UKTV to Launch VOD Service

LONDON: UKTV is launching its first VOD service, along with adding an additional three HD channels to its portfolio.

The VOD service will launch on Sky Anytime+ in September, offering titles such as Fawlty Towers, Doctor Who, Top Gear and Planet Earth. The programming will be a mix of UKTV commissions as well as third-party acquisitions. These offerings will be refreshed on a monthly basis and nine box sets will be made available to Sky Anytime+ viewers every year.

With the addition of Watch HD, Dave HD and Alibi HD, UKTV now has five of its ten channel brands complemented with HD services. Eden HD and Good Food HD are already available to Sky viewers. Watch HD and Dave HD are to launch in October. Alibi HD will go live in 2012.

Keith Porritt, UKTV’s executive director of commercial, said, “We are thrilled to become Sky’s largest partner supplier of HD channels with High Definition versions of some of our leading channel brands, and it’s tremendously satisfying to be finally launching our first VOD service this autumn. UKTV’s position in the market is so unique, that we’re confident our HD and VOD offerings will really add value to Sky and their customers.”

Rob Webster, Sky’s commercial director, added: “We’re delighted that UKTV is taking further advantage of Sky’s platform innovation in HD, and will soon also be making its content available on demand via Sky Anytime+. Millions of Sky homes have embraced HD and now simply expect to see their favorite programs in high definition, while Sky Anytime+ is really making its mark too. This is great news for Sky customers, driving yet more value into their Sky subscription."