[Mrluvaluva]

Sky has today rolled out its new catch-up TV section on the Sky+ electronic programme guide, as well as announced a new set top box with 2TB storage and added Zeebox functionality to its Sky+ iPad app.

As announced earlier in the month, a raft of changes and improvements are being made to the Sky+ guide, which is now used by over nine million homes in the UK.

The headline new feature is the arrival of catch-up television in the new On-Demand section of the EPG, replacing the previous Anytime service.

From today, Sky+ users can enjoy greater flexibility by accessing seven-day catch up from all the major Sky channels, along with the standalone ITV Player and Demand 5 services.

BBC iPlayer will join the platform this autumn and Channel 4's 4oD will roll out in early 2013, at which stage Sky will be able to offer all the on-demand services of the UK public service broadcasters.

Previously, Sky+ users had to proactively set recordings of PSB shows on their box if they were going out, or they would miss the programme entirely.

Alongside catch up TV, the new On Demand section also offers box sets, such as Mad Men and An Idiot Abroad, along with movie rentals from the Sky Store.



Launched over a decade ago, Sky+ now generates 1.2 billion sessions of 'time-shifted' (away from the live broadcast schedule) viewing from Sky customers every month.

Sky previously offered a maximum of 1 TeraByte of storage in its Sky+ set top boxes, but coinciding with the launch of catch-up TV on the platform, the firm has announced a new Sky+HD 2TB box.

Created in response to customer demand, the new 2TB box has six times the storage of a regular Sky+ HD box and can hold up to 350 hours of HD content, equivalent to more than two weeks' worth of viewing.

"Since launch, Sky+ has led the revolution in how we watch TV and let more than nine million households take control of their viewing," Luke Bradley-Jones, Sky's brand director for TV Products.

"We're pushing forward again by offering customers even more flexibility, more personal storage and entirely new ways of engaging with their favourite TV.

"With customers using Sky+ a staggering total of more than a billion times each month, it remains the gold standard in pay-TV."

Also announced today by Sky is a new way for satellite pay-TV customers to interact with their viewing via the Sky+ iPad app.

Sky took a 10% stake in Zeebox earlier in the year, after the second-screen TV app was successfully launched by former BBC iPlayer chief Anthony Rose.

Zeebox technology will now power the revamped Sky+ iPad app, enabling users to connect with online communities around shows on TV across Sky and other channels.

Going live this week, users of the redesigned app can comment on the programmes they are watching via built-in Twitter feeds, as well as gain extra information via tailored sections on the app.

New augmented TV functionality from Zeebox will also be added to the app, allowing users to change channels on their TV using the iPad, as well as browse their Sky+ planner.


Digital Spy

Great news. Although how soon the iplayer will follow is anyone's guess.

[Maia]

Right mum you bloody better let us get Sky+

[Mrluvaluva]

The BBC has announced that it’s going to drastically overhaul its Red Button interactive services for Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat.

This will bring more features and services to viewers while unfortunately cutting down on the number of live streams available.

While this will be a blow to sports fans, the benefits to the overhaul include a new Live Restart feature, which will let you jump back to the start of an episode of EastEnders if you’ve only just tuned in and you’ve missed the first 15 minutes.

Earlier this year we saw Live Restart arriving as a feature on the web-based BBC iPlayer so it’s good to see this rolled out to Sky, Virgin and Freesat viewers too.

From the new Red Button menu you’ll also be able to jump to a BBC iPlayer style menu where you can pick and choose from what else is currently on the BBC.

The BBC’s development editor for Red Button services Tom Williams says the new changes will come into effect on October 15, and will also include Strictly Come Dancing live commentary, an Antiques Roadshow game and more live music accompanying the 1Xtra and Radio 2 station channels.

BBC Sport output, albeit diminished, will continue to cover Formula One and UK Championship Snooker and live events such as Wimbledon. The BBC Sport website will continue to host multiple streams of live events as before, as will BBC Sport smart TV apps.


Recombu

Looks like this will hopefully be rolling out on Sky then from next Monday for selected boxes with capability, with others to follow over the next couple of months.

[arista]

Originally Posted by Mollie.

Right mum you bloody better let us get Sky+

Is your
Mum online here?

