Sky explains high definition box change

Sky today confirmed it has dropped component video output from its latest high definition set-top boxes but said the move would not cause a problem for subscribers.

The company said the connections had been removed because of "obligations to some content owners". An amended Sky user guide says it will "help prevent the illegal copying of HD programmes and movies".

Sky estimates that only 1% of HDTVs in the UK rely on a component connection. However, the company said it would ensure anyone in that situation could have "the appropriate box".

"Sky digital HD set-top boxes with HDMI-only HD outputs are being introduced as part of our phased removal of boxes with HD component connections," said a spokesman. "This is in line with Sky’s obligations to some content owners which mean that Sky is phasing out the manufacture of any new HD boxes with HD analogue component outs.

"Although HDMI or DVI connections have been mandatory for new ‘HD Ready’ televisions since January 2005, it estimated that around 1% of the UK’s HD capable televisions could potentially have an HD analogue component connection only. We will therefore work with customers who are unable to connect through HDMI or DVI to ensure they have the appropriate box.

"Existing Sky HD customers are not affected by these changes, nor are any customers who have bought an HD Ready TV since January 2005."

Previous models of Sky HD box have both HDMI and component outputs, but only the HDMI connection supports HDCP - high bandwidth digital content protection - which is designed to make copying content in high definition more difficult.