, have announced a name to be introduced during the summer of next year (2024). The name will also roll out to its streaming service and as a prefix to its channel line up.

Further Restructure of AMC UK Lineup

AMC Networks UK has made a further restructure of their channel lineup, following a similar exercise in 2022, which has seen the end of the use of the CBS brand. No changes have been made to platform availability, with the channel remaining on Freesat, Sky, Virgin Media, and Freeview.

Sky to Revamp Pick

Pick, a free-to-air channel operated by Sky but without Sky branding (similar to sister channel Challenge), is to be rebranded to Sky Mix. Existing programming will be maintained, however additional content from across Sky’s portfolio will be added.

Ideal World Ceases Broadcasts

Shopping channel Ideal World has ceased broadcasts, with the company entering administration. 250 staff are losing their jobs, whilst the channel is unlikely to return to TV screens.