[Mrluvaluva]

Recombu have now edited their original piece from earlier today. Seems they may have got their information wrong and the BBC iplayer may not become available on Sky from next Monday.

[Maia]

Originally Posted by arista

Is your
Mum online here?

Just as well she isn't she'd probably get me reported

[Locke.]

Originally Posted by arista

Is your
Mum online here?

Josy

[Black Dagger]

I have Sky+ and this hasn't happened?

[Mrluvaluva]

Originally Posted by Black Dagger

I have Sky+ and this hasn't happened?

It has only rolled out so far on a couple of models. Others will be updated over the next couple of months. Also it is only available on SKY+ HD boxes and 1TB/2TB.

[Black Dagger]

Originally Posted by Mrluvaluva

It has only rolled out so far on a couple of models. Others will be updated over the next couple of months. Also it is only available on SKY+ HD boxes and 1TB/2TB.

Oh that is lame, that will be why then.

We don't have a HD model at home, but I do at my Mum's ha.

[Mrluvaluva]

For anyone interested, I have heard that the BBC iplayer will be launching this coming Monday 15th October, although I have not seen anything official concerning this yet.

[Locke.]

Just got it all sorted.

They have the first season of Friday Night Lights on there, I suggest you all watch immediately

[Mrluvaluva]

The BBC iplayer is apparently still under beta testing, but I have seen today that the expected date is now October 30th.

[arista]

Originally Posted by Mollie.

Just as well she isn't she'd probably get me reported

Fair Enouigh

Wise Mollie

[Me. I Am Salman]

I have a Sky+ HD box but I still haven't got it
I now have a deleted recordings tab though

[Locke.]

Originally Posted by Salman!

I have a Sky+ HD box but I still haven't got it
I now have a deleted recordings tab though

You have to connect your ethernet cable up from the sky box to your modem, once I done that it automatically appeared

[Me. I Am Salman]

I don't think I even have one
ugh nobody in my family cares about it but me

[Mrluvaluva]

TV advert is now also saying the iplayer is expected October 30th.

[King Gizzard]

the deleted programmes part on the planner is my saviour

[Mrluvaluva]

BBC iPlayer has today gone live on Sky+, as part of the satellite platform's recently-launched shift to offering catch-up television.

After an announcement earlier in the year, the corporation's video on-demand service, iPlayer, went live at 9am on Tuesday (October 30) to the around 6.7 million homes with a Sky+ HD box and a broadband connection.



These satellite homes can access iPlayer directly from Sky's new On Demand part of the TV guide, enabling them to catch up on shows such as Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders.

Sky already offers the standalone ITV Player and Demand 5 services to Sky+ homes, and will add Channel 4's 4oD in early 2013, at which stage Sky will be able to offer all the on-demand services of the UK public service broadcasters.

Previously, Sky+ users had to proactively set recordings of PSB shows on their box if they were going out, or they would miss the programme entirely.

Alongside PSB catch up, Sky's new On Demand section also offers catch-up on Sky and partner channels, as well as box sets, such as Mad Men and An Idiot Abroad, and movie rentals from the Sky Store.



BBC iPlayer has been integrated into Sky's existing TV guide and on-demand menus. Viewers are able to browse programming under a series of categories, including channel, day and genre. They can watch content in both standard and high definition where available.

Once a customer selects a programme, it is downloaded directly to their Sky+ planner ready to be watched at a time that suits them.

The launch of BBC iPlayer on Sky - which seemed unlikely to happen at one stage - is the latest expansion of the BBC's catch up TV service, which is now available on more than 650 different platforms.

Last month, iPlayer racked up almost 200m requests for programming, including a massive 2.2m for a new episode of Doctor Who.

By launching on Sky+, the five-year-old BBC iPlayer platform is now available on every major UK television platform for free.

Daniel Danker, the general manager of BBC Programmes and On Demand, said; "BBC iPlayer has had a record-breaking year, with 2 billion requests for programmes in 2011, and nearly 200 million requests in September 2012 alone.

"Available on over 650 platforms and devices across PC, mobile, tablet and internet-connected TVs, we are delighted that iPlayer is now also available to millions of Sky+ homes. 20% of all iPlayer use is already on the living room TV.

"By partnering with Sky, BBC iPlayer is available on all major UK TV platforms at no extra charge, making sure our audiences can access the best of the BBC's content at home and on the go, whenever and wherever they choose."

