The closure of the service marks the end of the BBC’s teletext, 45 years after it began as Ceefax – a phonetic take on “see facts” – in 1974.Ĭredited as being the world’s first teletext service, Ceefax transmitted via unused bits of the broadcast spectrum and provided up-to-date news, sport and weather, along with reviews, quizzes, a children’s section and the latest TV and radio listings.Ī BBC spokesperson said: “From early 2020, viewers will no longer be able to access text-based BBC News and BBC Sport content by pressing red.

As more and more devices default to the streamed versions, their usage is dropping.A spokesperson said the service would be stopped in early 2020 as the broadcaster needed to channel resources into “even better internet-based services”. Only during the summer months does the BBC add temporary extra Red Button channels. Since 2012, there is only one stream live all year round. The original Red Button has meanwhile been cut. This includes special pop-up channels for the FA Cup and other events, hosted on the iPlayer. Viewers who press red on a smart TV or connected TV device automatically default to the web-hosted versions of the red button service. The service is part-time, activated only when there’s an event to show.Īs more coverage becomes available through Red Button+ and the iPlayer, there is speculation that the current linear Red Button channel may be cut back. Red Button+ connects with HD streams delivered through the iPlayer.

Viewers with connected TV devices, such as Sky Q or YouView or smart TVs with Freeview Play can access additional feeds of sports and music events through “Red Button+”. Following changes to UK Olympic broadcasting rights, Red Button coverage was restricted to one event at a time.įrom Tuesday 10th August, the BBC Red Button is standard definition only on all cable and satellite platforms.īut it is still possible to watch selected red button programmes in HD.

The conclusion of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics means the BBC Red Button service will revert back to standard definition only.īBC Red Button HD went live on satellite and cable platforms in June, ahead of Wimbledon.

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