Discovery Networks UK has been signed as the factual channel partner on Picnic TV, Sky’s proposed DTT pay service, currently under regulatory consideration. Discovery Channel would broadcast a 12-hour service between 06.00 and 18.00 daily. It will join the previously announced Disney Channel and Sky branded channels including Sky Sports 1, Sky Movies and Sky One.
Sky is planning to use MPEG-4 technology that would allow three simultaneous streams, following an initial period in MPEG-2. Picnic TV will be operated independently of Sky’s DTH service and will offer subscribers access to the Sky Talk telephony and Sky Broadband services. Ofcom’s consultation into the proposals closed on December 14.
