SOME Freesat viewers have lost access to several stations in the latest blow to older TV box users.
Broadcasters are winding down standard definition channels on satellite in a shift to HD only.
The BBC and ITV have already switched off their SD channels earlier this year.
And now several others have followed suit, including all UK radio stations, according to RXTVInfo.
For most viewers, this won’t be a problem as the majority of Freesat boxes used these days are HD-capable.
But if you own an early Freesat box that is only SD-capable it means you lose access to an increasing number of channels.
Affected viewers will need to upgrade now to continue receiving them.
The BBC was running an upgrade programme providing people with vouchers towards a new box.
But the scheme ended in February.
The move doesn’t affect Freeview, where SD channels will continue as normal.
How to check if my box is affected
At this stage, it should be quite noticeable if your Freesat box is affected by recent changes.
Just head to BBC One or ITV1 and see whether any picture appears – if you don’t see anything, it means your box is SD only and can’t handle the now-HD-only channels.
Which channels have already gone HD only?
The BBC started replacing SD channel broadcasts on satellite on January 8.
This includes:
- 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
ITV followed suit around the same time with its channels.
Some Freesat channels like Sky Mix were only ever available in HD so older boxes could never access them in the first place.
Other ways to receive radio stations on my TV
Radio listeners on TV make up a tiny percentage of people who tune in – most either stick to the traditional method via the radio itself or on digital services.
For this reason, some stations like Magic and Kiss have decided to remove themselves from all forms of linear TV platforms, not just Freesat.
But if you relied on your Freesat box to listen to the radio, there may be another way.
If you have a smart TV, you could use the apps available there instead.
Look for the Radioplayer app on Samsung and LG TVs.
Why it’s time to upgrade…
ANALYSIS by Jamie Harris, Senior Technology and Science Reporter at The Sun.
This latest move is yet another nail in the coffin of Freesat’s SD boxes.
Fortunately, most people have already moved on so the vast majority of households shouldn’t notice any difference.
If you are still clinging onto an old Freesat box it is time to part ways.
You already lost major channels from BBC and ITV – and it’s only going to get worse from here.
Sadly, you’ve missed out on free vouchers from the BBC towards an upgrade.
But there are plenty of HD-capable replacements around, starting at £69 on Argos.
Or you could wait until Freely launches, the successor to Freesat and Freeview which is coming soon as a new internet-streamed TV service.
All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.