UK: Virgin Media Launches Kids TV App

UK cable operator Virgin Media is launching its dedicated kids app, which was first announced to television news publication TBI Vision at the Children’s Media Conference in Sheffield in July.

The Virgin Kids App is designed specifically for pre and early primary school children (3-7 years old) for kids aged 3-7, and will offer more than 2,000 episodes of on-demand kids TV programming at launch, plus games and reading books.

Virgin’s chief digital entertainment officer, David Bouchier told TBI the app would be a “safe space” for children with no advertising, commercial influences or in-app purchase opportunities.

Show available at launch come from Virgin’s partners, including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Disney. They include Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Mike the Knight, Bob The Builder, In the Night Garden, Masha and Bear, Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry, and Monkey See, Monkey Doo.

Book titles available at launch include Monsters Love Underpants, Princess Evie’s Ponies, Dogs Don’t Do Ballet and the Robot with No Bottom, whilst the games list includes Playful Kitty, Bubble Gems, Kids Tangram and Doctor Teeth.

Virgin customers can download the Virgin Kids app from the Apple and Google download stores, with shows available to view offline when abroad. The app is available at no extra cost to Virgin customers who have the Fun or Full House TV package.

“Our Virgin TV Kids app is a safe and fun space designed exclusively for pre-schoolers, Virgin TV’s youngest customers,” said Bouchier. “Parents and carers can let their children explore the best children’s TV shows from all their favourite channels such as Disney, Nick Jr, Boomerang and more, as well as a wide range of books and games safe in the knowledge that kids can never be exposed to age inappropriate or harmful content.

“Our Kids app has not only the UK’s best selection of pre-school entertainment, but it comes with added peace of mind for parents – an environment free from ads and other commercial influences.

"Best of all it comes at no extra cost to Virgin TV customers who subscribe to our kids channels. What could be a better parental antidote for the holidays!"

Virgin’s music and kids content editor, Sarah Aspinall, first mentioned the service earlier this summer. She also revealed the service was looking at original commissioning.

The launch of the Virgin Kids App follows Sky launching the Sky Kids app, which offers a similar service, in March 2016.

To celebrate the launch of the Virgin Kids App, Virgin Media held a special event in London:

Kids are jumping for joy in London today to celebrate the launch of our new Kids App. 2,000 eps of top TV shows, books & games! #AppyKids pic.twitter.com/BqvQEH5fdv

— VirginMediaCorporate (@VirginMediaCorp) August 24, 2017

Virgin TV Kids Mobile App Download Links:

Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.virginmedia.kidsapp&hl=en_GB

iTunes App Store (iOS): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/virgin-tv-kids/id1258115045?mt=8

From the Virgin TV Kids App Description From Google Play

Designed for kids aged 3-7 the Virgin TV Kids app lets you conjure up entertainment with the tap of a finger (or the stamp of a foot) at home – and on the go.

There’s top telly available on demand, brilliant books and great games for developing curious minds. Loads of TV favourites are there, ready to watch – from Nick Jr, Cartoonito, Milkshake and TinyPop. There are hundreds of hours of shows on demand including Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Pingu, Mike the Knight, Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, In The Night Garden, Paw Patrol, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom and more.

And it’s not just TV. There are lots of games and books to enjoy together, too. The best thing is,
there are no ads to skip, or breaks to huff and puff through. And there’s no way they can rack up costs with in app purchases. Phew

You can set up separate profiles for each child and the app will remember the most recent activities done on the app so it’s quick and easy to continue where they left off. You can even select the loop button to repeat the same show 5 times.

Key Features:

As a Virgin TV customer, this app lets your child:
– Watch loads of kids content on demand
– Play kid friendly games
– Read children’s books
– Watch on up to 4 compatible devices



Kidscreen interviewed David Bouchier, Virgin Media’s chief digital entertainment officer, about the launch of Virgin TV Kids:

Inside Virgin Media’s brand-new preschool app

Virgin Media's chief digital entertainment officer talks Virgin TV Kids, and why preschoolers are a key component of the pay-TV value proposition.

UK pay-TV operator Virgin Media has released Virgin TV Kids, a safe, dedicated iOS and Android app for preschoolers featuring a carefully curated selection of popular on-demand programs from the likes of Viacom, Turner and Disney, as well as interactive games and books.

The app, available to all Virgin TV subscribers on the network’s Fun and Full House bundles via free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play, is devoid of advertising and in-app purchases. It offers thousands of episodes of kids programming from Virgin channel partners including Boomerang, Cartoonito, Disney Junior, Tiny Pop, Milkshake!, Nick Jr., NickToons, Tiddlers TV, VTV Kids and ZooMoo, along with an expansive book library and 14 interactive games. Its unique “repeat” button lets kids watch the same episode of a show five times in a row, and parental settings allow for offline viewing, as well as usage history of games, books and TV shows.

According to David Bouchier, Virgin Media’s chief digital entertainment officer, the decision to launch Virgin TV Kids was driven by the fact that preschool is a key component of the pay-TV value proposition, given that a significant chunk of Virgin’s roughly 40% of subscribers with children under 16 are, in fact, preschoolers.

“It’s also about exploiting and developing the unique position we have as a platform with the best content partners in Viacom, Turner and Disney,” says Bouchier. (Virgin renewed its multi-year programming deal with Viacom in the UK and Ireland in October 2016. Part of that deal brought Viacom-owned Channel 5′s preschool programming block Milkshake! to the operator a month later, along with access to Viacom’s mobile streaming apps Nickelodeon Play and Nick Jr. Play. Virgin also extended its long-term content deal with Turner in November 2016.)

Other reasons for the release, according to Bouchier, include Virgin’s need to follow its increasingly on-the-go, tech-savvy younger audience that’s demanding content across every screen. He points to the app’s ability to provide offline downloads as a key component for serving this demo.

“Netflix recently allowed temporary downloads, and Sky Go Extra in the UK has had the functionality for a few years, but we did not offer it on our streaming app. Virgin TV Kids is our first app for temporary downloads, which is a big deal,” he says.

As for competing with established products in the region like the Sky Kids app, Bouchier says Virgin purposely designed an app dedicated to preschoolers from the get-go to help it stand apart. “We have a lot of respect for Sky and how they operate, but their strategy is different from ours,” he says. “We deliberately did not try to create a soup to nuts, big age group kids app because we would alienate the older kids, not engage the younger ones and potentially expose preschoolers to inappropriate programming.”

Among the shows debuting on the app are Bob The Builder, Mike The Knight, In The Night Garden, Thomas & Friends, Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol, Masha and Bear, Scooby Doo, Tom and Jerry, Monkey See, Monkey Doo and Angelina Ballerina. (Content will be refreshed monthly.) For its book library, the app features Monsters Love Underpants, three Princess Evie’s Ponies titles, Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, Barry The Fish With Fingers and No-Bot, the Robot with No Bottom, to name a few. Its games include Playful Kitty, Bubble Gems, Kids Tangram and Doctor Teeth.

“It’s very difficult in the current media environment to try and be the one place for everything. We do know that if you build a fantastic proposition, you’ll get your audience,” Bouchier says. “With Viacom, they have created complementary streaming environments, so why wouldn’t we offer those to our customers? Nickelodeon Play allows us to hit all the other demos and maximize the investment that they bring.”

The app launch follows the arrival of former Azoomee creative director Sarah Aspinall as Virgin’s kids and music editor last December. Reporting to Virgin Media’s director of subscription services Pete Chapman, Aspinall is currently responsible for Virgin’s kids programming including channel relationships, on-demand strategy and kids initiatives.

“Bringing Sarah in was a very good move to strengthen Pete’s team in the area of kids and get a dedicated head for that area,” says Bouchier. As Virgin grows its kids business across screens, the operator may soon invest in original commissions to help keep pace with Amazon and Netflix.

Bouchier, however, says the biggest challenge going forward is getting more subscribers to pay for TV. “In the UK, we have exactly the right brand, market position, product and triple-play, quad-play offer, but we need to ensure we keep delivering the value proposition. To get people to pay for TV is always the challenge,” he says.

--Ends--

More Nick: Nickelodeon International Launches "Nella The Princess Knight"-Inspired App To Promote Self-Confidence, Inclusiveness And Kindness!

Sources: TBI Vision, Digital TV Europe, Advanced Television, TVBEurope, RegularCapital.com, Virgin Media Customer Help and Support.

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Virgin Media And Viacom Expand Programme Deal In The UK

UK pay TV platform Virgin Media and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) have agreed a new multi-year programming deal in the UK and Ireland.

The partnership ensures Virgin Media customers will continue to enjoy favourite networks such as Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., MTV, and Comedy Central, as will also bring new Viacom channels and additional catch up TV and box sets to Virgin Media's TV platform.

As part of the unspecified multiyear deal, Virgin Media customers will have access to hundreds of hours of box sets featuring programmes such as Geordie Shore from MTV and Inside Amy Schumer from Comedy Central. New kids box sets from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. – including SpongeBob SquarePants and Paw Patrol – and, from November, Channel 5's Milkshake will further boost Virgin Media's existing selection of kids' programmes.

Virgin Media customers will also be the first in the UK to have access to the Viacom Play Plex, which will feature four new mobile streaming apps - Nickelodeon Play, Nick Jr. Play, MTV Play and Comedy Central Play – giving them on-demand, on-the-go access to a library of content from each brand, as well another means of accessing a live feed of the relevant channel and a range of short-form content and games. As part of the deal, the Spike linear channel has also been made available to Virgin Media customers for the first time since the channel launched in April 2015, alongside more than 20 additional Viacom channels.

Viacom's most-watched TV channels will now also be available on Virgin Media's TV Anywhere platform. This means Virgin Media customers can continue to enjoy programmes from MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon on their mobile devices.

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media said: "This agreement with Viacom means our customers will not just continue to have access to some of the very best TV from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon or the newly launched Spike, but can now enjoy even more programmes on demand – whether on TV or mobile. We continue to give our customers the very best TV to watch when and how they want and it’s fantastic to work with partners who really understand this."

Arran Tindall, Senior Vice President (SVP), Commercial and Content Distribution, for Viacom International Media Networks, added: "This deal gives Virgin Media's customers even greater choice and control over what, when and where they watch the broad array of quality content that Viacom has to offer. We’re delighted to be partnering with Virgin Media to make content from all our branded networks available on every screen and both on-demand and on-the-go."

The release of the Play channels follows a model often seen in the United States where a programmer's content is tied to a cable subscription.

Time specifics of Virgin Media's and Viacom's new carriage arrangement were not announced.

