Sky to Cancel TV Subscriptions for Customers with Older Boxes as SD Switch-Off Looms

Sky is preparing to terminate the contracts of some customers unless they upgrade their equipment ahead of a significant shift in TV broadcasting. The company is phasing out standard definition (SD) broadcasts of Sky channels on satellite, moving entirely to high definition (HD).

This change follows a similar trend across the broadcasting landscape. The BBC and ITV have already ceased transmitting SD channels via satellite, recognising the widespread adoption of HD televisions among viewers. Other platforms, such as Freeview, are not affected by this change and will continue to offer SD channels.

Sky is ending SD broadcasts of its own channels, with some, like Sky Cinema, already removed. While most households will not be impacted, those with older Sky boxes incapable of handling HD broadcasts will face a loss of access to Sky's channels.

Several Sky box models are incompatible with HD transmissions, including:

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 is offering a free upgrade to its latest equipment, Sky Q, to customers whose boxes are affected. However, those who do not upgrade will have their service terminated in October.

“We’re changing how we deliver our TV services,” Sky explains on its website. “To keep your Sky TV services you'll need to upgrade to an 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.”

To check their box model, viewers can follow these steps:

1. Press Services on their Sky remote.
2. Tap the 4 key, followed by 5.
3. The version number will be displayed on the screen.
4. Compare the displayed number to the list of affected models.

Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun:

This switch-off is a necessary step to improve the viewing experience for most Sky customers. HD television is now commonplace, and those who continue to watch in SD are missing out on the enhanced quality offered by modern technology.

Ending SD broadcasts also frees up valuable satellite capacity, reducing costs for Sky and ultimately for all customers. While this change only affects satellite broadcasts, SD channels will remain accessible via Freeview for the foreseeable future.