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BBC to cut back on Red Button services in preparation for Freeview HD

by Parm Mann on 26 October 2009, 12:04

Tags: BBC

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The BBC has revealed that it will switch off two of its three interactive Red Button streams in order to make room for upcoming HD services on Freeview HD.

BBC's Red Button interactive services have provided viewers with content for the best part of a decade, with two streams (channel 301 and 302) used regularly for major events such as Wimbledon, and a third (channel 305) used for multi-screen news.

Two of the three streams - channel 302 and 305 - will be turned off tomorrow, October 27. The BBC claims that switching off two of the three interactive streams is "helping to lead HD development so that audiences will be able to enjoy the benefits of this new technology via the UK's most popular free-to-air platform".

However, the decision has led to an uproar among existing Freeview viewers. Following switch off, the BBC states that "viewers will no longer see the BBC News Multiscreen and for other content including sport and music there will be less repeats with content played out in smaller blocks of time."

Despite promising that "viewers will still be able to see sport, music and entertainment on the remaining interactive stream," a number of Freeview users have been quick to point out that Freeview HD's first transmissions in 2009 will be limited to the Granada and London regions. Whilst few viewers may benefit from the increased quality of HD broadcasts, millions of existing Freeview users are faced with a loss of popular services.

BBC Red Button services are believed to attract an audience of some 11 million viewers each week.



HEXUS Forums :: 10 Comments

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All in the proce of progress!! :)
Couldn't they just switch off analogue to get the extra bandwidth… Sorry forget they need to do that pointless phased switch over. Those who want digital have - those who don't won't unless forced too. What difference does it make today or waiting a year.
cheesemp
Couldn't they just switch off analogue to get the extra bandwidth… Sorry forget they need to do that pointless phased switch over. Those who want digital have - those who don't won't unless forced too. What difference does it make today or waiting a year.

They could - and loose millions of viewers who havn't yet bought new methods of viewing.

TV is so central to our way of life that many households will need to replace more than one. In a time when many families struggle to meet their monthly bills it would be irresponsible to suggest they simply replace all their equipment or buy umpteen extra boxes only to provide what they already have.

A staged switch-off gives a little time for replacement to occur naturally or peeps to plan their finances.


That said I will certainly miss the red button - I've been using it increasingly over the last year or so and will miss its flexibility.
However if the Beeb transfer more of their live services to iplayer then at least some customers will still be able to get to the content.
As long as it doesn't affect f1 free practice or the f1 forum :rolleyes:

And what about sky/virgin? Will these lose the extra feeds as well?
Michael H;1803313
As long as it doesn't affect f1 free practice or the f1 forum :rolleyes:

And what about sky/virgin? Will these lose the extra feeds as well?

Sky and Virgin don't have this issue with bandwidth so I believe they will continue with the service. The items will still be recorded by the BBC as these are also shown on the web and mobile web, but only Sky and Virgin will bother to air on TV…

I think its stupid, being able to watch the news headlines any time is great… Another stupid idea from the BBC. The day the TV license is axed and the BBC has to fend for its self will be a good day!