Following the high-profile switch off of BBC and ITV standard definition services at the beginning of the year, further changes are now taking place that are stripping older satellite receivers of their functionality.
- Older Sky boxes continuing to lose channels thanks to broadcast parameter switch
- Sky+HD boxes losing ever more functionality
- Satellite broadcasters able to save money on distribution.
At the beginning of the year, the BBC turned off all of its standard definition (SD) channels. Then ITV turned off a number of its SD channels.
However, in recent weeks, further channels have become unavailable on older receivers, not because the SD channels have gone altogether, but because for the first time ever, the parameters used to broadcast these channels has switched to a mode no longer supported by older devices.
The change was piloted by a number of small, niche channels at the end of January. Earlier this month, the second batch of SD channels was switched. This batch includes GEO News, India Today, Brit Asia TV and MATV National.
Despite only broadcasting in SD, viewers will now need an HD compatible device to continue watching these channels.
The changeover has gone without much notice, reflecting these channels only reach relatively small audiences. On the other hand, the removal of BBC SD channels also went without much notice. That confirmed suspicions that not many viewers are still using older devices.
That’s given broadcasters greater confidence in moving forward to make further changes to the way TV services are made available to viewers.
What changed?
The change involves switching channels from DVB-S to DVB-S2. DVB stands for ‘Digital Video Broadcasting’. DVB-S was the original broadcast standard for digital satellite broadcasting, introduced in the late 1990s with the arrival of Sky Digital in the UK and Ireland.
DVB-S2 is a newer, more efficient standard. The arrival of DVB-S2 facilitated the roll-out of more bandwidth-hungry HD channels on satellite. As a result, DVB-S2 support was incorporated in all HD satellite receivers.
Until now, SD channels and radio stations were always carried on satellite transponders in DVB-S mode. HD and UHD channels on DVB-S2 transponders. 2024 has seen the end of that arrangement. As a result, providers of satellite TV channels can now bundle any combination of SD, HD and radio on a DVB-S2 transponder. The configuration is based on the broadcaster’s needs and capacity requirements.
This change means users of older DVB-S only receivers (i.e. SD receivers) will continue to lose channels, even if the channels continue broadcasting in SD on satellite.
However, although users of slightly newer Sky+HD receivers will still be able to receive the changes post DVB-S2 change, they face a growing loss of functionality in other areas:
How Sky+HD boxes are losing more functionality
Sky recently withdraw most of the interactive functionality previously available on a Sky+HD box. Most recently, the Launchpad app was withdrawn mid-February. Users selecting certain interactive menus will see messages stating the service is no longer available. It’s also no longer possible to upgrade channels directly via a Sky+HD box. The functionality was previously delivered through apps that were broadcast via satellite.
This has affected how viewers access red button content. Sky is winding down what it offers via satellite. Pressing red during certain sports events would send viewers to bonus streams delivered via satellite showing extra or alternative coverage of an event.
Sky has been switching delivery of this extra content from satellite to broadband internet. But older Sky receivers were never designed to be able to live stream content from the internet. As a result, reducing satellite broadcasts of red button services means viewers lose choice.
The BBC is already doing the same: instead of offering extra red button content via satellite, it now offers viewers access to extra coverage of annual events like Glastonbury via internet streams.
For now, Sky+HD receivers can continue to be used for basic TV viewing and recording.
What’s in it for broadcasters?
Switching more services to DVB-S2 transponders and reducing interactive / red button services means satellite broadcasters can reduce the number of satellite transponders required to deliver services to customers. Each transponder carries a bundle of TV channels, sometimes also data and radio services.
This reduces the broadcaster’s costs. Arguably, that may force some households to pay for a more expensive, faster internet connection that can cater for the extra usage requirements.
Making older Sky satellite receivers redundant means Sky can focus on developing its newer range of devices. While most of the recent developments have affected Sky SD and Sky+HD receivers, the ongoing development of Sky Stream and Sky Glass means it will only be a matter of time before Sky Q receivers begin to be left behind.
The current generation of satellites that supply the signal to viewer’s homes reach end of life by the end of 2020s. Sky wants to push viewers over to Sky Stream or Sky Glass. Freesat meanwhile is to be replaced with hybrid service Freely.
Marc Thornham
[Image: Sky+HD receiver and remote; old publicity image]