In a significant move that may signal a new era for Freeview, the BBC is poised to change the way we consume its channels.
The broadcasting giant is set to start streaming some of its Freeview channels via the internet next week, marking a departure from traditional over-the-air broadcasting that requires an aerial.
This development comes on the heels of a series of changes the BBC has recently implemented on its channel lineup on certain Freeview devices. High-definition (HD) content is now front and centre, making it more accessible and intuitive for viewers than ever before.
Now, the BBC is ready to take the next big step: Streaming Channels. On July 24, the BBC is set to launch IP (Internet Protocol) streams of some of its regular HD broadcast channels on newer Freeview Play models (see the full list of supported devices below).
This means that, for the first time, viewers will be able to watch these channels directly via broadband, via the “regular” Freeview EPG – and without an aerial.
This marks a significant shift in the way we consume television content, and it’s only the beginning.
The BBC Switching On Streaming Channels
On July 24, the BBC is set to take a significant leap forward by launching IP (Internet Protocol) streams of some of its regular HD broadcast channels on newer Freeview Play models.
This means that viewers will be able to watch these channels directly via broadband, via the Freeview EPG, marking a significant shift in the way we consume television content.
These new IP BBC channels will be listed in a separate section of the Freeview guide (on supported devices). The channel numbers are as follows:
- BBC Three HD: Channel 301
- BBC Scotland HD: Channel 302
- BBC ALBA HD: Channel 303
- BBC News HD: Channel 501
- BBC Parliament HD: Channel 502
These particular channels were chosen with the aim of filling in gaps for those HD channels that are not currently carried everywhere in the UK on over-the-air Freeview.
This is typically because the BBC may not have HD capacity in every region of the UK or, in the case of BBC News HD, third-party broadcast capacity was withdrawn.
On supported devices, these streaming channels will appear in the EPG just like the other channels on Freeview, but they will be delivered through the internet (by opening up BBC iPlayer) rather than through an aerial.
BBC IP Channels: What Does This Mean?
In simple terms, IP streaming is a method of delivering and receiving television content over the internet, rather than through traditional terrestrial, satellite, or cable television formats – so just like the content you get from streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+.
For the BBC and Freeview, this is a significant development because it means that viewers can watch these channels without needing an aerial.
Of course, with the BBC, this was already possible by using BBC iPlayer – but having the streaming versions of these channels “baked” into the normal Freeview EPG and channel surfing, is a big step in making these channels more accessible for households without aerial reception.
This is important because it represents the first step towards a future where all Freeview channels, starting with the BBC, could potentially be watched without an aerial.
This could make television more accessible to people who, for various reasons, may not have access to a traditional television aerial.
For now, this is only possible via pay-TV streaming devices such as Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream – but even those only carry some, but not all, of the existing Freeview / Freesat channels.
Streaming BBC Channels: The Downsides
While the shift towards IP streaming brings with it many advantages, it’s important to note that there are also some downsides to consider.
One of the key limitations of streaming channels is that they do not offer the same functionality as traditional broadcast channels.
For instance, viewers cannot record shows on streaming channels, a feature that many have come to rely on with traditional broadcasting.
So while many programmes remain available to watch via catch-up services (BBC iPlayer in this case) – you won’t be able to record them on a Freeview Recorder Box. Therefore, if a show is removed from iPlayer – there’s no way for you to watch it again (or keep it indefinitely).
This has been an ongoing complaint for people moving from Sky Q – with its built-in recording, to streaming devices like Sky Stream and Sky Glass, which can’t directly record streaming channels (at least in some cases).
Furthermore, the BBC’s IP channels will not offer red/green button access, a feature that provides additional information or interactive services related to the programme being watched.
Also, IP channels do not support series linking, a popular feature that allows viewers to automatically record all future episodes of a particular show on Freeview recorders.
This lack of functionality may limit the overall viewing experience for some users who are accustomed to these features.
It’s important to note, however, that for the time being (at least), the BBC’s new IP channels are in addition to the regular over-the-air channels, that will remain on their usual channel numbers (for those with adequate aerial reception, of course).
Does My TV Support The New BBC Streaming Channels?
Not all TVs and Freeview devices will be able to take advantage of the new BBC IP channels, as they will only show up on newer (as in, from 2020 onwards) Freeview Play devices, that support Freeview Play’s Channel List Management technology.
The popular Manhattan T3-R and T3 Freeview boxes, for example, don’t support this – but their upcoming newer models (the T4 and T4-R models) will support this technology.
