BBC viewers warned over channel number switch – check if you’re eligible for free upgrade

THE BBC’s channel numbers are being switched around on Freeview in the latest HD upgrade.

But it all depends on the type of box you have.

Households with the latest Freeview Play kit will find HD versions of BBC channels right at the very top of their TV guide.

So your local BBC One HD is on channel 1 and BBC Two HD is on channel 2.

Perhaps confusingly, the same channels will remain on 101 and 102 respectively for some.

BBC Three and BBC Four channel swaps have already happened.

The move is part of the broadcaster’s huge plan to modernise its channels putting the highest quality versions higher up the pecking order.

But the new channel numbers are only made possible because of newer internet-based kit which can override the usual numbers.

Eligible Freeview Play TVs will only see the channels at the very top while they’re connected to the internet.

This is why the channels will keep their original slots as well, as a large number of Freeview devices aren’t able to make the switch.

How do I know if my Freeview box is eligble?

You can check if your Freeview Play box is eligible by going to channel 100.

Go to Help and Settings, then check the Freeview Play platform ID in the bottom right.

If it’s one of the below, your device is eligible:

Models marked with an asterisks will lose the 101 / 102 channel number and only have 1 / 2.

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