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Sorry...We're closing down!

After nearly six years online, we've decided to hang up our boots!

]]> Our sister site BizAsia.co.uk will continue to provide unrivalled breaking news stories on the UK Asian media scene.

The team at SkyDigiOnline.co.uk would like to thank those that have visited us and supported us regularly.

SkyDigiOnline.co.uk has enjoyed bringing many top stories to you - with some major scoops along the way.

We'll be putting more time and effort into BizAsia.co.uk but much of the content will be removed from the servers, and that which remains will not be maintained.

The next few weeks will see some changes on BizAsia.co.uk to make the site even bigger and better!

The closure of SkyDigiOnline.co.uk is mainly down to time constraints and financial backing. With other sites also offering similar news and information, we felt there was no alternative but to concentrate on BizAsia.co.uk and make this a more successful project.

Thank you once again for your support and we hope you continue to visit our sister site BizAsia.co.uk.

Sky Anytime secures 'on demand' rights for Sky One shows

For the first time ever in the UK, Sky will bring together all six seasons of the multiple award winning real-time drama 24 on its online download service, Sky Anytime on PC.

Sky has also secured on demand rights for a number of popular Sky One shows including current favourites Prison Break (Seasons 1 and 2), Bones (Seasons 1 and 2), Standoff (Season 1), and catalogue titles including Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Season 1 and 2).

Griffin Parry, Director, On-Demand, BSkyB commented: "We are delighted to further extend the wealth of content now available to Sky customers through Anytime on PC. No other broadband video download service offers so much fresh, blockbuster entertainment, movies and sport."

"We know that our customers want to access Sky content at a time and a screen of their choosing, and Anytime on PC offers a key element of our mulit-platform, on-demand offer. Whether it's 24, Lost, the Premiership, Test Cricket, Miami Vice or Borat, Sky customers enjoy access to the broadest range of online, on demand content."

BSkyB/Virgin row continues

BSkyB has reignited its public war of words with rival Virgin Media, saying cable customers "deserve better".

]]> The satellite company has taken out full page adverts in the national press outlining what it says are the differences between Virgin Media and Sky. The ad reads: "If you're a Virgin Media customer, no one could blame you for feeling disappointed or let down. Many of you were loyal to ntl:Telewest and were told things would get better."

Both companies are currently locked in a bitter dispute over the matter with Virgin Media submitting a claim to the High Court in April and Sky chief executive James Murdoch last month publishing letters sent to his opposite number Steve Burch.

Virgin, earlier this week, announced the launch of Virgin 1, a TV channel aimed to challenge Sky One.

International channels in line for EPG reshuffle

Channels in the International genre are in line for a reshuffle later in the year, a Sky source has confirmed.

]]> SkyDigiOnline.co.uk has already revealed that the Entertainment and Lifestyle categories are reshuffling in the next few weeks.

Our sister site BizAsia.co.uk reported earlier in the year that a reshuffle for the International genre could be on the cards.

Some new International channels, which are being planned to launch on Sky Digital may have to wait until the changes take place on Monday 6th August. Broadcasters are being given the choice of waiting until the EPG reshuffle has taken place or launching in the "overspill section", which BizAsia.co.uk reported on previously.

If channels go ahead with launching before the proposed changes, Sky is likely to add these channels to an "overspill section", which will be situated between EPG numbers 890 and 898. EPG numbers 880 – 886 are currently allocated to channels listed in the 'Specialist' genre and EPG numbers 900 – 963 are allocated to channels listed in the 'Adult' genre of the EPG.

If a channel(s) has opted to launch before the 6th August and it’s added to the "overspill section", the programme TV guide (in main menu) of these channels will only be accessible if viewed in 'All Channels' or by the EPG 'search and scan' function.

