E4 HD, Channel 4’s second dedicated HD (high definition) channel, is to launch on the 14th December on Sky’s HD service, Sky+HD. A simulcast of E4, the channel will provide access to a wide range of hits series such as Glee, Misfits, Hollyoaks and Peep Show, many of which will be available to UK and Irish viewers in HD for the first time.
The multi-year deal will see E4 HD incorporated into Sky’s HD Pack and brings the total number of HD channels available through Sky+HD to 36. E4 HD will be located at channel number 215 on the Sky electronic programme guide.
Sarah Rose, Head of Channel Development at Channel 4, said: “The growing appetite for HD across the UK and Ireland is clear to see. We were quick to respond to this demand in launching Channel 4 HD, and with the launch of E4 HD we look forward to delivering our viewers even more of the shows they love in stunning high definition.”
Hilary Perchard, Sky’s Director of Product Management, adds: “We’re delighted to welcome E4 HD and another quality HD schedule to Sky. We’ve never seen higher demand for Sky+HD and this is a response to delivering customers a high-quality and wide-ranging selection of subscription HD programming. Incorporating an increasingly diverse mix of the channels and programmes our customers love, Sky continues to extend its HD leadership.”
1.6 million Sky+HD homes can currently choose from 35 HD channels spanning entertainment, sports, movies, arts, drama, kids and documentaries, including channel brands such as Sky Sports, Sky Movies, FX, Discovery, Channel 4, Sky Arts, MTV, Nat Geo, ESPN, Disney, the BBC and Sky1.
Sky recently confirmed that its Sky+HD set-top boxes will offer both a comprehensive ‘pull’ video-on-demand service from 2010, to provide customers with additional choice and control to complement Sky+ and the current Sky Anytime ‘push’ VOD service. Next year will also see the launch of 3D TV services through the Sky+HD platform.
To access the new E4 HD channel, Sky customers in the UK and Ireland will require a Sky+HD box, an HD ready TV and a subscription to the HD channel pack.
