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Stange symbols on the CBBC channel ...

(September 2004)

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BB
BBC TV Centre
Whilst I've been watching the chart show on CBBC channel, I've been seeing some bizarre symbols flash up in the right hand corner of my screen.

They are a blue "888" written in yellow on a rectangular blue background and yellow "888" on a black rectangular background.

They seem to alternate periodically and disappear off screen after a few seconds. Then they appear again and do the same sequence again before disappearing.

Any ideas as to what they are? Confused

EDIT - some screencaps below ...

http://tvforum.ath.cx:8080/tvftemp/8881.jpg

http://tvforum.ath.cx:8080/tvftemp/8882.jpg
BA
Bail Moderator
I'm guessing as its 888 (subtitles) it may be a subtitles/ceefax/teletex realted thing? Odd to get that on digital... someone press the wrong button at the transmission point.?
IS
Inspector Sands
Often subtitle inserters default to '888' when they're not doing anything else.

I can't imagine how that would appear on air, do you have the subtitle option switched on on your digibox? What platform are you watching it on?
CS
Cerulean Sunrise
Seen something like that before: S4C Digidol and S4C Analogue use the same subtitle insertion system on their Teletext 888/889 system as they do on digital TV. The number of the subtitle page often pops up at the beginning of a programme like Pobol Y Cwm - and they look remarkably similar to those screencaps. I'd agree and say they are subtitle-related.

Is UKTOP40 subtitled? If not then its possible they're preparing for BBC Three and pushed the wrong button. Is Philip Schofield in charge of subtitles on CBBC/BBC3 then?
IS
Inspector Sands
The 888's in the screengrabs are those produced by a digibox they look too crude and badly positioned to be produced by the broadcaster, unless somehow the BBC or the company supplying the channel to you is feeding the channel from a digibox
JV
James Vertigan Founding member
If it was an actual indicator for subtitles on a programme - since the days that digital TV came in it would say "Subtitles" and not 888 - or in the case of CBBC it would say "Subs" on an animated green blob.

This is definitely on your digibox/STB - If you're on DTT, press the button on your remote marked "Subtitles" or if you're on Sky/cable you have to go to the menu to turn subtitles off.
WM
Weather Man
ITS Cheryl Tweedy!! Dick & Doms friend!!!
NH
Nick Harvey Founding member
On a similar subject, I was slightly amused to see a promo for a CBBC programme played out tonight at 21:03.

Have the BBC NO idea how the watershed is supposed to be treated?

8 days later

:-(
A former member
I've seen that before very freaky!!!! Embarassed

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