Broadband News

Sky to offer TV via Xbox

Friday, 29 May 2009

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

Sky has joined forces with Microsoft to bring live pay TV channels, on demand content and interactive sports available direct to Xbox games consoles.

From autumn Xbox Live users will be able to access Sky Player - Sky Broadband's (www.Sky.com) online TV service - via their broadband-enabled games consoles to watch Sky TV without a dish.

Stephen Nuttall, director of Sky’s Commercial Group, said: “Our innovative partnership with Xbox puts more choice and control in the hands of customers. Now Xbox owners can enjoy a wide range of TV through their console and can pick and choose the packages that are right for them. For Sky, this makes our content even more widely available and opens up a new commercial opportunity.”

The deal means that Xbox owners will be able to access pay TV content - including Sky Sports, on demand movies and programmes and a selection on subscription packages - via their entertainment consoles for the first time.

And for existing Sky customers who own an Xbox, their console will provide another way to watch their favourite programming, said Sky.

Neil Thompson, head of Xbox UK and Ireland, added: “Our customers have told us that they want the opportunity to use their consoles as a way to access TV and once again Xbox has pulled off an entertainment first with amazing content and rich interactive experience.”

As well as being able to access content via Sky Player, Xbox users will be able to use the Live platform to communicate with one another in real time and use interactive services to enhance their experience.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “This will be a great opportunity for Xbox owners - especially those who don’t want an expensive TV subscription and who will soon be able to pick and choose from a selection of on demand content - including Sports - to watch in a completely new way.”

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