BBC warning as households risk losing access to 10 channels next month

19 December 2023 , 11:52

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The BBC is switching off SD channels (Image: Getty Images)

The BBC is closing the standard definition (SD) versions of all its TV channels on satellite next month - meaning some households will need to take action now.

If you have an SD-only set-top box, then you’ll lose access to BBC channels unless you upgrade to a high definition (HD) ready set-top box by January 8. This mainly impacts those with older Freesat boxes and Sky customers. BBC channels on Freeview televisions are not affected by the change.

The switch-off date was originally scheduled for March 2024 but has been brought forward as the BBC believes the number of people who have an SD-only set-top box is "very small". Once the change has happened, there will be a message displayed telling you the channel is closed.

The BBC began the process earlier this year when it axed its regional BBC One SD channels and moved their broadcasts over to BBC One HD. Previously, TV viewers who were watching their favourite show on BBC One HD had to switch over to BBC One SD to see their local news - but because of the change, BBC One HD is now able to broadcast it.

If you need help with the switch, the BBC is advising people visit hdsatelliteupgrade.co.uk or call the support line on 0330 123 1876. The BBC is also offering discounted HD satellite boxes or installation assistance for vulnerable people and those aged 75 and above. If you are a Sky customer, you can get an upgrade to Sky Q for free by visiting sky.com/help/bbcupgrade or by calling 0333 759 5121.

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Kieran Clifton, Director for BBC Distribution & Business Development, said: "Demand for these resources, as measured by the activity and take-up of the support offered since our announcement in March this year, has been much lower than expected and we believe the number of homes still using SD-only satellite equipment is now far lower than anticipated.

"Following the introduction of ‘lower-third-of-screen’ messaging in September, we are now in the final stages of migrating those remaining SD-only satellite homes on to HD-enabled devices. Because of this, we are moving the switch-off date of our SD channels on satellite platforms slightly from March 2024 to 8 January 2024."

The SD channels that are closing are:

• BBC One SD
• BBC Two SD
• BBC Three SD
• BBC Four SD
• CBBC SD
• CBeebies SD
• BBC News SD
• BBC Scotland SD
• BBC ALBA SD
• BBC Parliament SD

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