Sky Player, Sky’s online TV service, is to launch on a range of new internet connected TVs and set-top boxes following agreements with Cello, a manufacturer of LCD TVs, and 3View, a provider of hybrid DTT (digital terrestrial television) and IPTV set-top boxes.
Sky Player offers Sky customers the opportunity to access a wide range of live TV channels as well as the UK’s most comprehensive video-on-demand service, with content spanning a range of leading broadcasters.
Cello is a leading provider of LCD TVs and launched the iViewer in 2009, the UK’s first internet connected TV that enabled consumers to access internet-based media directly – without the need for a set-top box, games console or computer.
3View offers leading edge personal video recorders (PVRs) which also combine access to internet video services with DTT broadcasts.
Both companies offer their products through major consumer electronics retailers and Sky Player will be available as a pay TV option on both platforms.
These latest additions to Sky Player’s distribution footprint means that customers now have wide range of different access points for the service. As with access to Sky Player via PC, Mac, Windows Media Center, XBox 360 and Fetch TV, existing Sky TV customers will be able to access Sky Player content on a bonus basis based on their core Sky DTH and product subscriptions, whilst non-Sky customers will be able to sign up to a choice of TV packages via monthly subscription.
Griff Parry, Sky’s Director of On-Demand, comments: “The coming together of ground-breaking video services like Sky Player with innovative platforms like Cello and 3View demonstrates the vibrancy of the evolving internet video-on-demand sector. We 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.”
John Donovan, Managing Director of 3view said, “3view combines the latest free TV with fantastic internet content, so the deal with Sky Player is a perfect fit for us. Sky is using the power of the Internet to deliver quality content in an intelligent and consumer friendly way. By offering Sky Player on 3view’s simple to use, broadband connected set-top box, we are giving Sky access to a whole new market. Not only this, but it provides 3view users with access to a great range of movies, sport and other Sky programmes.”
For more information on Sky Player TV, visit www.skyplayer.com
