Freesat users tuning into TLC over the weekend found they had lost access to the channel, days after it went free-to-air on UK TV platforms.
Freesat receivers unable to decode TLC
Channel made its debut on Freesat last Tuesday
Warner Bros Discovery left Freesat viewers confused after the signal of the newly revamped TLC channel was encrypted, leaving them in the dark.
TLC relaunched on Tuesday 13 January, with a new general entertainment focus, including comedy and movies. As part of the relaunch, the channel made its debut on free-to-air platforms including Freesat.
Freesat heavily promoted the arrival of TLC and some of the programmes viewers would be able to watch on the channel, including Sunday night’s premiere of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, a sitcom spin-off from Young Sheldon. TLC is also relaunching Mock The Week, returning on Sunday 1 February with original host Dara Ó Briain.
Over the weekend, Freesat viewers wanting to sample TLC’s new schedule on channel 144 received an error message, stating (depending on device) that the channel was encrypted or “scrambled”. That’s despite TLC previously advertising the channel would be available to viewers “wherever you watch free TV”.
What happened?
To facilitate the launch on Freesat, TLC’s existing satellite signal – previously locked down to Sky subscribers – was unencrypted on Tuesday. During the weekend, an encryption flag was reintroduced, blocking Freesat receivers from accessing the service. Sky satellite viewers with a lapsed TV subscription or a legacy ‘freesat from sky’ card were also blocked from viewing the channel.
Viewers remain in the dark as to why they suddenly can’t watch TLC. RXTV understands the issue is not with Freesat itself, as it doesn’t control encryption of services.
Warner Bros Discovery has been approached for comment.
The vast majority of Sky satellite users (with Sky Q/Sky+HD devices) can continue watching TLC as normal. Only Sky device users with a lapsed TV subscription or a legacy ‘freesat from sky’ card are blocked from accessing both TLC and TLC+1.
Alternatives
Affected Freesat users may be able to catch-up with TLC programmes via Discovery+. However for most users, this will require a separate device. Freesat’s own range of receivers don’t include the Discovery+ app.
Context: About TLC on satellite
- TLC, alongside all other satellite TV channels for the UK, is broadcast via the Astra satellite system at 28°E.
- Where a channel is carried on both Sky (Sky Q/Sky+HD) and Freesat, only one version needs to be broadcast. The single version is distributed to both services.
- A channel needs to be unencrypted (i.e. free-to-air) to be able to appear on Freesat devices.
- TLC also has a separate feed for Sky satellite viewers in the Republic of Ireland. This has remained encrypted.
By: Marc Thornham | Images: Freesat/WBD | Updated: 12:19