BBC standard definition satellite channels moved to new frequencies as part of the broadcaster’s final preparations for the closure of SD satellite broadcasting planned for 2024.

The frequency changes affected viewers using Freesat, Sky and generic free-to-air satellite receivers across the Astra satellite system at 28.2° East.

The move formed part of the BBC’s long-term transition away from standard definition broadcasting towards HD-only satellite television services.

For many satellite viewers, especially those outside the UK, the changes marked another major step in the gradual end of BBC SD broadcasting.

BBC Preparing to End SD Broadcasting

The BBC had already confirmed plans to eventually close its remaining standard definition satellite channels as part of a wider modernisation programme. (bbc.co.uk)

As television audiences increasingly move towards HD and UHD viewing, broadcasters have been under pressure to free up valuable satellite bandwidth currently occupied by older SD services.

The BBC’s long-term strategy involved:

• Expanding regional HD services
• Moving viewers towards HD receivers
• Reducing duplicate SD broadcasts
• Improving satellite efficiency

The March 2023 frequency move represented one of the final stages before the planned SD shutdown during 2024.

Which Channels Were Affected?

The frequency changes affected a range of BBC standard definition channels including:

• BBC One SD regions
• BBC Two England SD
• BBC Four SD
• BBC News SD
• CBBC SD
• CBeebies SD
• BBC Parliament SD

The channels moved onto new transponders within the Astra satellite system.

For Sky and Freesat users, most changes happened automatically through normal EPG updates.

However, users of generic free-to-air receivers often needed to manually rescan or retune their equipment to restore the channels.

Why the Frequency Move Happened

The BBC was consolidating its remaining SD services onto fewer transponders ahead of the eventual switch-off.

By reorganising the remaining SD broadcasts, the BBC could begin freeing up satellite capacity for:

• HD services
• Regional broadcasting
• UHD development
• Future satellite optimisation

The changes also reflected the growing decline in standard definition television viewing across the UK.

Many modern television platforms now automatically prioritise HD channels, while some newer receivers barely expose SD services at all.

During the BBC SD to HD channel migration, the SD channels were moved to a temporary frequency 2422H, tp37. For some viewers in Spain, this frequency is tricky to receive, resulting in a loss of BBC TV and radio channels.

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This past week, a full copy of the BBC SD TV channels on 12422H appeared on 10803H. 10803H is a BBC owned transponder, which house SD channels prior to the SD to HD migration.

Yesterday, Wednesday 8th March 2023, Sky and Freesat satellite receivers were updated to receive signals from the new frequency.

This 10803H frequency is easier to receive than the temporary 12422H frequency, meaning viewers in areas of Spain have seen their SD BBC TV and radio channels return. Viewers using other makes of satellite receivers, or TVs with built in satellite receivers will have to perform a channel scan to receive these SD channels on their new frequency.

There are still TWO BBC HD channels operating on “borrowed” Sky frequencies, BBC One South HD and BBC Two Northern Ireland HD, which are expected to be moved to BBC owned frequencies in the near future.