Freeview’s monthly update for August is here – and this time, we’re getting three new channels – including new crafting tutorials and a returning kids’ favourite – along with several channel movements and changes.
The changes are already rolling out, and as always, most viewers will need to retune their Freeview devices for the correct new numbers and channels to take effect (some devices do this automatically – see our recommended Freeview recorders here).
As always, some of these changes will also take place on the streaming Freely platform – though channel numbers are different on Freely.
Freeview, which started its life back in 2002, is the UK’s terrestrial television platform. It provides free-to-air TV channels and radio stations (via a Freeview aerial – see the ones we recommend), including more than 80 standard and HD channels. You can watch it on any supported TV, or by using a set-top Freeview box.
To watch Freeview via broadband, you’ll need one of the subscription-based devices like Sky Stream or Virgin Media Stream (though not all Freeview channels are available on these devices), or use Freely, which supports SOME of the Freeview channels via broadband.
See our full Freeview guide here.
New Freeview Channels
Three new channels joining Freeview this month:
That’s Oldies
From the people behind “That’s TV” and their various music channels – this is yet another music videos channel, this time dedicated to – well – oldies.
In a game of musical chairs, “That’s Oldies” will take the spot of “That’s Melody”, which is replacing “That’s Dance” – a channel that is closing down.
- That’s Oldies is available on Freeview Channel 75.
Hobbycraft TV
Hobbycraft TV will feature daily demonstrations from craft experts whilst offering viewers the ability to purchase materials directly through what the company calls a “fully shoppable” experience – essentially combining traditional craft programming with shopping channel functionality.
The channel will feature tutorial content for makers of all abilities, allowing viewers to purchase materials and tools directly whilst watching, marking the UK craft retailer’s expansion into the broadcasting space.
The channel will take its place on Freeview today, but it will only start broadcasting at 7:30am on Thursday, September 4.
- Hobbycraft TV will be available on Freeview Channel 97
Pop Max
They’re back! Pop Max was the last remaining aerial-only channel from the POP children’s channels collection on Freeview, until it was shut down last December, with its programming moving to the streaming platform, Pop Player.
Well, the children’s channel, which features a mix of “comedy, fun adventures, and heroic actions” for kids, is now back as a linear channel.
- Pop Max is available on Freeview Channel 212
Freeview Channel Moves
Just one channel movement this month:
- That’s Melody is moving from Freeview Channel 75 to Freeview Channel 76
Freeview Channel Closures
One music channel – and three children’s channels – are shutting down this month.
- That’s Dance is shutting down on Freeview Channel 76 (where That’s Melody is now located).
- Pop+1 has been removed from Freeview Channel 212 (where Pop Max is now located)
Furthermore, Moochi – a channel dedicated to animated shows for children, with shows such as Misho and Robin, The Dreamstone, Daniel Tiger and more, is being shut down two years after its launch on Freeview Channel 213.
And Shots!, which seems to have disappeared a couple of months ago, has been removed from Freeview Channel 262.
Freeview Channel Renames
Singapore-based news and current affairs brand CNA has changed its name to CNA Originals, on Freeview Channel 276.
And two music channels in the Manchester area are changing as well:
- That’s Summer is changing into That’s Rock (MCR) on Channel 78.
- That’s Dance is changing into That’s Oldies (MCR) on Channel 79.
Retune Your Freeview Device
When Freeview changes occur, some people need to retune their Freeview devices; otherwise, channel numbers and names won’t be correct, and updated channels will not be appropriately reflected.
Some devices do a retune automatically, but others might require a manual retune for this week’s changes to update correctly.
You can find more information on how to retune your device, on Freeview’s retuning help section.
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