Sky Announces HDTV Channel Line Up
BSkyB has announced the line up of channels to be included in its high-definition services, due to be launched early next year.
The new service will offer a Sky Sports channel, Sky One, Artsworld, a Sky Box Office channel and two Sky Movies screens from launch, allowing viewers to enjoy a wide variety of programming with the intensity and rich detail of HD pictures.
The broadcaster is also holding “advanced discussions” with other broadcasters interested in offering HDTV services via its platform, the results of which are expected within the next few months.
Sky HD promises several improvements over the company’s existing services, in addition to improved picture quality. From launch, the HD Sky Sports channel will offer live and exclusive coverage of the Barclays Premiership with the added benefit of surround sound. Live rugby from the Guinness Premiership will also be available in HD, along with other sports to be confirmed later in the year.
Sky Movies will also offer two dedicated HD screens, with launch titles including Spider Man 2, The Day After Tomorrow and House of Flying Daggers. In addition, movie fans will able to choose from up to ten movies in HD each week on Sky Box Office.
A simulcast version of the existing Sky One channel will deliver high-quality entertainment programming with a range of Sky One shows and series in HD, while a simulcast version of the existing Artsworld channel will offer a selection of arts programming including opera, dance, and classical music.
The quality of HD broadcasts promises to transform the viewing experience for Sky customers, offering vastly improved picture and sound quality.
Sky customers will be able to pre-register for Sky HD in retail stores from 26 August, with Comet the first to launch its pre-registration service. Other retailers to follow soon after, allowing customers the opportunity to be among the first to receive Sky’s HD service in the UK.
Sky’s new HD ready equipment will feature PVR functionality as standard, with the inclusion of Sky+ branded technology already being confirmed by Sky. However, rumours have circulated that the new set-top box will also include a broadband modem to provide rich content via the internet (see New Sky Box To Pack Broadband For On-Demand TV).
Commenting on the launch, Brian Sullivan, Sky’s director of customer products and services, said: “The launch of high definition will be the start of an exciting new era in broadcasting and Sky HD will offer stunning picture and sound quality for a broad selection of programmes. When this choice of viewing is combined with the Sky+ functionality of the Sky HD box, consumers who upgrade to HD ready television sets can look forward to a viewing experience that will be truly transformed.”
Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com