Sources: Broadband TV News, TBI Vision, Advanced Television, Telecompaper, Digital TV Europe, H/T: Regular Capital.

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NOW TV unveils new Kids Pass offering the latest and best children's TV for just £2.99 a month

Original Sky Press Release via the Sky Media Centre:

NOW TV unveils new Kids Pass offering the latest and best children's TV for just £2.99 a month

04 May 2016

Online TV streaming service NOW TV continues to boost its customer offer with the launch of the NOW TV Kids Pass. It will be available to buy from the 21st June, offering an easy way to get top kids TV without a contract and for just £2.99 a month.

The NOW TV Kids Pass will let kids watch six dedicated live TV channels, as well as thousands of episodes and box sets on demand from Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, NickToons, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, CBeebies, CBBC, and Milkshake!.

Whenever they want, kids can enjoy the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol and The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time and The Amazing World of Gumball which are only available on demand to Sky and NOW TV customers. Later this year, they can watch Morph, following the recent news that Sky is commissioning brand new episodes of the much loved character from Oscar-winning studio, Aardman Animations.

All this will be available to watch via a special immersive user interface (UI) which was designed with both parents and children. It means the UI is not just fun to use, but adds safety controls for parents' peace of mind.

New features include:

* A fun space-themed interface - new characters Dixie, Norbert and Jessie interact with children on screen throughout the viewing experience

* Picture led navigation – shows and episodes are identified by characters and episode imagery helping kids easily identify the programmes they love

* Favourites rail – the service learns what little ones like so they can quickly and easily access their most-loved shows

* Next episode auto-play – means they can watch more episodes of their favourite shows without having to navigate back to the main menu

* Parental controls - these include: a screen lock to prevent little fingers accidently changing shows on a mobile or tablet; an 'escape prompt' which stops them from exiting the UI by mistake; and a parental PIN which allows parents to set restrictions on what they watch

Gidon Katz, Director of NOW TV, said: "We want to make sure that everyone in the family gets the best entertainment experience possible and that includes our younger viewers. We've created a vibrant, engaging world just for kids, so finding an episode of Dora the Explorer will be almost as fun as watching it. By creating a separate enhanced NOW TV Kids Pass our customers have even more choice when it comes to selecting the shows that are right for them, all with no contract."

The launch of the NOW TV Kids Pass sees Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and The Disney Channel move out of the NOW TV Entertainment Pass. In addition, from today, Nat Geo Wild will be added as a new channel to the Entertainment Pass, which will continue to offer exclusive access to shows on Sky Atlantic, such as Game of Thrones and must see new show Billions, 11.22.63 on FOX and Harlan Coben's The Five, on Sky1. Not to mention over 250 Box Sets ranging from Sex and The City, Revenge, Penny Dreadful and True Detective.

The NOW TV Kids Pass is available from the 21st of June for £2.99 without a contract and comes with a free 14 day trial. For more information visit www.nowtv.com/kids

[...]

Notes to Editor

The NOW TV Kids Pass offers six live channels and thousands of episodes and box sets available on demand from some of the top children's channels via a brand new child-friendly UI, accessible on the NOW TV service.

The six live channels are:

* Nickelodeon
* Nick Jr
* Nicktoons
* Boomerang
* Cartoon Network
* Cartoonito

Video on demand content from these channels will also be available, in addition to content from:

* Milkshake!
* CBeebies
* CBBC

About NOW TV
NOW TV currently lets you watch the latest movies, TV shows and live sport online. There's no contract, so you can dip in and out whenever you like. You can watch anytime, anywhere on the web with a Mac or PC, or on over 60 devices with the app, like your tablet, mobile and more.

Sign up and start watching instantly, with a Sky Movies Month, Entertainment Month or Sports Day, Week or Month Passes. Add more passes at any time, however you can only have one Sky Sports Pass on your account at any one time.

You can also watch any NOW TV Pass on your TV (via HDMI) with the NOW TV Box (£14.99). Our clever box turns your TV into a smart TV, and also gives you catch up TV from BBC iPlayer, All 4 and more. Plus awesome apps, like YouTube, Facebook and Spotify (separate subscription required).

* Entertainment Month Pass (£6.99 per month) – access to over 250 Box Sets and 14 channels not on Freeview, Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Discovery, MTV, Nat Geo Wild, Comedy Central, GOLD, Disney, FOX, Nickelodeon and Nick. Jnr, plus ITV Encore. Watch the latest TV shows live, on demand and on catch up. Plus a 14 day free trial for new customers.

* Sky Movies Month Pass (£9.99 per month) - access to over 1,000 movies on demand, including up to four new Sky Movies premieres each week. Plus a 14 day free trial for new customers.

* Sky Sports Day Pass (£6.99), Week Pass (£10.99) or Month Pass (£31.99 per month) – A day, week or month's access to the biggest live matches and events on all 7 Sky Sports channels. Catch exclusive action from the Barclays Premier League, Sky Bet Football League, International Cricket, and World Darts Championship and loads more.

NOW TV Boxes connects via HDMI (cable supplied) and Month Passes renew automatically unless cancelled. Customers can stop renewal at any time and a NOW TV pass and account required to activate a box, 18+.

Follow us on Twitter @NOWTV and @NOWTVSport
Join the conversation at Facebook.com/NOWTV
Visit us at Youtube.com/nowtvofficial

###

Read more: Sky Launches Brand New App Packed Full of Amazing Content Just For Kids

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Sky Launches Brand New App Packed Full of Amazing Content Just For Kids

Official Sky Press Release via RegularCapital.com:

SKY LAUNCHES BRAND NEW APP PACKED FULL OF AMAZING CONTENT JUST FOR KIDS

Sky is launching a brand new app tomorrow just for kids and at no extra cost to millions of Sky families. The Sky Kids app will offer a fun and safe way for preschoolers to nine year olds to enjoy the widest range of the most popular kids TV programmes including Nick Jr.'s Paw Patrol, Boomerang's Scooby Doo, CBeebies' Octonauts and Cartoon Network's Adventure Time. And they will soon be joined by children’s TV legend Morph, who is set to make his debut on the Sky Kids app later this year in brand new exclusive episodes.

The Sky Kids app features thousands of episodes of kids shows, including 16 of the 20 highest-rated shows, available to watch whenever and wherever they need to be entertained.

To create the best possible experience, hundreds of children and their parents have been involved in the development of the Sky Kids app. The result is an app that kids will love, supported by safety features that parents need. At launch, the Sky Kids app allows multiple age-appropriate profiles to be created and personalised using one of the playful Sky Buddy avatars. Future features available later this year include a sleep mode setting that gives parents the ability to limit viewing time.

In another step in the exciting growth of Sky's kids offer, Sky will commission its own exclusive original kids content. To start with later this year, in partnership with Oscar-winning Aardman Animation, Sky will premiere new episodes of the legendary Morph alongside brand new short features that encourage kids to create their own characters and films at home. Discussions are already underway with other producers about future projects and there are also plans to produce kids' versions of some favourite Sky shows.

Lucy Murphy, Head of Kids Content, Sky commented: "We have worked really closely with lots of children and their parents to design the new Sky Kids app. It means they can watch all their favourite shows in a really engaging way designed just for them. Safety is of fundamental importance so parents will be able to filter what their child watches according to their age.

"Having lots of great shows for kids has always really mattered to us. Around a quarter of Sky households have children so we know how important it is we give them the very best kids entertainment. That is why we are investing in exclusive new programming starting with family favourite Morph as well as developing future enhancements for the app including even more safety features, live channels and offline viewing."

Alix Wiseman, Head of Sales and Acquisitions & Executive Producer, Aardman commented: "Aardman and the creators of Morph are truly excited about partnering with Sky on this original content for their new app. Morph is very dear to our hearts and we hope that he and his mate Chas will entertain a brand new generation of viewers on this platform, as they have their loyal fan-base over the past four decades."

The app has been created by Sky's inhouse team together with ustwo, the digital product studio behind hit mobile game Monument Valley – winner of Apple's 2014 Design Award, iPad game of the year and two BAFTAs.

The app will ensure Sky remains the best entertainment choice for children and their parents. Sky TV families can already watch over 4,000 episodes of the most watched kids shows on demand through a dedicated Sky Kids tile on the home page as well as the widest range of live children's channels including Disney Jr, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon.

The launch of the Sky Kids app comes as new research shows that growing numbers of children are watching TV on mobile devices with 80% having access to a tablet at home. Sky's own research also shows that although 70% of parents think that TV in moderation is entertaining and educational, almost 60% of parents with children aged 3 to 12 are worried about the types of programmes they are watching [1]. This has meant that building features such as age-appropriate filtering has been a key priority during the development process.

Notes to Editors:

* Sky Kids is available to download from both Google Play and Apple's App Store from Thursday 31 March 2016. The app will work on 3G/4G and WiFi and is available for customers with the Sky Family or Variety bundle or Sky Q.

* Sky announced the development of the app with ustwo in June 2015 as it aimed to build on its position as the best entertainment service for children and their parents. Sky's commitment saw the expansion of the kids' shows available in Sky's on demand library from 700 to 4,000 episodes making Sky home to more episodes of the most-watched kids' shows than any other provider in the UK and Ireland.

Following the on demand investment, a dedicated kids tile was added to the Sky homepage which opens up a one-stop-shop of all the kids shows and movies available on demand, all kids TV recordings, plus a quick view of what's on now on linear channels like CBeebies and Nick Jr. Since the kids tile was added in Summer 2015, on demand views have increased five times.

Sky's Kids service is now being overseen by Sky's first dedicated Head of Kids Content, Lucy Murphy, who joined Sky in November 2015.

For further information, please contact:

Sky
Amy Holland
[...]
020 7032 1498

Fever PR
Shannon Bailey
[...]
020 7792 4486

ustwo
Steve Bittan
[...]

Aardman
Anna Lewis
[...]
0117 3071318

About Sky
Sky is Europe's leading entertainment company, serving 21 million customers across five countries: UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy. We offer the best and broadest range of content, deliver market-leading customer service and use innovative new technology to give customers a better TV experience, whenever and wherever they choose.

Sky has annual revenues of over £11 billion and is Europe's leading investor in television content with a combined programming budget of £4.9 billion. The group employs 30,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SKY).

For more information visit www.sky.com/corporate

About ustwo
ustwo is a global and proudly independent digital product studio, founded in 2004. It builds award‐winning digital services and businesses for the world's biggest, smartest brands including Google, Sky, Ford, Adidas and DeepMind.

With 300 people spread across four studios around the world – in London, New York, Malmö and Sydney – ustwo brings creative design and product thinking to a range of projects, from apps and interfaces to service design. ustwo also develops its own products and joint ventures, incubating and investing in the most promising to create standalone businesses.

