4Viewers FAQs
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Some of the older programmes we broadcast weren't made in HD, so we have to “upconvert” those from standard definition (720x576 pixels), but since 2011, we requested all of our commissioned programmes to be made in HD.
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Channel 4HD is a direct simulcast of the core Channel 4 schedule. A proportion of the programmes will have been originally made in the HD format, these will include some of our well know US series and films as well as some Channel 4 commissioned programmes. The Channel 4 Group is committed to increasing its investment in HD production and acquiring programmes in the HD format. We fully intend to increase the proportion of our schedule which is made in high definition over time. The remaining non-HD programmes will be up-converted from the SD source material.
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No, unfortunately we don't have the rights to show all our programmes on Watch Live.
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Channel 4+ is currently available on all platforms and devices including www.channel4.com on desktops and laptops, as well as Amazon Fire, TVOS (Apple TV) and Youview.
For a list of devices that Channel 4+ is available on click here.
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You can watch all the latest catch up, free box sets, plus a huge library of recent, classic and online shows including Shorts. It is not currently possible to cast the Watch Live service nor Clips and Extras. Channel 4 must acquire specific rights for some programmes in order to show these on a particular device, therefore some shows may not be available to cast on Google Chromecast.
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Where we can acquire a programme or a film with surround sound, we use it. This tends to be movies, and blockbuster U.S series. More recently there have been a few UK programmes delivered with surround sound.
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Channel 4 must acquire specific rights to screen programmes on demand. Therefore, it can't be guaranteed that all programmes or series will be available via all devices which carry Channel 4 streaming.
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The Channel 4+ functionality allows you to watch the majority of content without ads and/or other commercial messages. Please be aware that for licensing reasons some content will not be subject to the enhanced Channel 4+ functionality, and may still contain ads, other commercial messages and or promotional trails for other programmes.
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Channel 4 takes its commitment to online accessibility very seriously. Our policy is to ensure this website meets recognised international standards for accessibility to ensure it is accessible to all. We are fully committed to ensuring this website meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) to AA standard to ensure people with disabilities are not excluded from accessing information and services. To this end, we work closely with the Digital Accessibility Centre (opens in a new window) to ensure the accessibility of all Channel 4 websites, including detailed testing by disabled people using a range of assistive devices such as screen readers. Whilst Channel 4 strive to adhere to the accepted guidelines and standards for accessibility and usability, it is not always possible to do so in all areas of the website.
Access Services: We are committed to providing subtitles on as much of our streamed programming as possible. We are also looking into the providing more programmes with audio description on streamed content in the future.
Accessibility challenges: As an innovative company working in broadcasting we are always looking at new ways to enhance and develop our websites. As part of this we will ensure we think about the accessibility of any new technology we use. There may be some instances where we display video players, advertisements and third party applications that are out of our control and therefore Channel 4 cannot guarantee accessibility of these. Where possible we work with our partners to rectify these issues with the aim of enhancing the experience of all our users.
Feedback: If you would like to comment about the accessibility of this site please use the Contact Us Form
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There's a common complaint from the viewing public that commercials sound too loud when compared with programmes.Why is this? To gain impact, commercial advertisers tend to "compress" the sound levels which means they lift them all up to the higher end - and this is what creates the greater impact. However, when compared against programmes which have a wider dynamic range - a wider variation in sound levels - this can cause irritation, because the two types of sound treatment don't sit very well together. Channel 4 has recognised this as a problem for viewers, and we use perceived loudness meters which give us a measure of the way the brain perceives the actual loudness of the sound. This allows us to adjust the levels of commercials and other interstitial material in accordance with Ofcom guidelines, so that they no longer cause irritation when compared with the wide majority of programme types transmitted by Channel 4. We continue to strive for an even perceived loudness through all our programming junctions on all our services.
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