Victorian horseracing’s free-to-air coverage will be expanded into regional areas on Tuesday, with broadcaster PRIME7 announcing that regional users in Victoria, New South Wales and WA as well as those in the ACT and large parts of Queensland will be able to access vision through Channel 68, reports racing.com.
It means that, in theory, the coverage, which already broadcasts into metropolitan areas through Channel 78, can now reach 90 per cent of the Australian population. However, users have to have a MPEG-4 compliant television, PVR or set-top box to access the signal.
Further expansion is expected in the coming weeks as discussions to get the channel up and running in regional South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory as well as the rest of Queensland, continue.
Full coverage maps available here
The new Channel 78 signal has been available in metropolitan areas since June 26, broadcastingRacing.com’s Racing Live coverage of every Victorian thoroughbred race through one of the Seven network’s digital channels.
It was launched as an interim step to offer Victorian racing coverage ahead of a launch of a fully-fledged Racing channel in conjunction with Seven West Media on Memsie Stakes Day on August 29.
Sky ceased broadcasting Victorian racing on June 15 after the expiry of an interim deal.
Racing.com has offered a free-to-access digital stream of Victorian racing since March 15.
RV Chief Executive, Bernard Saundry, said the expansion of the coverage was a great result for regional viewers.
“The goal throughout our entire broadcast negotiations has been to ensure that vision of Victorian racing was available to more people, in more locations and on more platforms than ever before and today we move another step closer to our end goal,” Saundry said.
“I want to thank both PRIME7 and Seven West Media for their support of our regional viewers who are vital to the success and growth of our industry. Likewise, I want to thank regional punters, fans and participants who have been extremely patient over the past month where they’ve had restricted access to vision of Victorian racing.”
“We know there is still work to be done to ensure the broadcast of Victorian racing extends to all regional areas nationally and across all platforms, including Foxtel, which we remain focussed on achieving, but this is fantastic news for regional racing fans.”
Saundry said discussions on further regional expansion as well as a dedicated channel on the Foxtel service remain ongoing, as do talks with TABCORP on getting Victorian racing back on Sky Channel.
“Seven’s discussions with Foxtel around extending the Channel 78 broadcast to their pay-TV platform are progressing, whilst we are continuing daily discussions with Tabcorp in the hope of returning Victorian racing to Sky Racing’s wall-to-wall channels,” Saundry said.
“We know there are a selection of punters, fans and participants that are eager for Victorian racing to return to pay-TV and our goal remains to have our racing available to the widest possible audience across a distribution model that incorporates free-to-air TV, pay-TV and digital platforms.”
“We remain committed to not only increasing the ability of punters, fans and participants to watch Victorian racing wherever, whenever and however they choose, but ensuring that Victoria’s $2.1 billion thoroughbred racing industry continues to grow, supporting economic activity and jobs.”
PRIME7 will broadcast via MPEG4 technology into regional Victoria and New South Wales, along with the ACT and Gold Coast, and via MPEG2 on GWN7 into regional Western Australia where there is more spectrum available due to less broadcast channels.
As with the rollout into metropolitan markets, many TV sets will automatically re-tune to Channel 68, whilst some will have to be manually re-tuned to receive the signal.
Those who have a TV that was purchased before 2009 may require a set-top box or Personal Video Recorder (PVR) to receive the signal.
Frequently Asked Questions (Updated July 28)
Where can I watch Victorian thoroughbred racing?
From 28 July 2015 until otherwise advised, Victorian racing can be viewed via the following:
- Free-To-Air TV (Metro) = Channel 78 in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
- Free-To-Air TV (Regional) = Channel 68 in regional Victoria, NSW, QLD, WA and ACT*
- Pubs & Clubs = Pubs and clubs who tune into free-to-air Channel 68 or 78**
- TAB Agencies = 92 Victorian TAB retail agencies (those not in a pub or club)
- Mobile Phones = Racing.com, sportsbet.com.au***, crownbet.com.au***
- Tablets (iPads) = Racing.com, sportsbet.com.au***, crownbet.com.au***
- Desktop Computers = Racing.com, sportsbet.com.au***, crownbet.com.au***
- Mobile App = Racing.com
- Racecourse = Live at the Victorian track hosting the meeting
(* Channel 68 interim broadcast commenced Tuesday, 28 July 2015)
(** Consult your local pub or club. Channel number will differ between metro and regional markets)
(*** Service available to Sportsbet and CrownBet account holders only)
What is Channel 68 (Regional) / Channel 78 (Metro)?
