±«Óãtv

The ±«Óãtv is committed to launching HD broadcast channels on Freeview which involves rearranging the existing standard definition channels on that platform.

Part of this new arrangement involves switching off two of the three interactive streams it uses on Freeview to deliver Red Button content.

The switch off happens on the 27 October but Freeview viewers will still be able to see sport, music and entertainment on the remaining interactive stream.

Viewers will no longer see the ±«Óãtv News Multiscreen and for other content including sport and music there will be less repeats with content played out in smaller blocks of time.

John Denton, Managing Editor TV Platforms, said: "Although fans of Red Button on Freeview will notice some changes as we prepare for the arrival of HD they will still be able to access all the latest news, weather and sport via our Digital Text service.

"Big events like Wimbledon and Glastonbury will still be available from the ±«Óãtv on Freeview and we're improving our scheduling and listings guide to make sure Red Button programming is easier to find."

Digital terrestrial television (DTT/Freeview) is the centrepiece of the Government's strategy for achieving Digital Switchover and universal free-to-air delivery of public service broadcasting.

After switchover is completed in 2012, Freeview will be universally available throughout the UK.

The ±«Óãtv is helping to lead HD development so that audiences will be able to enjoy the benefits of this new technology via the UK's most popular free-to-air platform.

Freeview HD transmissions will begin in December 2009 in the Granada region and London regions. Freeview HD will be available to viewers when the first Freeview HD digital boxes hit the shops in early 2010.

Notes to Editors

±«Óãtv Red Button has been providing interactive services on digital TV for 10 years and reaches an average audience of 11 million viewers a week accessing a wide range of ±«Óãtv content.

In 2009, ±«Óãtv Red Button delivered the most interactive Radio 1's Big Weekend and helped 6.1 million viewers enjoy the Glastonbury music festival; offered extensive F1 coverage including in-car live footage and C±«Óãtv commentary while perennial favourites included a 7.5 million crowd pleasing Wimbledon and The Chelsea Flower Show. "Maestro Cam" was a new launch for this year's ±«Óãtv Proms coverage and other well-received services accompanied Eurovision, In It to Win It and Ashes To Ashes providing great entertainment.

Keep up to date with the ±«Óãtv Red Button on Twitter (@±«ÓãtvRedButton) and the Red Button Blog, bbc.co.uk/blogs/pressred.

Later this wee k the ±«Óãtv will publish details of the Notice to Tender for the sub-lease of capacity on Freeview Multiplex B which will be temporarily left vacant when the streams are switched off.

DM