Freeview to launch retuning campaign

Freeview has announced that it will launch a Remember to Retune campaign this autumn as the UK's digital terrestrial TV network is reconfigured for high definition.

Viewers will be encouraged to retune on or after Wednesday, September 30, when "technical preparations for future improvements to the Freeview service" will be made. The changes will also "pave the way for Five to become as widely available on Freeview as the other terrestrial channels at digital television switchover", going from a projected 90% terrestrial coverage to 98.5% as required by Ofcom.

The platform holder is also urging Freeview users to get into the habit of regularly retuning their equipment as this process is required not only at both stages of digital switchover, but also when a new channel is launched or moved to a different multiplex.

As part of the Remember to Retune campaign, on-screen messages will appear on the BBC channels, ITV, Channel 4 and Five to remind viewers how to retune their equipment.

Freeview managing director Ilse Howling said: "Making Five universally available at the point of switchover is great news for viewers and just one of the benefits in the pipeline for Freeview.

"Many of our viewers regularly retune but we want to make sure everyone shares the benefits of our channels and services. In the same way you would regularly check tyre pressure and keep water levels topped up on a car, get into the habit of retuning your digital box, Freeview+ recorder or digital TV from time-to-time.

"It is a simple process and takes only a few minutes but anyone who needs further assistance will be able to visit a website to read guides on how to retune or phone an automated helpline for advice."