The channel is a joint partnership between Racing Victoria and Seven West Media to broaden the reach of Victorian thoroughbred racing and showcase the sport, its many great stories and its personalities. It is a free-to-air channel broadcast using MPEG4 technology and will showcase Victorian thoroughbred racing 363 days-a-year. It will be integrated with digital streaming and other services at Racing.com and showcased to regional areas via affiliate broadcasters.
What is the difference between Channel 68 (Regional) and Channel 78 (Metro)?
Nothing. The same daily broadcast of Victorian thoroughbred racing will appear on Channel 68 into regional markets from 28 July 2015 via the PRIME7 broadcast network, whilst Seven West Media broadcasts into metropolitan markets via Channel 78. Both are free-to-air channels.
When does Channel 68/78 begin broadcasting?
The showcase coverage of Victorian thoroughbred racing is contracted to commence on Saturday, 29 August 2015. Seven West Media kindly commenced an interim broadcast on Channel 78 in late June to assist punters, fans and participants impacted by the Sky Racing blackout. PRIME7 will kindly do likewise for regional viewers via Channel 68 from 28 July. During the test period until 29 August, this will be a re-transmission of the existing online broadcast on Racing.com.
What can I see on Channel 68/78?
Channel 68/78 is currently re-transmitting the existing Racing.com coverage of Victorian thoroughbred racing as an interim measure whilst Seven West Media commences preparations for the launch of its premium coverage on the channel from Memsie Stakes Day, 29 August. The Racing.com coverage incorporates live racing, raceday previews and interviews and replays. Channel 68/78 will showcase Victorian thoroughbred racing only. The daily coverage on Channel 68/78 will see over 520 Victorian thoroughbred meetings covered annually when fully operational. Further details of the coverage will be announced upon launch of the premium service.
Is there a program guide to show what Channel 68/78 is broadcasting and when?
A program guide for Channel 68/78 will be published from 29 August when the channel is officially launched.
Where can I watch the free-to-air TV broadcast on Channel 68/78?
With PRIME7 commencing its broadcast of Victorian thoroughbred racing live into regional markets, the free-to-air broadcast of Victorian racing is now available to more than 90% of the Australian population. Following is a list of the channel and broadcaster in each region:
Metropolitan
- Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth – Channel 78 (Seven Network)
Regional
- Regional Victoria – Channel 68 (PRIME7)
- Southern NSW and ACT – Channel 68 (PRIME7)
- Northern NSW and Gold Coast – Channel 68 (PRIME7)
- Regional Western Australia – Channel 68 (GWN7)
- Regional Queensland – Channel 78 (Seven Network)
Am I within the broadcast network for Channel 68 or 78?
If you can view metropolitan free-to-air television channels (via domestic TV and not just via a retransmission on pay-TV), PRIME7 or GWN7 then the Channel 68/78 broadcast should be accessible. To view maps of each of the metropolitan and regional broadcast networks, including the postcodes and suburbs/townships contained within the broadcast area, click on “TV Broadcast Maps” under Quick Links on the rv.racing.com homepage.
What about viewers in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and regional South Australia?
Racing Victoria is absolutely committed to getting vision back into these regional areas at the earliest opportunity. The goal of Racing Victoria remains to showcase Victorian thoroughbred racing to the widest possible audience reaching more people on more platforms than ever before.
Racing Victoria remains actively engaged in discussions with Tabcorp aimed at getting vision back on Sky Racing’s wall-to-wall channels. At the same time Seven West Media is continuing its discussions with affiliate broadcasters in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and regional South Australia on opportunities to extend their interim broadcast to cover the entire nation. Punters, fans and participants in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and regional South Australia should be assured that they are an important part of Seven West Media’s broadcast plans for its showcase coverage.
Can I view the broadcast via Foxtel?
It remains Racing Victoria’s desire for the Channel 68/78 signal to be re-transmitted through Foxtel at the earliest opportunity for punter convenience. Seven West Media are continuing discussions with Foxtel regarding the re-transmission through Foxtel as a matter of priority. Further news will be provided when it comes to hand.
What is the difference between MPEG2 and MPEG4?
MPEG4 is a more efficient format of broadcasting which has the ability to provide better picture quality, particularly for sporting events. The Federal Government is strongly encouraging national broadcasters to use MPEG4 technology into the future as it requires less of the national spectrum to transmit pictures. Since 2009, the vast majority of TVs have been made with MPEG4 compatibility as a result. Approximately 80% of Australian homes now have MPEG4 compatible televisions. Non-compatible TVs can view a free-to-air MPEG4 broadcast with the use of a set top box or Personal Video Recorder (PVR).
