Anyone with an ageing Sky TV box in their living room would be wise to make a simple check as soon as possible or face losing access to popular channels. The alert is due to older Standard Definition (SD) services being switched off to make room for improved High Definition (HD) channels which offer a more pixel-packed viewing experience. The
BBC has already shut down all of its SD services and now Sky is about to follow with platforms including Sky Sports and Sky Cinema both affected. It basically means anyone with a non-HD set-top in their home won't be able to tune in from May 2024. Warning to all Virgin Media, Sky and BT users - simple check you must make today "We’re changing how we deliver our TV services. This means if you have an SD box, you'll need to upgrade to continue watching Sky channels," Sky explained in a post on its website. "In May, you'll lose access to: Sky Sports channels, Sky Cinema channels and MUTV channel." Luckily, most Sky users have already switched to compatible devices - such as Sky Q, Sky Stream or Sky Glass - but if you still have a standard Sky SD box sitting proudly under your television then it's definitely time to make a change if you don't want to be staring at a very blank screen next month. UK's biggest broadband providers ranked - is your supplier top or bottom of the list? It's really easy to check if your device is compatible with HD. Firstly, you can select channel 101 on your remote. If you see BBC One HD, you're not affected. If you don't see any content on the screen (BBC1 SD has now closed down) you'll need to upgrade your Sky box. The next way to check is to Press Services on your Sky remote. The Press 4 then 5 Check the version number of the box. If it matches any of the devices listed below you'll need to upgrade. The affected boxes 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) Luckily, your box isn't compatible with HD there's a simple way to switch. Sky says that users can easily upgrade to one of its more modern Sky Q boxes at no extra cost. This can be done by calling 0333 759 5121 and speaking to an advisor. It's also possible to upgrade online if you don't fancy waiting for the call to be connected. Once it's been confirmed you need a new device, Sky says it will then be installed by one of its engineers on a date that suits you.