A number of hybrid streaming channels have become more widely available on Freeview from this week, while a new shopping channel makes its debut in some regions.
- Children’s channels POP and Tiny Pop more widely available to stream
- Two music channels rebrand.
More Freeview users will be able to access children’s channels POP and Tiny Pop following a technical change to the way the services are offered to viewers.
As part of May’s Freeview channel update, POP and Tiny Pop have transferred from local to national Freeview coverage as a result of a multiplex change.
You’ll need a connected Freeview device to access both channels, which will appear on channel 205 and 206. You may need to retune your TV, even if you were previously able to access these channels.
POP and Tiny Pop were once broadcast more widely as traditional linear channels on Freeview, so this month’s update reinstates the services for a number of viewers, albeit now as streaming-only services.
In addition to the two children’s channels, hybrid streaming channels Alaraby Network (channel 264) and Global Arabic+ (283) have also changed multiplexes, meaning they are also available to a wider audience.
▶ Why are hybrid streaming channels subject to what you can receive through an aerial?
You still need to be able to receive a TV signal via your aerial, even though the channels are streamed via the internet. How come?
The app that opens up the streaming channels is broadcast over the airwaves of the digital terrestrial TV (DTT) network and accessed via a Freeview or Freely channel number.
Once you select that channel number, your TV will run the app and load the streaming channels via your internet connection. However, if you have no terrestrial TV signal, there’s no hybrid streamed channels.
Now that some services have boosted their coverage, more viewers will be able to access them from the Freeview channel list from now on.
The channel changes today boost theoretical coverage from around 65% to 90% of UK households.
Shopping channel joins Freeview
Viewers in parts of the UK can now also access teleshopping channel High Street TV, which makes its debut on channel 95. The channel is already a familiar fixture on Sky’s satellite TV guide.
High Street TV is carried on the local TV multiplex, which means it piggybacks on the signal used to supply local TV channels on Freeview channel 7 or 8, depending on where you live. Around two thirds of the UK are within range of the local TV signal. Once again, you may need to retune for your TV to discover this channel, if you’re in range of the signal.
Music channel changes
That’s TV has temporarily rebranded two of its music channels that operate on a part-time basis on Freeview. Classic dance music channel That’s Dance is replaced by That’s Pride (channel 76 across the UK and channel 79 in Manchester only). Meanwhile, That’s Oldies has become That’s Summer (channel 78 – Manchester only). The changes also apply to Sky satellite where both channels are available with national coverage.
There are no changes this month for viewers who receive the reduced line-up of Freeview channels via a relay. There are also no changes for viewers in the Channel Islands.
Freeview is currently not publishing details of multiplex changes on its support site.
- This is just an overview of the main changes. You can find a detailed breakdown of every Freeview change that’s occurred this month on our Freeview Updates page.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Freeview logo – DTV Services