Digital TV Guides

Sky Arts

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Tuesday 1 March, 2011

Do you love opera, dance and theatre? Enjoy some of the finer things on television with the Sky Arts channels - a group of channels available on Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk TV.

If you’re a discerning viewer then you will be right at home watching the UK’s only channel dedicated to the arts - Sky Arts. Described by producer Sky (www.sky.co.uk) as “contemporary without being stuffy”, there’s something for all tastes on Sky Arts, from dance and art, to music and literature.

Broadcasting highlights include music documentary series Songbook and Mariella Frostrup’s literati interview series The Book Show. But how do you get Sky Arts?

Sky Arts channels

First launched as Artsworld in 2000, the channel was bought by broadcasting giant Sky in 2003 and has since branched out to include Sky Arts 1, Sky Arts 2 and two high-definition (HD) versions of the channels: Sky Arts 1 HD and Sky Arts 2 HD.

The channels have a range of programmes that are dedicated to the arts, including literature, music and dance. Music lovers will enjoy the Songbook series, which gets up close and personal with the most current artists around from Bernard Sumner to Jarvis Cocker, revealing their secrets about the song writing process.

Mariella Frostrup talks to the literati in The Book Show, finding out what inspires the nation’s favourite authors. And In Confidence lets sociology professor Laurie Taylor interview some of the most innovative people out there, including artist Damien Hirst and singer Lily Allen, providing insight into what lies behind the talent.

Highlights on the channels and their HD simulcasts, include:

• Sky Arts 1 - Celebs get the easel treatment in Fame In The Frame as forger John Mayatt replaces the principal characters in some of history’s most iconic portraits with their modern-day faces, and if you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, tune in to Centre Stage for music from the likes of Hendrix, Oasis and REM.
• Sky Arts 2 - La Danse is a documentary series fronted by Frederick Wiseman following life at the National Opera house in Paris, and Oscar-nominated director Mike Figgis introduces some of the most inspirational and cutting-edge films of the moment in Sky Arts Cinema, before they are shown in full on Sky Arts 2.

As Sky says, “give your head a rest from reality shows and tune into Sky Arts,” for programmes with culture and expertise.

La Danse is a documentary following the Paris Opera Ballet

How to watch the Sky Arts channels

If you want to watch some of the documentaries and series that Sky Arts has to offer, you’ll need a subscription to a TV package from either Sky, Virgin Media or TalkTalk TV. The prices of the packages vary, so it’s important you compare what’s available and sign-up for the cheapest deal for you.

All Sky (www.sky.co.uk) customers get the Sky Arts channels with either the Sky Entertainment or the Sky Extra, starting from £20.00 a month.

If you’ve got a HD ready TV and want to watch all the films in high-definition, you will also have to subscribe to the Sky HD pack, which costs an additional £10.25 a month. Many Sky Arts programmes are also available on Sky Anytime+ and can also be viewed via the Sky Go.

Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com) subscribers with the L TV package will also get access to Sky Arts 1, and homes with the larger XL package will get both Sky Arts 1 and Sky Arts 2.

Sky Arts 1 is also available on TalkTalk TV as part of the provider’s Variety Pack.

Freeview homes do not get access to the Sky Arts channels, so if you are looking for some high-brow culture to keep you entertained, it is worth looking at the channels on offer from Sky and Virgin Media.

Sky TV packages		Virgin Media TV packages
from £10 a month + FREE Sky+ box + £25 M&S voucher + FREE installation	from £17.62 a month + FREE Sky+HD box + £25 M&S voucher + FREE installation	from £10 a month + FREE V HD Box + FREE installation + £60 off your bill	from £36.15 a month + FREE V HD Box FREE installation + £60 off your bill
Online exclusive Sky TV - pick one viewing pack	Online exclusive Sky TV - pick one viewing pack Sky HD pack (1/2 price for 6 months)	Virgin Media M+ TV - 75 channels Up to 30Mb speed Unlimited downloads FREE UK weekend calls and calls to Virgin mobiles	Virgin Media XL TV - 175 channels Up to 30Mb speed Unlimited downloads FREE UK weekend calls and calls to Virgin mobiles
Visit Sky.com or call 08442 410582	Visit Sky.com or call 08442 410582	Visit VirginMedia.com	Visit VirginMedia.com