ITV is to begin closing further standard definition (SD) channels on satellite as it upgrades the remainder of its regional network to HD.
- Border Scotland and Channel Television will become available in HD on satellite in November.
- Sky+HD, Sky Q and Freesat HD viewers will be automatically moved to the HD service.
- From January, four ITV regions will cease to be available in standard definition on satellite.
ITV is to follow the BBC in speeding up its switch-off of standard definition channels via satellite. The broadcaster confirmed this morning that it would be closing four standard definition regions, but launching two HD regions, completing the full set of ITV1 HD regions on satellite.
Changes in November: Two new ITV1 HD regions on satellite
During November, Sky+HD, SkyQ and Freesat HD users in the ITV1 Border Scotland and Channel Islands regions will see their regional ITV1 go HD on channel 103.
Test transmissions will begin shortly, but the exact date of the switchover is to be confirmed.
Changes in January 2024: ITV1 SD closures
In January, ITV will close standard definition versions of Border Scotland, Channel, Wales and UTV. These regions will become HD-only on satellite.
Viewers with older satellite receivers, already affected by the 8th January closure of BBC SD channels, will need to upgrade to continue receiving their local ITV.
Unlike the BBC, ITV1 will continue in broadcast a SD service on satellite for the time being. However, viewers using an older satellite receiver will begin to see an alternative regional version of ITV1 until all SD broadcasts are terminated.
Ahead of the closure, ITV1 currently only broadcasts eight regions in SD on satellite, including the four that are closing. Regions including Anglia, Tyne Tees, West Country and Yorkshire are already HD-only on satellite. Some ITV sub-regions, including Meridian West and Central East are also HD-only.
Impact
ITV says over 98% of viewers already have access to HD channels. Only a very small number of people with SD-only set-top boxes typically older than ten years will be affected.
In advance of closing all SD channels, the BBC turned off regional SD channels in February and March. This has already prompted a number of households to upgrade.
The BBC’s Distribution boss Kieran Clifton said the broadcaster believed the number of homes still using SD-only equipment is “now far lower than anticipated”, with fewer people than expected approaching the BBC for support.
Assistance
Sky is offering viewers with SD-only boxes a free upgrade. Subscribers should contact Sky directly on 0333 759 1018.
Freesat in conjunction with the BBC is running a help scheme to help viewers upgrade to an HD receiver. Freesat HD receivers are available in shops from £69 and work with existing satellite dishes.
Freeview
ITV1 continues in SD on Freeview channel 3.
But ITV hasn’t yet confirmed when it will be making the full set of regions, including Channel available in HD on Freeview. Viewers in parts of England continue to receive an alternative ITV1 HD region or sub-region on Freeview until that work is complete.
Virgin Media
ITV1 is already fully regionalised in HD only on Virgin Media’s TV platforms.
Scotland
ITV’s announcement only affects viewers in the South of Scotland, where it operates the Border TV service.
In Northern and Central Scotland, STV, not ITV is the licence holder for the Channel 3 service. Here, only the STV West service is carried free-to-air in HD. Viewers with enquiries should contact STV.
Marc Thornham