A Sky source explains; "The listing of these channels in the International overspill section would mean that when accessing the channel by scrolling through the 'All Channels' option in the main menu of the EPG, or when scrolling up or down using the 'search and scan' functionality, the channel will be listed in numerical order, and will not necessarily appear adjacent to other channels listed in the 'International' genre. However, if the channel is accessed through the 'International' option in the main menu, the channel will appear alongside channels listed in the main section of the International genre. Please note that the listing of the channel in the International overspill section of the EPG would only be temporary. Following the completion of the genre move, these channels will be listed in the main section of the 'International' genre (which is situated between programme numbers 780-839)."

Sky's previous date for an International EPG reshuffle was 23rd July, which has now been put back until 6th August (subject to change).

Sky Travel set for relaunch

Sky Travel is to relaunch giving it a new name and a retail element according to Broadcast magazine.

Full details have not yet been announced but speaking at a conference, Sky managing director of entertainment Sophie Turner Laing said it seems that the channel would be given a "whole new makeover" that would make it more entertainment oriented.

The overhaul of Sky Travel are part of the satellite broadcaster's wider investment in entertainment.

BBC News 24 add 'red' breaking news ticker

BBC News 24 has made a minor tweak to its on-screen look.

]]> The news channel's ticker at the bottom of the screen now changes red for breaking news then reverts back to white for normal headlines.

The move is seen as a way to make viewers more aware of breaking news whilst covering other stories.

Sky News, earlier this year introduced something similar for its own ticker, with the ticker changing to yellow for breaking news.

Image courtesy of TVForum member gregmc

EXCLUSIVE: Sky confirm EPG reshuffle

BSkyB has confirmed there is an EPG reshuffle to take place for both the Entertainment and Lifestyle & Culture genres.

]]> As we exclusively revealed previously on SkyDigiOnline.co.uk, the Entertainment genre changes will take place on Monday 18th June 2007 and the Lifestyle genre changes will happen on Monday 16th July 2007.

Entertainment genre (from Monday 18th June)
101 BBC1 / RTE1
102 BBC2 / RTE2
103 ITV1 / UTV / TV3
104 Channel 4 / TG4 / S4C
105 Five
106 Sky One
107 Sky Two
108 Sky Three
109 UKTV Gold
110 UKTV Gold +1
111 UKTVG2
112 LIVINGtv
113 LIVINGtv +1
114 LIVINGtv2
115 BBC THREE
116 BBC FOUR
117 Channel 4
118 ITV2
119 ITV3
120 ITV4
121 Bravo
122 Bravo +1
123 Bravo 2
124 Challenge
125 Challenge +1
126 ParaComedy 1
127 ParaComedy +1
128 ParaComedy 2
129 SCI FI
130 SCI FI +1
131 Men & Motors
132 UKTV Drama
133 UKTV Drama+1
134 S4C
135 Life TV
136 Life24
137 LifeShowcase
138 E4
139 E4+1
140 More4 / Channel 4 (ROI)
141 BBC 1 in NI
142 BBC 2 in NI
143 BBC HD
144 Sumo TV
145 TBA
146 BEN
147 Zone Reality
148 Zone Reality +1
149 Zone Reality X
150 Hallmark
151 TBA
152 E! Entertainm
153 Ftn
154 TBA
155 OBE
156 Biography
157 Hollywood TV
158 Bonanza
159 UKTVG2+1
160 Open Access 2
161 Open Access 3
162 RTE1 in NI
163 RTE2 in NI
164 TG4 in NI
165 FX
166 FX+
167 Information TV
168 Info TV 2
169 Passion TV
170 abc1
171 Raj TV
172 More4 +1 / More 4 (ROI)
173 More4+1 (ROI) / Vacant elsewhere
174 TBA
175 Sky One HD
176 My Channel
177 Trouble
178 Trouble +1
179 Ontv
180 Five US
181 TBA
182 Five Life
183 TBA
184 ITV2+1
185 ITV3+1
186 Legal TV
187 fame TV
188 Solent TV (ceased)
189 Trends TV
190 Channel 6 (only avail ROI)
191 GNTV
192 MKTV
193 Current TV
194
195 propeller
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203 Channel M

