ITV viewers have just one week left until they need to upgrade their TV boxes – otherwise they will lose access to three popular channels for good.
The broadcaster is finally waving goodbye to three of its standard-definition (SD) channels on 9 January: ITV3, ITV4 and ITVBe.
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Going forward, these channels will be be available in HD format.
So viewers will have to upgrade their old TV boxes to a newer, HD compatible, box by next week to avoid the blackout.
ITV has noted that there aren’t many SD-only satellite device users still out there.
But those who are still using an old Freesat or Sky box have been encouraged to buy a newer one.
Unlike the BBC, ITV will only be axing three of its remaining SD channels next week.
The BBC, however, will be shutting down all SD channels from 8 January, including:
- 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
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.
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