Extended channels
A guide to channels offered in addition to traditional broadcast services, expanding the range of programming available through online platforms.
The role of extended channels
Extended Channels are linear audiovisual media services that complement broadcast channels, delivered online and integrated within a unified service list.
They extend the available choice for viewers, enabling platforms and consumer electronics manufacturers to offer a broader and more flexible range of programmes without requiring changes to underlying broadcast infrastructure.
What are the characteristics of extended channels?
Extended channels typically have the following characteristics:
- Online — Delivered over online networks, rather than relying on traditional broadcast transmission.
- Complementary — Sit alongside broadcast channels, extending the overall channel line-up rather than replacing it.
- Third-party — Often provided and presented by organisations other than broadcasters, including consumer electronics manufacturers.
- Grouped — Frequently arranged into collections, managed by consumer electronics manufacturers or platform brands.
- Thematic — Based on specific genres, themes, or programme brands rather than a mixed schedule.
- International — Distributed across multiple territories, often without the geographic constraints of broadcast services.
- Free to view — Commonly available without subscription and typically funded through advertising.
What is the difference between extended channels and FAST channels?
Extended channels refer to their structural function in a list of services as distinct from standard broadcast channels.
The term ‘FAST’ channels for Free Ad-Supported Television is sometimes used to describe free, advertising-funded linear channels delivered online.
FAST channels primarily describe a business model rather than a structural role within a service list.
- Role recognition — Extended Channels are defined by how they are presented as an addition to broadcast channels, rather than how they are funded.
- Distinct definition — The term extended avoids ambiguity, as many commercial broadcast channels are also free and supported by advertising.
- Specific scope — Not all exclusively online channels function as extended channels, although many can also be considered as FAST channels.
Broadcasters may offer their own online only channels as part of their portfolio, but these may not necessarily be within the extended range of channels.
The phrase ‘extended channels’ relates to how these services are organised and discovered within a unified channel list.
Why are extended channels important?
Historically, the availability of television services has been defined by the capabilities of broadcast distribution technologies such as terrestrial, satellite, and cable. Channel capacity was constrained, and service line-ups were limited by what could be delivered through those networks.
The growth of online delivery removes many of these constraints. Services can be created, distributed, and updated without reliance on broadcast infrastructure, enabling a much broader range of channels to be made available.
This has enabled new participants to play a more active role in the television ecosystem:
- Device manufacturers and platforms — Consumer electronics manufacturers can offer their own channel line-ups directly to viewers through connected devices.
- New commercial models — Extended channels support ongoing business relationships between service providers and platform operators, enabling revenue generation beyond the initial sale of a device.
- Expanded choice — Viewers benefit from a wider range of content, including thematic and niche channels that would not be viable within broadcast constraints.
At the same time, this evolution introduces new considerations:
- Market dynamics — Platform-provided channels may operate in parallel with, and in some cases in competition with, broadcast services.
- Regulatory context — Different types of services may be subject to different regulatory requirements, which may not always be apparent to viewers.
- Service composition — Channel line-ups are no longer defined solely by national broadcast systems, but may include a mix of broadcast, extended, and additional services.
A successful approach to service discovery and presentation must balance these factors, supporting users, device manufacturers and platforms, media providers, and regulatory authorities.
Extended Channels are a key element of this evolving landscape, enabling new forms of service delivery while complementing established broadcast models.
What are the benefits of including extended channels?
Early implementations of extended channels were often presented separately from broadcast services, for example within dedicated programme guides or applications provided by device manufacturers.
While this allowed platforms to differentiate their offerings, it introduced fragmentation in the viewing experience.
Including extended channels within a service list provides a number of benefits:
- Improved usability — Viewers can access both broadcast and extended channels through a single, consistent interface.
- Simplified discovery — Services are presented together in a coherent channel list.
- Consistent navigation — A unified numbering approach allows extended channels to be accessed in the same way as traditional channels.
- Greater visibility — Extended channels can be more easily discovered alongside established services.
For broadcasters, the inclusion of extended channels introduces increased competition within the channel list.
The transition to digital television significantly increased the number of available channels.
Extended channels represent a continuation of this evolution. They:
- Enhance the overall viewing experience
- Support innovation and new service models
- Maintain continuity with established broadcast practices
How are extended channels created?
Extended channels are typically created using existing library assets, including archive television and film catalogues.
Programming is assembled into scheduled playlists and played out as continuous linear streams.
Since these services are delivered online, they can incorporate addressable and dynamically inserted advertising.
Extended channels can be relatively inexpensive to originate, enabling a much larger number of channels.
- Rights owners can make use of existing libraries
- Channels can be developed quickly
- A wide range of niche channels can be offered
Extended channels provide an alternative to video on demand by offering a continuous viewing experience.
- A specific genre or theme
- A particular brand or content library
- A single programme or franchise
How are extended channels presented in channel lists?
Extended channels are typically presented in addition to broadcast channels as part of a unified service list.
- Interleaved with broadcast channels
- Grouped within a distinct section of the channel list
The choice of presentation depends on platform design, regional preferences, and regulatory considerations.
What are overflow channels and how do they relate to extended channels?
Some services may not be referenced in a service list, sometimes referred to as overflow channels.
- Channel number ranges allow receivers to assign numbers dynamically.
- Number preservation allows retention of existing broadcast channel numbers.
Devices may merge additional services, assign channel numbers, and combine services from multiple delivery systems.
Extended channels extend this concept to non-broadcast services.
How are extended channels numbered?
Consistent numbering improves clarity and interoperability.
An emerging convention is to allocate extended channels from 4000 upwards.
- Broadcast channels occupy primary ranges.
- Extended channels occupy higher ranges.
This numbering convention helps to:
- Reduce conflict
- Support recognition
- Allow flexibility
Conclusion
Extended Channels represent a natural evolution in how audiovisual media services are managed and presented.
The Service List Registry supports combining broadcast and extended channels in a single structure.
- Unified discovery Broadcast and extended channels can be presented together within consistent service lists.
- Flexible composition Channel line-ups can reflect both broadcast services and extended offerings.
- Platform support Manufacturers and platforms can manage and distribute extended channels.
The Service List Registry enables a more complete and adaptable approach to service discovery.