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SKY has warned customers that they face a major channel blackout in a matter of weeks unless they upgrade their old telly boxes.
Following similar moves by the BBC and ITV, Sky is set to dismantle its standard-definition (SD) network - when all SD channels will largely disappear.
It means Sky customers still using an old SD box like Sky+ will need to upgrade to a newer Sky box, Cord Busters reported.
The broadcaster has already given customers warning of the SD channel switch off, with many subscribers seeing warning alerts on their TVs.
However, it hasn't revealed its timeline for the blackout until now.
From tomorrow (26 March), all BBC SD channels will be removed from Sky's satellite platform forever.
These channels stopped broadcasting in January, as part of the BBC's own SD switch off.
However, they will continue to show notification messages until tomorrow.
It's important to note that all SD channels have an HD 'twin' - the same channel but with a better picture quality.
HD versions of your beloved channel will be accessible to you on a different channel number if you upgrade your telly box.
The biggest part of Sky's SD switch off will arrive in May, the broadcaster has just announced.
Starting in May, customers with older SD channels will lose access to a handful of Sky's top channels, including Sky Cinema, Sky Sports and the MUTV channel.
Then in August, those same customers will see the rest of Sky's SD channels disappear.
Or, you can check this list of affected boxes:
Digibox:
Sky+:
It's not all doom and gloom for Sky customers with older boxes.
Sky is offering free upgrades to anyone affected by the switch off.
So, you can keep your beloved channels - and get a shiny new Sky Q box - without spending a penny and without any changes to your package or pricing.
But this upgrade is something you have to volunteer yourself for, and there for that there is a deadline.
To sign up for an upgrade, Sky customers can call 0333 759 5121 or upgrade online via this link.
If you fail to upgrade your Sky box to an HD box, your subscriptions to the SD-versions of Sky Cinema and Sky Sports will be automatically cancelled.
Sky customers who don't want the free upgrade are also able to cancel their subscription altogether, without paying any early termination fees.
SD broadcasting its being totally retired.
Sky says SD will still be available on more modern devices like Sky Q and Sky Glass boxes, for those who don't have high-definition (HD) compatible TVs.
And since Sky continues to charge extra for HD channels on some devices and plans, it's ideal for those who don't want to fork out the extra cash.
The BBC and ITV went ahead with similar switch offs earlier this year, as part of an industry shift towards high-definition (HD) channels, which are only available on newer receivers.
Try a whole host of Sky tricks to take your TV experience to a new level.
