SKY customers should check their accounts ahead of a major shake-up happening in days.
The broadcaster is automatically cancelling some people’s contracts unless they upgrade as part of its SD switch off plan.
Sky is ending SD satellite broadcasts of all its channels in favour of HD only.
The BBC has already done the same – and ITV will complete its own switch off in October.
For most viewers, such as those with Sky Q, it won’t be a problem.
But for those with an older Sky box they will have to upgrade to continue receiving channels.
Sky has been warning people about the overhaul for weeks.
“We’re changing how we deliver our TV services,” the company says.
“To keep your Sky TV services you’ll need to upgrade to a HD compatible box before your payment due date in October.”
With October nearing, now is the time to check and take action if you’re affected.
WHICH BOXES ARE IMPACTED?
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)
EASY TRICK TO CHECK YOUR BOX
If you’re not sure what your Sky box model is, follow these steps to find out:
- Press Services on your Sky remote
- Then tap the 4 key, followed by 5
- Here you’ll see the version number
- Check if it matches any listed above
The move to end SD broadcasts only affects satellite – other services like Freeview and Virgin Media will continue as normal.
Why is Sky making these changes?
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.
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.
