Sky boosts HD output with seven new channels

by Tristan O'Carroll, Media Week 20-Aug-08, 12:20

LONDON - Sky is expanding its high definition TV channel line-up with the launch of seven new HD channels in October, including six genre-themed Sky Movies channels in HD and a new HD version of the Sky Real Lives channel.

The new channels will bring the total number of HD channels on the Sky platform to 26, compared with nine channels when Sky+ HD made its debut in May 2006. Native HD content on the Sky platform will increase to around 10,000 hours a month.

The new HD channels include Sky Movies Action/Thriller HD, which will feature the UK HD premiere of Lock Stock and Two Smokin’ Barrels. Sky Movies Sci-Fi/Horror HD channel will air the UK HD premiere of The Frighteners and The Haunting, while Sky Movies Drama HD will air key titles such as The Last King Of Scotland.

Sky Movies Modern Greats HD will air the UK HD premiere of The Sound Of Music, Sky Movies Family HD will feature the UK HD premiere of Tarzan, while Sky Movies Comedy HD will air films including Hot Fuzz.

Meanwhile, Sky Real Lives HD will feature shows such as Lorraine Kelly’s DNA Stories and The Real A&E, set around Coventry University Hospital's A&E department.

To coincide with the launch of the new channels on Sky+ HD, a season covering famous musical movies will be broadcast on Sky Movies Modern Greats HD.

Additionally, Sky Movies will launch a weekly HD UK premiere slot on Sky Movies Premiere HD every Friday, that will showcase the first UK HD TV screening of both modern and classic movies. Highlights for October include Back to the Future, Apollo 13, Unforgiven and Austin Powers 2.