Sky Player to offer online access to pay TV

Standalone Subscription to Sky channels and on-demand content

Some of the UK’s most popular pay TV channels are coming to the internet with the announcement today that Sky is to launch a subscription TV service via its online Sky Player platform.For the first time, customers in the UK and Ireland will be able subscribe to watch a package of channels from Sky on their PC or Mac without the need to install a TV-based service as well. 

The plans were announced in a speech by Mike Darcey, Sky’s Chief Operating Officer, at the Media Guardian Changing Broadcast conference in London today. 

Launching in the next few months, the new Sky Player service will offer access to some of Sky’s most popular channel brands as well as a selection of channels from other broadcasters. Some of the channels will be available from launch, with more being added to the service over time. An online electronic programme guide will make it easy for customers to choose what to watch and customers will also be able to access a wide range of on-demand content to enjoy whenever they want. 

Customers will be able to choose from a number of online subscription packages, while existing Sky TV customers will continue to enjoy access to Sky Player’s on-demand content in line with their core TV subscription. 

Commenting on the new service, Mike Darcey said: 

“We want to make it easy for customers to enjoy great TV on their terms. Sky Player already gives more flexibility to Sky TV customers and soon we will offer some of the most popular pay TV channels through a standalone subscription to a secure online platform. While the laptop won’t replace the TV experience for most people, we’re creating more choices to allow customers to choose the option that suits their lifestyle.” 

Sky Player currently offers access to thousands of hours of content from Sky channels – including Sky1, Sky Sports, Sky Arts, Sky Movies, Sky News and Sky Real Lives - and a range of third party channel providers, including the BBC, National Geographic, The History Channel and ESPN Classic.  

Full details on channel line-up, pricing and launch date will be available in due course.