Sky is cancelling people’s TV subscriptions unless they upgrade as major channel ‘switch off’ looms
SKY is preparing to terminate some viewer’s contracts ahead of a major TV channel switch off plan – unless they upgrade first.
The firm has been warning customers of the looming changes, which will see the end of SD (standard definition) broadcasts of Sky channels on satellite.
Broadcasters are finally shifting away from the old SD quality in favour of HD only.
BBC and ITV have both already been turning off their SD channels on satellite, given that the vast majority of people now have access to a HD TV.
Other platforms like Freeview are unaffected by the move and will continue to have SD channels for the foreseeable future.
Where satellite is concerned, Sky is ending SD broadcasts of its own suit of channels.
Some have already been withdrawn, such as Sky Cinema.
For most households the changes shouldn’t be an issue but anyone using an older Sky box will need to upgrade.
Several models are not able to handle HD broadcasts, so they will essentially lose access to Sky’s channels.
With this in mind, Sky is offering anyone affected an upgrade to its latest kit, Sky Q.
But those who decide to take no action will see their service cut off in October.
“We’re changing how we deliver our TV services,” Sky says on its website.
“To keep your Sky TV services you’ll need to upgrade to a HD compatible box before your payment due date in October.
“If you don’t contact us or upgrade, your Sky TV will be cancelled and you’ll lose access to these services on your payment due date in October.”
Which Sky box models are affected?
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
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 an 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.