Answering demand for on-demand
Sky used Microsoft's official Windows 7 launch today to announce it has teamed up with the software giant to integrate its Sky Player into the new operating system's Media Centre.
Although the live demo was undermined by problems with the venue's internet connection, Griff Parry, director of On Demand at BSkyB, managed to show off a pre-recorded demo of the new online video service. It will allow UK Sky subscribers to tune in to both live and pre-recorded TV content, on-demand, through a special Windows 7 Media Centre interface.
Sky said its service currently consists of 24 live streaming TV channels and an on-demand library including 500 movies, downloadable anytime from Sky Movies. The firm also said it offered "thousands of programmes spanning entertainment, sport documentaries, kids, culture and news."
Existing Sky TV customers can tap into Sky Player on Windows 7 for free, in addition to their set top box. New customers, however, will have to pay a monthly subscription.
Unfortunately, the service will only be available to users in the UK for the foreseeable future due to licensing issues.
The deal could also be a sign of things to come for Microsoft, whose UK director for consumer and online propositions, Ashley Highfield, noted "The deal with Sky is indicative of Microsoft wanting to work more with mainstream media." Highfield, who headed up the BBC's online proposition, which included the iPlayer, before joining Microsoft, added "we see the PC as a complimentary device for consuming media alongside your TV."
Parry also confirmed the Sky Player would launch as a service on Microsoft's Xbox 360 on October 27.
Here is Parry, having finally secured an Internet connection, demonstrating Sky Player via Windows 7 exclusively for HEXUS at today's launch event.
