New Tv Channel

[Rosie29]

There is a new TV channel called Smithsonian - science and documentaries as far as I know. I know its on Virgin ch 295 and Freeview but dont know about other networks. I have Freeview and it hasn't been picked up automatically. I expect I will have to retune. Sou ds interesting anyway.

[Spicerack]

I shall look out for it.

[cliftonmschmidt]

I will check.....

[TonyV]

I've been meaning to retune my freeview box for a while now, so just done it. Smithsonian is channel 99.

[Rosie29]

Oh brilliant - thanks Tony .

[hc4361]

http://www.smithsonianchannel.co.uk

[Rosie29]

Thats very helpful jc thankyou.

[Rosie29]

Sorry ! Meant hc x

[Buenchico]

IMPORTANT NOTE for anyone looking for the Smithsonian channel:

The channel is transmitted via an 'HD' multiplex. That means that it's ONLY available to viewers with 'Freeview HD' TV sets (or 'Freeview HD' set-top boxes).

Viewers who've only got basic 'Freeview' (without the 'HD' bit) CAN'T receive this new channel.

[TonyV]

Chris my freeview is built into TV, a while since I used separate box.

[gingejbee]

According to the latest Radio Times, transmission on Freeview 99 starts on Sat 16th....it's already begun on Freesat 175.

[gingejbee]

....and, in direct contradiction of Chris's post above, it says that Freeview 99 is standard definition only....no Freeview HD.

[gingejbee]

....unless I've misunderstood the technicalities of it all (quite possible!).

[alavahalf]

Watched it on Freesat HD last night .. the one programme I watched was about an American road trip.
It was all filmed from the air .. worth watching !

[TonyV]

Ginger just flicked to 99 and it's definitely broadcasting.

[hereIam]

I have a new Freeview box and I have a lot more channels than I had with my old one, but I don't have this one, will I have to re-tune it already? Only had it for just over a week.

[twix123]

Thanks for the "heads-up".
Just done a quick retune and instead of History+1 channel 99 is now the new Smithsonian channel, which looked very interesting !
(I've also just found it on channels 195 and 889 on Sky).

[Buenchico]

For clarification:

There is limited capacity within the Freeview spectrum, meaning that some 'SD' (Standard Definition) channels have to be accommodated on 'HD' (High Definition) multiplexes. (Multiplexes are the 'bundles' which Freeview channels are grouped into). Such stations can ONLY be received with 'HD' equipment (even though they're actually transmitting in 'SD').

The a516digital.com website (which is a standard reference source for those of us nerds who follow changes in TV broadcasting) states that Smithsonian is on Freeview channel 99 "for viewers with DVB-T2 compatible receivers, subject to local coverage"
https://www.a516digital.com/2019/02/smithsonian-channel-to-launch-across.html

Since 'DVB-T2' is the standard used by HD multiplexes, that means that 'HD' equipment is needed to receive the channel.

i.e. if your TV set (or set-top box) only has ordinary 'Freeview' built into it you WON'T be able to receive Smithsonian. You need a set (or box) with 'Freeview HD' built into it.

[TonyV]

Hereiam yes think you will need to retune if your equipment meets Chris's defined specs. If you are organised enough worth retuning once a month, say the 1st of month, when you check your smoke alarms?

[hereIam]

Thanks Tony, I should be able to get it then if I retune, as it is HD. Am I supposed to check my smoke alarms once a month then ??

[TonyV]

HereIam That's what manufacturers normally recommend, even those with 10 year battery life, so you know they're going to work, should you ever need them. They must be fitted with "test" button for some reason?