Exclusive: C4 HD 'not on Freesat at launch'

Channel 4 HD will not be part of Freesat until some time after the service launches, sources have indicated.

Digital Spy understands that, subject to ongoing negotiations, the broadcaster hopes to make all its other channels available on the Freesat EPG at or close to the launch of the service.

Channel 4 is still covered by a conditional access deal with Sky for all its services except Film4, but is seeking to reach an agreement so they could be broadcast free to air for Freesat.

However, a source said the high definition channel was on different terms with Sky and, though it would go free to air at some point, this would not be at an early stage.

Channel 4 began broadcasting free to air on the Astra 2D satellite last week in preparation for Freesat.

DS forum members monitoring Freesat test broadcasts reported the feed was visible from April 11 at 10.729GHz V, 22000 symbol rate, FEC 5/6, labelled as 8350.

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