Lifestyle & Culture genre (from Monday 16th July)
250 Disc.RealTime
251 Disc.RT +1
252 Disc.RT Extra
253 Sky Travel
254 Sky Travel +1
255 Sky Trvl Extra
256 UKTV Style
257 UKTV Style +1
258 UKTV Garden
259 UKTV Food
260 UKTV Food +1
261 Travel Channel
262 Travel Ch +1
263 TBA
264 Disc.H&Health
265 Disc.H&H +1
266 TBA
267 Sky Arts
268 Sky Arts HD
269 UKTV Br't Ideas
270 Performance
271 TBA
272 Fashion TV
273 Real Estate TV
274 Real Estate +1
275 Wine TV
276 Disc.Travel&L
277 Wedding TV
278 Wedding TV+1
279 Xleague
280
281
282
283
284
285 Baby Channel
286
287 O'seasproperty

ITV put plans for movie channel on hold

ITV's plans to launch a dedicated film channel have been put on hold according to reports.

]]> The Broadcast magazine says "ITV sources have begun to question whether the channel would be popular with advertising sales houses which already have a range of movie channels at their disposal."

ITV is looking at replacing the axed ITV Play channel with a film channel said to be the preferred option.

Related link:
ITV Play channel axed

Solent TV ceases broadcasting

Solent TV will stop broadcasting as the company ceases trading.

]]> The UK's first not-for-profit local television station launched on Sky EPG 219 in January 2007.

Financial problems four months later mean company directors have decided to shut down the TV station despite talks with potential investors. All employees are being made redundant.

The channel ceases broadcasting tonight.

Sky Movies to launch two more channels

Sky has announced that it will be launching two more Sky Movies channels next week.

]]> The two channels, namely Sky Movies SD1 and Sky Movies SD2, will simulcast programming from Sky Movies HD1 and HD2 respectively in standard definition. This will give Sky Movies standard definition customers access to the same titles as Sky Movies HD customers.

The order of channels on the EPG will change as follows:

311 Sky Movies HD1
312 Sky Movies SD1
313 Sky Movies HD2
314 Sky Movies SD2

It has also been announced that Sky is extending the hours of Sky Sci-fi/Horror and Sky Indie. These channels, currently starting at midday, will from 2nd June commence transmission at 10am. On the same day, Sky Premiere will transmit from 10am and feature two extra film transmissions every day. Sky Premiere +1 will also transmit from the earlier time of 11am.

Sky News to broadcast behind bars

In a British television first, Sky News is to anchor live from HMP Nottingham Part of 'Crime Uncovered' week.

The live broadcast is part of a week of special coverage from Sky News on television, online and radio, starting on Monday 4th June, which will provide a snapshot of crime in the UK; how it affects everyday lives and practical advice on what steps individuals can take to avoid being victims of crime.

Sky News' Kay Burley will anchor the day's coverage from a category B prison - HMP Nottingham - on Thursday 7th June with live access to the prisoners and the people who run it.

Each day will focus on a specific area:
Monday 4th June – Causes of crime
Tuesday 5th June – The Police
Wednesday 6th June – The Courts
Thursday 7th June – Prisons
Friday 8th June – Crime solutions

Head of Sky News John Ryley said: "Crime affects most of us, be it petty crime like graffiti and vandalism to serious and organised crime. This week of special reports will shine a spotlight on Britain’s criminal justice system and will give our viewers the information they need to help empower themselves."

Crime Uncovered week on Sky News will start on Monday 4th June from 6.00am with a half-hour round-up programme every night at 7.30pm.

Sky expands HD movie service

To mark Sky HD's first birthday, a wider choice of movies will now be available in high definition.

]]> Sky has announced that it has now secured HD films for Sky Movies HD1 and HD2 from all the major Hollywood studios.

