Freeview is preparing for two key improvements in the service which will further contribute to the strength of the DTT platform. As a result on September 30, Freeview viewers will need to retune their Freeview boxes in order to continue receiving all available channels and services.
The planned upgrade will ensure that 500,000 additional homes can receive Channel 5 for the first time and will also put in place preparation for the launch of high definition TV (HDTV) on Freeview. It will enable the trial of high definition TV (HDTV) broadcasts to start on December 2 from the Winter Hill transmitter serving the Granada TV region.
Freeview viewers in the Granda region will be able to watch three HDTV channels before the end of this year, but will have to buy a new HD Freeview box (which supports the new European transmission standard DVB-T2), to see the channels. These boxes are likely to cost about £150.
Freeview managing director Ilse Howling said: “These are significant and necessary changes which will immediately bring Freeview viewers new channels, introduce new homes to existing channels and prepare the platform for the future availability of Freeview HD.
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