Retune today for Bigger, Better Freeview

UK, London, 02 August 2017: Freeview is updating its TV guide to make way for new and exciting channel launches. As part of the update, the nation’s largest TV broadcaster is asking viewers to retune their devices to ensure they are receiving the refreshed channel line-up. The platform offers viewers 70 SD and 15 HD TV channels through an aerial with no subscription. As part of the update, some channels will move positions in the TV guide. 

Some devices will retune automatically, for those that don’t, viewers are recommended to retune on the afternoon or evening of Wednesday 2nd August or any time thereafter. Retuning is straightforward and should only take a few minutes. Viewers requiring further information or assistance can call the Freeview Advice Line on 03456 505050. More information is available at Freeview.co.uk/support.

On-screen messages will appear on channels reminding viewers to retune from this date. Those who do not choose to retune will continue to receive access to the Freeview service but may be missing some recently launched channels. Following the updates, channels will be grouped in to the following genres:

     1 - 199: General Entertainment (HD Channels 101 - 139)
201 - 229: Children’s
231 - 249: News
250 - 259: Text
260 - 299: Streamed

Since 2015, 18 new channels from major networks have launched on Freeview including BLAZE from A+E Networks and Discovery’s Quest Red.

Guy North, Managing Director, Freeview said

“We’re preparing the nation for a bigger and better Freeview platform. We’ve welcomed many new additions to the channel line up in the past couple of years and today’s update ensures we have enough space for even more new and exciting launches. Most viewers should find retuning straightforward, but if any viewer requires assistance, our advice line will be happy to guide them through the process on 03456 505050.” 

To coincide with the update, Freeview has updated its Channel Guide which will be available in selected retail stores from August.

Full list of channel changes:

Retuning Advice

To retune, viewers need to press ‘Menu’ on their remote control and follow the on-screen instructions or those printed in their device manual. What happens next may vary slightly depending on the device.

A typical sequence is:

Step 1 - Press menu on the set-top box or TV remote control.

Step 2 - Select Set-Up, Installation, Update or similar option. If you’re asked for a password the default code is 1234 or 0000.

Step 3 - Now select the ‘First Time Installation’ option (sometimes called ‘Factory Reset’, ‘Full Retune’ or ‘Default Settings’). Press ‘OK’ if asked to delete existing channels. This will clear existing settings and find the new channel line-up. If prompted then save the channels that are found.

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About Freeview

Freeview is the biggest and best loved TV platform in the UK. Giving viewers access to 70 TV channels, 15 HD channels and over 25 radio stations through an aerial. The service is free from subscription, so there’s no monthly cost. Freeview launched its connected TV service, Freeview Play, in 2015 which gives viewers the choice to watch what they want, want when they want in a simple way. As with all Freeview products, it’s subscription free and works with all existing broadband providers.

Freeview is managed by DTV Services Ltd, a company owned and run by its five shareholders: BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and Arqiva.