Movies from the Warner Bros. Entertainment library including Syriana, V For Vendetta and Firewall, distributed by Warner Bros. International Television will now be available to Sky HD customers.

Sky has also announced that next year 90% of original commission's for Sky One will be made in HD. Two thirds of all prime-time shows on Sky One will be available in HD by Christmas 2008. Sky Arts HD will continue to build on its HD line-up with all programmes commissioned for the channel being made in HD this year.

Brian Sullivan, Managing Director, Customer Group, BSkyB commented "Today’s announcement means Sky is the place for movie fans to enjoy blockbuster films through a fantastic at-home TV experience. It also shows our commitment to making the best of Sky available in high definition, across the schedule. People want to enjoy the ultimate viewing experience when they’re watching movies, sports, entertainment or documentaries, and that’s why over a quarter of a million people have already signed up to Sky HD already."

Sky+ subscription removed

The £10 subscription fee for Sky+ has been axed, Sky has announced.

]]> The Sky+ service is Sky's personal video recorder which allows the user to record, pause and instantly rewind live TV.

Currently customers are required to subscribe to 2 or more premium channels otherwise there is a £10 subscription in addition to the monthly Sky subscription.

However, as of 1st July 2007, the Sky+ subscription charge of £10 will be removed for all Sky Digital customers subscribed to any Sky Digital package.

SkyDigiOnline.co.uk reported in January of Sky's plan to remove the £10 Sky+ subscription.

Subscription to Sky Multiroom is unaffected and remains at £10 per month.

Related link:
Sky+ subscription to be scrapped?

Sky+ customers increase to over 2m

BSkyB has achieved its target of having a quarter of customers signed up to Sky+ three years early.

]]> Today's quarterly update states that 2,167,000 households in the UK and Ireland had the service at the end of March.

Sky now has a total of 8,492,000 customers, with 51,000 net additions made in January, February and March.

Sky Broadband has generated more than 500,000 customers and its service now reaches more than over 60 per cent of UK homes.

BSkyB added 60,000 high-definition subscribers, taking its tally to 244,000 at the end of March, 10 months after the service launched.

However, churn – the amount of subscribers leaving Sky’s services – was up 13.7 per cent from 11.9 per cent in the previous quarter and quarterly pre-tax profits fell 8.7 per cent year-on-year to £556 million.

James Murdoch, Chief Executive said: "Customer response to our 'See, Speak, Surf' campaign has been very encouraging. Total sales of our TV, broadband and telephony products surpassed one million for the second consecutive quarter and now exceed three million in the year to date, an increase of more than 50% on the prior year and almost double that of two years ago.

"In just eight months, Sky Broadband has passed the milestone of 500,000 customers who are enjoying fast speeds, wireless access and significant savings. Our network now reaches over 60% of U.K. homes and we are on track for our goal of more than 700,000 broadband customers by the end of June.

"Our investments in customer service, value and quality are driving more customers to choose more services from Sky than ever before.

"Changes to our retention and acquisition strategy are delivering valuable benefits to the quality and profitability of our business. We are delivering on our multi-product strategy and customers are responding in record numbers."

Related link:
Sky HD subscribers increases to 96,000

BSkyB's ITV bid 'needs probing'

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has recommended that BSkyB's purchase of a 17.9% stake in ITV should be referred to the Competition Commission.

]]> BSkyB's decision to buy the stake in November effectively blocked plans by then rival NTL to buy ITV.

Ofcom and the OFT have now sent their views to Trade and Industry Minister Alistair Darling who will announce by 26th May whether he wants the issue sent to the Competition Commission.

The OFT said it found that a relevant merger situation had been created, that the stake may lead to less competition in the market and that clearcut remedies to resolve the OFT's competition concerns were not offered.

"We have concluded that this partial ownership link between two key players raises significant competition concerns," said OFT Chief Executive John Fingleton.