How can I tell if my TV is MPEG4 compatible?
All major recognised brands of televisions, set top boxes and PVR’s purchased since 2009, including any devices bearing the Freeview logo, will have this capability, but those bought prior to 2009 may not support MPEG4. If you are unsure if your current TV supports MPEG4 you will need to refer to your TV manual or contact the manufacturer of your TV.
How do I know if my TV doesn’t support MPEG4?
TVs which do not support MPEG4 are most likely to demonstrate the following behaviour: Channel 68 (Regional) / Channel 78 (Metro) appears in the channel list, but the picture is black and the sound may or may not be heard.
I think my TV is MPEG4 compatible but I can’t find the channel. Why?
Channel 68 (Regional) / Channel 78 (Metro) should automatically appear in the channel list of most TVs. If not, then the first thing to do is to re-tune your TV. Most TVs have an option to automatically re-scan channels within the TV menu. In many cases, the channel will appear after completing this process. If you’re unsure how to re-scan channels you should refer to your TV manual or contact the manufacturer of your TV.
Can I still watch Channel 68/78 if my TV is not MPEG4 compatible?
Not without purchasing a set top box which supports MPEG4. Set top boxes range in price from approximately $30 to $50, are relatively simply to connect to your TV and are available where most TVs are sold. The vast majority of set top boxes support MPEG4, however you should seek confirmation from sales staff when purchasing.
I have a set-top box but I still can’t get Channel 68/78?
Some of the very early set top boxes provided by Government as part of the Household Assistance Scheme during Australia’s switch to digital TV may not be MPEG4 compatible. If you received a set top box under the Household Assistance Scheme then you may need to acquire a new MPEG4 compatible box as outlined above.
Can I use a PVR to watch Channel 68/78 instead of a set top box?
You can use a PVR (Personal Video Rercorder) in similar fashion to a set top box to make your television MPEG4 compatible if you cannot immediately see Channel 68/78. If you’re unsure how, you should refer to your PVR manual or contact the manufacturer of your PVR. A PVR is more expensive than a set top box at approximately $200 to $250, however it allows you to record hours of live TV and watch other channels whilst doing so.
Can I get Channel 78 through my Telstra T-Box?
Yes, you should be able to. If you cannot already see Channel 78 in your T-Box menu then you will need to re-tune the channels via the Settings option in your menu. If you’re unsure how to re-tune channels you should refer to your T-Box manual or contact Telstra.
I only watch free-to-air channels like Seven, Nine and Ten through Foxtel and I don’t have an antenna. Can I see Channel 68/78?
Without an antenna you cannot watch Channel 68/78 via your satellite or cable Foxtel until such time as either the interim Channel 68/78 broadcast is extended to Foxtel or Victorian racing is returned to Sky Racing. A set top box or PVR will not assist you in accessing Channel 68/78 if you cannot view free-to-air channels via domestic TV and rely solely on pay-TV to do so.
If I need assistance in tuning my television or knowing if it’s compatible who do I call?
Following are the customer service numbers for all the major TV manufacturers:
Hisense 1800 447 367 8.30am – 7.30pm M-F, 9.00am – 5.00pm S-S
LG 1300 542 273 7.00am – 7.00pm 7 days
Panasonic 132 600 8.30am – 6.00pm M-F
Phillips 1300 886 649
Samsung 1300 362 603 24/7
Sharp 1300 135 022
Soniq 1300 765 663
Sony 1300 137 669 9.00am – 5.00pm M-F
TCL 1300 738 149 9.00am – 5.30pm 7 days
If I can’t see Channel 68/78 at home where else can I watch Victorian racing on a TV?
Victorian thoroughbred racing can be viewed on TV in pubs and clubs throughout the national metropolitan and regional distribution network that elect to tune into Channel 68/78. It is also broadcast on TV into Victoria’s 92 retail TAB agencies. Racing.com can also be streamed from a digital device to a TV in any region with the appropriate supporting technology (refer later).
When will vision be back on Sky Racing?
Racing Victoria wants Sky Racing to continue to broadcast Victorian racing now and into the future on its wall-to-wall channels (Channel 519 and 520). Tabcorp has chosen not to broadcast Victorian races on any Sky Racing channels into homes, pubs and clubs since 16 June 2015. Racing Victoria is continuing regular discussions with Tabcorp to get Victorian racing back on Sky Racing’s wall-to-wall channels as soon as possible. Those negotiations will continue until Racing Victoria can achieve a reasonable outcome that provides a fair commercial return to support the future of racing in Victoria and its 70,000 participants.
