Showing posts with label Sky Go. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sky Go. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

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

Thursday, July 26, 2012

BSkyB's 'Sky Go' IPTV Service Adds Nickelodeon Content, Including Nickelodeon On Demand!

From Digital Spy UK:
Sky Go service adds children's programming

Multi-platform service offers content from Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.

Sky has announced that kids entertainment from the likes of Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network is now available on its Sky Go multi-platform TV service.

Coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays, dozens of popular children's shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Ben10 and iCarly can be watched on-demand via Sky Go on smartphones, tablets, laptops, PC and Mac.

Sky said that the service would help parents keep the kids entertained on long journeys to a family holiday, or if the UK is hit with another "summer downpour".

Video on-demand content from eight children's channels is available now on Sky Go, including Cartoon Network, the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. The programming can be viewed at no extra cost by Sky TV customers with the Entertainment Extra pack.

Next month, eight live streams of the selected kids channels will be added to Sky Go, meaning their will be a total of 32 live channels available on the service, including entertainment, sport, news and movies.

"Arriving just in time for the beginning of the summer holidays, Sky Go now offers kids the chance to watch dozens of shows while out and about across a range of internet-connected mobile devices," said Holly Knill, the head of Sky Go.

"We'll be adding live channels later this summer too, giving kids more choice than ever over how, when and where they can enjoy their favourite programmes."

Sky Go, which launched last year following the merging of Sky Mobile TV and Sky Player, attracted 2.7 million unique users during the three months to the end of June, said Sky.

Also today, Sky has announced a forthcoming update to its Sky+ mobile app on the iPad, which will enable the firm's customers to use the Apple tablet as a remote control.

Launching later in the summer, the update means users can pause and rewind Sky TV by swiping their iPad screen.

Customers with Sky+ HD boxes can view their Sky Planner on the iPad app and then add or delete shows without interrupting what they are watching on the main screen.
Also, from C21Media:
Sky adds kids’ VoD, partners C5

UK satcaster BSkyB has struck deals with major children’s content providers for its cross-device on-demand service and added Channel 5′s programming to its TV catch-up offer.

Sky will add programmes such as iCarly, SpongeBob SquarePants and Ben 10 to its Sky Go platform after partnering with eight kids’ channels, including Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Sky Go allows subscribers to access content from tablets, computers, smartphones and other web-connected devices.

The shows will be made available through Sky’s Entertainment Extra package. Eight live children’s channels will launch next month on the Sky Go app, bringing the total number to 32 a year after launch. The app had 2.7 million unique users in the three months to June 30.

C5 programmes such as Big Brother, The Bachelor and The Mentalist will join Sky Go’s sister service Sky Anytime+ later this year. The reboot of classic soap Dallas will also play on it, alongside BBC and ITV programming launching this year.

The new catch-up programming will run in the main section the Sky Anytime+ menu, plus on the Demand 5 player found within the platform.

“More Sky customers than ever are enjoying the range and quality of the on-demand content available on the service, which will be further enhanced by the addition of catch-up content from the BBC, ITV and Channel 5 later this year,” said Sky’s director of TV products Luke Bradley-Jones, who joined the company earlier this year.

Jesse Whittock
26-07-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: Channel distribution, new media, on-demand, vod
GENRES: Children's, Factual
SHOWS: Ben 10, Big Brother, iCarly, Sallas, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Bachelor, The Mentalist
PEOPLE: Luke Bradley-Jones
COMPANIES: BSkyB, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Sky Anytime+, Sky Go
SECTIONS: C21 Kids, C21Factual, FutureMedia
COUNTRIES: UK, US
Also, from The Next Web:
Sky updates Sky Go app to include Kids TV shows, says remote features coming Sky+ iPad app later this summer

On the back of its full-year financial results (hitting record profits of $1.9 billion and revenues of $10.4 billion), Sky has detailed a number of updates to its mobile apps, which will see kids TV shows come to its Sky Go app and remote control features included its Sky+ iPad offering.

From today, smartphone and tablet users will be able to watch shows including Spongebob Squarepants and Ben10 on demand using the Sky Go app on iOS and Android. The Cartoon Network, the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon are on board, delivering eight TV children’s TV channels in total.

Next month, Sky will also switch these eight channels ‘live’, ensuring that they can be enjoyed on-demand or watched as they air, along with 24 other live channels.

This is in addition to on-demand content from Sky’s sport, movie and lifestyle channels, which came to its iOS and Android apps earlier in the month.

Moving to offer more second-screen interaction, Sky will update its Sky+ iPad app to include remote control functionality, allowing viewers to pause and rewind content by swiping their iPad screen. It will include a Sky+ HD planner, ensuring shows can be added or deleted on a Sky box without interrupting what is being watched at the time.

Channel 5 content is also coming to Sky Anytime+, adding to catch-up content from the BBC and TV, allowing Sky customers to watch back content from the three major TV networks using their broadband connection. Think BBC iPlayer, but it is played back via your Sky box.