About Aardman
Aardman, based in Bristol (UK) co‐founded and run by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, is a world leader in animation. It produces feature films, series, advertising and digital entertainment for both the domestic and international market. Their multi‐award winning productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm that reflects the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the very special people who make up the Aardman team. The studio's work is often imitated and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning and amusing independent and commercials productions. www.aardman.com

Aardman Rights and Brand Development are renowned for developing and building enduring character brands across all media. They specialise in marketing and realising the commercial potential of their properties in a way that celebrates and respects their intrinsic creative values. Classic brands in the portfolio include Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time and Morph, while Aardman Rights has recently acquired third party representation for a number of top children's brands.

About Morph
Morph is the animated clay character who made his TV debut in 1977 in the children's BBC programme Take Hart. He was created and produced for the BBC by Aardman Animations.

Morph lived in a wooden pencil box on the desk of the artist and show host, Tony Hart, and appeared mainly in one minute "shorts" interspersed throughout the show. These were connected to the main show by having Hart deliver a line or two to Morph who would reply in gobbledygook but with meaningful gestures. Later on, Morph was joined by cream-coloured Chas, who was much more badly behaved. Morph was a regular fixture on children's television throughout the 70s and 80s, and received his own Blue Peter badge on 9th March 1981, when Blue Peter presenter Sarah Greene visited the Aardman studios.

In March 2009, shortly after Hart's death, a flashmob of Morph models gathered in London outside the Tate Modern art gallery.

Almost 40 years after his TV debut, Morph made a comeback following a hugely successful campaign on the Kickstarter crowdfunding website. The episodes launched on Morph's dedicated YouTube channel for a whole new generation of fans to enjoy.

[1] Sky research conducted with 2,000 parents of children aged 3-12 by Mortar Research February 2016

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Huge thanks to RegularCapital.com for the news!

Additional source: Sky Corporate.

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UK Programmers Commit To Statement Of Practice To Protect On-Demand Viewers

Original COBA Press Release via coba.org.uk:

Content providers commit to Statement of Practice to protect on-demand viewers

Members of the Commercial Broadcasters Association have signed up to a Statement of Practice for Video-on-Demand (VoD) services, committing to make child protection a priority.

The Statement, launched on Safer Internet Day, pledges to provide on-demand viewers with a range of protections and to make on-demand programmes available in a way that supports the child protection tools provided by platforms. Signatories include many of the major on-demand services in the UK and the Statement covers their on-demand services that are accessed through a television.

* The Statement includes a commitment to the highest possible standards in on-demand programmes, comparable to those on broadcast television channels.

* It also commits to supporting television platforms in providing the most robust possible types of protection for on-demand catch-up services, such as pin control mechanisms.

* Finally, signatories commit to provide audiences with information about the age suitability of on-demand programmes, so they can make informed choices about the type of content they and their children watch.

Commenting on the Statement of Practice, Ed Vaizey, Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy, said:

"Government challenged the industry to find a voluntary and common approach to television content standards, and it is great to see how COBA members are promoting better protection for children, including using pin control settings. Arming parents with details about on-demand television services will help families make more informed decisions about the suitability of programmes."

Tony Close, Ofcom Director of Content Standards, said:

"This industry agreement is a positive and welcome step towards greater protection of children who watch on-demand TV services. Broadcasters play a vital role in ensuring parents have clear information, along with the tools and controls they need to manage their children's access to TV programmes. Ofcom will continue to work closely with industry, Government and other bodies to help protect child audiences."

Adam Minns, Executive Director of COBA, said:

"COBA's Statement of Practice for Video-on-Demand unites many of the most popular on-demand services in the UK for the first time, providing audiences with a clear set of commitments to providing the best possible child protection."

Signatories to this Statement are (in alphabetical order): A+E Networks, Comedy Central, Discovery Networks, Fox International Channels, MTV, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, Sky, Sony Pictures Television Networks, The Walt Disney Company, and Turner.

For more information please visit COBA's website at http://coba.org.uk/our-sector/our-sector/vod. COBA is the UK industry body for commercial broadcasters.

About COBA

The Commercial Broadcasters Association (COBA) is the UK industry body for digital, cable and satellite broadcasters and on-demand services.
The multichannel sector is arguably the fastest growing part of the UK television industry.

In the last decade, the sector has increased its turnover by 30% to more than £5 billion a year. This is rapidly approaching half of the UK broadcasting sector's total annual turnover. (1)

The multichannel sector has doubled direct employment over the last decade. (2)

In addition, the sector has increased investment in UK television content to a record £725m per annum, up nearly 50% on 2009 levels. (3)

1) Ofcom International Broadcasting Market Report 2013
2) Skillset, Television Sector – Labour Market Intelligence Profile
3) COBA 2014 Census, Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates for COBA

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BT TV app gets new kids' section, more channels and brand new library of on-demand shows

BT Group plc has announced the exciting news that they have launched a much improved version of their TV app on both Apple and Android devices with a new, dedicated kids' on-demand and catch-up library, seven more channels and a fantastic collection of premium entertainment catch-up content!

Previously known as BT TV Everywhere, the BT TV app includes a new, dedicated kids section with streamed on-demand and catch-up shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants on Nickelodeon, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom from Entertainment One and Doc McStuffins from Disney Junior.

To improve the live streamed premium entertainment channel line-up, six UKTV channels (Alibi, Eden, GOLD, Good Food, Home and Watch) and the recently rebranded Sony Channel have been added to the app, meaning BT TV customers can enjoy even more of their favourite channels on their laptop, tablet or smartphone.

The new Subscription Catch Up service on the BT TV app offers hit shows from up to 20 premium entertainment channels, including AMC, HISTORY, MTV, Sony, Syfy and the new UKTV Play service. Shows will include Manhattan from AMC, Ex On The Beach from MTV and Killjoys from Syfy. BT intends to continue expanding the Subscription Catch Up service by adding even more content in the future.

Image via Broadband Choices.

BT TV customers will also be able to search the app for both live streamed and catch-up content from their TV channels and it also continues to let them link directly to their YouView+ set top box to set recordings when they are out and about.

Antonia Barton, general manager, BT TV product, said: "The new BT TV app is much better all round - it is much easier to use and gives you great TV shows to enjoy when you're out and about. The new kids' section is great for children, as they can find their favourite shows within a dedicated section of the app. Plus there's so much more content, whether you're looking for something like Britain's Next Top Model from Lifetime on Subscription Catch Up or you want to watch a classic comedy on UKTV's GOLD channel."

The BT TV app is available now for iOS and Android and customers can register up to two separate devices to their BT account.

All BT TV customers can download the BT TV app, but only customers subscribing to Entertainment Plus, Entertainment Max, Total Entertainment or customers taking the "Extra Box" bolt-on can watch their live & on-demand premium entertainment and kids' content (access to channels and on-demand content is dependent on customer subscription).

Channels available on the BT TV app (dependent on subscription)

The dedicated kids' on demand section is provided by:

Baby TV
Boomerang
Cake
Cartoon Network
Cartoonito
DHX
Disney Channel
Disney Junior
Disney XD
eOne
HiT Entertainment
Nick Jr
Nickelodeon
Nicktoons

Entertainment catch-up services provided by:

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TalkTalk Offers Customers Free Three Month Upgrade To Kids TV Boost Package!

Just in time for the Christmas holidays, TalkTalk is giving its loyal customers the chance to upgrade to the Kids TV boost package free for three months, no strings attached, as one of the many ways the company is saying thanks for sticking with them following the recent cyber attack on the company's official website!

When customers select this free upgrade they will get access to 16 great kids channels, including Nickelodeon UK, Nicktoons and Nick Jr.! What's more, customers will be able to watch their favourite episodes on demand on Nickelodeon On Demand and Nick Jr. On Demand! Viewers will be able to watch hit Nickelodeon shows, including "The Thundermans", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "Harvey Beaks", "Dora and Friends: Into the City!", "Peppa Pig", "Lily's Driftwood Bay", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", "Sanjay and Craig", "Sam & Cat", plus Nick's newest hits, "Game Shakers", "100 Things to Do Before High School" and "Shimmer and Shine"!

Customers have until Thursday 31st December 2015 (New Years Eve) to select their free upgrade. There are a few ways to do this. The easiest way to upgrade is by logging into 'My Account' online on talktalk.co.uk!

Pictured: (l-r) Hudson (Thomas Kuc), Kenzie (Madisyn Shipman), Babe (Cree Cicchino), Triple G (Benjamin "Lil P-nut" Flores) and Double G (Kel Mitchell) in "Game Shakers" on Nickelodeon; Photo Credit: Robert Voets/Nickelodeon. ©2015 Viacom International,Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Alternatively, customers can choose their free upgrade today by calling TalkTalk free on 0800 230 0403 or using the Live Chat service where a TalkTalk advisor will talk them through the options.

Whichever free upgrade customers choose, TalkTalk have guaranteed that when it comes to an end, they will remove it from your account - no strings attached.

Find out more today at TalkTalk.co.uk!

Original source: TalkTalk via AOL UK.

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Sky To Offer Even More Great Stuff For Kids

Official Sky Press Release via the Sky Media Centre:

Sky to offer even more great stuff for kids

29 June 2015

Sky today committed to offer even more great stuff for kids as it builds on its position as the best entertainment service for children and their parents. New developments will include the launch of a dedicated app and the appointment of a Head of Kids Content. This follows the recent expansion of the kids' shows available in Sky's on demand library from 700 to 4,000 episodes, making Sky home to more episodes of the most-watched kids' shows than any other provider in the UK.

Development of the kids app for mobile devices is already underway and it is expected to launch in early 2016. To build it Sky is combining its 25 years of expertise in delivering great content in a family friendly way with the talents of ustwo: designers of Monument Valley, winner of Apple's 2014 Design Award iPad game of the year and two BAFTAs.

The app will mean children in Sky homes can access their favourite shows in a way that best suits them. Latest data from Ofcom 1 shows around one quarter of children aged 5-7 and one-third of children aged 8-11 own a tablet. The proportion of children watching TV on a tablet has risen by a third in a year to 20% while a third watch TV on-demand.

Aimed at children aged 4-9 years, the app will bring together all the best age-appropriate shows available on Sky, from the likes of The Cartoon Network, Disney and Nickelodeon, in an easy-to-use and fun way. At the heart of the app's design will be the creation of an intuitive and playful experience that empowers children to discover programmes themselves but also provides parents with peace of mind. It will include options to filter what their child views, limits usage including a 'bedtime' setting as well as the ability to understand what their child has been watching.

