Freeview in Wales

Last updated: 01-02-2019
Transmitter: Cardiff, Wenvoe (Channels may vary in other regions)

Freeview UK

Each Freeview multiplex is an error-protected bitstream of 24, 27 or 40 megabits per second, which can be used for almost any combination of digitally-encoded video, audio and data.
The DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards provides a multiplex service that can make trade-offs between the number of services and the picture and audio quality.
A number of services use the same bandwidth at different times. For example CBeebies and BBC Four currently use the same space in their multiplex, with CBeebies broadcasting from 6am until 7pm and BBC Four from 7pm.
some multiplexes allocate more bandwidth to services, providing a smaller number of higher-quality services.
Freeview currently uses DVB-T/MPEG-2 and DVB-T2/MPEG-4 systems for terrestrial transmissions.

The modulation of the multiplexes can be varied to squeeze higher digital bitrates out of the same portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, requiring a stronger signal for good reception.
The modulation schemes used in the UK are, in order of bandwidth efficiency, each with a progressively higher bitrate, at the cost of progressively higher likelihood of signal degradation:

QPSK – Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) is a form of Phase Shift Keying in which two bits are modulated at once, selecting one of four possible carrier phase shifts (0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees). QPSK allows the signal to carry twice as much information as ordinary PSK using the same bandwidth. QPSK is used for satellite transmission of MPEG2 video, cable modems, videoconferencing, cellular phone systems, and other forms of digital communication over an RF carrier.

16-QAM (no longer used as of digital switchover)
64-QAM (only used on the DVB-T multiplex)
256-QAM (only used on the DVB-T2 multiplex)
1024-QAM
2048-QAM

For more information on UK multiplexes and bitrates see: http://en.digitalbitrate.com
For more information on UK multiplexes see:  http://www.terrestrialtv.uk
For Freeview channel listings see: www.digitaluk.co.uk/industry/Channels/channel_listings
For retuning information see: www.digitaluk.co.uk/howtoretune/retuning_instructions

Freeview Website: www.freeview.co.uk


 

Freeview Lite

Freeview LiteWhat is referred to as ‘Freeview Lite’, is actually the three PSB multiplexes, PSB 1 operated by the BBC, PSB2 operated by  ITV plc and Channel 4 and PSB3 operated by the BBC.
PSB3 transmits in DVB-T2 and contains simulcasts of the PSB channels in HD.

These three Public Service multiplexes are obliged by their public service status to reach 98% of the UK population, this is in contrast to commercial multiplexes which have no such obligation and broadcast where it is considered commercially viable. It is up to the individual operators to decide whether or not their mux should be made available to rural areas via relay transmitters.
Most affected, are northern and central Wales, the Scottish Highland and islands, parts of England, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

This could change in the future, as multiplexes migrate to DVB-t2 and PSB standard channels are replaced with a HD versions.
An aerial upgrade could also be an option in some areas, allowing reception of the commercial muxes.

Viewers with limited or poor Freeview reception, can receive most Freeview channels, though not all, on satellite, either through Freesat or Freesat from Sky.


COLOUR KEYS
TELEVISION
RADIO
IPTV
DATA

 

 

PSB 1
Channel
LCN
Encryption
Information
BBC One Wales
1
Clear
National & Regional variation.
BBC Two Wales
2
Clear
National
BBC FOUR
9
Clear
19.00 – 05.30.
CBBC
201
Clear
07.00 – 19.00.
CBeebies
202
Clear
05.30 – 19.00.
BBC News
231
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Parliament 250
Clear
Various
BBC Red Button 1 601 Clear
24 hours.
BBC Red Button
200
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 1
700
Clear
24 hours.
BBC 1Xtra
701
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 2
702
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 3
703
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 4
704
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 5 Live
705
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
706
Clear
Various broadcasting hours.
BBC 6 Music
707
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio 4 Extra
708
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Asian Network
709
Clear
24 hours.
BBC World Service
710
Clear
24 hours.
BBC Radio Wales 719 Clear 24 hours.
BBC Radio Cymru 720 Clear 24 hours.
BBC Radio Cymru 2 721 Clear 07.00 – 12.00.
Engineering Channel N/A Clear The Engineering Channel, is operated by DTG.
Technical Information
Operated by: The BBC
Transmission Standard: DVB-T (MPEG-2)
Guard: 1/32 guard = 24.1Mbps
FEC: 2/3
Modulation: 64 QAM (24,000 kbps)
Carrier type: 8K
Operational band: UHF
DTG Testing administers The Engineering Channel, carried on Multiplex PSB1, this is used by manufacturers to download software updates to Freeview/DTT receivers.

