Freesat viewers may have noticed that several BBC standard definition (SD) channels have disappeared from their TV guide. This change is part of the BBC’s wider plan to phase out SD broadcasting on satellite and move to high definition (HD).

Today, 8th November 2023, the BBC removed the remaining SD versions of several channels from the Freesat electronic programme guide (EPG). While the channels themselves were still technically broadcasting at the time, they were no longer listed within the Freesat interface, meaning most viewers could no longer easily access them.

📺 Which BBC SD Channels Were Removed?

The SD versions of the following BBC channels were removed from the Freesat channel list:

• BBC Three (SD)
• BBC Four (SD)
• BBC Scotland (SD)
• BBC News (SD)
• CBBC (SD)
• CBeebies (SD)

These channels had previously appeared in the Freesat guide alongside their HD equivalents, often in the higher channel numbers. Following the update, only the HD versions remain visible to viewers using Freesat HD and 4K receivers.

📡 Why Were They Removed?

The removal of SD channels from the Freesat guide is a key step in the BBC’s long-term strategy to end SD broadcasting on satellite entirely.

By late 2023, the majority of viewers were already watching in HD, and maintaining duplicate SD versions was no longer considered efficient. Removing them from the channel list helped simplify the viewing experience while encouraging users to switch to HD.

Importantly, this change came ahead of the full shutdown of BBC SD channels on satellite, due in January 2024.

For most Freesat users with HD or 4K boxes, the change will have little impact. The HD versions of all major BBC channels were already available and automatically appear in the main channel numbers.

However, for viewers using older equipment or relying on SD signals — particularly in fringe reception areas such as parts of Spain — the change could cause confusion. Some users may have thought the channels had disappeared entirely, when in reality only the SD versions had been removed from the guide.

It was still technically possible to manually tune SD channels at the time, but this required entering frequency details and using non-Freesat mode — something most users would not typically do.

This move was part of a much wider shift across UK broadcasting. The BBC, along with ITV and other broadcasters, has been gradually moving towards HD-only transmission on satellite.

By removing SD channels from the Freesat guide in advance, the BBC effectively prepared viewers for the final switch-off, while also freeing up valuable satellite capacity for HD services.

Freesat users in Spain, who watched the SD versions of these channels as they were unable to receive the HD versions, will need to upgrade their satellite dish to a larger one if they want to watch BBC HD channels on Freesat HD boxes. If watching the BBC SD channels on “non freesat hd” receivers, then the SD channels will be closed in early January 2024, and again will need to upgrade their satellite dish system should you wish to continue watching BBC channels via satellite.