In addition to the app, the appointment of a new Head of Kids Content will help ensure Sky continues to offer the most compelling kids content presented in a creative and appealing way. The recruitment process for the new role has started.



Following the recent investment in expanding its on demand library, Sky is now home to 4000 episodes of much loved kids shows including Adventure Time, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom. Kids' viewing on demand is already up 50% and it is expected to grow further following the launch of a major new advertising campaign. Set to air from 29 June, 'Operation Kids' features characters from some of UK's most popular childrens' shows including Peppa Pig and Captain Barnacles from The Octonauts working together to add the new dedicated kids section to the Sky+ home page. The new section opens up a one-stop-shop of all the kids shows and movies available on demand, all kids TV recordings, plus a quick view of what's on now on linear channels like CBeebies and Nick Jr.

Stephen van Rooyen, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, Sky commented: "We want kids to have access to all their favourite shows when and on whatever device they want, in a way that parents know is creative, engaging but ultimately, safe. Sky has always focused on providing great entertainment for the whole family which is why we are continuing to invest in what we offer the youngest members of the household."

1 Ofcom: Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report 2014

For more information:

Robin Tozer
Email: [...]
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 032 0620

Follow us on twitter @SkyCorporate
Visit: www.sky.com/corporate

About Sky
Sky is Europe's leading entertainment company. The group serves 21 million customers across five countries: Italy, Germany, Austria, the UK and Ireland. We offer the best and broadest range of content, deliver market-leading customer service and use innovative new technology to give customers a better TV experience, whenever and wherever they choose.

Sky has annual revenues of over £11 billion and is Europe's leading investor in television content with a combined programming budget of over £4.6 billion. The company employs 31,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SKY).

For more information visit www.sky.com/corporate

Sky's Operation Kids, created by Brothers & Sisters, is available to view here

Full credits:
Client – Sky
Agency – Brothers & Sisters
Creative Director – Tim Clarke
Creatives – Rory Robinson & Olly Fernandez
Agency Producer – Ashlie Hutber
Account Handling – Alessandra Russell & Shaida Vaillancourt
Production Company – MMMultiply
Audio – Wave Studios

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The ABC Of Kids TV: Sky Adding Thousands Of Episodes Of Kids TV To On Demand Service

Original Sky Press Release via the Sky Media Centre:

The ABC of kids TV: Sky adding thousands of episodes of kids TV to on demand service

21 May 2015

Sky, the UK and Ireland's biggest connected TV platform, today announced a huge expansion of the kids shows available in its ever-growing on demand library. From Adventure Time to Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom and iCarly, Sky will offer plenty more kids TV on demand – with the number of episodes of family favourites increasing from 700 to around 4,000 over the coming months.

The ambitious changes mean that Sky's on demand service will be home to more episodes of the most-watched kids' shows than any other provider – all ready to watch from one dedicated section on the Sky+ homepage for the first time.

Connected customers will be able to watch previous series of The Octonauts exclusively on demand plus there will be even more episodes of popular series like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Horrible Histories and Ben 10.

The 600% increase in programming follows a number of new deals signed with rights holders including Viacom and Turner that form part of a multi-million pound commitment to making Sky a leading destination for kids TV on demand.

And millions more customers will be able to take advantage of the huge increase in shows, with kids TV on demand available at no extra cost to customers with the Variety and Family bundles.

Luke Bradley-Jones, Sky's Brand Director of TV Products, said: "I know from my own kids that they just want to watch their favourite TV characters including Ben and Dora whenever they can. And parents want the convenience of a quick and simple way to access lots of episodes all in one place. That's why we're massively expanding the variety and number of shows available on demand – and putting them front and centre of the Sky+ TV Guide. For our customers it means a huge library of kids shows, all there at the touch of a button."

Sky customers will be able to quickly access this huge library of on demand kids TV straight from the Sky+ homepage as part of the latest update to customers' Sky+HD boxes rolling out from this week. A new tile will open up a one-stop-shop of all the kids shows and movies available on demand, all kids TV recordings, plus a quick view of what's on now on linear channels like CBeebies and Nick Jr.

Sky recently announced that almost 7 million customers in Britain and Ireland have connected to its on demand services. Downloads of on demand shows and movies hit over 300 million in the last three months, up by more than 60% year on year.

Notes to the editor

* Sky's on demand services are available at no extra charge to all customers who have connected their Sky+HD box to their broadband connection. Content available depends on a customer's subscription. Kids TV on demand will be available at no extra cost to all customers with the Variety Bundle, from £30/month or above (formerly only available to customers taking the Family Bundle).

* The software update is rolling out to customers and will be available to over 8.5 million homes with compatible Sky+HD boxes by the end of June this year. To make the most of the changes, Sky customers should connect their Sky+HD box to their home broadband. For further information click here.

* The latest updates being introduced to the Sky+ HD box reflect Sky's ongoing commitment to use technology and its proven track record as an innovator to make its products and services safer, more sustainable, and accessible to all its customers. Find out more at sky.com/biggerpicture.

For further information, please contact:

Sky
Amy Holland
Product & Brand PR
[...]

About Sky

Sky is Europe's leading entertainment company. The group serves 21 million customers across five countries: Italy, Germany, Austria, the UK and Ireland. We offer the best and broadest range of content, deliver market-leading customer service and use innovative new technology to give customers a better TV experience, whenever and wherever they choose.

Sky has annual revenues of over £11 billion and is Europe's leading investor in television content with a combined programming budget of over £4.6 billion. The company employs 31,000 people and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SKY).

For more information visit sky.com/corporate.

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Big thanks to RegularCapital.com!

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NOW TV Launches The Nickelodeon Swap Shop

To celebrate the launch of Nickelodeon UK and Nick Jr. UK on the NOW TV Entertainment Pass, the official NOW TV Community website has unveiled a exclusive Nickelodeon competition called "NOW TV Nickelodeon Swap Shop" in which they'll reward your kids' creativity with great Nickelodeon prizes!

Entering is easy - especially for mums and dads. All you have to do is take a picture of your child's best drawing, featuring their favourite Nickelodeon character, and send it to NOW TV either in a tweet or as a comment under the competition Facebook post. NOW TV will regularly post themes on their official Facebook and Twitter profile pages for a little inspiration - from "SpongeBob SquarePants", the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", "Sanjay and Craig" and "The Fairly OddParents" to "Dora the Explorer", "Ben & Holly", "Thomas and Friends" and "Peppa Pig", there are so many fun characters to choose from!

Make sure you follow NOW TV on Facebook and/or @NOWTV on Twitter and include the special custom hashtag #NickelodeonNOWTV when you post your entry. NOW TV will get their panel of expert judges to choose their top ten drawings which NOW TV will put in a 'best of' album on the NOW TV Facebook page.

Everyone who sends NOW TV a drawing will receive a fantastic Nickelodeon digital activity pack and NOW TV's top ten winners will also get a aweslime Nickelodeon goody bag and a NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass - the perfect prize for kids to come home to after a long summer's day!

This competition closes on Sunday 17th August 2014 at 10:30pm, so break out the coloured pencils and get drawing! Be creative, be colourful and remember, in the words of Pablo Picasso - "Every child is an artist"!

Full Terms and Conditions can be found here.

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already offers customers a simple, instant and contract-free way to access top subscription TV channels for just £4.99 a month. From today, viewers can now also watch their favourite Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows live and on-demand, just in time for the summer holidays!

With popular preschool shows such as "Peppa Pig", "Dora the Explorer", "Lily's Driftwood Bay", "Zack & Quack", "Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom", "Bubble Guppies" and "Paw Patrol", Nick Jr. is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained with daily adventures. For older children and teens, Nickelodeon offers a great line-up of entertaining and funny shows, including "Sam & Cat", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "iCarly", "Victorious", "The Haunted Hathaways", "Every Witch Way" and "The Thundermans" – all available to watch live and on demand.

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already lets customers watch hit shows on 10 of the UK's best TV channels including Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts 1, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central, GOLD, Disney and FOX. It's available on the NOW TV Box, PS3, PS4, Roku, LG Smart TV, Xbox 360, Android, PC and Mac, iPad and iPhone.

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Nickelodeon UK and Nick Jr. UK Join NOW TV Line-Up

Nickelodeon UK, the number one commercial kids TV network in the UK, and NOW TV, the popular internet television service owned by BSkyB, have announced the exciting news in the following press release that NOW TV today, Thursday 24th July 2014, further strengthened its children's entertainment offering by adding Nickelodeon UK and Nick Jr. UK to their Entertainment Month Pass!

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already offers customers a simple, instant and contract-free way to access top subscription TV channels for just £4.99 a month. From today, viewers can now also watch their favourite Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows live and on-demand, just in time for the summer holidays!

With popular preschool shows such as "Peppa Pig", "Dora the Explorer", "Lily's Driftwood Bay", "Zack & Quack", "Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom", "Bubble Guppies" and "Paw Patrol", Nick Jr. is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained with daily adventures. For older children and teens, Nickelodeon offers a great line-up of entertaining and funny shows, including "Sam & Cat", "SpongeBob SquarePants", "iCarly", "Victorious", "The Haunted Hathaways", "Every Witch Way" and "The Thundermans" – all available to watch live and on demand.

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already lets customers watch hit shows on 10 of the UK's best TV channels including Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts 1, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central, GOLD, Disney and FOX. It's available on the NOW TV Box, PS3, PS4, Roku, LG Smart TV, Xbox 360, Android, PC and Mac, iPad and iPhone.

More information on NOW TV is available from nowtv.com or join us on Twitter @NOWTV and @NOWTVSport and facebook.com/NOWTV.

Original Nickelodeon UK and NOW TV Press Release:

Nickelodeon & Nick Jr. arrive on NOW TV

From today, NOW TV will further strengthen its children’s entertainment offering adding Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. to the Entertainment Month Pass.

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already offers customers a simple, instant and contract-free way to access top subscription TV channels for just £4.99 a month. From today, viewers can now also watch their favourite Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows live and on demand, just in time for the summer holidays.

With popular shows such as Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer and Paw Patrol, Nick Jr. is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained with daily adventures. For older children and teens, Nickelodeon offers a great line-up of entertaining and funny shows, including Sam & Cat, SpongeBob SquarePants, Victorious, and The Thundermans – all available to watch live and on demand.

Gidon Katz, Director of NOW TV, comments: "The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already gives viewers access to a fantastic selection of live and on demand shows and now with the addition of Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. there is even more for the whole family to enjoy - perfect for the end of a long summer’s day out."

