Two of QVC’s UK channels are preparing to launch in high definition via satellite, ending a long-standing anomaly.
QVC HD and QVC Style HD are testing on Astra 2F, broadcasting alongside their standard definition counterparts.
Until now, QVC’s HD broadcasts have been exclusive to digital terrestrial TV service Freeview, available in parts of the UK on Freeview channels 111/112 since 2015.
This has resulted in the anomaly of QVC offering an HD service terrestrially, but not on satellite. Due to capacity restraints on digital terrestrial TV, it’s usually the other way around. However, due to the forthcoming clearance of the 700MHz frequency band for 5G, QVC’s current Freeview HD slot is soon to be closed.
QVC HD and QVC Style HD will now undergo a period of testing before going live on Sky.
QVC first launched in the UK in 1993, but in terms of HD availability on satellite, the broadcaster has fallen behind rivals including Ideal World and TJC. Internationally, QVC UK lags behind Germany, where QVC offers two free-to-air UHD channels via satellite.
QVC HD and QVC Style HD: Manual tuning information
You can tune in to the test transmissions via satellite. On Sky boxes, this is done through the other channels menu. Test transmissions are subject to changes to content and availability, as well as encryption, without notice.
Satellite: Astra 2F, 28.2E
Frequency: 11494
Polarisation: Horizontal
Symbol Rate: 22000
FEC: 5/6
Mode: DVB-S QPSK
Service ID: 22305: QVC HD 22306: QVC Style HD