BBC Help

Information on changes to the BBC Red Button services

Q: What’s happening to BBC Red Button?

Announced as part of the BBC’s DQF proposals in October 2011 and approved by the BBC Trust in May 2012, the BBC is reducing the number of video streams via the Red Button from five to one on Sky, Virgin and Freesat (Freeview already operates with one video stream).


Q: When did this happen?

This change did occur on the 15 October 2012 and affected services thereafter.


Q: Why did this happen?

The changes happened because Red Button relies entirely on linear broadcast technologies, which are not cost effective for an interactive service like Red Button. To find out more about why the service is changing visit the BBC Internet blog.


Q: How will this affect what I can watch on Red Button?

Red Button will continue to be a vibrant and valuable BBC service with one video stream, drawing in large audiences with high quality content across all genres. Visit the Red Button schedule for more information about what’s currently available on the Red Button.

The BBC will also look at alternative ways of bringing major events to audiences in the future. Keep up to date with developments by visiting the BBC Internet blog.

Q: How will this affect Sport on Red Button?

Major sporting events will be most affected by this change, though a wide selection of Sport will still be available on the Red Button. Sport events will also be covered in full online and you can find out more on the BBC Sport website.

The permanent Sport multiscreen will no longer be available but a wide range of Sport content will still be available on the Red Button and at BBC Online.


Q: What will happen to Red Button in the future?

The Red Button will remain in its current form for the foreseeable future. In addition, BBC will be reinventing the Red Button, using new internet-based technologies. The new service will open up a world of content for audiences by bringing the breadth and depth of BBC Online together with the simplicity of Red Button. The BBC is currently calling this service Connected Red Button. You can find out more about Connected Red Button by visiting the BBC Internet blog.


Q: Can I get Connected Red Button on my TV?

The Connected Red Button relies on access to an internet-connected TV and will be rolled out gradually across various Smart TVs and other platforms. There are various ways to connect your TV to the internet. To find out more about how you can get the internet through your TV visit the Help Receiving TV and Radio website. 


Q: Were there further changes to BBC Red Button text services during February 2013?

We did perform some technical work behind the scenes to remove the final parts of the publishing processes that had still been powered by the discontinued Ceefax service.

We've tried to keep any changes to the public service to a minimum, but there were some alterations to the content provided.

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