Sky TV viewers will see a major reshuffle of sports channel numbers this week as Sky reorganises the sports section of its electronic programme guide across Sky HD and Sky Q receivers.

The update will affect several major sports broadcasters including Sky Sports, BT Sport, Premier Sports and other specialist sports channels. The changes will happen automatically and viewers will not need to manually retune their receivers.

The reshuffle forms part of wider changes to the Sky TV guide designed to improve channel organisation and create more consistent numbering across sports services.

Why Sky Is Changing Sports Channel Numbers

Sky periodically reorganises its electronic programme guide to improve navigation and group similar channels together more logically.

The sports section of the EPG has become increasingly crowded over recent years due to the growth of:

• HD sports services
• Dedicated event channels
• Streaming integrations
• Additional sports rights
• Pop-up channels

The reshuffle will mainly affect sports viewers using:

• Sky HD
• Sky+HD
• Sky Q
• Sky Glass

Most changes will happen automatically overnight without viewers needing to take any action.

Sky has also stated that planned recordings should continue working normally following the update.

These changes will take place on Wednesday 22nd March.

These changes will be done automatically on your Sky digiboxes.

Channels affected are:

Viaplay 2 HD moves from 421 to 419 in the UK only

Premier 2 HD moves from 421 to 419 in the ROI only

ViaplayXtraHD moves from 422 to 420 in the UK only

BT Sport 4 moves from 423 to 421

LFCTV HD moves from 425 to 423

Racing TV moves from 426 to 424

GINXeSportsTV moves from 433 to 425

Sportystuff TV HD moves from 437 to 427

HD Channels Become the Priority

One major feature of the reshuffle is Sky’s continued prioritisation of HD services.

For HD-capable receivers, the HD versions of sports channels will now occupy the main EPG positions.

Standard definition versions of the same channels will move further down the guide into secondary positions.

This reflects the continuing transition away from SD broadcasting as more viewers move towards HD and UHD television services.

For example, Sky Sports Main Event HD will appear on channel 401, while the SD version will move much further down the EPG.

Recordings Should Continue Normally

Sky has confirmed that existing scheduled recordings should automatically update to the new channel numbers.

However, viewers may still wish to double-check planned recordings after the reshuffle has taken place, particularly for series-linked sporting events.

Favourite channel lists and custom settings may also need updating on some receivers.