Sky Unveils HD Pricing For Full Roll Out In May

Satellite giant Sky has unveiled the pricing structure for its forthcoming high definition service, with customers facing a charge of nearly £300 for the appropriate set top box, as well as an extra monthly fee to receive the broadcaster’s high quality channels.

The SkyHD service is now available for pre-order from the broadcaster, with those expressing an early interest receiving a one month head start on the general public, which will be allowed to order the service from April.

Sky anticipates installations to begin in May, with customers required to lay out a £30 deposit either online or in Comet stores beforehand.

The broadcaster’s HD set top box will initially cost subscribers £299, with a subscription to HD services costing a further £10 per month on top of their regular subscription.

The number of HD channels available from launch will be limited however, with only Sky Movies 9 and 10, Sky Sports, Sky Box Office 1 and 2, National Geographic, Sky One, Artsworld and Discovery airing in the new format (see Sky Gears Up For High Definition Launch).

Those wishing to make the most of their HD capability will therefore require the broadcaster’s largest channel package, costing £42.50 per month, plus the £10 SkyHD fee.

Those subscribing to more than two of Sky’s ‘premium’ channels will receive the Sky+ PVR capability free however, with the new HD set top box featuring the technology as standard, albeit with a £10 per month fee for those not opting for premium content.

Yesterday saw the BBC confirm its intention to broadcast World Cup and Wimbledon coverage in high definition, allowing viewers with the appropriate cable or satellite equipment crystal clear reception of the championships.

A limited number of Freeview viewers in London will also be treated to the service, which forms part of the Corporation’s HD trials, due to start in the middle of the year (see BBC To Screen World Cup And Wimbledon In HD).

Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com