Sky is warning users that it is closing some popular services this week with those affected needing to upgrade to a new set-top box,
Anyone with ageing Sky equipment tucked under their TVs might want to upgrade things to something new as soon as possible. Sky has confirmed that it’s shutting down a number of popular channels this week which could leave some unable to tune in and watch their favourite content.
The changes affect homes still using older Standard Definition (SD) devices with Sky confirming the closure of services such as Sky Sports SD, Sky Cinema SD and the SD version of the MUTV channel.
Things are being turned off this week and there’s more bad news to come next month with all SD channels slowing being discontinued over the coming weeks.
“We’re changing how we deliver our TV services. This means if you have an SD box, you’ll need to upgrade to continue watching Sky channels,” Sky explained.
“Without the upgrade, any subscriptions you have to these channels will be cancelled.”
So how do you know if you have a box that’s about to lose channels?
It’s very easy to check. Firstly you can head to channel 101 on your TV planner. If you see BBC One HD content showing on the screen you are fine and won’t need to worry about losing channels. However, if you can’t see this service you have an old device and will need to upgrade as soon as possible.
HERE ARE ALL THE BOXES AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE
Digibox: 4F01 to 4F08 (Amstrad) • 4E01 to 4E05 (Grundig) • 9F01 to 9F08 and 9F0A (Pace) • 0F01 to 0F05 (Panasonic) • 4E06 to 4E08 (Thomson)
Sky+: 4F2001 to 4F2006 (Amstrad) • 4F2101 to 4F2118 and 9F2101 to 9F2137 (Amstrad or Pace) • 9F2001 to 9F2024, PVR2, 9F2201 to 9F2235, 9F2301 to 9F2339 (Pace) • 4E2101 to 4E2141 (Thomson)
If you see your device listed above don’t panic. Sky is dishing out free upgrades to newer boxes such as Sky Q which also comes packed with new features and full access to online services such as Netflix and Disney+.
“Sky TV customers can upgrade to Sky Q at no extra cost. Upgrade online, or call 0333 759 5121 – we’d advise doing this as soon as possible to avoid long wait times.,” Sky explained.
The firm says that those ordering a new box will get it installed by one of Sky’s engineers on a date that suits them so it shouldn’t cause too much disruption.
Once the update is fitted, users will then be able to access all of the Sky channels in their Sky TV package as normal.
