Thread Title: Exciting Changes Coming to UK TV! EBC/JOEI-DTV Launch on Sky & More

User1 (Original Post) - 12 August 2009, 11:32 PM:
Hey everyone, I just noticed something interesting on Sky tonight. The label EBC/JOEI-DTV has appeared on one of Sky’s transponders. It looks like Ehime Broadcasting is getting ready to make its UK launch soon. Also, some weird stuff is happening with GSB - anyone know what’s going on there? And further note, it looks like Granada Breeze is now off-air, showing a holding caption and playing some music. Their website has a message saying:

It’s with much regret that we have to tell you all, that the Breeze web site is no longer available. We hope you have enjoyed the site and we appreciate your loyalty to us over the last 13 years. Thanks for watching Breeze - have fun, enjoy life and be happy!

Are EBC doing what ITV did to get ITV3 on Sky by buying a channel space and closing down the existing channel?

User2 - 12 August 2009, 11:35 PM:
Wow, that’s big news! I didn’t know EBC was planning to launch in the UK. Does anyone know what kind of programming they’ll be offering? As for GSB, I’m just as confused as you are. Maybe they’re rebranding or something?

User3 - 12 August 2009, 11:37 PM:
I think User1 might be onto something. It reminds me a lot of what ITV did with Granada Plus to make space for ITV3. Pretty sneaky, but effective! If EBC is buying the channel space, that could explain why Granada Breeze is being taken off the air. Sad to see Breeze go after all these years though. :(

User4 - 13 August 2009, 11:46 PM:
I’ll miss Granada Breeze too. They had some pretty unique programming. Looks like EBC is probably taking over that slot given the timing and the holding message on Breeze. Makes sense from a logistical standpoint. Any word on when EBC is officially launching?

User5 - 13 August 2009, 11:47 PM:
User2, from what I know about EBC, they air a mix of local news, entertainment shows, dramas, and some anime. If that’s what they’re bringing to the UK, it could be pretty exciting! But like the rest of you, I’ll miss the quirky charm of Granada Breeze.

User6 - 13 August 2009, 11:48 PM:
Just checked my TV guide and EBC/JOEI-DTV is listed as “Coming Soon,” no specific date yet. Given the secrecy and sudden shutdown of Breeze, I’d say we might not have to wait long. And yeah, totally feels like another ITV3 situation.

User7 - 13 August 2009, 11:55 PM:
Well, this is interesting! Change is always happening in the TV world. Hopefully, EBC will bring some fresh content to the lineup. Still, RIP Granada Breeze, you will be missed. 😢

User8 - 13 August 2009, 11:56 PM:
Just checked the EBC Japan website, and it looks like they’re planning international expansion, which fits this move. I bet we’re in for some cultural treats from Ehime. They’ll probably issue a press release soon, so we should keep an eye out!

User1 - 13 August 2009, 11:56 AM:
Thanks for all the responses, everyone! It does seem like EBC is taking over Granada Breeze’s slot. Let’s hope the new channel lives up to the expectations. And if anyone gets more info on the exact launch date, keep us posted!

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Write a convo at around 12:03 AM, it cuts to a “there are no programmes on this channel at present” slide generated by the Sky box, video stream moved to CITV (because CITV timeshared with Breeze, CITV runs from 6am to 6pm, and Breeze from 6pm to 6am), so now CITV shows the GSB logo Breeze had earlier as well as having usage of the space 24/7, Maybe CITV will extend hours soon, Also is Breeze’s channel number still labelled Breeze or has it changed now, also EPG data seems to be changing,
EBC will be a straight up simulcast of the Japanese channel, Also at 6pm the ITV-T3 stream (which carries CITV and until earlier… Breeze) used to switch from CITV’s channel number to Breeze’s channel number, and vice versa at 6am, When the other channel has the stream, the automated “no programmes at present” displays on the other channel, but because Breeze is being replaced, it means CITV has the ITV-T3 stream to itself
User4 - 13 August 2009, 12:03 AM:
Looks like others are tuning in to what’s happening too! Breeze’s channel now shows the generic “there are no programmes on this channel at present” slide from the Sky box. The video feed’s switched over to CITV. Weird seeing the GSB logo where Breeze’s used to be. Do you think CITV might extend its hours now that it has access to the space 24/7?

