Channel 4 confirm SD channel to close
Channel 4 have confirmed that they will be closing the standard definition (SD) version of its main channel, Channel 4, on satellite next month.
The move will start later this month, and by late November Channel 4 will be available only in HD on satellite.
This will affect both Sky and Freesat users who watch the SD version of the main channel.
However this should affect only a small number of viewers, as Channel 4 on Sky and Freesat channel number 104 has been in HD by default for several months now.
This will mean that the SD version of Channel 4 on Sky channel 804 will close.
E4, More4 and Film4 will still continue in SD, with the HD versions still operating behind the Sky pay wall.
This was not unexpected, as Channel 4 had already removed the 5 regionalised SD versions of its main channel a few months ago.
This move is part of a wider industry wide switch, where UK broadcasters convert its satellite capacity to the newer and more efficient DVB-S2 standard. This follows the BBC ITV and Sky, whose channels have already moved to the new DVBS2 standard.
A statement from a Channel 4 spokesperson reads: “We are changing the technology we use to broadcast our channels to Sky and Freesat households – ensuring we are delivering the highest quality HD viewing experience to all, and, opening up the potential for new services in the future. With Sky customers being encouraged to move to HD boxes, this will affect only a very small number of viewers. This follows similar moves by ITV and Sky earlier this year. ”
What this means for you?
The changes will mean a few channel frequency changes, whist the migration takes place. Sky digibox and Freesat set top boxes should automatically update to any new frequencies.
Users of other set top boxes, or TVs with built in satellite receivers will have to perform a manual scan to pick up the channel on their new frequencies.
In my service area this should mean that reception of 5 Channel 4 HD regions that are currently on “weak” signals should improve, as they move to “stronger” signal frequencies.
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