BRITS have been warned they have until the end of next week to claim a free TV box replacement voucher after major changes saw more than a dozen channels disappear.
The BBC and ITV shutdown their remaining standard definition (SD) channels on satellite at the beginning on January.
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It’s all part of a huge plan to upgrade stations so they’re in modern high definition (HD) instead.
However, this meant that anyone with an older box may have lost access to several channels altogether.
It affected Freesat and Sky boxes that are only capable of handling SD channels.
The BBC launched a support scheme for those impacted that help them with the cost of a new device.
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But the window to request help is closing next week, on February 16.
“If you still need advice or support, we would strongly encourage you to act now whilst support is available,” the HD Satellite Upgrade website says.
“After 16 February, no further help scheme support to upgrade will be available.”
What’s the point?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Senior Technology and Science Reporter
Broadcasters have long been running two versions of their channels, in SD and HD.
Although there are still many SD channels, HD is finally becoming the norm.
And the vast majority of people have HD-capable TVs now too.
So it makes less sense for broadcasters to continue providing both, as it’s an operational cost.
Remember, it only affects satellite – cable and Freeview are unaffected.
Freeview will still carry many more SD channels because it has limited space that means it’s impossible to carry all channels in HD with current tech.
However, the company behind Freeview is launching a new service called Freely this year which could get around that problem – find out about it here.
Am I eligible for an upgrade?
Those with Freesat are being offered £40 in vouchers towards the cost of a brand new box if they meet certain criteria.
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But the definition is a bit vague, stating on the website that it’s for “elderly audiences or those in need of extra support”.
While you may receive a £40 voucher, you’ll have to meet the rest of the cost of a replacement device – and they tend to cost a minimum of £70.
If you think you might be eligible, you can visit hdsatelliteupgrade.co.uk or call 0330 123 1876.
Free Sky upgrade
Sky customers can get a free upgrade to Sky Q at no extra cost.
You’ll have be using one of the following Sky box models to be eligible:
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)
