Thousands of Britons will reportedly lose access to BBC channels. This is due to the switch of channels from Standard Definition (SD) to High Definition (HD). Those without set-top boxes will be unable to watch BBC channels due to the technology change starting this week.
Areas in the south of England will be the first to switch BBC channels to HD. Later, by February, the change will begin in other parts of the country. The BBC One channel will be the first to lose in late January or February. The BBC’s move to HD, announced last November, will be completed by early 2024. The BBC has already announced that it is moving to HD channels and as part of this it is phasing out SD channels. The BBC also explains that this technical change has been delayed so much because of the difficulties that the audience will have.
The way satellite channels work is by sending the images from the TV station on the earth to the satellite in space and then receiving the satellite dishes on the earth. London viewers currently receive BBC One SD on channel 101 and BBC One HD on channel 106 (these numbers are subject to change). Within a few months HD channels will be available where SD channels are currently available.
BBC One South, BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC Two Northern Ireland will switch to HD this week. BBC One East and BBC One East Midland will go HD in February. BBC One London will switch from February 13.
Which satellite platform you use will also make the transition to HD easier to accommodate. The BBC and Freesat have launched a website to help customers. Sky has specified on their website which set top boxes will be affected. They have also announced the option for customers to switch to Sky Q at no extra cost.
English Summary: Thousands of Britons will lose access to BBC channels as part of a huge upgrade – find out if you’ll be affected
