We’re getting a number of enquiries about the mysterious appearance of three new channels on Freeview:
- Channel 110 – Vision
- Channel 111 – Connect
- Channel 112 – Stream
The on-screen caption reports that these are new channels coming soon to Freeview HD. At first glance, the idea of three new HD channels coming to Freeview seems too good to be true, and required some further investigation.
We’d like to thank Steve, one of our contributors for pulling together various facts (and rumours) on what these three channels may be about.
Vision (Freeview Channel 110)
This channel has a website, and at the time of writing, this states that Vision is coming to Freeview soon, and that it’s “not just a channel… a world of channels”. By clever use of the Red, Yellow, Green and Blue buttons, it’s possible to get to a screen that asks for a six digit code. Some users have also reported that their Freeview receiver attempts to make an Internet connection when tuned to this channel.
Accordingly, it seems likely that Vision will offer access to various overseas foreign language TV channels (perhaps like the old Jump TV web-based service). Access will presumably use an Internet connection, and some kind of PIN-based subscription. The Vision website makes reference to subscription and free-to-view channels.
Connect (Channel 111)
Not much info on this one, other than that the OfCom licence states “Lifestyle, Health, Cook and Travel”. Operated by the same company, Internet-based subscription makes sense.
Stream (Channel 112)
Not a lot here either yet, although the OfCom licence lists this as “Sport”. Could this channel offer some kind of Internet-based sports content on a subscription basis? We’ll have to wait and see…
Are these new HD channels?
Well, we think not. These channels are not on the HD Multiplex with the other HD channels, they’re on a Standard Definition Multiplex. It’s believed that these services will require an Internet connection and something known as MHEG technology.
As part of the specification for all Freeview HD TV sets and set-top boxes, the hardware is required to support MHEG and have Internet capability, so it’s a fair bet that these new Internet-based services may only work on Freeview HD equipment.
Who’s behind these channels?
The provider is Reach TV. Little is known about this company. Their address shows them based on HMS President, a Royal Navel vessel moored in the Thames off Victoria Embankment. The Vision channel appears to be operated by Vision IPTV Ltd.
Tell me more?
No news as yet on any proposed launch date, costs, or content. We’ll be keeping an eye on developments, and let you know as soon as we have any more information on what the expect from Vision, Connect and Stream.
Any speculation? Please add a comment below…
Great how exciting (not)…
why cant these channels work on a normal freeview box that no HD
I think that’s answered in the article. These services will be using the newer MHEG technology found in Freeview HD boxes (as part of the Freeview HD spec), and also will require an Internet connection (also mandated in the Freeview HD spec)
Isn’t it funny. As soon as 3 new channels (which looks like it could open up a greater range) you have idiots who moan ” why this, why that?”. It’s been known for a while now that new technology will lead the way to greater choose for your TV viewing. This is why all new HD boxes have ethernet internet connections. Also, this is why the lastest updates for these boxes are getting the units ready for IPTV (check your updates via the manufacturer’s website to see if your unit is updated for PPL). I’m for one am fed up with just one film channel, no sport’s channel ( unless you subscribed to either TopTV or BTvision). Roll on greater range! As for Del (you must be bored with life) & Nathan Williams (If you put yourself out & checked what was coming in the future you would have got yourself a freeviewHD tv and/or box and/or recorder) you both lead sad lifes.
Gosh all those big words oi tosser freedom of speech…..
I think it is fair to ask ‘why…..’ but more civilised to explain politely that technology develops and old boxes cannot be upgraded and weren’t originally designed with these things in mind.
I am fed up with 1 film channel and sooooo many shopping channels but I am a patient man. Once analogue shuts down then we’ll get more choice. The worst that could happen is we get Film 5 (Channel 5 if you didn’t realise)with tonnes of Arnie, Bruce or Sly repeats ;-)
Calm down , calm down , calm down !!!
I am able to see these channels on the Text line up from the Mendip Transmitter with an “Echostar T101 FTA” Standard Definition (SD) Freeview Box. Don’t think the box has any Ethernet port or other Internet access, but DOES have MHEG. The T101 was a very early offering in Argos UK catalogue stores. Tesco’s UK Supermarket were also rumoured to stock the T101+ at the time. A couple of years ago Echostar offered to upgrade owner’s boxes to accomodate changes in an un-associated line up of TV channels to correct the loss of EPG channels. I think this updated my T101 to a T101+ as a consequence.
So it may not be only HD boxes & TVs that will show these new Text Channels.
If the channels will be delivered over the Internet, as seems likely, I doubt you’ll have much luck watching them on a box with no Internet access
I think these Internet channels will become very popular in the future, as there is now a standard for Internet Tv in the UK.
would be ok if it was on normal freeview, not many people have a Hd box.. if you got rid of babestation channels to make room for channels that can be watched on freeview normal i cant see OAPs watching babestation we could do with some more drama channels music channels etc not rude ones..