SKY Continues to Innovate

29 August 2014

Media Release

SKY Continues to Innovate

SKY customers will soon be enjoying upgraded MY SKY services, internet connectivity, video on-demand, upgraded legacy decoders and a modernised electronic programme guide (EPG). A Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) service for non-SKY customers will also launch this year.

The entertainment company is making a $125 million investment over the next two years in new software and equipment which will allow it to double its satellite bandwidth, enabling internet connections for all decoders, more channels and giving them the ability to broadcast ultra-high definition.

“We have firm plans for a major upgrade that will significantly enhance the service we provide to our 865,000 customers,” says chief executive John Fellet.

“As well as providing customers with the latest technology, a big upside of this project is that it allows us to double the amount of satellite bandwidth we can access, providing a path to ultra-high definition or 4k and the capacity to add new channels.”

“We expect to see an increased uptake of MY SKY services and even happier customers” says Fellet. “By the end of this investment programme, every SKY set top box will have the ability to be IP connected, providing access to VOD services for all of our customers. The simplicity of using MY SKY and providing on demand services through the same set top box will be a winning combination for our customers.”

Subscription Video on Demand – 2014

SKY will also launch an SVOD service targeted at non SKY customers this year. The service will feature a wealth of TV shows including exclusive HBO content and a great range of movies at launch. All for a flat monthly fee and no contractual obligations.

Upgrade to MY SKY decoders – 2015

An upgrade to the operating software of MY SKY decoders will be downloaded via SKY’s satellite with no customer intervention required. The upgrade will see a modernised Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) with high definition resolution and a modern new look and feel. Series link and search functionality will be enhanced and shows from a series will ‘Series Stack’ in the planner under one header.

Access to a huge library of On Demand content for all internet connected MY SKY’s will be available at a touch of the remote control for customers connected through an ethernet lead, Wi-Fi or power line device.

Customers can choose On Demand content to download through their internet connection and then elect to store on their MY SKY and watch at their convenience.

Content is downloaded progressively allowing SKY customers to watch shows whilst the download completes.

Access to VOD content and the upgrade is at no cost to customers, although they will need to pay for their connection devices and data usage. MY SKY charges will apply only if accessed.

Upgrade for all Digital decoders – from March 2015

SKY will replace around 460,000 non-MY SKY decoders with a new decoder that is MY SKY capable and features the enhanced high definition electronic programme guide. These decoders will have addressable MY SKY features like personal video recording, high definition and access to a huge library of On Demand content. Wi-Fi functionality will be inbuilt giving customers the option to access on demand content.

The replacement of all digital decoders will take place from March 2015 over an 18 month period at no cost to customers.

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