Sky to launch on internet platform, announces Xbox launch date

UK pay-TV operator BSkyB is to make its online service Sky Player available on hybrid DTT and IPTV platform Fetch TV after signing a distribution deal with IP Vision.

Early next year, owners of Fetch TV broadband-enabled set-top boxes will be able to receive Sky channels including Sky Movies and Sky Sports as well as on-demand content from various broadcasters.

IP Vision’s Fetch TV set-top costs £219 (€237), giving access to Freeview DTT channels as well as a range of VOD services delivered over broadband. Existing Sky TV customers will be able to access Sky Player for no extra cost and non-Sky customers will be able to sign up to various TV packages via a monthly subscription paid directly to Sky.

Griff Parry, director of on-demand at Sky said “[The deal] demonstrates the continued development of innovative IP-enabled video services. As more and more commercial players harness broadband distribution to extend consumer choice, there’s an opportunity for all content owners to reach new audiences. Sky will continue to look to support new, secure delivery platforms as this fast and dynamic sector evolves.”

Separately, Parry has revealed that Sky Player will launch on the Xbox 360 games console on October 27. Users will need to hold an Xbox Live Gold subscription and be subscribed to Sky movie and sports packages to view programming from those packages.