Channel 4 will close the standard definition version of its main channel and make technical changes to the way it broadcasts other channels.
- Channel 4 will complete the closure of its SD main channel by the end of next month
- SD versions of its other channels will remain, but will switch to the newer DVB-S2 standard.
Channel 4 has outlined details of how it will make changes to its satellite TV service in the coming weeks. Technical changes will affect all of Channel 4’s free-to-air services, but most HD satellite receivers will adjust automatically.
Main Channel 4 service
The broadcaster will completely end the standard definition (SD) broadcast of its main channel by the end of November on Sky satellite and Freesat.
On Sky Q and Sky+HD, this means the end of the SD copy of the channel on 804 (829 in Wales). On Freesat, the SD version of Channel 4 is already no longer available on all HD-compatible boxes.
From the end of November, Channel 4 will be exclusively HD on satellite on channel 104 (not Wales). Only Freeview will continue to offer Channel 4 in SD.
Channel 4 already removed the regionalised SD versions of its main channel back in the summer. (The main channel carries regional adverts.)
Other Channel 4 services (including E4, More4)
All other Channel 4 services are only free-to-air when viewed in SD. HD copies of their channels are currently encrypted via satellite and only available to Sky subscribers.
This means Channel 4 will continue to offer SD versions of its other channels, including E4, More4 and Film4.
However, as part of a wider industry wide switch, Channel 4 is preparing to convert its satellite capacity to the newer DVB-S2 standard (Digital Video Broadcasting – Satellite 2nd Generation).
Starting within the next few days, Channel 4 will begin the process of migrating its free-to-air SD sister channels in a process that will take a few weeks to complete.
This will involve Channel 4’s offshoot services being rearranged on a different satellite transponder (details below).
Most Sky Q, Sky+HD and Freesat HD/4K boxes will automatically process the changes in the background.
If you lose access to Channel 4’s sister channels in the coming weeks, you should reboot your receiver. Freesat boxes also allow you to rescan for channels. It’s a good idea to keep your satellite receiver plugged in, so it can receive updates from Sky and Freesat in the background.
Channel 4 services in Ireland
Channel 4 services on Sky Ireland are offered as part of a Sky TV subscription and aren’t affected by these set of UK-specific changes. The Republic of Ireland version of Channel 4 is already HD-only.
However, if you use a hybrid Saorview-Satellite receiver to watch Irish terrestrial and UK satellite channels, you will need to update your channel list with the following new tuning parameters.
New tuning parameters for viewers with a non-Sky or Freesat receiver
Frequency: 10936
Polarisation: Vertical
Symbol Rate: 23000 (23.0 Mbaud)
FEC: 3/4
Mode: DVB-S2 8PSK
Service ID: 8305 (E4+1), 8364 (C4+1), 8366 (More4+1), 8374 (C4+1), 8381 (Film4+1)
Until these channels are fully integrated on Sky and Freesat channel lists, parameters or availability of channels may change with little or no notice.
What if I have an older satellite receiver?
Older satellite receivers have already lost access to the BBC and other channels. All Channel 4 services will disappear by the end of next month.
- If you’re using Freesat, you’ll need to pay to upgrade your satellite receiver. Channel 4 is not supporting a help scheme, and the BBC’s Freesat help scheme which offered vulnerable users a free or discounted upgrade closed earlier this year.
- If you’re using an older Sky box (NOT Sky+HD, Sky HD or Sky Q), you’ve got until your billing date this month (unless it’s already passed) to get a free upgrade to Sky Q. Sky is currently in the middle of disconnecting customers who have not upgraded. Once you’re Sky TV contract is terminated, you’ll no longer be eligible for help.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Channel 4 | Updated: 17/10/2024 12:38 [Tuning parameters updated]