Tina McCann, Managing Director of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, comments: "Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. are two of the leading entertainment channels for kids in the UK and this summer with weekly films, summer stunts and all the regular favourites, we’re sure that families will love their addition to the NOW TV roster."

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass already lets customers watch hit shows on 10 of the UK’s best TV channels including Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts 1, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central, GOLD, Disney and FOX. It’s available on the NOW TV Box, PS3™, PS4™, Roku, LG Smart TV, Xbox®360, Android™, PC and Mac, iPad® and iPhone®.

More information on NOW TV is available from nowtv.com or join us on Twitter @NOWTV and @NOWTVSport and facebook.com/NOWTV.

END

About NOW TV

NOW TV provides instant and easy access to hundreds of films from Sky Movies on demand, pay-as-you-go access to live Sky Sports and must see shows on 12 of the best pay TV channels including Sky1, Sky Atlantic and Sky Living. Taking advantage of the rapid growth in broadband-connected devices, and building on Sky’s experience in multi-platform TV, the service provides an additional choice to access and enjoy Sky Movies, Sky Sports and the TV shows everyone’s talking about.

NOW TV offers access to some of Sky’s most popular programming. Sky Movies is the UK’s most popular subscription movies service giving access to 800 different movies on demand including up to four new and exclusive Sky Movies premieres each week. With a Sky Movies Month Pass, NOW TV customers can choose from more of the latest and biggest movies you missed at the cinema.

NOW TV also offers a flexible way to access to Sky Sports. With a Sky Sports Day Pass customers can get pay-as-you-go access to exclusively live action from the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Formula 1®, Test cricket, US and European Tour golf, ATP tennis, European and international rugby union and much more besides.

The NOW TV Entertainment Month Pass lets customers stream TV shows live and on demand in seconds, without a contract for £4.99 a month. Now people can get simple, instant and commitment-free access to top TV channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Discovery, MTV, Comedy Central, GOLD, Disney and FOX, plus entire box sets of hit shows.

NOW TV is available to anyone 18 or over in the UK with a broadband or 3G connection across a wide range of connected devices including NOW TV Box, PC, Mac, selected Android smartphones and tablets, iOS devices, PS3, YouView and Xbox 360 (the Sky Movies live channels, and Entertainment Month Pass are not available on YouView). TalkTalk customers with YouView can purchase a Sky Sports Day Pass.

The NOW TV Box offers customers a quick and easy way to convert a regular TV into a Smart TV for a one-off box cost of £9.99. Currently customers can get unlimited access to movies on NOW TV with a 30 day free trial of the Sky Movies Month Pass, then priced at £8.99 a month. NOW TV Customers can also get 24-hour access to all six Sky Sports channels live for £9.99 with the Sky Sports Day Pass.

NOW TV Box: Connects to TV via HDMI (cable supplied). NOW TV account required to activate box. Customers can select a Sky Movies Pass, Sky Sports Day Pass or an Entertainment Month Pass to create an account and watch NOW TV. All Passes sold separately.

About Nickelodeon

The Nickelodeon UK Network is available in 14 million cable and satellite homes and now reaches more than 10 million viewers a month. Launched in 1993, the top-performing Nickelodeon network comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families: Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon HD, Nickelodeon +1, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. +1 and Nick Jr. 2.

The entertainment company has built a diverse multi-platform business by putting kids first in everything it does – Kids Rule! Content is at the core of the business with critically-acclaimed and hugely-popular television programming from the UK and around the world merging with bespoke content online and a dedicated Nick app, as well as consumer product and recreation opportunities such as the UK’s first-ever Nick theme park, Nickelodeon Land.

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LOVEFiLM UK Adds Nickelodeon And Nick Jr. Programming

Amazon UK has announced in the following press release, from the technology news website Engadget, that the UK version of the European online streaming video subscription service LOVEFiLM, a Amazon subsidiary, has today, Thursday 29th August 2013, added a variety of content from a range of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) UK's channels, including Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.!

Available from today, a whole host of quality children's entertainment from Nickelodeon, one of the world's leading entertainment brands for kids and families, is available on LoveFilm. Programming includes Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award-winners "Dora The Explorer" and "Blue's Clues", BAFTA Award-winner "SpongeBob SquarePants" and a raft of other well-known characters such as "Team Umizoomi", "Bubble Guppies" and "Go Diego Go!"!

Amazon and Viacom announced their deal to bring popular Nickelodeon programming to LoveFilm's subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) service in June 2013:

AMAZON'S LOVEFiLM ENHANCES REALITY TV, COMEDY AND CHILDREN'S OFFERING WITH NEW VIACOM INTERNATIONAL MEDIA NETWORKS DEAL

LOVEFiLM, an Amazon company, today announced the arrival of hundreds of hours of popular reality TV series, comedy and children's entertainment on the LOVEFiLM Instant streaming service following a deal with worldwide entertainment leader Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).

The wide selection of new shows will allow members of LOVEFiLM Instant in the UK to experience some of the greatest entertainment from across VIMN's exciting broadcast portfolio – which includes MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Comedy Central.

Reality TV fans can now consume entire seasons of hit series The Hills, Teen Mom and Jersey Shore, as well the British smash-hit spin-off Geordie Shore. Ashton Kutcher's celebrity prank show Punk'd is also available to stream.

Also available from today –– is a whole host of quality children's entertainment, with popular series now available including Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Award-winners Dora The Explorer and Blue's Clues, BAFTA Award®-winner SpongeBob SquarePants and a raft of other well-known characters such as Team Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies and Go Diego Go!

Chris Bird, Director of Content Strategy at LOVEFiLM, said: "We're thrilled to announce the arrival of hundreds of great shows from prestigious broadcasters such as MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. These new additions to our already extensive selection of entertainment will offer our members – kids and adults alike – more variety than ever before."

David Lynn, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of VIMN UK, said: "This is a great way for our audience to access some of VIMN's most well-known content, across any device. This partnership will create a fantastic gateway through which fans can view their favourite VIMN shows."

Source: Lovefilm.

Also, from Broadcast:

Lovefilm turns on Geordie Shore and Spongebob

Episodes of Geordie Shore and SpongeBob SquarePants are to be made available on Lovefilm for the first time after the Amazon-owned VoD service struck a deal with Viacom International Media Networks.

The deal will see a raft of series from MTV, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central air on the digital platform in the UK.

These include MTV programmes The Hills, Teen Mom, Punk’d and Jersey Shore and Nickelodeon shows Dora The Explorer, Blue’s Clues, Team Umizoomi, Bubble Guppies and Go Diego Go!

Chris Bird, director of content strategy at Lovefilm, said: “These new additions to our already extensive selection of entertainment will offer our members - kids and adults alike - more variety than ever before.”

David Lynn, executive vice president and managing director of VIMN UK, added: “This is a great way for our audience to access some of VIMN’s most well-known content, across any device.”

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It's Morphin' Time: Amazon's LOVEFiLM Announces Content Deal With Saban Brands For "Power Rangers" And "Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation"

The entertainment news website Deadline.com is reporting the exciting news that the UK version of Amazon.com's home video and video game rental through DVD-by-mail and streaming video on demand service LoveFilm has acquired the streaming and VOD rights to 20 years' worth of episodes of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" and the live-action "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series, "Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation", from Saban Brands. The new deal will enable LoveFilm subscribers to view the very first episodes of "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers" right through to the most recent "Super Samurai" season in HD!:

Amazon’s LoveFilm Inks Saban Content Deal

The retail giant’s UK entertainment service LoveFilm has gained streaming and VOD access to 20 years’ worth of episodes of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers plus the live-action Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. The Saban Brands shows join LoveFilm’s library of children's content including titles from the likes of Aardman, Marvel and DHX Media. The Power Rangers franchise first aired on TV screens in 1993. The new deal will enable LoveFilm members to view the very first episodes of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers right through to the most recent Super Samurai season in HD.

Also, below is LOVEFiLM's official announcement about the news from LOVEFiLM's official corporate blog:

IT’S MORPHIN’ TIME: AMAZON’S LOVEFiLM ANNOUNCES CONTENT DEAL WITH SABAN BRANDS

LOVEFiLM, an Amazon company, has today announced a content deal with Saban Brands which brings 20 years’ worth of episodes of the much-loved TV series Power Rangers to the LOVEFiLM Instant streaming service.

The iconic Power Rangers franchise first aired on TV screens in 1993 and is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. The new deal will enable LOVEFiLM members to view the very first episodes of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers right through to the most recent Super Samurai season, which will be available to watch in HD.

The Saban Brands content deal, which will also make the live-action Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation available to stream, is the most recent in a series of new deals for LOVEFiLM. It builds on the already extensive collection of children’s content available to stream, including titles from the likes of Aardman, Marvel and DHX Media.

Chris Bird, Director, Film Strategy at LOVEFiLM, said:
“We already have a fantastic range of kids content on offer for our younger TV and film fans. Power Rangers – celebrating 20 years this year – has a huge global following and is popular across the generations. This deal with Saban Brands will bring the series to a whole new audience of children and will also ensure that grown-ups can catch up and reminisce on their favourite episodes instantly.”

Frederic Soulie, Vice President of Distribution at Saban Brands, said:
“We are delighted to partner with LOVEFiLM as we celebrate 20 years of Power Rangers this year.
Power Rangers continues to delight fans of all ages around the world. In the UK, kids and grown-ups alike will be able to enjoy past episodes, re-live some of the exciting entertainment, and watch the two most recent series’, Power Rangers Samurai and Super Samurai through LOVEFiLM Instant.”

LOVEFiLM Instant is available on PC, Mac or via Nintendo Wii and Wii U, Sony Playstation®3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire, Apple iPad® and a growing number of Internet-connected TV sets and Blu-ray players, giving members immediate access to a huge range of films and TV shows from as little as £4.99 a month.

Sky Unveils New Subscription Video On Demand Download Service Called "Sky Go Extra" In The UK And Ireland; Includes Option To Download Shows From Nickelodeon UK!

BSkyB has announced the exciting news in the following Press Release from HEXUS that the UK and Irish satellite television provider Sky has launched a brand new subscription video on demand (SVOD) service called Sky Go Extra, which lets Sky customers in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI) download great content from channels, including shows from Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, to watch when and where they want, without the need for a WiFi or 3G/4G connection. The service also lets Sky Go Extra customers register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices!:

Sky unveils a new subscription service - Sky Go Extra

[...]

PRESS RELEASE

Sky is launching a brand new subscription service, Sky Go Extra, which lets customers download the latest blockbuster films from Sky Movies and great content from channels such as Sky 1 and Sky Atlantic to watch when and where they want, without the need for a WiFi or 3G/4G connection. The service also lets Sky Go Extra customers register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices.

