Following on from recent announcements which have confirmed Sky Player’s availability across PCs, Macs, game consoles, Freeview set-top boxes and internet connected TVs, Sky’s online TV service is soon to also launch across Humax’s new range of IP-enabled high definition (HD) digital boxes for Freeview. This includes the UK’s first Freeview HD box, the Humax HD-FOX T2, which launched in February 2010, and a Humax HD digital TV recorder planned for the coming months.
Sky Player offers Sky customers the opportunity to access a wide range of live TV channels as well as a comprehensive video-on-demand service, with content spanning a range of leading broadcasters. This deal will enable existing Sky customers to access live and on-demand TV in a second or third room, or for new customers to subscribe to Sky directly via a dedicated Sky Player TV subscription.
The Humax HD-FOX T2 enables viewers to enjoy HD content from UK terrestrial broadcasters, with up to five times more detail than standard definition and crystal clear sound from Dolby. The stylish and compact box also offers innovative new home networking, content sharing and interactive TV services. The digital recorder version, which launches later this year, will also offer a 500GB hard disk drive.
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 on other platforms, 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: “In providing both new and existing customers with more choice and control over how they access Sky content, we continue to harness secure and high-quality distribution platforms like Humax. We know that many Sky homes also have Freeview in other rooms, and this provides a great way for them to enjoy Sky away from their Sky box. And for new customers, particularly those in Freeview homes, it provides an innovative new access point to Sky’s high-quality pay TV content.”
Graham North, Commercial Director, Humax, adds: “The addition of Sky Player on our Freeview HD boxes ensures Humax is positioned to offer consumers an exciting way to experience digital TV, with great content and a range of home networking and content sharing features.”
Sky’s pay TV services are currently available across DTH (HD, SD and interactive), cable, IPTV, Xbox, the iPhone and iPod Touch, Nokia Android, and other 3G enabled mobile phones, with confirmed launches planned for Fetch TV, Cello IP-enabled TVs, 3View and Humax.
For more information on Sky Player TV, visit www.skyplayer.com
