Channel 7 has locked in Sydney as the next stop for its nationwide HD broadcast rollout.
Seven has confirmed the next stage of its national broadcast technology upgrade, with Sydney set to transition to High Definition (HD) using MPEG4 from 7 October 2025.
The move follows recent changes in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, with Melbourne now the final metropolitan market yet to make the switch. Seven has indicated it will announce a date for that upgrade in due course.
– Advertisement –
Under the changes, Channel 7, Channel 70 and Channel 71 will be broadcast in HD using MPEG4, while 7two will also move to MPEG4 HD. Other channels including 7mate, 7Flix, 7Bravo and Racing.com already operate in MPEG4 and will remain unaffected.
The transition involves the removal of MPEG2 technology in favour of MPEG4, which Seven says enables it to improve service quality and align with growing viewer expectations.
For most households, the updated channels should appear automatically. If not, viewers are advised to perform a channel re-scan through their television’s settings menu. Seven recommends consulting a TV manual or contacting the manufacturer if assistance is required.
MPEG4 compatibility is standard on televisions, set-top boxes and personal video recorders purchased from 2009 onwards, particularly those carrying the Freeview logo. Devices bought prior to that year may not support the format. In such cases, channels may appear in the listings but display only a black screen, with or without sound.
For viewers with older equipment, Seven programs remain accessible via the broadcaster’s streaming platform at 7plus.com.au or through the 7plus mobile and TV applications.
The Sydney HD upgrade for Seven will take place on 7th October 2025.
– Advertisement –