News

Sky Launches High Definition Television Service in May 2006 (24/3/2006)

Sky today moved closer to the launch of its high definition television service with the announcement of pricing details and confirmation that the first installations of Sky HD are scheduled to begin in May 2006.

Customers will pay £299 for the Sky HD box and a Sky HD subscription of £10 a month in addition to their Sky digital subscription*. As an introductory offer, standard installation of Sky HD is free for all new or existing Sky digital subscribers taking a Sky HD subscription**.

Brian Sullivan, Sky's Director of Product Strategy and Management, said:

"Sky is just weeks away from an exciting new era that will transform the television viewing experience. Sky HD customers will be able to enjoy stunning picture and sound quality from the widest range of HD channels in the UK and Ireland. We're delighted that the BBC has said that its HD coverage of the World Cup will be available to all customers with a Sky HD box as a non-subscription channel."

Consumers who registered their interest in Sky HD prior to 23 March now have the chance to pre-order online. Sales will open to the general public in April.

About Sky HD

High Definition TV will be the biggest revolution in TV picture quality in decades, offering TV picture and sound that is much closer to a cinematic experience. Sky HD will deliver, sharper, brighter more vibrant pictures, enabling viewers to become immersed in the programme as if they are part of the action or seeing nature in its true colour and detail for the first time. In order to enjoy Sky HD consumers will need to have a compatible HD TV, a Sky HD box and the relevant Sky HD and Sky digital subscriptions. Sky estimates that 2.1 million HD TVs will have been sold in the UK by the end of the 2006, compared with 700,000 at the end of 2005.

The initial Sky HD channel line up will consist of:

Sky Sports HD

Live Barclays Premiership football and Guinness Premiership Rugby union are already being produced in High-Definition by Sky Sports in preparation for Sky's HD launch. From the start of the domestic cricket season, England's home Tests and one-Day internationals and country matches will also be produced in HD. From the 2006-07 season, Sky HD will offer live matches in the Coca Cola League in high definition, together with live coverage from the Carling Cup.

Sky Movies HD and Sky Box Office HD

Viewers will be able to choose from two Sky Movies HD screens dedicated to films broadcast in HD, and up to ten extra movies in HD each week on Sky Box Office. Sky Movies HD titles will include Kill Bill: Vol 1, Spider-Man 2 and Big Fish.

Sky One will be simulcast in HD offering a selection of high quality entertainment with a range of Sky One shows and cutting edge series from the US in HD. Sky One series confirmed for HD include 24, Rescue Me, Bones, Over There, Stargate and Stargate Atlantis.

Artsworld will be simulcast in HD showing a selection of arts programming including opera, dance and classical music. Artsworld HD performances confirmed for 2006 include The Marriage of Figaro, Othello, The Who Live at the Isle of Wight, Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight Festival (fully remastered in HD) and Anthony Minghella Directs Madam Butterfly.

Discovery HD

Delivering the ideal viewing experience, Discovery HD will bring audiences even closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and expansive detail, featuring a selection of programming from Discovery's extensive library of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition content ranging from culture, engineering, science, technology and nature to travel and lifestyle themes.

National Geographic HD

An HD National Geographic channel will be available at launch offering a range of HD content including innovative factual programming, produced in the UK and around the world, covering natural history, wildlife, science and world exploration with the added benefit of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound

*Sky digital subscription is currently £15-£42.50 per month. Sky One HD, Artsworld HD, National Geographic HD, Discovery HD and Sky Box Office HD (pay-per-view charges apply) will be available to all Sky HD subscribers. To get Sky Sports HD you will need Sky Sports 1 & 2 in your Sky digital package. To get Sky Movies 9 HD you will also need Sky Movies 1 in your package and for Sky Movies 10 HD you will need Sky Movies 2. The Sky+ capability of the Sky HD box requires a Sky+ subscription (free when you subscribe to two or more Sky Premium Channels, otherwise £10 a month).

**Until 31 May or while initial stocks last (if earlier).

www.sky.com