The BBC has confirmed it will be closing its standard definition TV services via satellite on Monday 8th January 2024.
On-screen messaging now advises affected satellite users to take action and upgrade to an HD-compatible satellite receiver. Sky is offering its customers a free upgrade to a newer receiver.
Simulcasts of BBC channels in standard definition above channel 800 on the Sky satellite EPG will also cease at this point.
Notably, radio stations will also be affected. The BBC is in the process of moving them to sit alongside the existing HD channels on satellite transponders running in DVB-S2 mode. That means older satellite receivers, built to receive DVB-S(1) services will no longer be able to receive BBC radio via satellite.
The closedown is the culmination of a year-long project that has seen the BBC launch HD versions of each channel on satellite after a wait of over a decade.
Back in November last year, Kieran Clifton, BBC Director of Distribution and Business Development indicated the switch-off would happen by the end of March. However, this has now been brought forward, with relatively few households contacting the BBC for help migrating.
Separately, the BBC plans to close BBC Radio 4 LW at the end of March, coinciding with the end of a contract to provide the teleswitching service for Economy 7 meters.
CBBC and BBC Four are now expected to close in 2025. Meanwhile, the BBC is expected to announce further cuts and changes to BBC News later this week.
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PICTURED: BBC on-screen message about switch-off of SD satellite transmissions. SUPPLIED BY: James Robinson. COPYRIGHT: BBC.