Sky Player To Launch On Internet-Enabled TVs & Freeview IPTV Set-Top Boxes

Written by Rob Nichols on March 26, 2010 · Filed under Tech 

Sky Player, the rapidly expanding online TV service from Sky, will soon be available through internet ready TV’s and IPTV set-top boxes. The content, available on a bonus basis on top of their current TV subscriptions.

The technology in online media streaming as well as TV’s and HD set top boxes with internet access is growing fast. Media content online has boomed over recent years so I think it is about time that the two are brought together. After all, it seems that ‘On Demand’ TV is the future and it’s something that I certainly would buy in to.

Griff Parry, Sky’s director of on-demand, comments: “The coming together of ground-breaking video services like Sky Player with innovative platforms like Cello and 3View demonstrates the vibrancy of the evolving internet video-on-demand sector. We will continue to look at opportunities to distribute Sky Player across new platforms, to give consumers even more choice and control over how they access high-quality pay TV content.”

Cello is a leading manufacturer of LCD TV’s and in 2009 they launched the iViewer. The iViewer is the first internet connected TV in the UK that allows users to access online media directly without the need for set top boxes, games consoles or computers. In addition to that, 3View offer personal video recorders which also add in online media content to an existing platform of digital TV. Both of these services are available through major electronics stores in the UK and both will be offering the Sky Player access as a pay TV option.

John Donovan, Managing Director of 3view said, “3view combines the latest free TV with fantastic internet content, so the deal with Sky Player is a perfect fit for us. Sky is using the power of the Internet to deliver quality content in an intelligent and consumer friendly way. By offering Sky Player on 3view’s simple to use, broadband connected set-top box, we are giving Sky access to a whole new market. Not only this, but it provides 3view users with access to a great range of movies, sport and other Sky programmes.”

So what does it mean for existing Sky customers? Well firstly, access to Sky Player through your set top box and current subscription relies on a bonus basis and it means you will have yet another way to watch Sky TV on demand. Currently, services such as Sky Player are available on platforms such as PC, Mac, Windows Media Center, Xbox 360 (IPTV) and Fetch TV in addition to the Sky Anytime service already available through the Planner on your Sky+ or Sky+ HD box.

If however, you are not a current Sky customer and you still wish to access they service through your TV, there are various monthly subscription packages available to you from Sky.

So all in all, what does it bring? Well certainly Sky Player and On Demand has a lot to offer, but is it worth paying extra for on top of what you already pay for your Sky subscription or another TV service such as Virgin Media or Freesat? I believe it all depends on the individual. After all, Sky Player brings mobility and then it all comes down to personal preferences.