Sky Boosts Audience Reach With HomeChoice Deal
Several of Sky’s premier satellite channels are to be made available on the HomeChoice platform for the first time, following an agreement between Video Networks Ltd and BSkyB.
The new deal will see Sky retailing Sky Movies and Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and Xtra to HomeChoice customers, who access their digital TV services via a high-speed internet connection, rather than satellite, cable or terrestrial signals.
The HomeChoice service currently offers users a range of digital channels, as well as a dedicated video on demand service. The latest tie-up between the company and Sky will take the total number of services to more than 80 digital TV and film channels. HomeChoice customers also receive a broadband Internet connection with their TV package enabling phone, internet access and digital TV to be streamed via a standard BT phone line.
Commenting on the deal Roger Lynch, chairman and CEO of HomeChoice’s parent company Video Networks Ltd said: “The addition of these channels is great news for HomeChoice subscribers. Sky’s sports channels offer fantastic coverage of events that are close to the hearts of all UK sports fans. Furthermore, the addition of Sky Movies means even more choice for our customers.”
He added: “There are currently over 1000 films at their fingertips via our on-demand film channels Film 1st and Movies Now. Factor in the movies delivered via Sky’s channels and the HomeChoice platform offers outstanding choice for film fans.”
Martin Goswami, Sky’s commercial director, added: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Video Networks that enables Sky to retail its services on the HomeChoice platform. This is a new initiative for Sky and a further broadening of the distribution of our channels.”
Reports earlier this month hinted at Sky preparing its own video on demand services, enabling cinema and movie fanatics to download the latest blockbusters direct to their living room.
The new technology could build on the company’s current Sky+ services, allowing customers to watch films on demand. It is not known whether the movies would be stored indefinitely or would have a built in expiry date, allowing titles to be ‘rented’ for a specific time period, or allowing the customer to watch a limited number of times (see Sky To Sell Cinema By Satellite To Movie Buffs).
Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com
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