The BBC will close all of its standard definition (SD) television channels on satellite on 8 January 2024 as part of its transition toward high-definition broadcasting. From this date, BBC television services on satellite platforms such as Sky and Freesat will be available only in HD.

The change will affect a number of BBC channels currently broadcasting in SD, including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News, BBC Parliament, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC Alba, BBC Scotland and the BBC Red Button service. Once the shutdown takes place, these SD broadcasts will disappear from satellite transmissions and viewers will need HD-compatible equipment to continue watching the channels.

For most viewers using modern Sky or Freesat receivers, the change should happen automatically. HD versions of the BBC channels already exist and will simply replace the SD services in the electronic programme guide. As a result, viewers with HD-capable boxes will still be able to watch the same channels, often on the same channel numbers, but now in high definition.

However, viewers who still use older SD-only satellite receivers will no longer be able to watch BBC television channels once the switch-off takes place. These receivers are unable to decode HD broadcasts, meaning that an upgrade to HD-compatible equipment will be required to continue receiving BBC channels via satellite.

The BBC has been warning viewers about the upcoming change for several months, with on-screen messages appearing on SD channels to inform audiences that the services will soon close. The move is part of a wider trend across the television industry, where broadcasters are gradually retiring SD broadcasts in favour of HD services.

By closing the SD channels, the BBC will free up valuable satellite capacity that can be used more efficiently for HD broadcasting and future services. HD transmissions also offer significantly improved picture quality compared with traditional SD broadcasts.

For viewers outside the UK, including those in parts of Europe and Spain who receive UK satellite television, the change could also affect reception. In some areas, the HD signals may require slightly larger satellite dishes to receive reliably compared with the older SD broadcasts.

From 8th January 2024, there will be a message displayed advising that the channel is closed. This message will be displayed on screen until 31st March 2024, after which the channel will no longer appear on the EPG.

What you need to do?

You need an HD-enabled set-top box so you can continue to watch BBC services (plus with the added benefit of improved picture and audio quality.)

There are a variety of options available, all easy to install – from the range of Freesat 4K devices, some with a built-in recorder, to the Manhattan SX box which is the most affordable option. (The Sat and PC Guy can supply and install and demonstrate these boxes for you, assuming that you are in his service area)

If you are in a fringe signal area, like Spain, then you may be watching the BBC channels in SD as they are more easily available than the BBC HD channel signals. This may mean that you need your satellite dish realigning, a better LNB, or maybe even a new correct size satellite dish.

Since 2012, the recommended size of satellite dish for the Costa Blanca North / Valencia area of Spain has been 125x135cm. Any satellite dish smaller than this may struggle to receive the BBC HD channels.

Many people we have visited recently have had the incorrect sized satellite dish installed, meaning loss of BBC HD channels.

So if this is you, and you are struggling to receive the BBC HD channels, please contact us (The Sat and PC Guy) so we can try and help you regain reception of the BBC HD channels.