Last minute warning for BBC viewers to upgrade their telly box before 10 channels disappear in two days

BBC viewers using old receivers have just two days until 10 standard definition (SD) channels disappear from their telly boxes forever.

The broadcaster will be shutting down all SD channels from 8 January, as part of a transition to high definition (HD) broadcasts only.

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Viewers will have to upgrade their old TV boxes to a newer, HD compatible, box by 8 January to avoid the blackout[/caption]

This means people with older TV boxes that aren’t compatible with HD channels won’t be able to access these 10 channels, which include:

• 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

Viewers will have to upgrade their old TV boxes to a newer, HD compatible, box by 8 January to avoid the blackout.

Is my TV affected by the HD satellite upgrade?

Viewers who are not sure what type of set-top box or TV they have, can use the BBC’s checking tool, which is live on Channel 799 on Freesat.

On that channel, you will see one of two messages:

• “Good News, you’re not affected and can continue to use your box as normal.”
• “Sorry, your satellite set-top box is not capable of receiving high-definition services. You will be affected by the satellite changes.”

Sky has shared the exact models affected, which are:

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)

Sky viewers should head to channel 105 – if it’s listed as “Channel 5 HD” your equipment is HD capable.

But if it simply says “Channel 5” with no mention of HD on the end then you will need to upgrade.

Must-know Sky tips and tricks

Alamy

Try a whole host of Sky tricks to take your TV to a whole new level.

• How to set channel favourites
• Skip ads even faster
• Clear storage space on your box
• Special voice commands
• Hidden buttons on your remote
• Dark mode on Sky Q
• Secret menu with hidden settings
• Free Sky remote for your iPhone