Sky now counts 10.6 million customers, reaching 28.4 million subscriptions. With a sixth of the UK’s population now subscribing to Sky in some form, the company has pushed ahead with its plans to take its offering mobile, delivering both live and on-demand content for customers no matter where they are.
Also, from Digital Choices:
Sky adds new content and services to Sky Go and Sky Anytime+

New features for catch-up and on demand services from Sky

Sky has revealed a number of new additions and enhancements for its Sky Go, Sky+ and Sky Anytime+ services.
Today's announcement demonstrates the exciting enhancements to our digital products
From today, a range of children's shows, including Ben10, iCarly and SpongeBob SquarePants are available through Sky Go - the company’s online on-demand service, which is available on PC, consoles, smartphones and tablets.

The programmes come from eight digital TV channels, including Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, which are also available to watch live.

Later this year, Sky will release an update to its Sky Anytime+ app for iPad. The new revisions will allow users to use their tablet as a remote control. In addition, people with a Sky +HD box can use the iPad as a planner to add and delete recorded shows.

Sky’s TV catch-up service Sky Anytime+ will also be enhanced later this year, with the addition of content from Channel 5. Popular shows, such as Big Brother, The Bachelor and more will be available on-demand for Sky customers.

The new features have been launched to coincide with the company’s financial results, which saw the company reach a record 10.6 million customers, and a 12% increase in subscriptions to Sky products.

Luke Bradley-Jones, director of TV products at Sky, said: “We’re constantly striving to give our customers the best possible viewing experience – whether that’s more of the shows they love, or flexibility in how they discover and watch those programmes.

"Today’s announcement demonstrates the exciting enhancements to our digital products and illustrates Sky’s continued commitment to delivering market-leading innovation into millions of homes across the UK, as standard.”
Also, from Broadcast:
Sky profits hit £1.2bn

Sky has boosted pre-tax profits 17% to £1.19bn as its spend on entertainment costs increased by £70m.

The broadcaster’s profits for the 12 months to 30 June were up from £1bn the previous year, with revenues increasing to £6.7bn over the period.

Sky added 312,000 new subscribers over the year taking its total to 10.6m homes, which bought a total of 28m products. The number of homes which take its triple-play package of TV, phone and broadband was up 21% to 3.4m while churn was down 10% in the final quarter.

Total programming costs increased 5% to £2.2bn, from £2.1bn in 2011, with the £70m increased spend in entertainment attributed to investment in Sky Atlantic and a boost in original UK content.

Sky has beefed up its on-demand services, signing a deal to offer Channel 5's VoD service, Demand 5, along with BBC and ITV content via its Anytime catch-up service.

IPTV service Sky Go has also been extended to include live access and on-demand content from eight children's channels, including Cartoon Network, the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.

Sky has also agreed a separate wholesale deal with TalkTalk to offer its portfolio of entertainment, sports, movies and news channels via the ISP provider’s portal on the connected TV service.

It also plans to pump £30m in marketing its online streaming service Now TV to consumers over the next 12 months as well as confirming plans it will be extended to include Sky Sports and Sky entertainment channels.

Sky has also invested $10m in internet connected set-top box manufacturer Roku. The move, which follows a Roku distribution agreement for Now TV launch, will give Sky the ability to rebrand and distribute its own versions of the streaming devices.

A beefed up Sky+ iPad app will enable consumers to use the device as a remote control for browsing the EPG and selecting shows to watch or record.

Sky’s chief executive Jeremy Darroch said it was vital the business continued to diversify.

“Broadening the areas in which we can grow is a key part of our journey,” he said. “We will invest sensibly in areas where customers see value – in getting better on screen and improving our products and services – and maintain a strong focus on operating efficiency and cost control.”

He added an anticipated price rise of 2-3% later this year was unlikely to dent growth due to the current 24 month price freeze as well as content deals, such as F1 and Sky Atlantic and innovations including Sky Go.
Also, from Absolute Gadget:
Turn your iPad into a Sky+ remote

Anyone with an iPad and a Sky+ box can now turn there tablet into a fully-functional Sky+ remote to control their Sky+ HD box.

The new app allows users to pause and rewind live TV or recordings using swipe gestures. It will also allow Sky subscribers to look through Sky+HD Planner and add or delete recordings without interrupting TV viewing.

The free app available from the iTunes store and according to Sky is one of many to come in the future. No announcement has yet been made regarding Android and smartphone versions of the update.

“In the year ahead, we have a strong pipeline of innovative new products and services planned for release,” the company said in its latest earnings report. “We plan to enhance the functionality of the Sky+ app to allow customers to use the iPad as a remote control for browsing the EPG, managing their Sky+ planner and selecting programmes to watch, pause, fast forward and rewind.”

The company has also added another eight children’s channels to its Sky Go on-demand service including Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. Sky TV customers with the Entertainment Extra pack can view the programming at no extra cost.

Earlier this month, Sky launched its Netflix rival Now TV. The streaming service downloads content from Sky to internet connected devices. It will eventually allow viewers to access sports and entertainment offerings.

Channel 5′s Demand 5 catch-up service was announced as coming to Sky Anytime+. It joins BBC’s iPlayer and ITV Player as part of the Sky service. The content can be accessed via the main Sky Anytime+ menu.

