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.
Anyone with a Sky+ or Digibox will be affected – see the full list of models below.
Digibox
Sky+
If you’re unsure what your Sky box model is, follow these steps.
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.
