Sky One To Show First HD Live Music Broadcast

Sky One will broadcast the first ever UK live music broadcast in high definition with a Robbie Williams concert in Leeds on 9 September.

The broadcast will be shown simultaneously on Sky One in standard definition and Sky One HD for subscribers. Viewers of the concert in Roundhay Park will also be able to access interactive TV applications, including a choice of camera angles.

Consumers with compatible home entertainment systems will be able to listen in Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

“This deal reinforces Sky One’s position as the number one entertainment channel,” said Richard Woolfe, programming director at the broadcaster.

“It will capture the atmosphere of the concert in ways that a traditional broadcast couldn’t,” said The Robster.

Sky’s HD TV went on sale in the UK and Ireland in May (see Sky Launches HD Service Next Week). Viewers benefit from a cinema-like experience, with four times the picture detail of standard definition. Last month, a set-top box shortage threatened the smooth roll-out of the service (see Set Top Box Shortage Threatens To Delay Sky HD).

According to market research firm GFK, 2.7 million HD-ready television sets are expected to be sold by the end of 2006.

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com