The BBC revealed plans to rollout HD (high definition) versions of BBC One in England back in November and it’s almost time for Freeview/Youview viewers to start seeing the rollout too.
BBC One HD regions have been rolled-out on satellite platforms and from Wednesday, March 22 the rollout to Freeview/YouView will begin.
But what does this mean for viewers?
Freeview/YouView customers to see change to BBC channel from Wednesday
Viewers will be able to access a full version of BBC One HD in 101 in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and this includes regional news output and other local programming.
Still no BBC One regional news on BBC One HD via Freeview.... for now! This is changing. pic.twitter.com/4rbHXjXAfu
— Ben Johnson (@BenJohn45874515) March 17, 2023
The red slate which used to advise viewers to go to channel 1 for local programming is to be retired.
This is because viewers will no longer need to switch to channel 1 for local news and then go back to 101 for BBC One in HD.
BBC One HD will be made available on a regional basis in two phases.
When will each region see the change?
The BBC One local news programme at 6.30pm will launch across England in two phases. Here’s when each region will see the change.
Launching on March 22, 2023:
- East Midlands, East Midlands Today
- West Midlands, Midlands Today
- East Yorks & Lincs, Look North (East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire)
- London, BBC London
- Channel Islands, BBC Channel Islands News
- Yorkshire, Look North (Yorkshire)
Launching on April 26, 2023 (subject to change):
- North East & Cumbria, Look North (North East and Cumbria)
- North West, North West Tonight
- West, Points West
- South West, Spotlight
- South (including Oxford), South Today
- East (including Cambridge), Look East
- South East, South East Today
What will happen after the launch dates?
When the rollout is complete on Freeview and YouView, the BBC plans to rollout an update to newer Freeview Play devices that are connected to the internet.
This means BBC One HD will be found at the top of the EPG at channel 1 on supported TVs that have internet connection.
Similar changes will be made to the existing HD versions of the BBC’s other channels available at the most prominent EPG numbers.
More information will be published on which Freeview Play devices can support this change in the coming months on the Reception Advice website.
Will BBC One HD regions be available on BBC iPlayer?
The BBC is working to make the BBC One HD regions available on BBC iPlayer.
The broadcaster hopes to make it fully available over there and it will release further information about the change when it can.
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