UPC Gains Sky HD Channels in Ireland

LONDON: Sky and UPC have renewed their existing carriage deal for Ireland, enhancing the agreement with the addition of HD versions of a range of networks.

UPC will continue to offer its customers across the Republic of Ireland Sky’s entertainment, news, sports and movies channels through its cable TV service. Now, UPC customers will gain access for the first time to high-definition channels such as Sky 1 HD, Sky Living HD, Sky Arts 1 & 2 HD, Sky News HD, Sky Sports News HD, Sky Sports 1 & 2 HD and the full suite of Sky Movies channels.

Rob Webster, the director of Sky’s commercial group, commented: "As we continue to increase our investment in high-quality pay-TV content, we’re keen to distribute our channels as broadly as possible to widen our reach and enable more households to enjoy some of the great programming Sky has to offer.

"This agreement demonstrates how through successful negotiation we can create value for the companies involved in addition to real benefits for consumers."

Simon Kelehan, the head of content at UPC, said: "The addition of a range of Sky’s HD channels together with ESPN HD and Disney HD means UPC customers can get really close to the sports and movie action in glorious high definition.

"We’re constantly seeking to add new services to make the UPC experience a really great one for our viewers and are very pleased to announce this enhanced deal with Sky. Together with the recent launch of UPC On Demand, we’re providing unique home entertainment to our customers."