Freeview Tv Listings Guide Apps Websites And Channel Information

Freeview is a free-to-air television service available in the UK, offering numerous TV channels and radio stations without requiring a subscription. Access to accurate and up-to-date TV listings is essential for viewers to navigate the extensive content available. This article explores various methods to access Freeview TV listings, including online platforms, mobile applications, and command-line tools, along with information about available channels and how to stay current with programming schedules.

Freeview TV Listings Options

Online TV Guide Platforms

Several online platforms provide Freeview TV listings, offering users convenient ways to browse and search for programming.

LocateTV stands out as a comprehensive resource for Freeview programme listings. According to user recommendations, this website provides all Freeview channels in an easily navigable format, displaying both current and upcoming programming. The platform includes Freeview channel numbers, making it simple for viewers to find their preferred stations. The website can be accessed at http://www.locatetv.com/uk/listings/freeview.

Daft Logic offers another resource with a list of Freeview channels and radio stations available in the UK. This platform notes that channel availability may vary depending on location and signal strength. The website also includes user comments about channel changes and updates, helping viewers stay informed about modifications to the Freeview lineup.

Mobile Applications

Mobile applications provide convenient access to TV listings on smartphones and tablets, offering features like reminders, favorites, and sometimes even streaming capabilities.

TV Guide + is a well-designed app that displays listings for numerous Freeview channels. The app shows both currently airing programs and upcoming content. Users can browse the entire day's schedule or use shortcuts for prime time or late evening programming. The app includes separate sections for movies, sports, and cartoons, and allows users to create lists of favorite channels. The free version includes advertisements, while premium versions are available for a small fee (£1.99 for 4 months or £2.99 for a year).

Radio Times offers a TV guide app that allows users to follow specific shows and create lists of favorite channels after setting up a free account. The app provides detailed information about programs, including summaries, cast information, and duration. Users with Sky+ accounts can even record shows directly from the app. While the app contains advertisements, they are generally unobtrusive, allowing the app to remain free.

TV Player combines TV listings with live streaming capabilities, enabling users to watch Freeview content on their mobile devices. The app includes a seven-day guide and allows viewing programs while on the move, though this uses mobile data. The app also offers premium subscription options (£5.99 per month) that provide access to additional channels such as Discovery, History, Comedy Central, Eurosport, and Nickelodeon. For those who prefer not to use mobile data, external TV receivers like Elgato's EyeTV can be used to watch on tablets or phones without an internet connection.

Command-Line Tools

For technically inclined users, command-line tools offer a different approach to accessing Freeview TV listings.

tvgrabukfreeview is a command-line utility that outputs TV listings for channels available on Freeview. Users first run the tool with the --configure option to select which channels they want to download. Subsequent runs output listings in XML format. The tool offers various options: - --config-file: Sets the name of the configuration file (default: ~/.xmltv/tvgrabukfreeview.conf) - --days: Specifies the number of days to grab (default: 7 days) - --offset: Sets the start date (default: today) - --fast: Fetches only summary information for each program - --gui: Enables a graphical interface with options like 'Tk' or 'Term' for terminal output - --list-channels: Outputs a list of available channels

Channel IDs can be output either as Freeview channel numbers (e.g., 101 for BBC One HD) or as internal channel IDs (e.g., 17536 for BBC One HD), with this option configurable during the setup process.

Freeview Channel Information

Freeview offers over 100 TV and radio channels, though the exact availability depends on location and signal strength. Key channels include:

Main TV Channels

• BBC One (and BBC One HD)
• BBC Two (and BBC Two HD)
• ITV1 (and ITV1 +1)
• Channel 4 (and Channel 4 +1)
• Channel 5 (and Channel 5 +1)

Specialty Channels

• Dave
• Film4
• Various other entertainment, documentary, and movie channels

Radio Stations

• BBC Radio 1
• Other BBC radio stations
• Various commercial radio stations

It's important for viewers to regularly retune their Freeview equipment to ensure they receive all available channels and services. The Freeview lineup is subject to changes, with channels occasionally being added, removed, or renumbered. For example, according to recent updates: - GREAT! movies +1 was replaced by Great! Mystery on channel 61 - POP Max (channel 208) was removed - Some channels have moved to different numbers, such as Talk TV which was moved from channel 237

Using TV Listings Effectively

To make the most of TV listings, viewers can:

1. Plan Ahead: Most listings provide up to seven days of programming, allowing viewers to plan their viewing schedule in advance.

2. Set Reminders: Many TV guide apps offer reminder functions for specific shows, ensuring viewers don't miss their favorite programs.

3. Create Favorites: Most platforms allow users to create lists of favorite channels, making it easier to find preferred content without browsing through all available options.

4. Filter by Category: Many apps offer filtering options for specific content types such as movies, sports, or children's programming.

5. Check for Updates: Since channel lineups can change, it's important to regularly check for updates to ensure listings remain current.

Conclusion

Access to accurate Freeview TV listings is essential for navigating the extensive content available through this UK free-to-air service. Various options exist for accessing these listings, including online platforms like LocateTV and Daft Logic, mobile applications such as TV Guide+, Radio Times, and TV Player, and command-line tools like tvgrabuk_freeview for technically advanced users. Each method offers different features and interfaces, catering to various user preferences and needs. By understanding the available options and staying current with channel lineup changes, viewers can make the most of Freeview's extensive programming offerings.

Sources

1. tvgrabuk_freeview Help Documentation
2. Freeview Channel Guide
3. Digital Spy Forum: Best TV Listings for Freeview
4. TV Guide Plus Listing freeview App
5. Tech Advisor: Best TV Guide Apps for Freeview
6. Daft Logic: Freeview Channels UK