As we have mentioned in a previous post ( HERE ) Sky are changing how they deliver their TV services. This means if you have an SD Sky Digibox box, you’ll need to upgrade to a HD digibox to continue watching Sky channels.

In a major shift for UK satellite TV, Sky UK is phasing out support for Standard Definition (SD) set-top boxes, meaning many viewers who still use older “Digibox” receivers will soon lose access to their favourite channels unless they upgrade to a High Definition (HD) box.

This change reflects a broader industry transition: broadcasters are moving away from older digital video broadcast formats toward more efficient ones that support higher-quality HD and even UHD channels. The legacy DVB-S standard used by SD boxes simply can’t handle the newer transmissions, which use DVB-S2 — a more advanced broadcast format.

What’s Changing and When

According to the March 26, 2024 announcement, the switch will happen in phases:

• May 2024 — Viewers with SD receivers will lose access to Sky Sports, Sky Cinema and the MUTV channel.

• August 2024 — All remaining Sky channels will become unavailable on SD boxes unless the viewer upgrades.

Sky warns that if you do have active subscriptions to channels during these shutdowns, those subscriptions will be cancelled automatically if your SD box can no longer receive them.

How to Check if You’re Affected

A quick way to test your current box is simple: use your remote to select channel 101. If you see BBC One HD, your box supports HD and you’re safe. If not, it’s time for an upgrade.

Why This Matters

HD broadcasting not only delivers a better picture but also uses satellite bandwidth more efficiently, allowing broadcasters to offer more channels and features within the same space. Transitioning away from SD also aligns with moves by other broadcasters — for example, the BBC and ITV have already discontinued many SD broadcasts on satellite.

For many Sky viewers in the UK and abroad, this means adapting to modern receivers like Sky HD, Sky+HD or Sky Q boxes — or considering alternative platforms like streaming services where content is increasingly moving. The era of SD satellite TV is coming to a close, and 2024 is the year viewers are being pushed toward the future.