BBC to switch off all SD satellite channels

BBC to switch off aLL SD satellite channels. Standard definition BBC channels on satellite will close next year as part of an HD switchover across all BBC channels and regions. Sky and Freesat will be affected. Viewers using older SD only receivers will need to upgrade or lose access.

Viewers on Freesat HD or Sky HD, Sky+HD or Sky Q receiver will be upgraded automatically in 2023 when BBC One HD is fully regionalised and BBC Alba and Parliament go HD.

The switch-off will be conducted in two stages:

• Early 2023: BBC One in standard definition on Sky and Freesat will no longer carry regional news. A reversal of the current situation in England. This will be done in conjunction with the launch of a fully regionalised BBC One HD in all areas. BBC Two SD in Northern Ireland and Wales will be replaced with the main network version already serving England and Scotland.
• Late 2023: All BBC standard definition TV channels on Sky and Freesat will close. Viewers using older SD only receivers will need to upgrade or lose access.

ITV 1, 2, 3 and 4 have also gone HD only on Freesat and Sky, though SD streams are still available on satellite.

Theere are also rumours that UKTV channels will soon be going HD too. (The UKTV Play app is already letting viewers watch programmes in HD).