Therefore, if your box or Freeview Play TV doesn’t support the Channel List Management feature – nothing will change for you, and you won’t be able to access the new streaming-based BBC channels.
To check if your TV can carry the new IP streams, go to Channel 100 (the ‘Freeview Explore’ service) on your Freeview Play device.
Then, select “Help and Settings” and check the “Freeview Play platform ID” in the bottom right corner of the screen.
If your TV’s ID is on the list of compatible IDs, your TV should be able to handle the swapping when connected to the internet. Here’s the full list:
| Freeview Play platform ID | TV Brand – Year of release |
| HI21-2K | Hisense – 2021 |
| HI21-4K | Hisense, Loewe (by Loewe) – 2021 |
| HI22-962K | Hisense – 2022 |
| HI22-964K | Hisense – 2022 |
| HI22-99 | Hisense – 2022 |
| HI23-96 | Hisense – 2023 |
| LG22-F22 | LG – 2022 |
| LG22-K8AP | LG – 2022 |
| LG22-K8HP | LG – 2022 |
| LG22-K8LP | LG – 2022 |
| LG22-LM21AN | LG – 2022 |
| LG22-O22 | LG – 2022 |
| LG23-K8HPP | LG – 2023 |
| LG23-K8LPN | LG – 2023 |
| LG23-LM21ANN | LG – 2023 |
| LG23-M23 | LG – 2023 |
| LG23-O22N | LG – 2023 |
As long as the TV is connected to the internet, the streams will appear in the EPG from July 24 – though a retune may be required.
If you disconnect your TV from the internet, the IP streams will ultimately stop being listed, and you will not be able to access these services without reconnecting to the internet and retuning yet again.
The following devices will get the IP streams after a firmware update later this year:
- Bush, Digihome, Hitachi, JVC, Panasonic, Toshiba – 2020 (V20-MB180G31)
- Bush, Digihome, EGL, Luxor, Nordmende, Polaroid, Solas, Techwood, Toshiba, Walker – 2020 (V20-MB180G32)
- Altimo, Bush, Digihome, EGL, Hitachi, JVC, Logik, Luxor, Medion, Mitchell & Brown, Nordmende, Panasonic, Polaroid, Techwood, Toshiba, Visitech, Walker – 2020 (V20-MB181)
- Amazon Fire TV – 2021 (V21-AFTVBX, V21-AFTVJ)
The Future of Freeview
As we previously reported, the future of UK television is set to undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of the Next Generation Platform (NGP) by Everyone.TV, the company behind Freeview and Freesat.
This platform is designed to redefine the delivery of free TV in the UK, integrating traditional broadcasting with the increasingly popular streaming services.
The NGP, currently under consultation, will incorporate a modernised Electronic Programme Guide that not only allows access to linear TV channels but also offers closer integration with broadcasters’ on-demand services.
This means that viewers will be able to effortlessly switch between streamed live TV and catch-up content, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Next week’s changes by the BBC, can be seen as a first step towards this future. By offering Freeview channels via the internet, the BBC is embracing the shift towards IP streaming, paving the way for a more integrated and user-friendly viewing experience.
This move aligns with the Next Generation Platform’s vision of a future where TV is based more on streaming and less on traditional over-the-air broadcasts.
In essence, the BBC’s move and the upcoming NGP represent a significant step towards a future where viewers have more control over what they watch, when they watch it, and how they access it – without needing aerials and satellite dishes.
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Why does the article not comment on the fact, unlike Netflix, Amazon, Apple+ etc, that BBC Internet delivered HD channels do not support 5.1 or or other surround audio formats.
So programs & films that are 5.1 on Freeview are stereo via IP.
With UHD it’s even worse, programs are made in UHD & immersive surround audio, but it is impossible to experience both. The UHD version is only available via iPlayer & thus only stereo, or it can be watched in HD in 5.1 via Freeview.
Funny how Internet providers used to say fibre , even though its only fibre to the green box in the road and delivered down old copper phone lines to your house (lie).., now its called full fibre ?????
Whats the situation in ireland where we can receive freesat,
Will we need vpn to view over internet going forward
I’m all for moving over to IPTV as my sister already has Sky glass at her flat and moving from freeview with an aerial to free IPTV with clear pictures, i met eventually just pull the aerial plug from my the back of the tv, but not until itv ch4 and ch5 join iptv future,
A shame that Samsung doesn’t support Freeview Play at all.
