BB FANS

Sky is to launch a new service that automatically downloads a mini-Library of films and TV shows to viewers' Sky+ boxes while they sleep.
Sky Anytime TV,a free service to all of its two million Sky+ subscribers from next month.

The free service will download up to 10 programmes to a user's box overnight, regardless of whether they have chosen to record them or not.
Programmes can be viewd at any time, and as new shows are recorded, older ones will be deleted. Sky hopes the service will allow it to competee with new services such as BT Vision, which allows users to download programmes"on demand" via a broadband internet system.

"This will let people see programmes they might not otherwise watch", said Sky's Hilary Perchard.

A mixture of programmes will be chosen by Sky's edtitors, and will include films, documentaries and children's programmes. About 35 hours of programmes will be stored.
The new system will use a "reserved" part of thew Sky+ box's internal hard drive to store the new shows. "We will not take away from the user's own storage," said Mr Perchad.

I wonder if the content downloaded will anything to do with what the viewer watches on a regular basis ?
I have wondered for years on the ability of the receiver to store and forward viewing details during the daily contact with Sky.

If viewers find a lot of useless programs downloaded with only a few useful ones then their statement should be correct but if the percentage is the other way and most of the downloads fit the viewers viewing habits then I'd suspect what I've always thought possible about the viewing habits being sent to Sky.

It'll be interesting to see how it pans out.

hmmm. better get sky plus then, i don't have it yet.

just normal digital

Sky Plus Subscription Charges Dropped

Waveguide - Sky remoteBSkyB is planning to drop the £10 monthly subscription charge for its Sky Plus hard disk personal video recorder.

Since it launched the service in October 2001 more than 2.17 million customers have signed up. The broadcaster had already waived the £10-a-month subscription fee for those who take its premium sport or movie channels. Now it is preparing to drop the subscription for all its 8.49 million customers from July 1, although it will still charge an initial £99 to upgrade to the Sky Plus set-top box.

Virgin offers its subscribers a system called the V+ Drive, while BT Vision also offers a similar set-top box as standard. Freeview recently launched its own hard-drive recorder brand called Freeview Playback. waveguide

Sky+ Remote Record Now on Apple iPhone

Sky today announced that its Sky+ Remote Record application is available from the Apple App Store.

The free application enables iPhone users with a Sky+ or Sky+HD set-top box to set recordings for their favourite show wherever they are in the world.

Stephen van Rooyen, Sky’s Director of Product Management & Product Marketing, said: "Whether you’re stuck at work, in the pub or gym, or have simply forgotten to record something, this free application is perfect for those situations when you hear about a TV show and want to record it there and then. Sky continues to innovate with products and services which give customers more choice and control over the TV they love."

waveguide.co.uk

There has been a 3rd party application available for months that does everything New Sky one does. Maybe they just bought the rights to the existing software.
I saw it demonstrated just before Christmas.

Sky Buys Stake In Zeebox

Sky has bought a ten per cent stake in app firm Zeebox, giving the broadcasting company exclusive rights to integrate the media platform into its own mobile applications.

Zeebox combines social networking and live programme information, allowing users of tablets, smartphones and PCs to interact with each other through tweets.

It was launched in October by EMI executive Ernesto Schmitt and former BBC technology chief Anthony Rose, who is responsible for successes such as iPlayer.

Sky customers will now be able to access their Sky+ box on the move, as well as use their iPhone or iPad as remote controls through Zeebox.

The company’s director of emerging products, Emma Lloyd, said: "The integration of Zeebox's innovative technology will enable us to make the companion device experience even richer and more engaging. We know that millions of our customers have smartphones and tablets and regularly use them to engage with Sky on mobile devices, so it's a natural next step for us."

The move sees Sky finally beginning to invest in double screening technology. With Rupert Murdoch firmly established on Twitter, many will question whether these are the company’s first steps towards fully owning a micro social network of their own.
waveguide.co.uk

Boost For Sky Profits

BSkyB profits have increased due to sales of broadband, telephone and TV packages to its existing customers.

The firm reported a 27% rise in pre-tax profit to £597m for the last six months of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.

The broadcaster sold 772,000 products in the period, but only 100,000 went to new subscribers.

Sky also announced it would create 1,300 new jobs in the UK and Ireland over the next two years.

Chief executibe Jeremy Durroch said: "We expect the environment to remain tough in calendar 2012. No consumer business can be immune to these conditions and we will manage any short-term headwinds as they emerge."



Sky To Launch New Internet TV Service

Sky today announced plans to launch a new service allowing customers to watch some of its most popular content over the internet.

Taking advantage of the rapid growth in broadband-connected devices, Sky said the new service will be an additional choice for people who do not currently subscribe to a pay TV service.

Launching in the first half of 2012, the new service will provide instant and simple access to a range of Sky content, including hundreds of films from Sky Movies.

The new service will offer Sky Movies from launch and the service will expand to offer sport and entertainment soon afterwards.

Customers will be able to choose from a variety of pricing options. For example, people will be able to pay monthly for unlimited access to Sky Movies or rent a single movie on a simple, pay-as-you-go basis.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, said: "This exciting new service will offer some of Sky's most popular content through a wide range of broadband connected devices. Alongside the continued growth of our satellite platform, this will be a new way for us to reach out to consumers who love great content, but may not want the full Sky service. Bringing a distinctive, new choice to the marketplace will help us meet the needs and demands of an ever wider range of consumers.

"This new product launch will build on our early leadership in multi-platform distribution. It will allow us to make our expertise and investment in content and technology work even harder, extending our options for continued growth."
waveguide.co.uk