Third HD Sports Channel For Sky

BSkyB is launching a new part-time HD service, Sky Sports HDX, to add to its portfolio of high-definition channels.

The service will replace Prem Plus HD following the loss of Sky’s monopoly on Premiership football last year. Setanta won two premierhip packages, while Sky will be broadcasting four packages from the beginning of the 2007-08 season (see Sky And Setanta Share Remaining Premiership Rights).

Sky Sports HDX will only broadcast if there are three separate HD events available, such as this Sunday, when Sky will be able to simultaneously broadcast HD coverage of Premiership Football, English domestic one day cricket and the rugby Super League across the three channels.

In March, Sky, in conjunction with the BBC, also lost the rights to England football internationals and the FA Cup tournament to Setanta and ITV from August 2008 (see ITV & Setanta Win FA Cup & England Home Matches).

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com