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Sky Player heads to Freeview boxes and web-connected TVs

by Parm Mann on 25 March 2010, 12:03

Tags: Sky Player

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BSkyB has announced plans to introduce new ways for consumers to access its online TV service, Sky Player, by making it available via internet-connected TVs and Freeview set-top receivers.

The broadcaster has signed agreements with Cello, who will make Sky Player available through its LCD TVs, and 3View, who is expected to add Sky Player functionality to its upcoming IPTV Freeview HD box.

The deal is expected to bring Sky programming to a wider audience, with Sky Player providing the ability for non-Sky customers to subscribe to monthly online TV plans.

Sky Player, first launched in 2008, uses Microsoft's Silverlight technology as its delivery platform and is already available via a wide range of hardware partners. In addition to the web-based interface, Sky Player was made available via Microsoft's Xbox 360 games console in October 2009 and has since been integrated into Microsoft's flagship desktop operating system, Windows 7. The service is also available to Mac computers and Fetch TV set-top receivers.

Suggesting that Cello and 3View are just the tip of the iceberg, Sky's director of on-demand states that the broadcaster "will continue to look at opportunities to distribute Sky Player across new platforms, to give consumers even more choice and control over how they access high-quality pay TV content."

Sky Player content is available to Sky customers based on product subscription, whilst non-Sky customers can subscribe to the live and on-demand service through a choice of Sky Player TV Packs. Prices start at £15 per month for the basic Entertainment Pack, and rise to £41.50 for Sky's premium Sports and Movies pack. Unlike its Sky+ residential services, Sky Player does not carry an annual contract.


Press release: Sky Player to Launch on Internet Connected TVs and Further Freeview IPTV Set-Top Boxes



HEXUS Forums :: 7 Comments

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It would be nice if they could release Sky Player on their own STB's! I am fed up with their “Anytime” service.
billybear
It would be nice if they could release Sky Player on their own STB's! I am fed up with their “Anytime” service.

Very very sad choice of manufacture to work with. If they were serious they would work with the likes of Humax who produce alot of freeview and freesat equipment.

With the recent implimentation of iplayer on Freesat boxes and its strong sucess online, I would guess Sky want to join that band wagon - but charge for it -

Sky - Listen …. Iplayer works because its free…, 4 on demand is free, ITV player is free.

Why pay to watch TV when its free…
Brewster0101
Sky - Listen …. Iplayer works because its free…, 4 on demand is free, ITV player is free.

Why pay to watch TV when its free…

Technically the vast majority of the population pay for BBC iplayer through the TV license fee ;) The cost of the base Sky TV package over a year probably isn't that far off what we pay for the TV license.
tickedon
Technically the vast majority of the population pay for BBC iplayer through the TV license fee ;)
Technically you don't need to pay a TV licence to watch iPlayer…
mikerr
Technically you don't need to pay a TV licence to watch iPlayer…

Indeed (unless you use the view live option for channels), but, it's still how it's paid for :)