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Digital Television
All of the BBC’s national radio stations including the World Service and the digital-only stations; 1Xtra, 6 Music, Asian Network, BBC 7 and Five Live Sports Extra are available on the digital terrestrial (Freeview), digital satellite (Sky & Freesat), digital cable (Virgin Media) and IPTV (Tiscali TV) television platforms.
- For full details of where to find each station in your channel listings, visit the radio station list.
Freeview
Freeview is a non subscription digital television service that just requires a set top box which plugs into your TV set or an integrated digital TV.
- To see whether you can receive Freeview in your area, visit the Freeview website and check what coverage is available for your postcode.
Listening to BBC radio services on Freeview is accompanied by on screen dynamic text and graphics that makes the most of listening to radio via your television set.
Further information:
Digital Satellite Television
BBC radio stations are available free, without a subscription on digital satellite television. However you will still require a dish and set top box.
You can get free-to-air satellite TV from Sky, with or without additional subscription based channels. The new Freesat service from the BBC and ITV was launched at the beginning of May 2008 and offers free-to-air TV without a subscription. For more information, go to Freesat.
BBC Radio Scotland, Wales, Ulster, nan Gaidheal and Cymru are also available via digital satellite.
Further information:
Digital Cable Television
Digital cable television is provided by Virgin Media (who recently took over Ntl and Telewest Broadband) and Wight (Isle of Wight only). Digital cable is available on subscription and requires specialist installation of a cable connection point and set top box. BBC radio channels are available free on all subscription packages.
Some local and regional BBC stations are available from channel 930 on Virgin Media TV packages. Availability of local and regional BBC services is based on location so can vary. It's therefore advisable to check with the service provider for precise information about what's available in your area.
Further information:
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)
IPTV is received via an ADSL broadband line which runs through a connection box, providing digital TV and internet access. IPTV is currently only available in a limited area (London, Surrey and Hertfordshire) via Tiscali TV. However, availability is due to increase and more providers such as BT Vision, Orange and Sky have all announced plans to enter the market. National BBC radio channels are available free on Tiscali TV subscription packages. For current information about availability and channel numbers of BBC services, contact the service provider.
Further information:
Behind the Red Button
BBC Radio has an increasing presence behind the red button on digital TV, allowing listeners to watch live music performances or enhanced sporting commentary. Some examples have included a behind the scenes view of the Scissor Sister's day from Radio 1, Glastonbury, Last Night of the Proms and a scorecard enhancement for the Ashes cricket commentary.
Red button 'specials' tend to be available for up to 7 days following their radio broadcast or during the event. Press red on your digital TV remote from any BBC channel to see what’s available or listen out for further information on-air.