Launching today and available to all Sky TV customers for just £5 per month, the new service delivers even more flexibility to Sky customers by letting them download movies and TV shows depending on their Sky TV subscription to their smartphone, tablet, laptop or MacBook via WiFi to watch offline later. So whether in a car, on a flight or on the train or Tube, Sky customers will be able to enjoy a wide range of content anywhere, not just where they can find a reliable WiFi or high-speed mobile connection.

The launch of the new service builds on the success of Sky Go, which offers Sky customers access to live and on demand programmes and films from up to 43 channels on a wide range of internet-connected devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets and games consoles. Sky Go now attracts more than 3 million unique users each quarter.

In addition to being able to download content, Sky Go Extra customers are also able to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices, giving Sky households even more flexibility over when and where they enjoy the service.

Sky Go Extra is the first mobile TV subscription service in the UK and Ireland to offer Hollywood movies to download and watch offline. With a choice of hundreds of titles exclusive to Sky Movies available to download at any one time, Sky Go Extra customers who subscribe to the Sky Movies pack will be able to download blockbuster releases around six months after they have ended their run in cinemas. Once downloaded, customers can store the films on their portable devices for up to 30 days.

Blockbusters such as Avengers Assemble, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Pirates In An Adventure with Scientists will all be available for download through the service, alongside the entire James Bond film catalogue, containing all twenty-two official Bond films. All titles are available exclusively to Sky Movies subscribers and will not be available on any other online movies subscription service for a least a year after they first appear on Sky Movies.

Sky Go Extra customers will also be able to download the latest shows from channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney. This includes the best of the US, including Girls and The Following (Sky Atlantic), as well as Sky's own home-grown hits such as Stella, An Idiot Abroad and Trollied (Sky 1). Customers with a 64 GB iPad will be able to store in excess of 400 half-hour shows and more than 80 movies.

Stephen van Rooyen, Managing Director of Sales & Marketing at Sky, comments: "Building on the ever-growing popularity of Sky Go, Sky Go Extra lets Sky customers download great movies and TV shows to take with them to watch offline whenever and wherever suits them, as well as access to Sky Go on up to four internet-connected devices. Together with our comprehensive On Demand service and our range of award-winning apps, we continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky."

During 2012, millions of Sky customers have used Sky Go to watch movies on demand, with Bad Teacher, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Captain America: The First Avenger the three most popular movies on Sky Go last year. Entertainment series on demand have also proven popular on Sky Go, with more than 2.5 million views of the second series of An Idiot Abroad and 1.1 million views of the latest season of Game of Thrones.

Sky Go Extra is the latest in a series of recent developments from Sky that help customers take full control of their TV viewing. This includes Sky's comprehensive TV On Demand service through the Sky+HD box, which now delivers hundreds of hours of catch-up TV from the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Sky channels alongside on demand access to shows from a number of other leading channels including UKTV, MTV and Discovery. Sky also offers its customers a wide range of award-winning apps at no extra cost, including the popular Sky+ app, which can even be used as a remote control for the Sky+HD box.

To sign up to Sky Go Extra, all customers need to do is visit sky.com/shop/offers/sky-go-extra. Once they've done this, the next time they enter the Sky Go app they will be able to download programmes and register two more devices. To provide even more flexibility, Sky Go customers can cancel the service at any time, subject to giving 31 days' notice. Sky Go customers will also be able to sign up for a two month free trial of Sky Go Extra until the end of March.

For more details, please see our blog on Sky Views.

Sky Movies content can be watched for up to 30 days and once viewing commences is available for 48 hours. Most other Sky content can be watched for up to 7 days and once viewing commences is available for 48 hours. Sky Go Extra customers will be able to register up to four internet-connected devices for Sky Go, viewing content via WiFi or 3G/4G on a maximum of two at any one time.

About Sky Go

Sky Go brings together online and mobile TV in a simple service for Sky TV customers at no extra cost. Available on PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, selected Android smartphones and Xbox 360, Sky Go allows Sky customers to watch content in line with their subscription while on the move in the UK and Ireland through a 3G or WiFi connection. Each Sky home is entitled to register up to two devices, through which they can enjoy access to live channels and selected on-demand content.

On computers customers can access up to 43 live TV channels, including all six Sky Sports channels, Sky Movies, Sky News, Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Arts, MTV, Disney, G.O.LD, Nickelodeon, NatGeo, History, Eden, Eurosport and ESPN, supported by an extensive library of on-demand content. Sky Go is also available to non-Sky TV customers, with monthly subscriptions priced from £15-£40.

Compatible iOs mobile devices: iPhone 3GS and above, iPad 1 & 2 and iPod touch 4th generation, and is compatible on a total of 26 Android handsets, including OS versions 2.2, 2.3 and 4.0.

About Sky

Sky is the UK and Ireland's leading home entertainment and communications company. Around 40% of all homes have a direct relationship with Sky through its range of TV, broadband and home telephony services.

Sky is the UK's biggest investor in television content, investing more than £2.3 billion a year in channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky Sports, Sky Movies and Sky News. Around two-thirds of Sky's content spend is invested in the UK and Sky is the fastest-growing source of investment in original British programmes. More than 30 million people watch Sky content each week.

Alongside its commitment to offering customers a greater choice of high-quality content, Sky is a leading innovator. Customers enjoy total control and flexibility over their favourite TV through Sky+, watch TV on the move through Sky Go, and enjoy the best quality TV experience at home through High Definition and 3D.

Sky distributes its content broadly over several platforms, including satellite, cable, IPTV, mobile and WiFi. NOW TV, Sky's second consumer brand, builds on the company's leadership in internet TV. Sky is also the UK's fastest-growing home communications company and favourite ‘triple-play' provider of TV, broadband and home phone.

Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates by taking positive action on the environment, supporting grassroots sports and increasing access to, and participation in, the arts. Sky employs 23,000 people, has annual revenues of £6.8 billion and is estimated to support a £5.4 billion contribution to UK GDP. Sky is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BSY). www.sky.com/corporate.

Tags: BSkyB (LON:BSY)

Also, from paidContent.org:

Sky’s new subscription service lets UK users download video for offline viewing

Summary: U.K. digital satellite TV service Sky has launched Sky Go Extra, which lets customers download shows like Girls and Game of Thrones and movies to mobile devices for offline viewing.

Digital satellite TV service Sky has launched Sky Go Extra, a service that lets Sky customers in the U.K. and Ireland download movies and TV shows over WiFI for offline viewing on mobile devices and laptops.

Sky Go Extra is £5 (USD $7.93) per month for existing Sky customers and builds on Sky Go, the company’s on-demand service for mobile and connected devices (which is free to subscribers). Customers who sign up for Sky Go Extra can also watch on-demand streaming video on four devices, up from the two allowed under Sky Go.

The offerings available to Sky Go Extra users depend on their underlying Sky TV package. Customers who already pay for the Sky Movies pack can “download blockbuster releases around six months after they have ended their run in cinemas,” according to the release. That includes movies like Avengers Assemble and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, as well as all the James Bond films. Customers who don’t pay for the Sky Movies add-on can download TV shows from Sky channels and from partner channels like Nickelodeon, Disney and HBO — including HBO hits Girls and Game of Thrones, AMC’s Mad Men and Fox’s The Following.

Once users download Sky content, it’s not to keep: “Sky Movies content can be watched for up to 30 days and once viewing commences is available for 48 hours. Most other Sky content can be watched for up to 7 days and once viewing commences is available for 48 hours.”

Other U.K. companies are also experimenting with downloadable video. The BBC’s iPlayer lets users download BBC programs to computers, iPhones and iPads for offline viewing. (Content can be watched for up to 30 days, with playback available for seven days after viewing begins.) The Amazon-owned Lovefilm doesn’t allow offline viewing, but plans to do so.

Also, from Silicon Republic:

Sky Go Extra allows users to download films and TV shows to watch whenever, wherever

Now that Sky Go is seeing more than 3m unique users in the UK and Ireland each quarter, Sky has decided to add a little something to the service to make its content even more flexible. With Sky Go Extra, users will be able to download content in line with their Sky subscriptions to watch any time, even when they don’t have access to the internet.

Launched today, the new subscription service will cost €6 per month, though new users can sign up for a two-month free trial up until the end of March.

With Sky Go Extra, users will be able to download films from Sky Movies six months after their cinema release. This includes the box-office smash of last year, Avengers Assemble, and the entire James Bond catalogue all the way up to Skyfall. Users can also download TV shows from up to 43 channels, ranging from Sky Atlantic to Nickelodeon.

What users can download depends on their Sky TV subscription, of course, and once the content is downloaded it will remain on their devices for 30 days.

Another extra with Sky Go Extra is the ability to register up to four devices. With Sky Go, a free service for Sky TV customers, users can register only two devices and access to live and on-demand programmes and films is limited to when an internet connection is available.

For the daily commute, this can be difficult, as Sky’s research found that almost 83pc of Irish people travelling to and from work have limited or no internet connection on their journey. More than three-quarters of respondents owned a tablet or smartphone, though, and 81.8pc of those use one such device on their commutes.

To get access to Sky Go Extra, users simply have to register online in order to access the service via the Sky Go app. Users can cancel the service at any time with 31 days’ notice.

Also, from Indiantelevision.com:

Sky unveils new subscription service Sky Go Extra

MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider Sky has launched a brand new subscription service, Sky Go Extra, which lets customers download films from Sky Movies and content from channels such as Sky 1 and Sky Atlantic to watch when and where they want, without the need for a WiFi or 3G/4G connection. The service also lets Sky Go Extra customers register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices.

Available to all Sky TV customers for just £5 per month, the new service delivers even more flexibility to Sky customers by letting them download movies and TV shows depending on their Sky TV subscription to their smartphone, tablet, laptop or MacBook via WiFi to watch offline later. So whether in a car, on a flight or on the train or Tube, Sky customers will be able to enjoy a wide range of content anywhere, not just where they can find a reliable WiFi or high-speed mobile connection.

The launch of the new service builds on the success of Sky Go, which offers Sky customers access to live and on demand programmes and films from up to 43 channels on a wide range of internet-connected devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets and games consoles. Sky Go now attracts more than 3 million unique users each quarter.

In addition to being able to download content, Sky Go Extra customers are also able to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices, giving Sky households even more flexibility over when and where they enjoy the service.

