Yes, it’s that time of the month again – Freeview update time – and after two months without any major changes – March brings with it several new channels and a numbering shakeup.
Yes, three new channels are being added to connected-Freeview devices – with news, music, and religion – and six channels are changing places.
The changes have already started to roll out, but as always, most viewers will need to retune their Freeview devices for the correct new numbers and channels to fall into place (some devices do this retune automatically – see our recommended Freeview recorders here).
It’s worth noting the new channels are also coming to Freely – but only if you have an aerial connected to your Freely TV (as these are not streaming-only channels).
Freeview, which started its life back in 2002, is the United Kingdom’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).
See our full Freeview guide here.
Freeview Channel Moves
Six channels are changing places this month. The first four are only in Manchester:
- That’s TV 2 MCR is moving from Channel 86 to Channel 85
- That’s TV 3 MCR is moving from Channel 87 to Channel 86
- TV Warehouse is moving from Channel 88 to Channel 87
- TV Warehouse +1 is moving from Channel 92 to Channel 88
In addition, two more channels are moving – including the popular retro-channel Rewind TV:
- Rewind TV is moving from Channel 95 to Channel 92
- SonLife is moving from Channel 96 to Channel 94
New Freeview Channels
The three channels launching on Freeview this month are connected (“hybrid”) channels: Some Freeview channels, like Channel Box, are Freeview IP channels – meaning they can only be delivered via broadband, and do not reach your house directly via the aerial.
To watch these streaming Freeview channels, you need a modern Freeview device that supports the HbbTV standard – most modern Smart TVs with Freeview Play, and Freeview Play set-top boxes (like the Manhattan T4-R, Humax Aura and others) already support this standard (as does Freely).
Once your device is connected to the internet, you can reach these IP-only Freeview channels like a normal channel through the TV Guide (however, you ALSO need an aerial to be connected – hence why they’re called “hybrid channels”).
EuroNews
EuroNews, which used to be available on Freeview as part of ChannelBox, is now getting its own unique channel number.
EuroNews is a European-based international news channel that delivers global news with a European perspective in multiple languages. “It focuses on impartial and fact-based journalism”, covering European and worldwide affairs across TV and digital platforms.
- EuroNews is available on hybrid Freeview Channel 257
It Is Written TV
It Is Written TV is a Christian TV channel and digital ministry, part of the “It Is Written” organization founded in 1956 by George Vandeman. It offers Bible-based programming “aimed at deepening viewers’ understanding of God’s Word through inspiring, practical, and authentic content.”
- It Is Written TV is available on hybrid Freeview Channel 286
Trace UK
Music channel Trace UK was also available on ChannelBox, and is now getting its own number.
The channel offers diverse programming spanning music, culture, and lifestyle, focusing on genres like Hip-Hop, R&B, Grime, and Drill.
- Trace UK is available on hybrid Freeview Channel 285
Retune Your Freeview Device
Whenever Freeview changes take place, some people need to retune their Freeview devices – otherwise, channel numbers and names won’t be correct, and changed channels won’t update properly.
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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Can anyone tell me why Rewind is still broadcasting on 95 several days after the date of change – at this stage I am not bothering to retune unless it actually stops.
What a waste of time for people who have to retune because channels are moving a number or two up or down. Let’s be honest most tv is rubbish, loads of channels with nothing to watch. Except for a few things the best free tv are the i players and then you have watch loads of adverts ( free tv).
Couldn’t agree more with that. A favourite saying in our household is “All those channels and nothing on”.