Freeview announces further channel changes on Monday...

[dutchman]

In addition to the previously announced changes which will see UKTV’s W channel launch on channel 25, a number of other changes are now confirmed



New streaming services are being added, there’s a change for HD viewers in Wales and some channels won’t have the same UK coverage as before. The changes happen around midday on Monday 28th March 2022.

W will replace Dave Ja Vu on channel 25 in what is expected to be seamless switch from one channel to another. Likewise, Dave Ja Vu will then replace Drama+1 on channel 74.

You won’t need to retune to get W or keep Dave Ja Vu, but the following changes may require a retune depending on your area.

Drama+1 will stay on Freeview after Dave Ja Vu takes its current slot. However, it will have changes to its coverage, meaning not all viewers will continue to be able to receive the channel when it reappears on channel 60. The main service on channel 20 is not affected.

ITV4+1 – which is a placeholder service on Freeview, only broadcasting limited hours in the early hours – moves from channel 60 to 89.

Together – the former Community Channel – is also affected by changes to its coverage. Remaining on channel 83, viewers will have to retune to continue watching the channel. But some viewers may no longer receive the service after 28th March as a result of coverage changes.

The shopping channel on Freeview channel 94 – currently only available in some parts of the UK – will close.

Viewers with compatible Freeview Play TVs and boxes will be able to stream Asharq News on channel 272 and the Al Arabiya news channel via channels 273.

Xpanded TV on channel 678 will be moving multiplexes. Viewers will need to retune to continue watching, but some viewers may no longer receive the service after 28th March as a result of coverage changes.

After the changes are implemented, Freeview’s channel checker will be updated to show which channels are still available in your area.