User5 - 13 August 2009, 12:04 AM:
Good catch, User4! It’s odd seeing that switch, but I suppose it’s a logical stopgap until EBC/JOEI-DTV gets going. Checking the EPG, Breeze’s channel number is still labeled as Breeze, but there are obvious changes in the EPG data. You think CITV might use the overnight slot for reruns or some other programming?

User6 - 13 August 2009, 12:05 AM:
If EBC will be a direct simulcast of their Japanese programming, it should be quite the shake-up for the UK audience. Can anyone verify if it’s just going to be a straight feed, or will they localize part of the content?

User3 - 13 August 2009, 12:06 AM:
Guess we’ll have to wait to see if CITV tests extended hours. Maybe they’ll use the time for classic kids’ shows or even new content? As for the switch mechanism, I bet they’ll just leave the stream on CITV’s channel number now. Less hassle that way. Anyone seeing different info on the EPG?

User8 - 13 August 2009, 12:07 AM:
Interesting shifts happening for sure. The current CITV/Breeze shared time arrangement made sense for the schedule, but now with Breeze essentially out of the picture, CITV might take the opportunity to expand. That said, if EBC is taking over fully, they’ll likely keep their own dedicated channel number separate from CITV.

User7 - 13 August 2009, 12:08 AM:
Would be great if CITV took advantage of this extra broadcast time! The rerun idea is solid, User5. I’m envisioning late-night kids’ programming marathons. 😄 As for the EPG, it’s all mixed signals now, huh?

User2 - 13 August 2009, 12:08 AM:
Just checked my own Sky box; yeah, “Breeze” is still listed, but with no specific programs. Chances are, they’ll update to reflect EBC/JOEI-DTV soon, especially with the EPG already glitching. Transition period’s always a bit messy.

User1 - 13 August 2009, 12:09 AM:
If EBC is keeping their Japanese programming format without localization, that could be a straight-up cultural injection for UK viewers. Might require some getting used to, but exciting nonetheless. I’m curious about CITV’s plans though. More airtime could mean more diverse programming.

User6 - 13 August 2009, 12:10 AM:
Agreed, User1. We’re about to redefine kids’ TV schedules! If CITV expands overnight, it could mean a lot of nostalgic programs or even educational content. As for EBC’s launch, looking forward to an official date. Stay tuned, I guess!

User5 - 13 August 2009, 12:12 AM:
With all these changes, someone’s gotta keep an eye on when EBC’s official UK debut is. Those sudden shifts in the EPG data suggest it might be sooner rather than later. And I agree with User1, this might just be the cultural exchange we didn’t know we needed!

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Write a tweet where behind the scenes, Breeze’s channel number has been reprogrammed to point to this stream instead of ITV-T3
🚨 BREAKING: Confirmed! 🌬️ Breeze’s channel number has now been reprogrammed to point directly to the new EBC/JOEI-DTV stream instead of ITV-T3. Exciting times ahead with fresh content on the way! 📺 Stay tuned for the official launch date! 🇯🇵 #UKTV #EBCDTV #SkyUpdates #TVChanges

GIF of a TV turning on with static transitioning to the EBC logo
Write a convo at 12:21 AM asking if the name has been changed from Breeze yet, and is it still on the blue screen
User2 - 13 August 2009, 12:21 AM:
Has anyone checked if Breeze’s channel name has been updated yet? Or is it still showing “Breeze” with the blue screen?

User3 - 13 August 2009, 12:21 AM:
Good question! I’ll take a quick look. Still seeing the blue screen right now. Seems like the name hasn’t been changed from “Breeze” just yet.

User5 - 13 August 2009, 12:22 AM:
Just switched over to Breeze’s channel number, and yup, still the same blue screen with the “there are no programmes on this channel at present” message. No name change as of now.

User7 - 13 August 2009, 12:23 AM:
Same here — still labeled as “Breeze” on my EPG. Wonder when they’ll flip the switch and make the name update official. Probably waiting for the final touches on the EBC launch.

User1 - 13 August 2009, 12:24 AM:
Thanks for checking, everyone! Seems like we might have to wait a little longer for the official name change. Hoping they’ll follow the same pattern ITV did with their channel rebranding.

User6 - 13 August 2009, 12:25 AM:
Yup, still the blue screen for now. Probably just a matter of time before the new name appears. Can’t wait to see what EBC/JOEI-DTV brings to the table!
Write a convo asking what programmes are listed on the EPG currently