Published:
20-Aug-08
BSkyB will launch seven new HD channels in October 2008 bringing the total number of HD services to 26 (24 linear channels and two PPV feeds).
Sky will broadcast HD simulcasts of six of its eight genre-themed movie channels, on top of the existing three Sky Movies HD feeds, bringing the total number of Sky Movies HD channels to nine.
- Sky Movies Action/Thriller HD
- Sky Movies Sci-Fi/Horror HD
- Sky Movies Drama HD
- Sky Movies Modern Greats HD
- Sky Movies Family HD
- Sky Movies Comedy HD
Sky will also introduce an HD version of Sky Real Lives, an in-house entertainment channel channel.
Our take...
Having recently announced a significant reduction in the Sky+ HD box cost, Sky is now naming the HD channel additions that were promised. This brings the HD line-up to a total of 26 (see updated downloadable table below), far beyond what is offered by pay TV operators anywhere else in Europe (the next biggest platforms offering around 10 channels). We believe this is bound to drive HD subscribers from 498,000 at end-June to 630,000 by end-year and beyond one million next year.
After only two HD additions in 2007, the latest announcement is bringing the 2008 additions total to 12 new channels. 25 of the 26 Sky HD services are exclusive to Sky. Screen Digest expects that, as nearly all Sky Movies channels are now available in HD formats, future extensions to Sky's HD line-up will address other genres (including news, music, children's TV)
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