[Keith]

Guess though this is effectively a test run for delivering more channels via IP.  Would these be recordable on such devices?

According to the FAQs on the rxtvinfo article those IP channels won't be recordable.

I sense this is a test run for a potentially wider rollout. Worth noting that multiplex B is currently due to expire in 2026 and the BBC have yet to commit to renew it.  

Additionally, depending on the outcome of WRC-23 the future of Freeview may not be be secure beyond 2030 (possibly extended until 2035 via delaying until WRC-27).

Then there is the tiny matter of the future funding of the BBC. It's worth that according to the FAQs on the article you'll need to be signed into your BBC account, as it'll be delivered via the iPlayer. This means that if future funding was via subscription it would be very easy to put the channels behind a paywall, compared to normal Freeview channels.