4th November changes to Freeview NI mux
Just a quick advisory on some changes on Freeview NI that may drive some calls from customers in the NI and border areas.
I met with Sarah Cox of Digital UK yesterday, to discuss LCN changes that will affect RTÉ channels and TG4 on the Freeview NI Mux.
Due to changes in Ofcom prominence rules some TV Channel LCNs will change from November 4th. This will affect RTÉ Channels and TG4 received from the NI Mux as follows:
Channel name
Current LCN
LCN from 4th Nov
TG4
51
52
RTÉ One
52
53
RTÉ Two
53
54
A retune will be required to ensure that channels occupy the correct Freeview LCN position from 4 November.
Timeline of communications is as follows:
12thOct:
Listings publications notified of changes
28thOct:
11thNov:
MHEG pop-ups to go live on channels(where possible in agreement with mux operator) Note that popups will not appear on RTÉ Channels or TG4. Notifications will appear on UK channels broadcast over Freeview only
28thOct:
Service update page to go live including details about changes
FAQs to be updated
IVR updated for Freeview call centre
4thNov:
Help and Alerts section on Explore Freeview Play to be updated
LCN 100 unconnected slate wording to be revised
Increased staffing levels at Freeview Advice line for voice and webchat
TV guide on website updated with new LCN positions
Banners and call to action posts on website to go live
Social media posts – encouraging retune
NOTE:
In the event that a viewer does not retune on or after 4 November, they will not experience a loss of service
Some TV sets and boxes will automatically update their service lists with the new LCNs
Viewers on either side of the NI border who receive RTÉ services and TG4 via Saorview will not be affected
Freeview does not intend to issue a press release about this change and intends to handle it in a low-key manner.
As we are aware, some viewers conflate Saorview with Freeview services in the border and NI, so you may see an increase in customer queries or requests for assistance with retuning.