Digital TV News

ITV HD channels coming to Sky

Wednesday 4 August, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Telly addicts could soon watch episodes of their favourite ITV shows in super sharp high-definition on HD versions of ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 - but only if they have a subscription with Sky.

ITV has signed an exclusive deal with satellite TV giant Sky to offer high-definition versions of its popular ITV2, 3 and 4 channels, confirming rumours that HD content from the broadcaster would be subscription-only.

The channels, which will show a range of programmes, sports and films in high-definition, will be available to all Sky+HD homes taking the Sky HD viewing pack.

The broadcaster said that ITV2 HD will launch in October for the start of The Xtra Factor, with ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD launching shortly after.

Adam Crozier, ITV’s chief executive, said: “I’m delighted to announce ITV’s move into pay-TV with this deal with Sky. We will launch our highly successful family of digital channels, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4, in high-definition for the very first time as part of the Sky+HD subscription.”

ITV2 HD content will include top entertainment shows such as Britain’s Got More Talent, The Xtra Factor and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here Now! and original dramas like the third series of Secret Diary of a Call Girl as well as acquired content including Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl.

ITV3 HD will show HD dramas and factual series such as Joanna Lumley’s Nile and Martin Clunes’ Islands of Britain. And ITV4 HD’s high-definition content will include premium sports events such as Tour de France and UEFA Europa League, as well as a selection of films.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “Making viewers pay to watch some of their favourite ITV shows in high-definition is a bold, and perhaps unwise, move by the broadcaster - and allowing Sky to be the only digital TV provider to offer the HD channels will anger many Virgin Media customers.”