For the ninth time, the BBC is extending its traditional, linear Red Button service for the summer. This will provide viewers with extra coverage from Glastonbury and Wimbledon.
Glastonbury returns to its normal format for the first time since 2019. And with the return to normality, the BBC will be providing additional live coverage on the Red Button to complement coverage on its main channels. This year, music performances from Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar and Diana Ross will headline the event. It will be live on TV from 24th-26th June 2022.
Wimbledon runs from Monday 27th June until Sunday 10th July 2022, with tennis fans able to choose what they want to watch through Red Button.
One red button stream will be available in HD, with the remaining streams in standard definition. They will be added to the bottom of the channel list ahead of the start of Glastonbury.
Users with Sky Q and connected Freesat receivers and smart TVs will be able to access a wider range of HD streams through the iPlayer.
Since reducing the number of permanent Red Button streams in 2012, the BBC has routinely temporarily extended its Red Button service for special events. The only exception was in 2020, when lockdowns resulted in events being cancelled.
Satellite tests started
Satellite test transmissions have now started on Astra 2F in preparation for their arrival on Sky and Freesat. These will appear on the main channel list in time for the events.
Other platforms
The extra feeds will also be delivered to Virgin Media.
On Freeview, limited capacity has restricted the availability of extra Red Button feeds. However, connected Freeview Play and YouView receivers can access extra coverage through the iPlayer. Here, pressing red during Glastonbury and Wimbledon will direct viewers to the the iPlayer HD streams instead of the service on Freeview channel 601.
BBC Red Button satellite manual tuning parameters
Satellite: Astra 2F 28.2E Frequency: 12422 Polarisation: Horizontal Mode: DVB-S, QPSK, Symbol Rate: 27500 (27.5) FEC: 2/3 SID: 6802-6806 and 6811 HD [The BBC RB HD channel will show BBC News HD until it launches.]
These services are temporary for the summer.