HOUSEHOLDS have been urged to check their TVs set-top box for a key setting if they have suddenly lost access to BBC channels.
The broadcaster closed down all standard definition (SD) channels last week and has switched viewers over to high definition (HD) transmissions instead.
AlamyC089F1 UK, Europe. Close-up screenshot of a flatscreen television showing BBC iPlayer channels on Freesat screen[/caption]
SD channels that have disappeared include:
BBC One SD
BBC Two SD
BBC Three SD
BBC Four SD
CBBC SD
CBeebies SD
BBC News SD
BBC Scotland SD
BBC ALBA SD
BBC Parliament SD
It forms part of an effort to free up space on the airwaves.
But it means viewers with older set-top boxes, and TVs, that are not compatible with HD channels can no longer view the BBC’s SD stations.
The BBC has warned for months that viewers will lose access to its channels if they don’t upgrade their telly box to a newer, HD compatible set-top.
Is my TV affected by the HD satellite upgrade?
Viewers who are not sure what type of set-top box or TV they have, can use the BBC’s checking tool, which is live on Channel 799 on Freesat.
On that channel, you will see one of two messages:
“Good News, you’re not affected and can continue to use your box as normal.”
“Sorry, your satellite set-top box is not capable of receiving high-definition services. You will be affected by the satellite changes.”
If you see the second message, you will have to buy a newer telly box in order to receive HD channels like the BBC.
Sky viewers should head to channel 105 – if it’s listed as “Channel 5 HD” your equipment is HD capable.
But if it simply says “Channel 5” with no mention of HD on the end then you will need to upgrade.
Sky customers can get a free upgrade to Sky Q at no extra cost.
To get the free upgrade, you just have to be using one of Sky’s affected models, such as:
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)
How do I get my BBC channels back?
A dedicated support line has been set up by the HD Satellite Upgrade organisation to help people with the transition.
If you or a family member is struggling with the shift, the organisation can offer advice.
However, this support line is closing on February 16 – so be sure to make use of it before it disappears.
“For any SD-only satellite device users that have not yet upgraded, we are still able to offer advice and limited support through our help scheme – however, there is very limited availability and the scheme will be fully closing from 16 February,” the experts at HD Satellite Upgrade said.
“If you still need advice or support, we would strongly encourage you to act now whilst support is available.
“After 16 February, no further help scheme support to upgrade will be available.”
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