Sky outlines programmes in HD lineup

Published Tuesday, Nov 22 2005, 11:29 GMT | By Neil Wilkes

Sky has revealed more details of the content in its upcoming HDTV lineup at the first live satellite demo of the service.

Although the major details - a firm launch date and pricing - are still to be confirmed, the broadcaster has announced more specifics on what to expect from the HD channel lineup.

Sky Sports HD will be spearheaded by HD coverage of live Premiership football games and Premiership rugby union and will also include Live Test and One-Day international matches played in England.

Sky Movies HD will comprise two channels dedicated to films broadcast in HD. Confirmed movies on the launch slate include Kill Bill: Vol 1, Spider-Man 2 and Big Fish. In addition, "up to ten extra movies a week" will be available in HD via Sky Box Office.

Sky One will be simulcast in HD on the service. Some programmes, mostly US imports, will air in HD where available while others may be upped from the SD format to improve picture quality. Series confirmed for HD include 24, Rescue Me, Bones, Over There, Stargate and Stargate Atlantis, as well as original show Final Chance To Save, which has just been commissioned for a second series.

Similarly, Artsworld will simulcast in HD from launch. Confirmed HD performances for 2006 include The Marriage of Figaro, Othello, The Who Live at the Isle of Wight, Jimi Hendrix Live at the Isle of Wight Festival and Anthony Minghella Directs Madam Butterfly.

Other broadcasters are expected to launch new channels as part of the service; among those planning HD offerings are Discovery, National Geographic and the BBC.

Speaking at the event, sales director Brian Sullivan appeared to contradict previous reports that the HD service would be aimed at a high-end audience, insisting that Sky HD would be a "mass market offering from day one".

With the product likely for an April 2006 launch, rival operator Telewest is now set to get a jump in the HD consumer market. The cable operator, shortly to merge with NTL, will begin rollout of its HD offering in January.