Freeview viewers lose 10 channels after TV signal switch off

Freeview viewers are losing several channels as part of a big shake-up.

BBC News HD, FreeSports, PBS America+1, More4+1, QVC HD and QVC Beauty HD are among the channels that will disappear.

Users will also lose Forces TV, Quest HD, CBS Justice and Craft Extra.

Read more: Ninety percent want to see continued support for Freeview and broadcast radio – survey

It has been reported that the change is to do with a TV signal called COM7 Multiplex being switched off to make way for 5G mobile technology.

A message on the Freeview site said: “Since the decision by Ofcom to make more airwaves available for mobile data, the Ofcom licenses for some channels broadcasting on Freeview has expired.

“This means that affected channels are making changes to the way they are broadcast moving forward.”

Some channels are being renamed or moving to a different channel number, and others are being tweaked so there is more or less coverage.

Those who use Freeview - which is the UK’s sole digital terrestrial television platform - have also been warned that they will need to retune their televisions to update their channels and to keep their TV guide up to date.

The news didn't go down well with everyone, and some viewers questioned why it had to be HD channels to go.

"Why have you stopped QuestHD on Freeview?" tweeted one. "Surely it would be better to replace standard Quest and keep the higher quality broadcast so we can enjoy the detail?"

Another said: "Why, did you close down the HD version of @BBCNews?!?!? The SD version should have been pulled! The SD version is like trying to watch video over dial-up!!"

Read more: EastEnders returning to weekly summer box sets to make way for sports coverage

"Losing @BBCNews HD on Freeview kind of feels like a backward step," said someone else.

One irked viewer tweeted: "CBS Justice been removed from Freeview. That sucks big time as got a lot of great shows."

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