An incoming change for TV set-top boxes could see viewers lose BBC channels next month. TV fans are being warned the corporation is to switch off its SD channels and replace them with HD only.
Channels will disappear from SD-only set-top boxes as a result. Freesat viewers with devices which don't support HD risk losing BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four.
Local programming will migrate between January and February this year. The channels will then disappear by next year, reports CoventryLive. There is a range of HD-enabled satellite devices already available from many high-street retailers.
If you’re not sure if your Sky box is an SD-only box then the easiest way to check is to go to channel number 105. If you see 'Channel 5 HD', then you're good to go and there's nothing else you need to do. However, if you see "Channel 5" without HD at the end then you’ll be impacted and need to upgrade.
If you pay a monthly amount to Sky for your TV, then you can contact Sky directly by going to here or calling them on 0333 759 5121 and they'll assist you in the upgrade. But if you only use your Sky box to watch free-to-air channels - and you don’t pay anything to Sky for your television services - then a Freesat replacement box will get you back on track.
As well as giving you access to a range of HD channels - including all the BBC’s HD channels - some of these HD-enabled satellite devices have extra features when they’re connected to the internet. This includes On Demand and catch-up services via apps like BBC iPlayer or ITVX, as well as providing access to subscription video apps like Netflix and Prime Video.
