BSkyB has confirmed the spring launch of three new channels to add to its HD line-up. The addition of FX HD, Sky Sports HD3 and Sky Movies Premiere HD, and the separate launch of ITV HD, will bring the total number of HD channels in the UK market to 18.
The FX HD launch has been anticipated since the channel received its transmission licence from Ofcom a year ago; Sky Sports HD3 will appear ahead of the overlap between winter and summer sports when Sky can be expected to show live HD coverage of football, rugby, cricket and golf.
Sky Movies Premiere HD, which will concentrate on the new releases added to the Sky Movies library, joins the two existing HD movie channels Sky Movies Screen 1 HD and Sky Movies Screen 2 HD.
The broadcaster has announced its involvement in Paramount Pictures’ remastering of two of Michael Caine’s classic movies, Zulu and The Italian Job, in the HD format to coincide with the star’s 75th birthday on March 14.