Millions of people in UK to get free true crime and horror channels today

Good news for UK telly lovers as Freeview is dropping two new true crime and horror channels for free today.

Replacing Reality Xtra 2, HorrorXtra will debut on Freeview on channel 69.

Already available for Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat subscribers since its launch last year, its broadcasting hours were limited to 5pm to 2am.

However its launch to Freeview will see it go on air at 8am, providing a scary daytime schedule of programmes worth jumping for, including the Mutant X series, Journey to the Center of the Earth and Knight Rider.

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Meanwhile, as part of Freeview’s rapidly expanding range of streaming channels, giving viewers their fix of real-life crime stories, Real Crime is the other brand new channel (pretty sure that you'll be able to guess what the content of this one is).

It'll be a streamed channel on 288 available to all compatible WiFi-connected smart TVs or Freeview Play-box owners.

Both of the above changes are for viewers who receive the full Freeview service and not via a relay that carries limited channels.

Another big change coming to Freeview this week is happening on a more recognisable station: BBC One.

As part of the HD upgrade plans, some regions will now be in HD on channel 101.

Translation: you'll no longer have to switch channel to see your local news.

It'll all be available on 101 depending on your region including:

BBC One West HD, BBC One South West HD, BBC One North East & Cumbria HD, BBC One North West HD, BBC One South HD (South), BBC One South HD (Oxford), BBC One East HD (East West), BBC One East HD (East East) and BBC One South East HD.

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Channel 101 was originally just BBC One HD with no regional variations - leaving viewers with a red screen as local news aired informing you to change channel to view it.

Not sure if your TV supports Freeview Play? Don't panic. Go to channel 100 and if you see a basic text-based information service with a black background, your device is not compatible with Freeview Play.

If it opens a portal with details of on-demand programmes available on iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and more, then your device supports Freeview Play.

Can't see the channels and you think you should get them? Retuning your TV or set-box from midday could help them pop up and scare you.

Not sure how? Freeview has a free help and support as well as instructions and a video guide on retuning via its website.