Sky Go Extra is the first mobile TV subscription service in the UK and Ireland to offer Hollywood movies to download and watch offline. With a choice of hundreds of titles exclusive to Sky Movies available to download at any one time, Sky Go Extra customers who subscribe to the Sky Movies pack will be able to download blockbuster releases around six months after they have ended their run in cinemas. Once downloaded, customers can store the films on their portable devices for up to 30 days.

Films such as 'Avengers Assemble', 'Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows' and 'Pirates In An Adventure with Scientists' will all be available for download through the service, alongside the entire James Bond film catalogue, containing all twenty-two official Bond films. All titles are available exclusively to Sky Movies subscribers and will not be available on any other online movies subscription service for at least a year after they first appear on Sky Movies.

Sky Go Extra customers will also be able to download the latest shows from channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney. This includes shows from the US 'Girls' and 'The Following' (Sky Atlantic), as well as Sky's shows such as 'Stella', 'An Idiot Abroad' and 'Trollied' (Sky 1). Customers with a 64 GB iPad will be able to store in excess of 400 half-hour shows and more than 80 movies.

Sky MD of sales, marketing Stephen van Rooyen said, "Building on the ever-growing popularity of Sky Go, Sky Go Extra lets Sky customers download great movies and TV shows to take with them to watch offline whenever and wherever suits them, as well as access to Sky Go on up to four internet-connected devices. Together with our comprehensive On Demand service and our range of award-winning apps, we continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky."

Last year millions of Sky customers used Sky Go to watch movies on demand, with 'Bad Teacher', 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' and 'Captain America: The First Avenger' the three most popular movies on Sky Go last year. Entertainment series on demand have also proven popular on Sky Go, with more than 2.5 million views of the second series of 'An Idiot Abroad' and 1.1 million views of the latest season of 'Game of Thrones'.

Sky Go Extra is the latest in a series of recent developments from Sky that help customers take full control of their TV viewing. This includes Sky's TV On Demand service through the Sky+HD box, which now delivers hundreds of hours of catch-up TV from the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Sky channels alongside on demand access to shows from a number of other leading channels including UKTV, MTV and Discovery. Sky also offers its customers a wide range of award-winning apps at no extra cost, including the popular Sky+ app, which can even be used as a remote control for the Sky+HD box.

Also, from The Next Web:

Sky Go Extra launches to let you download movies and shows for offline viewing in the UK and Ireland

Sky has launched its latest subscription service for downloadable content that can be viewed offline in the UK and Ireland. Sky Go Extra provides content from channels including Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, partner channels including Nickelodeon and its range of movies so that users can watch on up to four different mobile devices.

The service is available to Sky TV customers for £5 ($7.93 USD) per month and builds on the Sky Go product which allows users to watch live and on demand programmes. The ability to download content to more than one device reflects the rise in the number of mobile and Internet connected devices per household and provides a little more flexibility.

The broadcaster says that the original Sky Go attracts more than 3 million unique users per quarter, so it has a fair starting point to work with.

Spreading the subscription

Whether you can access Sky Movies as part of the offering depends on your existing home subscription. Films can be seen around six months after they leave the cinema and once downloaded, they can be stored for up to thirty days.

This puts Sky in direct competition with services like iTunes which already provide a download service where content can be watched over several days. Whether the subscription format rather than pay on demand will be more lucrative, remains to be seen. But so far Netflix and LoveFilm are not quite as flexible.

Sky estimates that customers with a 64 GB iPad will be able to store in excess of 400 half-hour shows and more than 80 movies. The firm is advancing with the demand of its customers having already released an on-demand service and a suite of free apps including the Sky+ app which can be used as a remote control for the Sky+HD box.

To use Sky Go Exta, customers can visit the site to join or upgrade. From there, when they enter the Sky Go app, they should be able to download programmes and register other devices. The apps have been updated across platforms. The service can be cancelled at any time subject to 31 days notice and there is a two-month free trial running until the end of March.

[...]

Image Credit: Stringer – AFP/ Getty Images

Also, from Cable.co.uk:

Sky Go Extra offers downloadable content on up to four devices

A new multiscreen service called Sky Go Extra has been unveiled by Sky.

Sky has unveiled a new subscription service that allows customers to download blockbuster movies and other pay TV content so they can watch on the move without having to find an internet connection.

Known as Sky Go Extra, the proposition also lets subscribers access Sky Go on up to four internet-enabled devices, rather than the two they can currently register.

The service, which launches today (January 22nd 2013), is available to all Sky TV households at a cost of £5 per month.

Customers who sign up for Sky Go Extra will be able to download content depending on their Sky TV subscription to devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops via a Wi-Fi connection. They can then watch at their leisure without having to rely on 3G or 4G mobile networks or a wireless broadband link.

Content from Sky Movies and other channels such as Sky Atlantic, Sky1, Disney and Nickelodeon is available via the service.

Stephen van Rooyen, managing director of sales and marketing at Sky, said: "We continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky."

Also, from Pocket-lint.com:

Sky Go Extras app goes live, first two months are free

New features and new devices

Sky had already confirmed that it would be launching Sky Go Extra, a new update to its Sky Go app, this week, and now it has gone - and done it, adding new features and support for a couple of new Android devices at the same time.

The new service, which will cost £5 a month for Sky subscribers (after the first two months), will allow up to four device access the Sky Go service, rather than two previously, and more importantly will allow them to download movies and TV shows to their device to watch on the Tube or an aircraft.

Sky is hoping the offer will help it in the battle between Lovefilm and Netflix, neither of which offers downloads for offline viewing. Unlike Lovefilm or Netflix, Sky's approach will be to offer a rolling catalogue of movies and TV shows to watch rather than go for a large permanent catalogue offering.

"All titles are available exclusively to Sky Movies subscribers and will not be available on any other online movies subscription service for a least a year after they first appear on Sky Movies," says Sky, in promoting the new service.

Sky Go Extra customers will also be able to download the latest shows from channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney.

Customers with a 64GB iPad will be able to store in excess of 400 half-hour shows and more than 80 movies.

To sign up to Sky Go Extra, all customers need to do is visit sky.com/shop/offers/sky-go-extra.

Once they’ve done this, the next time they enter the Sky Go app they will be able to download programmes and register two more devices.

To provide even more flexibility, Sky Go customers can cancel the service at any time, subject to giving 31 days’ notice.

Sky Go customers will also be able to sign up for a two-month free trial of Sky Go Extra until the end of March.

Additionally Sky has added two new more Android devices to the list of smartphones and tablets that it supports. Users of the Motorola Razr I and the Galaxy Tab2 7.0 will now also be able to get the service.

The full list is now as follows:

Smartphones

- Google Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 4

- HTC Desire, Desire S, Desire X, Desire HD, Incredible S, Sensation, Sensation XE, One X, One XL, One S, One V and One X+

- LG 4X HD

- Samsung Galaxy S, Galaxy S II, Galaxy S III, Galaxy S III LTE, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy Note 2 LTE

- Sony Xperia S and Xperia T

- Motorola RAZR i

Tablets

- Google Nexus 7

- Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Full tags Sky, Apps, iPad apps, Android apps, iPhone apps

Also, from SlashGear:

Sky Go Extra app adds offline viewing for a monthly fee

Sky has added offline playback to its mobile apps, with Sky Go Extra offering the ability to pre-download TV and movies to their phone, tablet, or notebook in return for a monthly fee. The new feature, adding to the existing Sky Go apps – which require a persistent data connection for streaming content – is priced at £5 ($8) per month and only available to Sky UK subscribers; that monthly fee also doubles the number of devices that can be registered to the Sky Go service.

Unlike the usual two phones, tablets, or other hardware that Sky Go’s free tier supports, Sky Go Extra increases that to four. However, that’s only registrations; only two devices can be actually used to watch content over 3G/4G/WiFi simultaneously.

Channels available include Sky Movies, Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Arts, Nickelodeon, Disney, and others, while Sky’s exclusive deal to offer the full James Bond collection means they’re also available to app users. A 64GB iPad, Sky suggests, has enough space for 400 30-minute TV shows and more than 80 movies.

Each download lasts on the mobile device for up to 30 days; if subscribers subscribe to the Sky Movies pack, they can access any of the films available through that, too. However, once you start watching a film, it’s available for 48hrs, while the network says “most other” content “can be watched for up to 7 days and once viewing commences is available for 48 hours.”

Sky Go is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and 26 different Android devices. Sky has also added support for the HTC One X+, the Motorola RAZRi and the Samsung Galaxy Tab2 7.0 today.

Also, from Rapid tv news:

Sky Go adds Extra element for TV Everywhere downloads

Aiming as ever to stay one step ahead of the competition, an increasingly competitive one at that, BSkyB has added a download element to its Sky Go TV Everywhere service.

The new Sky Go Extra service is designed to enable subscribers to download films and TV shows — from Sky Movies, Sky 1, Sky Atlantic and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney— depending on their Sky TV subscription to their smartphone, tablet, laptop or MacBook via Wi-Fi to watch offline.

BSkyB claims that its new service, priced at £5 per month, is the first mobile TV subscription service in the UK and Ireland to offer Hollywood movies to download and watch offline.

Content will include films such as Avengers Assemble, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Pirates In An Adventure with Scientists which will all be available for download through the service, alongside the entire James Bond film catalogue, containing all 22 official Bond films. All titles are available exclusively to Sky Movies subscribers and will not be available on any other online movies subscription service for a least a year after they first appear on Sky Movies.

Sky Go Extra customers who subscribe to the Sky Movies pack will be able to download releases around six months after they have ended their run in cinemas. Once downloaded, customers can store the films on their portable devices for up to 30 days. Sky Go Extra customers are also able to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, Internet-connected devices.

Sky’s director of sales & marketing Stephen van Rooyen commented: “Building on the ever-growing popularity of Sky Go, Sky Go Extra lets Sky customers download great movies and TV shows to take with them to watch offline whenever and wherever suits them, as well as access to Sky Go on up to four Internet-connected devices. Together with our comprehensive On Demand service and our range of award-winning apps, we continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky.”

Tags: united kingdom, bskyb, sky, sky go, sky go extra, tv everywhere, sky movies, sky 1, sky atlantic, sky arts, nickelodeon, disney, download, offline, subscription, smartphone, tablet, laptop, macbook, wi-fi, hollywood, avengers assemble, sherlock holmes: game of shadows, pirates in an adventure with scientists

Also, from Digital Spy UK's technology news column:

Sky Go adds Extra subscription service - downloads, more devices

Sky has today launched Sky Go Extra, a new subscription offering for its multiplatform TV service that adds content downloads and scope for additional devices for a monthly fee.

