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If you have an older set-box tucked under your TV then now is a very good time to check the make and model as you could be eligible for a free upgrade to something new. The big switchover is due to BBC scraping some of its Standard Definition content which means those with ageing Sky+ devices will no longer be able watch shows such as the regional news.

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Almost all BBC news services will be moved to High Definition throughout this month so it’s vital that customers act now to keep up to date.

Those who don’t opt for the free upgrade will soon see a message on the screen that reads, “The BBC is making all its services available in HD. To watch local BBC One programmes, you need to upgrade to HD. If you are a Sky TV customer, you should visit www.sky.com/help/bbcupgrade.”

Here is when all of the channels in your area are being switched over to the new format.

BBC ALBA
SKY February 7, 2023 (FREESAT February 6, 2023)

BBC One West Midlands – Midlands Today
SKY February 7, 2023 (FREESAT February 6, 2023)

BBC One East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire – Look North
SKY February 7, 2023 (FREESAT February 6, 2023)

BBC One Wales – BBC Wales Today
SKY February 7, 2023 (FREESAT February 6, 2023)

BBC One West – Points West
SKY February 14, 2023 (FREESAT February 13, 2023)

BBC One South West – Spotlight
SKY February 14, 2023 (FREESAT February 13, 2023)

BBC One Channel Islands – BBC Channel
SKY February 14, 2023 (FREESAT February 13, 2023)

BBC One London – BBC London
SKY February 14, 2023 (FREESAT February 13, 2023)

BBC One North East – Look North
SKY February 21, 2023 (FREESAT February 20, 2023)

BBC One North West – North West Tonight
SKY February 21, 2023 (FREESAT February 20, 2023)

BBC One Yorkshire – Look North
SKY February 21, 2023 (FREESAT February 20, 2023)

BBC One Scotland – Reporting Scotland
SKY February 21, 2023 (FREESAT February 20, 2023)

BBC One South East – South East Today
SKY February 23, 2023 (FREESAT February 22, 2023)

BBC One South and BBC One Northern Ireland switched in January.

Sky introduce new streaming TV 'Sky Glass' in 2021

If you want to make sure you are prepared for the changes before they happen you can see if your Sky box is affected by simply selecting channel 105 on your remote. See Channel 5 HD? Luckily you’re not affected and can carry on using your box. Sadly, if you’re seeing Channel 5 in SD, you’ll need to upgrade your Sky box.

The affected boxes are:
Digibox: 4F01 to 4F06 (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)

Although it’s clearly a pain switching devices, Sky is softening the blow thanks to customers getting a modern Sky Q box for free. This award-winning device features the ability to record numerous shows at the same time along with offering the option to view in pin-sharp 4K which is four times better than standard HD. There’s also voice search to help find shows and content faster plus it’s fully compatible with streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video so there’s no need for additional gadgets such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

To make sure things run smoothly a Sky engineer will pay you a visit and set up the Q box. The company has confirmed that there’s no fee for installation there’ll be no change to your Sky TV package or pricing.

You can upgrade by calling 0333 759 5121 or by logging into your account online.

Once everything is sorted, you’ll then not only be able to watch local shows in full HD but also have the award-winning Sky Q box in your home.

Want to know more? Read our full Sky Q review

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