Upcoming Changes to Sky Q Channels
Sky Q customers are about to experience a significant shift in their channel lineup, with notable changes set to take place in April. This overhaul will result in the removal of several channels from satellite TV, leaving many viewers frustrated. Among the channels disappearing from Sky Q is U&W HD, known for airing popular shows like Masterchef USA. This change is just the latest in a series of adjustments that have been impacting satellite television.
Despite the loss of these channels, Sky Glass and Sky Stream users will still have access to U&W HD and U&Yesterday HD in high definition (HD), as these services are based on streaming rather than traditional satellite dishes. However, starting April 1, viewers on Sky Q and Sky+HD will only be able to watch these channels in standard definition (SD).
The two HD channels that will be discontinued on satellite are U&W HD and U&Yesterday HD, which are currently positioned at channel numbers 132 and 155. By April 1, these channels will switch to SD broadcasts. This news comes on the heels of recent announcements that Sky History 2 HD and Sky History +1 will also be removed from Sky Q, marking another setback for satellite TV enthusiasts.
It’s important to note that Sky Q customers typically pay a premium for their HD channels. However, UKTV, the broadcaster behind U&W and U&Yesterday, will continue to offer other HD channels such as U&Alibi, U&Gold, U&Dave, and U&Drama, ensuring that viewers still have options for high-quality programming.
Sky Q Channel Changes for April
Here are the latest updates regarding channel movements for Sky Q and Sky+HD users:
- April 2: TV Warehouse will move from 676 to 673
- April 2: Cruise1st.tv will shift from 681 to 675
- April 2: Sky History 2 SD will change from 840 to 163 (168 in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland)
- April 3: Sky Gangsters will be rebranded as Sky Thriller on 309
- April 3: Sky Cinema Books To Screen will transition to Sky Cinema Adventure on 302
- April 4: Sky Cinema Family will become Sky Cinema Harry Potter on 306 / 805
- April 4: Sky Cinema Hits will be renamed to Sky Cinema The Hobbit on 303
Sky Glass and Sky Stream Channel Changes for April
While there are no channel closures for Sky Glass or Sky Stream, several channels will be moving positions. The changes may vary based on your location:
- April 1: U&Alibi HD will move from 130 to 120 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: U&Gold HD will shift from 131 to 121 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: U&Dave HD will transition from 132 to 130 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: U&W HD will move from 133 to 131 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: U&Drama will shift from 134 to 132 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: U&Yesterday HD will transition from 161 to 133 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: U&Eden will move from 162 to 134 (available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales only)
- April 1: GINX TV HD will change from 419 to 417 (nationwide)
- April 1: MUTV HD will shift from 420 to 418 (nationwide)
- April 1: LFCTV HD will transition from 421 to 419 (nationwide)
- April 1: Premier Sports 1 HD will move from 419 to 417 (Republic of Ireland only)
- April 1: Premier Sports 2 HD will shift from 420 to 418 (Republic of Ireland only)
- April 1: GINX TV HD will transition from 421 to 419 (Republic of Ireland only)
- April 1: MUTV HD will change from 422 to 420 (Republic of Ireland only)
- April 1: LFCTV HD will move from 423 to 421 (Republic of Ireland only)
- April 3: Sky Gangsters will be rebranded as Sky Thriller on 309
- April 3: Sky Cinema Books To Screen will transition to Sky Cinema Adventure on 302
- April 4: Sky Cinema Family will become Sky Cinema Harry Potter on 306
- April 4: Sky Cinema Hits will be renamed to Sky Cinema The Hobbit on 303
Is the End of Satellite TV Approaching?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Satellite television is becoming an increasingly costly venture. Sky, for instance, does not own the satellites that transmit channels to viewers; they pay a satellite operator for this service. As the industry evolves, streaming is emerging as the dominant model, not just for Sky but across the entire television landscape. With the introduction of Sky Glass and Sky Stream, Sky is able to cut out the need for satellite operators, thus reducing costs and the requirement for satellite dishes. Recently, Sky and SES, the satellite operator, extended their agreement to continue satellite TV services until 2029. However, as technology continues to advance, we may need to reevaluate the future of satellite TV. Currently, millions still enjoy satellite services, but Sky reports that 90% of new customers opt for the streaming options of Sky Glass or Sky Stream.
