The BBC is bringing forward the closure of its standard definition services on satellite, with fewer people than anticipated taking up the broadcaster’s offer of support.
- Viewers with older Sky and Freesat receivers will lose both BBC TV and radio services from January.
- Sky will end simulcasting standard and high definition copies of BBC channels on its Electronic Programme Guide.
- On-screen messaging appears on affected channels.
From Monday 8th January 2024, the only place to watch the BBC in standard definition will be via the Freeview terrestrial TV signal.
The BBC has brought forward plans to close its standard definition channels on satellite. Originally it had planned to keep running services until the end of March 2024. The change in plan is a result of fewer people coming forward for support than anticipated.
Kieran Clifton, Director of Distribution & Business Development at the BBC said demand for support had been “much lower than expected”. As a result, he said the BBC believed the number of homes still using SD-only equipment is “now far lower than anticipated”. Older SD-only Freesat boxes were withdrawn from sale around a decade ago. Sky+HD and Sky Q boxes automatically support HD.
New on-screen messaging giving details of the switch-off date is now live on the standard definition of BBC One, which is available on older Freesat and Sky boxes on channel 101. BBC One SD is carried on newer Sky+HD and Sky Q receivers on channel 801.
BBC channels are already HD-only on cable and streaming TV platforms, including Virgin Media and Sky Stream.
‘Channel closed’ message after Christmas
From 8th January, viewers tuning to BBC standard definition channels on satellite will see a ‘channel closed’ message. This will direct remaining viewers to the available support that’s on offer.
Sky is offering all affected households the option to upgrade to a newer satellite receiver. Meanwhile, standard definition copies of BBC channels in the 800s will be removed, leaving Sky+HD and Sky Q with an HD-only BBC service.
Radio station changes
At the same time, the BBC will also be making a technical change to its radio stations. Currently these are being broadcast twice on satellite – once alongside SD channels and once alongside HD channels. Once the SD channels are closed, only the versions testing alongside the HD channels will remain on air.
As a consequence, older non-HD satellite receivers that aren’t compatible with the broadcast standard used for HD channels will no longer receive BBC radio.
The BBC is not the only broadcaster winding down standard definition broadcasts. ITV has already reduced its standard definition regional services on satellite. However, it hasn’t confirmed when it intends to upgrade the last two regions (Border Scotland and Channel) that aren’t available in HD.
Earlier this month, business news channel CNBC closed its SD outlet on Freesat, becoming HD only. And CNN is now distributed in HD only on Sky’s satellite service. Some recent channel launches have been HD only. Notably GB News and TalkTV have never been available in standard definition on satellite.
- The BBC help scheme website, run in conjunction with Freesat is www.hdsatelliteupgrade.co.uk
Marc Thornham