Digital TV News

Sky subscribers embrace high-definition and 3D TV

Thursday 29 April, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

More and more Brits are taking up Sky’s digital TV service, as the satellite giant adds more high-definition channels, offers a free HD set-top box and launches Europe’s first dedicated 3D TV channel.

Over 428,000 households, both existing and new Sky (www.sky.co.uk) customers, signed up for a Sky+HD set-top box in the first three months of 2010, according to the satellite TV giant’s latest financial results.

The Sky+HD box allows subscribers to watch their favourite TV programmes, films and sports in high-definition (HD), with a clearer picture and sharper sound. Customers can also record, pause and rewind live TV using the box.

Chief executive of Sky, Jeremy Darroch, said: “We have seen a huge response to our decision to cut the upfront cost of high-definition, with 428,000 new customers.”

The Sky+HD box now comes free as standard for all new subscribers, while existing customers that want to upgrade can get the set-top box free if they take the HD channel pack, which costs an extra £10 a month.

Darroch added: “Our leading HD box is allowing us to bring more innovation to customers faster and at a lower cost.”

Sky recently announced the launch of four new HD channels, including Five HD and Sky Sports HD 4. Along with the launch of Sky News HD on 6 May, customers will be able to access up to 42 high-definition channels. Sky plans to launch a further eight before Christmas 2010.

The arrival of 3D TV

Following the success of its first 3D broadcast of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Manchester United in January, Sky has launched Europe’s first dedicated 3D TV channel.

The channel, which shows live 3D Barclays Premier League matches, can now be watched at over 1,000 pubs and clubs around the UK. It will be made available to Sky+HD subscribers by the end of the year, and will showcase a range of 3D content, including sports, films and documentaries.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “It’s great to see that more and more UK homes are embracing Sky’s award-winning HD service, and with the World Cup fast approaching, many footy fans will be keen to watch all the action in high-defintion.”