Why did Tabcorp decide they didn’t want to show Victorian racing on Sky Racing?
Tabcorp’s decision to blackout Victorian racing followed the Racing Victoria Board’s resolution that its preferred outcome for the broadcasting of Victorian thoroughbred racing was the combined free-to-air and digital broadcast deal tabled by Seven West Media, whilst maintaining the broadcast on Sky Racing 1 (Channel 519) and Sky Racing 2 (Channel 520). Racing Victoria is in active negotiations with Tabcorp and remains keen to achieve a fair and reasonable outcome for the industry as soon as possible.
Is Victorian racing being broadcast in my local pub or club?
Pubs and clubs nationally throughout the regional and metropolitan distribution network are able to tune into Channel 68/78 if they have the appropriate TV. Check with your local pub or club to confirm their broadcast arrangements. Racing Victoria is in active negotiations with Tabcorp about getting Victorian thoroughbred racing back into pubs and clubs nationally via Sky Racing as soon as possible.
Is Victorian racing broadcast into TAB agencies?
Yes. It is being broadcast into Victoria’s 92 TAB retail agencies (those stores not located in pubs and clubs). Agency locations can be found at tab.com.au. Interstate punters will need to consult their local TAB agency to confirm their broadcast arrangements.
Can I continue to bet on Victorian races?
Yes, the TAB will be betting on all Victorian races as will other racing wagering operators.
Will the races be broadcast on radio?
Yes, RSN will continue to broadcast all Victorian races via 927 AM in metropolitan Melbourne and via relay stations across Australia.
What is Racing.com broadcasting?
Racing.com, via its Racing Live service, will continue to stream all Victorian thoroughbred racing on desktop computers, tablets (iPads) and mobile phones (iPhones and Androids). Please go to the Racing.com homepage on your device and click the appropriate WATCH NOW links.
Is the Racing Live service available on every device?
The Racing Live stream is available across computers, tablets (iPads) and mobile phones (iPhones and Androids) via the Racing.com website. The Racing Live service is available through the Racing.com IOS App and can also be streamed on smart TVs.
How do I watch Racing Live via the Racing.com App?
The latest version of the Racing.com App (1.6), which enables users to view Racing Live from within the App, is available for download. Users will have to go to the App Store, and either download the Racing.com App or, if already downloaded, click on their updates and update to the new version. Racing Live can be accessed by clicking the play icon at the top of the Racing.com App. If the Play icon is not available, you will need to update your App. Racing.com is looking to broaden its App offering to include an App for Android in the coming months.
Is the Racing Live stream available internationally on Racing.com?
Yes. The geo-block on viewers outside Australia has been lifted on Racing.com with Sky Racing relinquishing the right to broadcast Victorian thoroughbred racing internationally.
Will there be any charge for streaming?
There is no charge to view the Racing Live broadcast on Racing.com. However, you may incur data charges with your mobile or internet provider for live streaming so you are best to check with your provider. Telstra fixed internet (home) customers can view the Racing Live broadcast on Racing.com unmetered, be it on your digital device or when streamed to your TV.
Is the Racing Live stream available through Android?
Yes, through any browser. You may be prompted to download a Plug-in, such as ‘Hook’, but after that initial download it should work without issue.
What do I have to do to get the Racing Live stream to work on my Mac?
You should not encounter any issues on a Mac. There have been some issues within Safari browser which Racing.com are working on. If an error arises in Safari, you will need to change your Privacy settings. Go To Privacy Settings, and under Cookies and Website Data, tick 'Always Allow'.
Can I stream the Racing Live feed onto my TV?
There is no technical reason why you should not be able to use a TV connector like Apple TV, Google Chromecast or a HDMI cable. You will need to consult with your third party connector for instructions on how to do this.
Is there any reason the Racing Live stream wouldn’t be working on my mobile browser?
The stream won’t work if you are set to private browsing or incognito. Exit this mode to ensure the stream works.
Will the Racing Live stream be delayed on Racing.com?
There is always a slight delay of a few seconds with any live stream. We recommend you leave yourself ample time to place any bet when viewing the stream.
Will I still be able to access free race replays via Racing.com?
Yes, race replays remain free on all devices via Racing.com, including the IOS App. They are made available within 10 minutes of a race.
Is there anywhere else online I can watch Victorian racing?
Sportsbet and Crownbet account holders can also view Victorian races live when they log onto their Sportsbet or Crownbet account via the web.