Sky's director of TV products Luke Bradley-Jones added: "Providing customers with the flexibility to enjoy their favourite TV on demand, our comprehensive catch-up TV service perfectly complements the genius of Sky+, which already helps millions of our customers take charge of their viewing.

"We continue to put Sky customers in control, with the addition of BBC iPlayer to Sky+ sitting alongside a range of innovations including remote record, series link and now even being able to use your iPad as a remote control."

To enjoy Catch-Up TV, Sky+ customers must activate their On Demand service and connect their box to a broadband router.


DS

[Mrluvaluva]

Sky has announced that Channel 4's 4oD video on-demand service will join its TV platform next week, and the firm has also secured the high definition versions of More4 and Film 4.

From Monday (March 18), Sky customers who have connected their Sky+HD box to broadband will be able to catch up on shows from Channel 4's portfolio of networks, including Channel 4, E4 and More 4.



Programming from the Channel 4 archive, such as The Inbetweeners, Shameless, Spaced, Father Ted, The IT Crowd and This Is England '88, will also be available on Sky On Demand.

Sky also said that its 4.5 million HD customers are getting access to the More4 HD channel, and Film4 HD will join the platform in September.

Last year, Sky launched Sky On Demand offering both catch-up and on-demand television. The service went live with ITV Player and Five On Demand, but later expanded to BBC iPlayer and soon 4oD, meaning it will offer all the on-demand platforms of the major UK broadcasters.

Users can also access on-demand content from Sky1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, the History Channel, National Geographic and others.

Sky estimates that the total number of connected Sky+HD boxes has now surpassed two million, and continues to grow.

As well as 4oD joining Sky On Demand, Channel 4 will also become the first terrestrial network to offer its channels and programmes on Sky Go, the Sky multi-platform TV service.

From Monday (March 18), Sky Go users will be able to stream Channel 4 and More 4 live on their laptop, smartphone, or tablet, with E4 and Film4 to follow shortly. Selected Channel 4 content will be available on-demand on Sky Go.

Sky's director of TV products, Luke Bradley-Jones, said the way people are enjoying TV is changing with the rise of on-demand and multiple screens.

"We know customers have busier lives than ever, which is why we've created the most comprehensive catch-up service in the UK," he said.

"Over 2 million Sky customers have already connected their Sky+ box to the internet so they can enjoy our full catch-up and On Demand service.

"But we are working hard to get even more Sky homes connected as we know our customers love the control and flexibility it gives them - it's a perfect complement to Sky+."

Channel 4's director of commercial & business development, Sarah Rose, added: "The launch of our successful VOD service, 4oD, on the Sky on demand and Sky Go platforms this month will extend the reach of our content to enable even more viewers to enjoy our wide range of programmes.

"And through the recent arrival of More4 HD and much anticipated launch of Film4 HD in September, we're delighted to complete the roll out of our HD portfolio."


Digital Spy

[Mrluvaluva]

Channel 4's digital services, including the 4oD catch-up TV platform, have today (March 18) become available to Sky customers.

Viewers with a Sky+HD box connected to broadband can now access 4oD to catch up on shows from Channel 4's portfolio of networks, including Channel 4, E4 and More 4.



Programming from the Channel 4 archive, such as The Inbetweeners, Shameless, Spaced, Father Ted, The IT Crowd and This Is England '88, will also be available on Sky On Demand.

As well as 4oD joining Sky On Demand, Channel 4 becomes the first terrestrial network to offer its channels and programmes on Sky Go, the Sky multi-platform TV service.

Sky Go users can now stream Channel 4 and More 4 live on their laptop, smartphone or tablet, with E4 and Film4 to follow shortly.

Selected Channel 4 content will also be available on-demand on Sky Go.

Sky launched Sky On Demand last year offering both catch-up and on-demand television.

The service went live with ITV Player and Five On Demand, but later expanded to BBC iPlayer and now 4oD, meaning Sky offers all the on-demand platforms of the major UK broadcasters.

Users can also access on-demand content from Sky1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, Sky Arts, the History Channel, National Geographic and others.

Sky estimates that the total number of connected Sky+HD boxes has now surpassed two million, and continues to grow.


Digital Spy