ITV to remove three channels as part of major ‘switch off’ plan – check if you’re entitled to a free TV box upgrade

ITV has revealed that three channels will disappear from some TV boxes next year as part of a major HD upgrade project.

Networks including the BBC are planning to close down existing SD (standard definition) channels in favour of HD only across satellite.

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Viewers with modern HD-capable set-top boxes should continue to receive all channels as normal.

But any household with an older SD-only box will no longer receive certain stations as a result.

ITV has confirmed that three of its channels will stop broadcasting in SD from January 9, 2024.

The move will affect anyone with an older Freesat or Sky box.

The channels are:

• ITV3
• ITV4
• ITVBe

Fortunately, you may be entitled to a free upgrade – or support towards the cost.

The BBC is offering vouchers to vulnerable customers who will have to buy a brand new box.

And Sky has already announced a wider end to SD channels, meaning impacted customers can claim a free upgrade to Sky Q.

Freeview will continue to offer SD channels so viewers won’t notice any changes.

Additionally, the company has told some ITV1 viewers that their localised station will convert to HD-only too.

It will affect the following ITV1 regions and nations:

• Border Scotland
• UTV
• Wales
• Channel

How to check if my TV is affected

BBC and Sky have already started warning affected TVs with on-screen popups.

But if you’re unsure there is way to check yourself.

Try going to 101.

If you see BBC One HD, you’re box is fine.

If not, then you may need to upgrade next year to continue receiving your favourite channels.

For more information on claiming a support voucher towards a new Freesat box, click here.

Sky customers can find out more about replacing their box with Sky Q for free here.

How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV

Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime don’t come cheap – and year on year subscription costs seem to go up.

Fortunately there are loads of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about.

And we’re not just talking about BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

Here are some free alternatives worth trying:

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