Sky is making some significant changes to its EPG listings. Documentary channels will move higher up the guide, while +1 channels and duplicated HD and SD channels move to a new section.
From May 1 a reshuffle of channel numbers will put documentary channels such as Nat Geo HD, History HD and Discovery HD in the main bulk of numbers from the 120s. The space has been created by moving out the timeshifted +1 channels and duplicates on SD and HD channels.
The broadcaster says the distinction between the programming on Documentaries channels and general entertainment programming has become less defined as more factual and factual-entertainment programmes are shown on the mainstream channels.
Despite the change in numbers the Documentary menu will remain.
The +1 channels, that despite the presence of on demand services remain popular with viewers, have over time become increasingly difficult to find. They’re often positioned some distance away from the parent channel
Duplicates of HD/SD channels have also put pressure on space. Viewers will see the best quality version of the channel on the higher position. Regional variants still in HD, such as BBC One in England, will continue to have two versions available.
There will be minor changes to some other genres and May 1 will also see the end of ITV Encore.
