Channels in the International genre are in line for a reshuffle later in the year, a Sky source has confirmed.

SkyDigiOnline.co.uk has already revealed that the Entertainment and Lifestyle categories are reshuffling in the next few weeks.

Our sister site BizAsia.co.uk reported earlier in the year that a reshuffle for the International genre could be on the cards.

Some new International channels, which are being planned to launch on Sky Digital may have to wait until the changes take place on Monday 6th August. Broadcasters are being given the choice of waiting until the EPG reshuffle has taken place or launching in the "overspill section", which BizAsia.co.uk reported on previously.

If channels go ahead with launching before the proposed changes, Sky is likely to add these channels to an "overspill section", which will be situated between EPG numbers 890 and 898. EPG numbers 880 – 886 are currently allocated to channels listed in the 'Specialist' genre and EPG numbers 900 – 963 are allocated to channels listed in the 'Adult' genre of the EPG.

If a channel(s) has opted to launch before the 6th August and it’s added to the "overspill section", the programme TV guide (in main menu) of these channels will only be accessible if viewed in 'All Channels' or by the EPG 'search and scan' function.

A Sky source explains; "The listing of these channels in the International overspill section would mean that when accessing the channel by scrolling through the 'All Channels' option in the main menu of the EPG, or when scrolling up or down using the 'search and scan' functionality, the channel will be listed in numerical order, and will not necessarily appear adjacent to other channels listed in the 'International' genre. However, if the channel is accessed through the 'International' option in the main menu, the channel will appear alongside channels listed in the main section of the International genre. Please note that the listing of the channel in the International overspill section of the EPG would only be temporary. Following the completion of the genre move, these channels will be listed in the main section of the 'International' genre (which is situated between programme numbers 780-839)."

Sky's previous date for an International EPG reshuffle was 23rd July, which has now been put back until 6th August (subject to change).

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EXCLUSIVE: Sky confirm EPG reshuffle