BBC tells viewers not to wait until channels are closed in the new year to upgrade to HD-capable satellite receiver.
- Satellite upgrade now less than three weeks away from completion
- Changes to BBC services on 8th January will also affect BBC Radio.
- Other broadcasters set to follow by axing standard definition broadcasts in 2024.
- Current Sky Q/Sky+HD/Freesat HD users not affected.
The BBC is urging impacted homes to act now to avoid losing access to services in the new year, when the broadcaster will be closing its standard definition (SD) broadcasts on satellite.
As previously reported, the broadcaster says demand for its help scheme resources that launched in March this year has been much lower than expected. As a result, it believes the number of homes still using SD-only satellite equipment is now far lower than anticipated.
Ahead of Christmas, the BBC says there is “no need to wait until 8th January to get an HD-enabled set-top box so you can continue to watch BBC services (plus with the added benefit of improved picture and audio quality).”
Freesat receivers range from the latest Freesat 4K Boxes with access to numerous streaming apps to the affordable Manhattan SX box, which is priced around £50-£60.
Sky SD boxes to become obsolete next year
Sky are also offering equipment upgrade packages to any current Sky subscribers.
The pay TV company has also started to write to subscribers who only have an old SD box. The letters confirm the satellite TV platform operator is preparing to make its own changes, that will render older boxes obsolete in the coming year.
▶ Viewers still using an old Sky box, but without a subscription are also affected. You’ll need to either (1) re-subscribe to Sky and get a upgrade or (2) switch to Freesat, by buying a Freesat box from a retailer.
Radio also impacted
BBC Radio services are also impacted. Although these will still be broadcast via satellite in the same audio quality, changes to technical parameters mean the services won’t be receivable on older SD-only boxes.
Meanwhile, ITV will close a second bundle of standard definition services on satellite on the 9th January. The process began in 2021, when the broadcaster reduced the number of ITV1 regions broadcast in SD. It will now start to close other channels, including ITV3 SD, ITV4 SD and ITVBe SD, plus four additional ITV1 regions.
Freeview last remaining SD outlet
The BBC’s decision to close SD services on satellite means from 8th January, only Freeview will carry SD BBC services. Virgin Media, Sky Glass/Stream and new EE TV boxes already offer BBC services exclusively in HD.
Marc Thornham