 

PSB 2
Channel
LCN
Encryption
Information
ITV Wales
3
Clear
Regional variations.
S4C
4
Clear
24 hours.
Channel 5
5
Clear
24 hours.
ITV2
6
Clear
24 hours.
ITV3
10
Clear
24 hours.
Channel 4+1
13
Clear
Timeshift version of Channel 4.
More4
14
Clear
Entertainment.
Film4
15
Clear
Films.
ITV4
24 Clear
24 hours.
E4
28
Clear
Entertainment.
ITV+1
33
Clear
24 hours.
Sewing Quarter
73
Clear
Shopping.
Freeview Information
100 Clear
24 hours.
Technical Information
Operated by: ITV/Channel 5
Transmission Standard: DVB-T (MPEG-2)
Guard: 1/32 guard = 24.1Mbps FEC: 2/3
Modulation: 64 QAM (24,100 kbps)
Carrier type: 8K
Operational band: UHF

 

PSB 3
Channel
LCN
Encryption
Information
Film4 +1
45 Clear
24 hours.
BBC One Wales HD
101
Clear
HD simulcast of BBC One.
BBC Two Wales HD
102
Clear
HD simulcast of BBC Two.
ITV HD
103
Clear
HD simulcast of ITV.
Channel 4HD
104
Clear
HD simulcast of Channel 4.
Channel 5 HD
105
Clear
HD simulcast of Channel 5.
CBBC HD
204
Clear
HD simulcast of CBBC.
Technical Information
Operated by: The BBC
Transmission Standard: DVB-T2 (MPEG-4)
Guard: 1/128
FEC: 2/3
Modulation: 256 QAM
Carrier type: 32KE
Operational band: UHF
Note on Video & Audio bitrates
Video for each channel can range between 3 Mb/s and 17 Mb/s.
AAC or Dolby Digital Plus audio is transmitted at 320 kb/s for 5.1 surround sound, with stereo audio at 128 kb/s.
Audio description takes up 64 kb/s, subtitles 200 kb/s and the data stream.
Interactive applications, just 50 kb/s.

 

COM 4
Channel
EPG
Encryption
Information
QVC
16
Clear
24 hours.
Drama
20
Clear
05.00 – 02.00.
5USA
21 Clear
24 hours.
ITVBe
26
Clear
24 hours.
ITV2 +1
27
Clear
07.00 – 18.00.
5STAR
30
Clear
06.00 – 23.00.
ITV3 +1
34
Clear
18.00 – 00.00
QUEST
37
Clear
11.00 – 01.00.
Channel 5 +1
44
Clear
24 hours.
5Select
54
Clear
24 hours.
Paramount Network
57
Clear
24 hours.
ITV Be+1 58 Clear
Various
ITV4+1
59
Clear
04.00 – 06.00.
True Entertainment
61
Clear
06.00 – 03.00.
Blaze
63
Clear
04.00 – 03.00
The Store
64
Clear
05.00 – 0600.
CBS Reality
 66
Clear
24 hours.
Horror Channel
70
Clear
24 hours.
TCC
77
Clear
04.00 – 06.00.
Blaze +1 80 Clear 03.00 – 04.00.
Quest +1 83 Clear 19.00 – 04.00
Hochanda 85 Clear 03.00 – 04.00.
CITV
203
Clear
06.00 – 18.00.
Xpanded TV
678
Mediaguard
00.00 – 04.00.
Studio 66
185
Mediaguard
00.00 – 06.00.
Ketchup TV 211 VoD VOD Service for children.
Racing UK 261 IPTV (Subscription) 24 hours.
Connect 4 262 IPTV 24 hours.
Sonlife 263 IPTV 24 hours.
Vision TV 264 IPTV 24 hours.
Planet Knowledge 265 VoD 24 hours.
Sports Channel Network 266 VoD 24 hours.
Box Nation 268 IPTV (Subscription) 24 hours.
Arise News 269 IPTV 24 hours.
Loveworld 270 IPTV 24 hours.
Juwelo UK 271 IPTV 24 hours.
Asia TV 274 IPTV 24 hours.
Television X 671 IPTV (Subscription) 22.00 – 05.30.
ADULT Party 675 IPTV (Subscription) 24 hours.
ADULT Xpanded TV 678 IPTV (Subscription) 03.00 – 06.00.
ADULT Studio 66 679 IPTV (Subscription) 00.00 – 06.00.
695 695 Caption Adult services spacer
686 696 Caption Adult services spacer
Adult Section Caption
670
Clear
Information message only.
365 Travel
251
Clear
24 hours.
Capital
724
Clear
24 hours.
Absolute Radio
727
Clear
24 hours.
Heart
728
Clear
24 hours.
Technical Information
Operated by: SDN
Transmission Standard: DVB-T (MPEG-2)
Guard: 1/32 guard = 27.1Mbps
FEC: 3/4
Modulation: 64 QAM (24,100 kbps)
Carrier type: 8K
Operational band: UHF

 

