Freeview users in Wales can now access a new entertainment channel on the platform, following a configuration change made this week.
- Full set of GREAT! network channels now available from main Freeview transmitters in Wales.
- Change at the expense of Together TV, which is now streaming only via Freeview.
- Differences to the channel line-up to accommodate S4C.
From this week, all viewers receiving the full Freeview service in Wales can access the full set of GREAT! network channels, with action film channel GREAT! action on 42 joining GREAT! movies (34), GREAT! tv (50) and GREAT! romance (52). Viewers with compatible devices can also stream the extra GREAT! services on channels 61-63.
During the past year, Narrative Entertainment, the owner of the GREAT! network has been boosting its signal reach on Freeview, with more of its services moving to wider national distribution.
GREAT! action was previously absent from main Freeview transmitters in Wales as the bandwidth was used by E4+1. Now Together TV has reduced coverage, so GREAT! action can reach more viewers in Wales.
What’s different about Freeview in Wales?
In Wales, E4+1 is broadcast on the COM4/SDN multiplex because the bandwidth it uses elsewhere in the UK is taken by S4C.
E4+1 in turn takes away a slot from another broadcaster in Wales, meaning there’s always one channel missing from the full Freeview line-up from Welsh transmitters.
Until now, that missing channel was GREAT! action (channel 42).
However, a reconfiguration changed all that.
GREAT! action was added to the Wales line-up, at the expense of Together TV (channel 83), which was removed.
Viewers with a connected Freeview device (e.g. Freeview Play) will still be able to stream Together TV on channel 285.
▶ What’s changed in Wales?
Previously
| Available in Wales | Not available in Wales |
|---|---|
| E4+1 | GREAT! action |
| Together TV (UK-wide slot) |
From this week
| Available in Wales | Not available in Wales |
|---|---|
| E4+1 | Together TV |
| GREAT! action (UK-wide slot) |
The above changes only affect the availability of channels, they don’t affect the channel number these channels are found on.
Due to the topography of Wales, some viewers won’t be able to access any of these channels. That’s because none of the above services are broadcast on relay transmitters that provide a signal to numerous towns and villages across the country.
Some viewers may need to retune to access all available channels in your area.
Viewers near the border may be able to also receive services from transmitters based in England. In this case, Together TV will still appear in the channel list as a regular broadcast channel.
Marc Thornham