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Freeview Re-numbering

On Tuesday 18 October 2005 the chanel numbers on Freeview will be changing.

CONSUMER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Why do the existing channel numbers have to change at all?

  • A: They are being changed to reflect the growing number of digital terrestrial television channels; available through your aerial


  • When will the change happen?

  • A: The new channel number will be implemented on 18th October. All digital television sets and boxes that are rescanned from 5pm on 18th October or after this date will register the new numbers.


  • Do I have to do anything to get the new channel numbers?

  • A: It depends on your digital equipment. If it does not automatically do so, you may need to rescan your digital television or box to update your channel numbers and to ensure that you are receiving ALL channels available in your area through your aerial. Please check the manufacturer's information provided with your digital television or box if you are unsure.


  • Will the changes be implemented on the same day?

  • A: Yes, but each individual home-owners box will only recognise and store the new channel numbers on being rescanned.


  • Will I still be able to watch my digital terrestrial channels during the implementation of, and after, the changes?

  • A: Yes. Except during the time it takes to rescan, your viewing will be unaffected (a rescan will take between 3 and 30 minutes depending on the box model).


  • Will I need to restore or amend my stored "favourite channels" and personal settings?

  • A: Yes, you will need to restore your favourite channels and personal settings


  • Where can I see or obtain a copy of the new channel line-up?

  • A: Various digital televisions and boxes allow you to see on-screen the channels available in your area. In addition you may view or print off a list of the channels with new numbers from URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/digital/channels.shtml


  • Will the channel numbers be updated in all the listings magazines/services?

  • A: The listings magazines/services have been notified of the new channel numbers.


  • Do I need to change my aerial or aerial cabling in order to receive the new channel numbers?

  • A: No.


  • What should I do if I cannot find a channel?

  • A: Refer to your on-screen menu, or visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/digital/channels.shtml for the new channel number.


  • What should I do if my receiving equipment loses a channel completely?

  • A: Please try to rescan, preferably at a different time (refer to your manufacturer's instructions on rescanning or visit BBCi Help by pressing the red button from any BBC channel and going to text page 9990). Having followed these, should you still have problems, please contact the manufacturer as identified in your equipment instructions.


  • I can no longer get any radio channels, Teletext or BBCi / BBC's text services. Why is this? / I've re-scanned my box but the numbers don't seem to be appearing in the correct order. Why?

  • A: The current channel numbering is unable to cope with the growing number of channels on the platform. Consequently we have had to introduce 3 digit channel numbers. Unfortunately there is a small number of legacy boxes that are unable to accommodate 3 digit channel numbers, should you have any queries on how your receiving equipment handles the new channel numbers you should refer to the manufacturer.


  • Do I have to re-scan? If I don't can I still continue viewing my current channels?

  • A: If you do not rescan you will continue to see the channels at their old numbers however you may not be receiving additional channels that have become available to you since the last time your box did a scan. To ensure you are getting all the services available in your area (and indeed use listings magazines/services to find channels) we strongly recommend that you rescan your box.


  • I can't find my box manual and I don't know how to re-scan - what should I do?

  • A: There is a simple, generic guide that may help you at the BBC's text help page 9990. Just push your red button when viewing a BBC channel to enter the BBCi Text service from any BBC Channel. Alternatively, contact the manufacturer's helpline.


  • My digital box requests a PIN code in order for me to re-scan and I don't know what it is? How do I find out?

  • A: Contact the box manufacturer for assistance


  • Who is responsible for deciding that the channels must change numbers?

  • A: The growing number of channels on the platform has resulted in the need for a change to the current channel numbers.

    The Digital Network ("TDN"), in its role as facilitator for technical changes on the platform has worked with the stakeholders on the platform to create the revised channel numbers.


  • Who is The Digital Network ("TDN")?

  • A: The Digital Network ("TDN") is the industry body for the multiplex operators who carry the channels for the Broadcasters.


  • Who will be communicating these changes to the consumers and assisting with any queries/difficulties?

  • A: TDN has informed Ofcom, trade associations such as The Digital Group, Intellect, the Confederation of Aerial Installers (CAI), the Broadcasters on the DTT platform, Freeview, TOP UP TV, the major retailers and manufacturers of the changes. The Broadcasters on the DTT platform, Freeview, TOP UP TV have all recognised a need to support consumers through what might be a confusing time and are all providing information and support wherever the consumer may turn.


  • Are the Manufacturers of Digital Televisions and boxes supporting this and will their call centres be open extended hours on the day of switch to deal with customer enquiries?

  • A: Broadcasters, Manufacturers, major retailers, industry trade associations (DTG, CAI, Intellect, etc) and service providers such as Freeview and Top Up TV, have been advised of the proposed TV listing changes in advance so that they can brief their customer facing divisions and be prepared to respond to consumers via their customer contact call centres/websites.


  • BBC Specific

    I have Sky/Cable on my other TV. Are those numbers changing too?

  • A: Yes, these numbers will be changing at a different time. These companies will be communicating the changes in their electronic programme guide at the appropriate time.


  • The BBC neither endorses nor provides technical support for any software applications. You must abide by the licensing provisions of each application, and seek technical assistance from the software provider.
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