Anyone who hasn't upgraded their Sky box in a very long time should probably bite the bullet and change things up. A number of content providers - such as BBC and ITV - have already pulled the plug on broadcasting in Standard Definition (SD) and now Channel 4 has also confirmed it will end its SD services later this month and only show programmes in better High Definition

Along with its main channel, all other SD services such as C4+1, 4Seven, E4, More4, E4 Extra and Film 4 will also stop working and that's bad news if you love watching shows such as Grand Designs and Location, Location, Location, Made in Chelsea and Married at First Sight.

That news basically means anyone with an old Sky SD box will be left without much, if anything, to watch.

Sky has been warning SD users for months that they need to switch away from that set-top box with the firm even offering a free upgrade to the much more advanced Sky Q platform.

"You can upgrade to Sky Q at no extra cost. Upgrade online or call 0333 759 5121 - we'd advise doing this as soon as possible to avoid long wait times," Sky explained.

"Your new box will be installed by one of our engineers on a date that suits you. You can then access all of the Sky channels in your Sky TV package."

Once upgraded, a full channel list will be resumed but if you are still using a very old device it really is time to make the switch.

Confirming the news about it SD channel closures a Channel 4 spokesperson told the The Sun: "We are changing the technology we use to broadcast our channels to Sky and Freesat households – ensuring we are delivering the highest quality HD viewing experience to all, and, opening up the potential for new services in the future,"

"With Sky customers being encouraged to move to HD boxes, this will affect only a very small number of viewers.

"This follows similar moves by ITV and Sky earlier this year.

"All our channels, along with a wide range of on-demand content, are also available on Channel 4 streaming via smart TVs, mobile, tablets and PC’s.

"Sky customers are able to upgrade to new equipment at no cost.

"There are no changes on Freeview and Virgin Media, plus, satellite viewers with HD boxes are unaffected."

Check if your Sky box is affected:

Select channel 101 on your remote. If you see BBC One HD, you're not affected. If you see BBC One in SD, you are and you'll need to upgrade your Sky box.

Or;

Press Services on your Sky remote, then press 4 then 5

Check the version number

The affected boxes are:

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)