Increasingly the BBC are moving away from off-air broadcasting which many people are unable to receive. This is grossly unfair as we all pay the License fee. If they want to go this way then become a Netflix and charge a subscription. Keep the basics BBC1/2/News on air for free.
You only need a 1.5Mbps internet connection for iPlayer – and all the channels are still free as part of your licence fee (unlike Netflix, etc …)
My 2022 Panasonic TV supports this new Channel List Management feature where it supplants the HD channels into the position where the SD channels used to be. It seemed like a good idea until we had atmospheric problems (aerial) whereby the HD channels we were watching breaks up becoming unwatchable. Previously we would switch to the SD version of the channel which would normally be unaffected but as they were effectively removed we couldn’t. Ok, it doesn’t happen that often but when it does it’s annoying.
Fortunately when you do a retune the TV asks if you want to install the Channel List Management feature and after declining the list was back to normal.
I read why they want to have the Freeview HD channels in the position of the SD ones but do people really need this? I know where the HD channels are in the EPG and have never felt inconvenienced by it.
Regarding the lack of ability of recording the streamed channels. Currently we record all the programs we are going to watch via our Humax devices whether we plan to watch them “live” or not just in case.
Of course you know the advantage of recording programs that have adverts and that when streaming the same program on catchup you are not allowed to skip a bit forward.
It should be possible to capture the raw data of these new streamed channels and save them directly to disk just like the Humax devices do for terrestrial broadcast now. Hopefully something will appear in the future.
My TV lists the SD channels in the 600s just like the BBC advises it should : https://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/work-warning/news/waw-bbc-one-and-two-hdsd-swaps-coming-to-newer-freeview-play-models (see the first table)
The mobile companies are spending huge sums on 5g without making 4g coverage adequate. Disgraceful.
Ultimately I would imagine the plan will be that the remaining UHF broadcast frequencies will be given over to mobile networks and Internet streaming will be the only way to watch TV either by fixed broadband at home or mobile networks.
My best guess is probably by the mid 30’s.
Going forward, the BBC will know who and where the viewers are, can make license redundant, and charge subscription instead,
I hope so and end the License fee. Many people will be unable to get these streamed services yet pay the fee.
If you get the channels in SD or HD already, then you should pay the licence fee. People could always get a new TV and watch the HD versions on Freeview HD ? Most TVs are HD-enabled these days.
Plus, you only need a 1.5Mbps internet connection to watch iPlayer. These don’t look to be new channels – they are just HD versions of the same channels already there in the programme guide in SD, they’re just streamed over the internet. It’s just kinda the way things seem to be going these days.
The bbc leeche will never look to cancel the fee. They’ll now want anyone with broadband to pay up.
I am one of the many viewers who use a pvr to record, and series record, many programmes. I am, therefore, able to enjoy programmes/films far into the future without the worry that they will suddenly disappear. This development is a backwards step so far as I’m concerned. Why do developments seem to benefit businesses at the expense of consumers?
Totally agree as my smart TV is already obsolete in the fact l can’t receive iTVX
The ability to record BBC programmes as a series will be a huge disadvantage
This seems to be a deliberate decision to stop people recording streams. I had BT TV for a few years, which streamed a lot of it’s channels via IPTV. The quality of the streamed channels in SD and HD were much better than Freeview and you could record them too.
I wonder why they made this decision? Probably under pressure from ITV & C4, C5, who in future may want to stream their channels on this platform, but force people to watch ads or pay to catch-up on ITVX, etc.
All very well but what about pensioners who cannot afford £30 a month for broadband and have no need for it
Interesting view, I wonder how these same pensioners will manage once telephone lines move to VOIP. There are of course social tariffs for pensioners on pension credit.
Looks like you have a need for it now
A bit of a funny headline. Both terrestrial and IP broadcasts are digital.
For some reason in the 2020s “digital” now means only internet focused things where not too long ago it meant Digital TV or DAB but now even that is ancient and undesirable by the current BBC management as well as ITV and Sky
“For now, this is only possible via pay-TV streaming devices such as Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream – but even those only carry some, but not all, of the existing Freeview / Freesat channels.”
It is also possible on Apple TV using the excellent TV Launcher. OK it’s not as seamless as Stream as you are dropped into each app in order to view. I switched to this as I had an old aerial which doesn’t get HD and it was cheaper to get an ATV than pay someone to change the aerial