The image is only one attribute
A broadcaster can reuse a logo across regional stations, channel variants or programme products. The same image bytes can therefore represent distinct identities. A catalogue that deduplicates every matching image may lose a regional feed the viewer needs.
The opposite also happens: a single identity can have old artwork, a wordmark, a symbol and a refreshed logo. Different image files do not automatically mean different services. A useful comparison starts with the underlying entity and programme purpose.
Check the full label before shortening it
Keep any city, regional suffix, language, HD label or international-edition wording until its meaning has been checked. Some labels describe a genuine feed; others describe format, legacy naming or a catalogue alias. Do not assume one rule fits all broadcasters.
| Attribute | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Is the underlying broadcaster or product the same? |
| Region | Does local output or scheduling differ? |
| Language | Are programme audio and editorial editions distinct? |
| Programme guide | Does the relevant schedule match? |
| Name history | Is one label a documented older name? |
Use an alias only when identity is established
If two spellings point to the same publisher product and episode catalogue, keep one preferred name with the alternate spelling as a search alias. Serbian Cyrillic and Latin forms provide a useful example of why spelling alone is insufficient to count identities.
If regional output differs, retain the distinct feed even when artwork is identical. If a relationship remains uncertain, keep the records separate until better evidence is available. An unresolved identity question should not be turned into a promise that either feed is included in a subscription.
Test the actual viewing need
Choose a programme the household cares about and compare the relevant edition and dated schedule. A matching logo is irrelevant if one listing opens the wrong local news. A different icon is also irrelevant if both labels resolve to the same exact programme product.
For a support report, include both full labels, publisher, intended region or language, programme, date and device. Do not send private stream URLs or credentials merely to identify artwork. Public programme information is enough to start the comparison.
Keep counts honest
Original image files, logo variants, channel identities and actual viewing entitlements are different counts. A collection with many logo files does not prove an equally large available channel catalogue. A promotional image or editorial directory should describe its own scope accurately.
This distinction also protects useful favourites. Merge only where identity is established; preserve meaningful regional and language differences; and keep catalogue recognition separate from rights, access and service availability.
Related questions
Do identical images prove two feeds are the same?
No. Regional or language editions can reuse artwork.
Do different logo files prove different channels?
No. One identity can have several artwork variants.
What should be checked before creating an alias?
Publisher/product identity, regional and language context, programme guide and documented naming relationship.
Sources and scope
Scope notes distinguish published documentation, supplied information and editorial methods. They do not report a hands-on service test.
