UKTV channels set to leave Virgin Media on Sunday

I do then wonder why it was removed from Sky. I had always believed that UKTV had opted to use the DSat stream for Gold HD. Presumably they must be streaming Eden HD through a cheaper fibre link to BTTV?


When Sky launched their HD service many years ago, they always bragged about having the most channels available. However, these days they don't offer everything. C4+1HD, 4SevenHD, Paramount HD and EdenHD are available elsewhere, but not on Sky.

So let me get this clear, Eden HD hasn't returned to VM?

Apparently, yes it has. Aside from the 3 week hiatus, it has always continued on VM. It was only ever dropped from Sky. I have just read a thread on the Sky Community pages where they were complaining about it.


It was UKTV's decision to drop the channel from DSat when they launched Gold HD, even though there are no restrictions on EPG slots for new HD channels on the Sky platform (as long as you have the cash for the transponder & slot).

Hahaha, this is the funniest thing I've read in ages. They are totally different devices, the TV box and router don't even need to be in the same room. Mine aren't. Are you talking about two separate power plugs in an extension lead or something?

PS - you might want to take this to the Media and Tech Forum.

I wouldn't expect any platform operator to use 'off-air' feeds from other platforms as their sources these days unless they absolutely had to.

Makes me wonder why TVPlayer's UKTV streams are so awful? Standard SD it isn't!

According to Drama’s Facebook page, they are currently in talks with Virgin about repeating some of the programmes that were missed.

I was hoping to keep all of the early EastEnders on my TiVo (well, as many as are shown and it can store!). So I’d be pleased if the first ten episodes do get shown again!

One good thing about it being back on Virgin is their EPG gives the original broadcast dates for shows. Was always a bugger trying to work them out on the old UK Gold/Granada Plus showings of EastEnders and Corrie.

Yes, I would appreciate being able to see the missed EE episodes as well.

BM11's points on platform neutrality are interesting.

Certainly if it's available on Freeview then I think yes, a channel should be platform neutral, especially in view of many areas stuck on Freeview Lite.

But if it's behind a paywall, then it's a different story and the market should decide that. And I'm sure the market's decisions have played a part in getting the channels back.

Interestingly, even though some of their HD channels aren't available to Freeview Lite viewers, I believe all platforms are mandated to take BBC services. I may be wrong, but I'm also pretty sure that the BBC must provide the iPlayer to any platform that requires it?

Many ? For perspective Freeview lite areas account for less than 10% of the UK population.

Why should 'the market' decide one type of channel and not the other? These are commercial channels, not public service ones, in terms of carriage they should be able to do whatever they like