Sky reveals date ALL its channels will disappear from selected boxes – check yours now and claim a free upgrade
SKY has revealed how long customers have left to upgrade their TV box as part of a massive upgrade programme or face losing major channels.
The broadcasting giant has been gradually switching off SD (standard definition) channels and transitioning to HD only.
We've already seen more than a dozen Sky SD channels disappear recently as part of the move, including Sky Cinema and Sky Sports.
The BBC and ITV have already shutdown their SD broadcasts on satellite too.
But now Sky's has outlined when all its existing SD channels will go.
It'll render a number of older Sky boxes pretty much useless as they're not able to handle HD.
However, all is not lost, as Sky is offering a free upgrade to Sky Q for those affected.
"We’re changing how we deliver our TV services," Sky explains.
"This means if you have an SD box, you'll need to upgrade to continue watching Sky channels."
The firm says all Sky channels are closing for SD boxes on August 31.
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Anyone with a Sky+ or Digibox will be affected - see the full list of models below.
Digibox
- 4F01 to 4F08 (Amstrad)
- 4E01 to 4E05 (Grundig)
- 9F01 to 9F08 and 9F0A (Pace)
- 0F01 to 0F05 (Panasonic)
- 4E06 to 4E08 (Thomson)
Sky+
- 4F2001 to 4F2006 (Amstrad)
- 4F2101 to 4F2118 and 9F2101 to 9F2137 (Amstrad or Pace)
- 9F2001 to 9F2024, PVR2, 9F2201 to 9F2235, 9F2301 to 9F2339 (Pace)
- 4E2101 to 4E2141 (Thomson)
How to tell if your Sky box is affected
If you're unsure what your Sky box model is, follow these steps.
- Press Services on your Sky remote.
- Then tap the 4 key, followed by 5.
- Here you'll see the version number.
Which SD channels have already gone?
- Sky Cinema Premiere
- Sky Cinema Greats
- Sky Cinema Family
- Sky Cinema Action
- Sky Sports Main Event
- Sky Sports Premier League
- Sky Sports Football
- Sky Sports Cricket
- Sky Sports Golf
- Sky Sports F1
- Sky Sports Action
- Sky Sports Arena
- MUTV
- Sky Sports Box Office
Why are channels disappearing?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Don't panic, your favourite channels aren't shutting down, it's just the standard definition versions.
And about time too.
HD TVs are commonplace now - and if you can afford to subscribe to Sky Sports and Sky Cinema, you can surely afford a HD TV too.
Those who aren't watching via HD are missing out on a far superior experience.
Sky is even offering a free upgrade to Sky Q, which you may as well take up.
Ending SD broadcasts via satellite frees up satellite capacity, which costs companies money to run and ultimately falls on all customers to pay towards - it's hard to justify this cost when so few are still using them.
Remember, this only affects satellite for now.
SD broadcasts of other channels will still be available on Freeview for the foreseeable future.