Sky Go Extra is being offered on top of the Sky Go service that allows the 10m+ Sky customers to watch live and on-demand TV on multiple devices, such as Android smartphones or an Apple iPad.

By paying a £5 monthly subscription fee, Sky Go Extra customers can download blockbuster films from Sky Movies and content from channels such as Sky1 and Sky Atlantic to watch on their device to watch without the need for a WiFi or 3G/4G connection.

Available to all Sky customers, Sky Go Extra also allows its subscribers to register up to four Sky Go devices, rather than two on the main offering.

Launched in 2011 when Sky Player and Sky Mobile TV merged into one service, Sky Go now offers live and on-demand programmes from 43 channels and attracts more than 3m unique users each quarter, according to Sky.

The pay-TV giant feels that the new Sky Go Extra package will give greater flexibility for people wanting to watch content on their device even when without an internet connection, such as on a train or flight.

The £5 monthly fee allows Extra customers to download movies and TV shows to a smartphone, tablet or laptop, where they will stay available for a 30 day period.

Sky Go Extra customers will be able to download shows from channels such as Sky Atlantic, Sky1 and Sky Arts, as well as partner networks including Disney and Nickelodeon.

Sky said that customers with a 64GB iPad would be able to store in excess of 400 half-hour TV shows and more than 80 movies.

Sky Go Extra is being billed as "the first mobile TV subscription service in the UK and Ireland to offer Hollywood movies to download and watch offline".

But downloads on Extra still depend on a customer's Sky TV subscription. Anyone who is not already a Sky Movies pack customer, will not be able to download films such as Avengers Assemble, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and classic James Bond films to their device.

Alongside the downloads option, Sky Go Extra customers can register up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices, giving them more scope to stream and download content.

Sky Go Extra will appear within Sky Go and come as an update in all the respective app stores. To sign up to the service, customers should visit the Sky Shop, including the offer of a two-month free trial of the service until the end of March.

Also today, Sky has said that three more Android devices will be added to Sky Go - the HTC One X+, the Motorola RAZRi and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0.

In addition, Sky has released some facts about Sky Go use in 2012, including that Bad Teacher, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Captain America: The First Avenger were the three most popular movies on the service last year.

On the TV side, the second seasons of Karl Pilkington's unique travel show An Idiot Abroad pulled in 2.5m views in 2012, while the latest season of Game of Thrones generated 1.1m views on Sky Go [Sky Go Ratings].

Also, from IPTV News:

Sky debuts new subscription download service Sky Go Extra

UK broadcaster BSkyB has unveiled yet another brand new subscription over-the-top (OTT) video service called ‘Sky Go Extra’, offering customers the ability to download the latest blockbuster films from Sky Movies.

The service is available to all Sky TV customers for GB£ 5 (US$ 7.90) per month and means that users can download premium Sky content to smartphones, tablets, laptops and other connected devices via WiFi to watch offline later.

It follows the notable success of the ‘Sky Go’ service, which provides users with the chance to watch premium live and on-demand programming from Sky on any connected device, with more than 3mn unique users currently accessing the service each quarter.

Subscribers to the new Sky Go Extra service also get expanded options for the Sky Go service: they can register for Sky Go on up to four devices, rather than the two device limit imposed on regular customers.

Sky Go Extra customers who subscribe to the Sky Movies pack will be able to download Hollywood blockbuster releases around six months after they have finished showing in the cinema, with these titles unavailable on any other online movie service for at least a year after their debut on Sky Movies.

Sky Go Extra customers will also be able to download the latest shows from channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney.

Stephen van Rooyen, Managing Director of Sales & Marketing at Sky, comments: “Building on the ever-growing popularity of Sky Go, Sky Go Extra lets Sky customers download great movies and TV shows to take with them to watch offline whenever and wherever suits them, as well as access to Sky Go on up to four internet-connected devices.

“Together with our comprehensive On Demand service and our range of award-winning apps, we continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky.”

Sky Go Extra screenshot

Also, from DigitalTVEurope.net:

BSkyB launches movie download offering Sky Go Extra

UK pay TV operator BSkyB has launched a new service to supplement its Sky Go TV Everywhere offering that enables customers to download movies and TV shows and watch them offline.

The, Sky Go Extra, also allows users to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than the existing two, internet-connected devices.

Sky Go Extra, which is available for £5 (€6) a month, allows customers to download movies and TV shows on smartphones, tablets, laptops or Macs via WiFi to watch offline later.

According to BSkyB, this is the first time a service that allows users to download Hollywood movies and watch them offline has been available in the UK and Ireland. Sky Movies subscribers will be able to download film titles about six months after their theatrical release. Once downloaded, customers can store the films on their portable devices for up to 30 days. Titles such as Avengers Assemble, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Pirates In An Adventure with Scientists will all be available for download through the service, alongside the entire James Bond film catalogue.

Customers will also be able to download shows from Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney.

Also, from Connected Digital World:

Sky Go Extra the new subscription service from Sky launched

Sky is launching a brand new subscription service, Sky Go Extra, which lets customers download the latest blockbuster films from Sky Movies and great content from channels such as Sky 1 and Sky Atlantic to watch when and where they want, without the need for a WiFi or 3G/4G connection. The service also lets Sky Go Extra customers register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices.

Launching today and available to all Sky TV customers for just £5 per month, the new service delivers even more flexibility to Sky customers by letting them download movies and TV shows depending on their Sky TV subscription to their smartphone, tablet, laptop or MacBook via WiFi to watch offline later. So whether in a car, on a flight or on the train or Tube, Sky customers will be able to enjoy a wide range of content anywhere, not just where they can find a reliable WiFi or high-speed mobile connection.

The launch of the new service builds on the success of Sky Go, which offers Sky customers access to live and on demand programmes and films from up to 43 channels on a wide range of internet-connected devices including laptops, smartphones, tablets and games consoles. Sky Go now attracts more than 3 million unique users each quarter.

In addition to being able to download content, Sky Go Extra customers are also able to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices, giving Sky households even more flexibility over when and where they enjoy the service.

Sky Go Extra is the first mobile TV subscription service in the UK and Ireland to offer Hollywood movies to download and watch offline. With a choice of hundreds of titles exclusive to Sky Movies available to download at any one time, Sky Go Extra customers who subscribe to the Sky Movies pack will be able to download blockbuster releases around six months after they have ended their run in cinemas. Once downloaded, customers can store the films on their portable devices for up to 30 days.

Blockbusters such as Avengers Assemble, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Pirates In An Adventure with Scientists will all be available for download through the service, alongside the entire James Bond film catalogue, containing all twenty-two official Bond films. All titles are available exclusively to Sky Movies subscribers and will not be available on any other online movies subscription service for a least a year after they first appear on Sky Movies.

Sky Go Extra customers will also be able to download the latest shows from channels including Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and Sky Arts, as well as partner channels such as Nickelodeon and Disney. This includes the best of the US, including Girls and The Following (Sky Atlantic), as well as Sky’s own home-grown hits such as Stella, An Idiot Abroad and Trollied (Sky 1). Customers with a 64 GB iPad will be able to store in excess of 400 half-hour shows and more than 80 movies.

Also, from Engadget:

Sky Go Extra will let users download shows to their mobile devices for £5 a month (update)

Being able to watch Sky TV on the go using, erm, Sky Go, is great, but streaming video away from your home router can often be costly, especially if you're on EE's basic LTE plan. Thankfully, the broadcaster is looking to launch Sky Go Extra, which, if The Telegraph is to believed, will allow up to four users to download anything from the Murdoch library straight to their mobile device. Adding such functionality to your family's viewing habits will set you back £5 a month (after a two month free trial) but that also includes unlimited access to the company's first-window movie catalog, a jewel it's paid heavily to keep out of the hands of rivals such as Netflix Lovefilm.

Update: And it's official! PR's [above in the first article in this blog post].

Source: The Telegraph, (2)
Tags: hdpostcross, OTT, Sky, Sky Go, Sky Go Extra, SkyGo, SkyGoExtra, VOD

Also, from TBI Vision:

BSkyB launches advanced TV Everywhere service

UK pay TV operator BSkyB has launched a new service to supplement its Sky Go TV Everywhere offering that enables customers to download movies and TV shows and watch them offline

The, Sky Go Extra, also allows users to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than the existing two, internet-connected devices.

Sky Go Extra, which is available for £5 a month, allows customers to download movies and TV shows on smartphones, tablets, laptops or Macs via WiFi to watch offline later.

According to BSkyB, this is the first time a service that allows users to download Hollywood movies and watch them offline has been available in the UK and Ireland.

SkyMovies subscribers will be able to download film titles about six months after their theatrical release.

Once downloaded, customers can store the films ontheir portable devices for up to 30 days. Titles including Avengers Assemble, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Pirates In An Adventure with Scientists will all be available for download through the service, alongside the entire James Bond film catalogue.

Customers will also be able to download shows from Sky Atlantic, Sky 1, Sky Living and SkyArts, as well as partner channels including Nickelodeon and Disney.

Also, from uSwitch:

Sky Go Extra launches for tablet broadband users

The new Sky Go Extra gives pay-TV subscribers more viewing options.

Sky has launched a new subscription service which enables broadband customers to download film and TV content from the web to be viewed at a later date.

The broadband provider's Sky Go Extra service allows viewers to watch movies and TV programmes as and when they want, regardless of whether they are connected to the internet.

The service also allows Sky Go Extra customers to register for Sky Go on up to four, rather than two, internet-connected devices.

Available to Sky TV customers for just £5 per month, the offering delivers additional flexibility to broadband and TV subscribers.

Content can be downloaded to smartphones, tablets, laptops or MacBooks via a wireless broadband connection to be watched at a more convenient time - potentially in a different location.

The service builds upon Sky Go, which offers customers access to live and on-demand programmes and films from up to 43 channels.

Stephen van Rooyen, Managing Director of Sales & Marketing at Sky, said Sky Go Extra lets customers download great movies and TV shows to take with them to watch offline whenever and wherever suits them, as well as access to Sky Go on up to four internet-connected devices.

"Together with our comprehensive On Demand service and our range of award-winning apps, we continue to deliver helpful and innovative ways for Sky customers to enjoy even more flexibility over when, where and how they enjoy Sky," he stated.

During 2012, millions of Sky customers used Sky Go to watch movies on demand, with Bad Teacher, Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Captain America: The First Avenger the three most popular movies on the service.

In addition, the service has notched up more than 2.5 million views of the second series of An Idiot Abroad and 1.1 million views of the latest season of Game of Thrones.

Tags: Sky, Broadband and TV packages, Broadband and iPad