According to latest figures, 4,343,000 of Sky homes now have HD installed, which is half a million up year-on-year.
Also, from Pocket-lint.com:
Sky Go, Sky+ app and Sky Anytime+ all getting new features, including iPad remote control

Major push for the second screen

Sky has announced a swathe of major new features to a number of its services, television and app-related.

The first to get its update is Sky Go on mobile and smartphone. The broadcaster and TV service provider has added hours of catch-up kids content to the Anytime section of its application. It has signed deals with eight children's channels, which includes on-demand children's shows from Disney, Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network.

Young boys' fave Ben 10 is part of the deal, as is a range of pre-school programming, such as Dora the Explorer and current Pocket-lint guilty pleasure Team Umizoomi.

Next month, Sky will introduce the children's channels to its live Sky Go offering too, which will bump up the number of channels accessible via the app to 32.

The Sky+ for iPad mobile app will also get a new feature later this summer. It will allow customers with a Sky+ or Sky+HD box to use their tablet device as a remote control, to pause and rewind shows. In addition, those with the HD boxes will be able to view their planner through the application too, and they will be able to add or delete shows without affecting the action on the TV screen.

It's not quite as impressive as View21's app, which will allow you to view shows recorded on the company's forthcoming Freeview+ HD box on an iPad or iPhone screen, but it's definitely getting there.

Finally, Channel 5's catch-up service is coming to Sky Anytime+. Demand 5 will join the BBC's iPlayer and ITV Player as part of the Sky service. And the content will also be able to be accessed via the main Sky Anytime+ menu too.

The Sky Go application is available now for iPad, iPhone and select Android devices. It is a free service for Sky Subscribers with the Entertainment Extra pack. It is also possible to subscribe to Sky Go without a Sky TV subscription, from £15 to £40 per month.

Are you impressed with Sky's second screen offerings? [...]
Also, from Broadband TV News:
Sky expands catch-up content

Sky has confirmed catch-up content from Channel 5 will be added to its Sky Anytime+ service later in the year.

Its Sky Go service will also be expanded with content drawn from Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network added in time for the summer holidays.

The addition of ‘Demand 5’ means that three out of the big four terrestrial broadcasters will be available on Sky. The exception being Channel 4.

Channel 5’s catch-up content will be accessible through the main Sky Anytime+ menu, as well as a ‘Demand 5’ player found within a new section of the service dedicated to catch-up TV.

Over one million homes have now connected their Sky+ HD receiver to the internet, which is available to all homes, regardless of their choice of ISP.

In addition to programmes from Sky’s own channels, Sky Anytime+ also offers access to content from a wide range of partner channels including MTV, UKTV, Discovery, FX, History, Disney and the National Geographic Channel. Classic programmes from the ITV archive have also been available on the service since January this year.

Sky Go’s on-demand content will be followed by the addition of eight live kids channels to the Sky Go app next month.

Once the live childrens’ channels are added, Sky customers will be able to access a total of 32 live channels on Sky Go on smartphones and mobile tablets across news, sport, movies, entertainment and kids content.

The eight channels are also available live and on-demand on PC, Mac and laptops.
Also, from Crave, the gadget blog from CNET UK:
Sky+ iPad app can be used as hoity-toity remote control

Sky is set to update its Sky+ iPad app so you can use your tablet as a really opulent remote control. Due later this summer, the upgrade will let you pause and rewind merely by swiping your decadent finger. Marvellous.

If you're plutocratic enough to own a Sky+ HD box, you'll even be able to see the planner on your iPad, and add and delete recorded shows with a disdainful twitch of your snooty paw. The app currently lets you see the TV guide and select things to record, even if you're out and about, but you can't do much more than that.

The company's also adding eight children's channels to its on-demand service Sky Go, with the Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon all on hand to distract fidgety toddlers when the nanny needs to get some ironing done.

That brings Sky Go's tally to 32 live channels you can access on smart phone or tablet. Earlier this month the Sky Go Android app added on-demand movies and other TV, but initially failed to include Ice Cream Sandwich phones -- the latest droid-powered blowers you would expect moneybags Sky subscribers to own. That's now been fixed, however, with ICS phones now able to get Go-ing.

Sky's new Now TV service also shuns Ice Cream Sandwich, which is something of a boo-boo as its shiny commercial features the ICS-toting Samsung Galaxy S3. Clang!

But in an absolute masterstroke -- and frankly I can't believe I haven't put this higher up the story, such is the staggering importance of this news -- Sky Anytime+ is adding Channel Five's catchup service. That's right, no matter the time, day or night, you'll be able to watch Extreme Fishing with Robson Greene. That is a load off my mind, I can tell you.

Sky also unhooked the stats hose and gave me a good soaking. Here's what I managed to swallow, spluttering and gasping, from the torrent of facts. Over 4 million people have Sky HD now, and a similar number use Sky's broadband service, with 3.4 million buying phone, TV and Internet from the company. In total, one in six of us -- some 10.6 million -- now bung the company some cash every month.