Sky is preparing to launch a brand new free-to-air television channel on satellite that will replace the long-running Pick TV service.

The new channel, called Sky Mix, is scheduled to launch on Wednesday 18th October 2023 and will become Sky’s first permanently free-to-air HD entertainment channel available via satellite.

The launch represents another major step in the UK television industry’s ongoing transition away from standard definition broadcasting and toward HD-only services.

What is Sky Mix?

Sky Mix will effectively be a rebrand of the existing Pick TV channel.

Pick itself has undergone several rebrands over the years, originally launching as:

• Sky Three
• Then Pick TV
• Later simply Pick

The new Sky Mix branding is expected to continue showing much of Pick’s existing programming while also adding:

• Sky Original dramas
• Entertainment shows
• Documentaries
• True crime programming
• Selected premium Sky content

Sky says the channel will act as a free showcase for some of its subscription programming and streaming content.

Programmes expected to appear on the channel include:

• True Detective
• A Discovery of Witches
• Rob & Romesh Vs
• Sky Original films
• Imported US drama series

Sky Mix Will Be HD Only on Satellite

One of the biggest changes is that Sky Mix will only be broadcast in HD on satellite platforms.

This means:

• Older SD-only satellite boxes may lose access
• SD versions of Pick will disappear from Sky and Freesat programme guides
• HD-compatible receivers will now be required

Users with:

• Sky HD
• Sky Q
• Freesat HD
• Freesat 4K
• Modern satellite receivers

should continue receiving the channel automatically once it launches.

However, viewers still using older standard definition Sky digiboxes or SD-only Freesat receivers may lose access entirely.

Another Step Toward HD-Only Broadcasting

The launch of Sky Mix HD forms part of a wider industry move away from SD satellite broadcasting.

Broadcasters including:

• BBC
• ITV
• Sky

have all been reducing standard definition services over recent months in order to:

• Free satellite capacity
• Reduce operating costs
• Improve picture quality
• Increase HD efficiency

Sky Mix will become the first permanently free-to-air Sky entertainment channel available in HD via satellite.

The changes also suggest that more SD channel closures are likely in the future as broadcasters continue modernising their transmission systems.

Satellite Reception in Spain Could Be More Difficult

For viewers in Spain, the new Sky Mix HD channel may prove harder to receive than the existing Pick SD service.

Early satellite tests suggest the HD version is broadcasting on a more difficult UK beam frequency.

This means:

• Smaller dishes may struggle
• Fringe reception areas may lose access
• Better alignment may be required
• Larger satellite dishes could become necessary

According to early reception tests in Spain, some areas may require:

• 125x135cm satellite dishes for stable reception
• Very accurate alignment
• High quality LNBs

Smaller 80cm or 1m dishes that previously received Pick SD successfully may no longer receive the new HD channel reliably.

Sky Mix (Pick) HD is set to transmit on a “tricky to receive” satellite frequency, so it may not be as easily available here in Spain as the current Pick SD service. Based on current test signals it looks like in my service area, Sky Mix HD will need the recommended 125x135cm satellite dish to receive on a stable basis. The slightly smaller 110x120cm satellite dish will be operating on the very limit of reception for this channel. Users with smaller satellite dishes in my service area will not be able to receive Sky Mix HD.

Manual Tuning Information

Users with generic satellite receivers or televisions with built-in satellite tuners may need to manually scan for the new service.

Early tuning details include:

• Frequency: 12227 MHz
• Polarisation: Horizontal
• Symbol Rate: 27500
• FEC: 2/3
• DVB-S2 HD transmission

These parameters may vary slightly depending on receiver type and final launch configuration.

Freeview and Freesat Changes

On Freeview, Sky Mix will replace Pick on channel 11.

Sky Arts is expected to move further down the Freeview channel list as part of the reshuffle.

On Freesat and Sky satellite platforms:

• The HD version will become the main channel listing
• The SD version is expected to disappear from the EPG
• Older boxes may no longer support the channel

What This Means for Older Sky Boxes

The launch of Sky Mix HD is another warning sign for users still relying on older SD-only satellite receivers.

Across the UK television industry:

• SD channels are being removed
• DVB-S2 HD broadcasts are expanding
• Older receivers are becoming obsolete

Sky has already indicated that wider SD switch-offs are planned during 2024 as broadcasters increasingly migrate entirely to HD services.

For many viewers, especially in Spain, this may mean it is finally time to upgrade older satellite equipment.

Final Thoughts

Sky Mix represents a significant upgrade to Sky’s free-to-air television offering, bringing more premium entertainment content to free satellite and Freeview viewers.

However, the move to HD-only satellite broadcasting also highlights the continuing decline of standard definition television services.

For viewers using modern HD-compatible equipment, the transition should happen automatically.

But for users still relying on older SD-only Sky or Freesat boxes — particularly those in Spain using smaller satellite dishes — the launch of Sky Mix HD may create new reception and compatibility challenges in the months ahead.