Just in time for the holidays, Channel 4 HD is finally returning to Freesat, along with five music channels from “The Box Plus Network” – Box Hits, Kiss, Kerrang! and more.
While the regular (SD) version of Channel 4 has always been available on Freesat, the HD version was removed from the service back in 2018, along with the channel’s streaming app – All4.
At the time, disputes over carriage fees were cited as the reason for the removal.
Starting today (December 8), however, the HD version of Channel 4 is finally back on Freesat – on Channel 126.
Channel 4’s streaming app, All4, is unfortunately not coming back to the Freesat boxes yet, and Freesat could only tell us they’re “working with our partners to launch more services on our platform, where possible.”
Freesat was established in 2007 by the BBC and ITV. It offers more than 200 free-to-air TV channels and radio stations, all transmitted via digital satellite.
To watch Freesat, you need a dish outside your house and a Freesat receiver (see our recommended Freesat boxes here), which is why it sometimes works better in areas where Freeview reception is lacking.
Earlier this year, a big shakeup was announced, when Freesat and Freeview came under the roof of a single company, Digital UK, which is owned jointly by the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
To confuse things a bit further, there’s also DTV Services LTD, which operates Freeview – where Sky is also a shareholder.
With Channel 4 becoming part-owner of Freesat, many assumed Channel 4 HD will return – and indeed, that is happening today.
Jonathan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Digital UK, said:
“The return of Channel 4 HD and the launch of new music channels on Freesat is a shining example of what we are now able to provide viewers as a joint entity – more and better content.”
New Music Channels On Freesat
In addition to Channel 4 HD, five music channels are also launching on Freesat today.
The channels all belong to The Box Plus Network – which is owned by Channel 4, and they’re also available on Sky, Virgin Media, and online.
The new Freesat channels are:
Box Hits (Channel 501) – Mainstream pop music from recent years.
Box Christmas /The Box (Channel 502) – The box normally airs music video premieres, but is now dedicated to Christmas music.
Kiss (Channel 503) – Focuses on dance music.
Magic (Channel 504) – Easy listening music videos from all decades.
Kerrang! (Channel 505) – Focuses on rock music.
4Music, which is available on Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media, is not coming to Freesat for the time being. Update: On February 2022, 4Music returned to Freesat as well.
It would be great to get ALL4 back on Freesat – even with advert interruptions.