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I've heard I need to retune my Freeview equipment after 30/09/2009 - is this true?

Yes - all viewers with a Freeview digital TV or box (including homes with Top Up TV and BT Vision) will need to retune their equipment after Wednesday 30 September 2009, to continue receiving their available digital channels.

Why did this happen?

The changes allowed Channel Five to become as widely available on Freeview as the other terrestrial channels at digital television switchover. In addition technical preparations for future improvements to the Freeview service (such as Freeview HD) are being made.

Freeview will confirm further details about the new Freeview HD service soon.

When do I need to retune?

Viewers using a Freeview TV or box should retune after the 30th September to get all services available at their address.

Who was responsible for these changes?

The technical operation and communications plan to inform Freeview viewers has been jointly agreed by Freeview, the UK’s public service broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five) and Digital UK.

I have already switched to digital - do I need to retune?

Yes - anyone using a Freeview box, Freeview + digital TV recorder or digital TV (including Freeview PC cards) will need to retune their equipment after 30 September, as well as at each stage of the digital switchover.

Retuning from time to time is good practice, to receive the latest channel line-up.

Where can I find more information on retuning?

The vast majority of viewers with a Freeview TV or box find retuning straightforward and have no difficulties. You should be aware that the menus for each Freeview box, TV and recorder differ slightly.

You will find easy-to-follow retune guides for popular makes and models which can be printed or emailed at:

http://www.tvretune.co.uk/productmanuals/

Because of the nature of the changes it is important to perform a full retune which will delete the existing channel line up and other settings from your box. Please check the instructions for your equipment.

Friends or family may also be able to help you, or speak to your local electrical retailer. If you need any further assistance, an automated helpline will also be available on 08456 05 11 22.

Alternatively, contact the manufacturer who should be able to provide advice.

What happens after I retune?

The following changes to Freeview channels and services were be made on the 30 September:

• Coverage of Five will increase. More than 500,000 Freeview homes will be able to receive Five for the first time; and these improvements will ensure that Five will be available to all Freeview homes at the point of switchover; along with BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, and Channel 4.
  
  
• Some viewers who receive their Freeview service from a relay transmitter will no longer be able be able to receive ITV3 and ITV4. As a result of moving position on the Freeview platform, a small percentage of homes will find they lose these services after retuning.
  
  
• A new channel called ‘Quest’ launched on channel 38 on Freeview. It will be available to the majority of Freeview homes.
  
  
• Some BBC Radio stations will be affected in the 5% of UK homes that have already gone through digital switchover. Listeners in Border, West Country and parts of Wales will lose these services until they retune their Freeview equipment.
  
  
• The Community Channel is longer be available on Freeview in areas that have already gone through switchover.
  
  
• After retuning, the viewer will find a small number of channels in a new position on their on-screen TV guide.
  

For the updated channel list, effective from 30 September 2009 visit our channel page. For Freeview coverage in your area use our coverage checker.

My Freeview TV or box has stopped working following a retune - what can I do?

A limited number of early Freeview TVs and boxes may fail when retuned. To find a list of models affected click here or you can contact Freeview on 08701 111 270.

If you discover your equipment is affected, Freeview recommends you contact the manufacturer.

Will high-definition television (HDTV) be available on Freeview?

Freeview viewers across the UK will be able to watch high definition TV channels possibly as early as 2009.

New technology and a reorganisation of the way channels are allocated on digital terrestrial television platform will free up space for four Freeview HDTV services.

The first three HD channels will be available as digital switchover takes place in the Granada TV region in the north-west of England and subsequent regions from 2009. All four HD channels should be available across the country by the time digital switchover is due to be completed in 2012.

Viewers who want to watch the new channels will have to buy a new set-top box incorporating the superior MPEG-4 rather than MPEG-2 compression technology. MPEG-4 is twice as efficient as the MPEG-2 standard , while a new European transmission standard (DVB-T2) will increase capacity by 30%. These boxes are still being developed and discussions are taking place on when they will be available to buy in shops.

Freeview looks forward to working with the industry to bring this exciting and new TV viewing experience to the 18 million homes using the Freeview service.

More information is available here:

• Ofcom press release
  
  

Freeview HD latest

Freeview HD will give viewers access to subscription-free high definition channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and S4C in Wales in addition to more than 50 Freeview channels in standard definition. Capacity has also been provisionally reserved for Five to launch its proposed HD channel from late 2010.

Some early transmissions of Freeview HD have been agreed in London from December this year and in other major cities (Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford and Newcastle) ahead of the World Cup in June 2010.

The final roll-out schedule of Freeview HD across the UK is currently being finalised, but is expected to be broadly in line with the digital switchover process, starting in December 2009 and concluding in 2012.

What does "HD Ready" on a television mean?

The ‘HD Ready’ logo means that a television screen has sufficient resolution to display high definition pictures. However, if you have an ‘HD Ready’ TV it doesn’t mean you can automatically receive HD services.

You will need to purchase an HD box to get high definition channels on Freeview when it becomes available in your region. These boxes are still being developed and discussions are taking place on when they will be available to buy in shops.

Will I need a new aerial?

If you are already have a good picture on Freeview, your existing aerial should be fine. If you still have difficulty receiving services, please use the troubleshooting guide. Please note that channel line-up is subject to change.

Alternatively, if you think you may need to replace your aerial due to its age or condition, do not attempt to adjust it yourself. Look for an installer with the digital tick logo – this means they have been trained and security checked. Only Registered Digital Installers (RDIs) are permitted to use the digital tick logo. Ask for their photo ID card and membership number. If you can’t find one, look for someone with associate RDI, or CAI Plus or ask your local electrical retailer. To find a RDI or CAI member visit their websites.

• Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI)
• Registered Digital Installers (RDI)

Are you missing subtitles, recordings or your "favourites list"?

After retuning, you may need to reset your personal settings such as subtitles, scheduled recordings or your “favourites”. Refer to your instruction manual for how to do this.

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