COM 5
Channel
EPG
Encryption
Information
Pick TV
11
Clear
24 hours.
Dave
12
Clear
07.00 – 03.00.
Really
17
Clear
08.00 – 04.00.
Create & Craft
23 Clear
06.00 – 18.00.
E4+1
29
Clear
24 hours.
Sony Movie Channel
32
Clear
24 hours.
Quest Red
38
Clear
24 hours.
Sony Crime Channel
40
Clear
24 hours.
Food Network
41
Clear
General Entertainment.
Gems TV
43
Clear
24 hours.
Challenge
46
Clear
24 hours.
movies4men
48
Clear
24 hours.
TJC 49 Clear 08.00 – 04.00 & via Red Button when off air.
TBN 65 Clear 24 hours.
YourTV 72 Clear Various
Sky News
233
Clear
24 hours.
smileTV3
673
Mediaguard
22.00 – 05.00.
697
697
Clear
Adult services spacer.
Kiss Me TV
207
Clear
24 hours.
Proud Dating
208
Clear
24 hours.
talkSPORT
723
Clear
24 hours.
RNIB Connect
730
Clear
24 hours.
Classic FM
731
Clear
24 hours.
LBC
732
Clear
24 hours.
Technical Information
Operated by: Arqiva
Transmission Standard: DVB-T (MPEG-2)
Guard: 1/32 guard = 27.1Mbps
FEC: 3/4
Modulation: 64 QAM (24,100 kbps)
Carrier type: 8K
Operational band: UHF

 

COM6
Channel
EPG
Encryption
Information
4Music
18
Clear
24 hours.
Yesterday
19
Clear
06.00 – 18.00.
Ideal World
22
Clear
05.00 – 00.00.
Home
25
Clear
24 hours.
5Spike
31
Clear
11.00 – 09.00
QVC Beauty
35
Clear
08.00 – 13.00.
QVC Style
36 Clear
01.00 – 05.00.
CBS Action
39
Clear
24 hours.
Travel Channel
42
Clear
24 hours.
4Seven
47
Clear
24 hours.
True Movies
62
Clear 12.00 – 00.00.
CBS Drama
71
Clear
12.00 – 23.00
Jewellery Maker 74 Clear 09:00-13:00 & via IPTV on red button when off-air.
Dave Ja Vu 79 Clear 24 hours.
TalkingPictures TV 81 Clear 24 hours.
POP 206 Clear 24 hours.
RT 234 Clear 24 hours. RTDoc (RTД) via Red Button.
smileTV2 672 Mediaguard 00.00 – 05.00
Babestation 674 Mediaguard 23.00 – 04.45. Pay Per View
698 698 Clear Adult services spacer.
Adult Section
199
Clear
Data, 24 hours.
The Hits Radio
711
Clear
24 hours.
KISS FRESH 712 Clear 24 hours.
Kiss 713 Clear 24 hours.
KISSTORY 714 Clear 24 hours.
Magic
715 Clear
24 hours.
Heat
716
Clear
24 hours.
Kerrang!
717 Clear
24 hours.
Smooth Radio
718
Clear
24 hours.
Premier Radio
725
Clear
24 hours.
Technical Information
Operated by: Arqiva
Transmission Standard: DVB-T (MPEG-2)
Guard: 1/32 guard = 27.1Mbps
FEC: 3/4
Modulation: 64 QAM (24,100 kbps)
Carrier type: 8K
Operational band: UHF

 

COM7
Channel
EPG
Encryption
Information
5USA +1 56 Clear 18.00 – 05.00.
CBS Reality +1 67
Clear
24 hours.
Quest Red +1 84
Clear
24 hours.
Keep It Country 87 Clear 24 hours.
Pick +1 97 Clear 24 hours.
Travelxp 98 Clear 24 hours.
Yesterday +1 99 Clear 24 hours.
BBC News HD
107
Clear
HD simulcast of BBC News.
Al Jazeera HD
108
Clear
HD simulcast of Al Jazeera.
Channel 4 +1 HD 109 Clear HD simulcast of Channel 4 +1.
4seven HD 110 Clear HD simulcast of 4seven.
RT HD 113 Clear 24 hours.
Bollywood HD
124
VoD
24 hours.
Trans World Radio
733 Clear 24 hours.
Technical Information
Operated by: Arqiva
Standard: DVB-T2 (MPEG-4)

Guard: 1/128
FEC: 2/3
Modulation: 256 QAM
Carrier type: 32KE
Operational band: UHF
Note on Video & Audio bitrates
Video for each channel can range between 3 Mb/s and 17 Mb/s.
AAC or Dolby Digital Plus audio is transmitted at 320 kb/s for 5.1 surround sound, with stereo audio at 128 kb/s.
Audio description takes up 64 kb/s, subtitles 200 kb/s and the data stream.
Interactive applications, just 50 kb/s.

 

COM8
Channel
EPG
Encryption
Information
5STAR +1 55 Clear 24 hours.
More4 +1 86 Clear 24 hours.
NOW 80s 88 Clear 24 hours.
Rock & Co 1 92 Clear 02.00 – 05.00.
Together 93 Clear 24 hours.
PBS America 94 Clear 24 hours.
FreeSports 95 Clear 24 hours.
Forces TV 96   24 hours.
BBC FOUR HD 106 Clear 19.00 – 05.30
QVC HD
111 Clear 01.00 – 13.00.
QVC Beauty HD 112 Clear 13.00 – 01.00.
CBeebies HD 205 Clear 05.30 – 19.00.
Technical Information
Operated by: Arqiva

Standard: DVB-T2 (MPEG-4)
Guard: 1/128
FEC: 2/3 Modulation: 256 QAM
Carrier type: 32KE
Operational band: UHF

 

 

Share Button