Sky customers will be able to access what the satcaster is claiming to be the most complete catch-up TV service in the UK from this coming Monday (March 18) following the addition on 4 on demand (4oD) to the company’s On Demand service.
New research shows that the total number of connected Sky+HD boxes now stands at over 2 million, and those in their possession will, be offered the upgrade for no additional charge.
With the launch of 4oD, catch up from Channel 4’s portfolio of channels, including Channel 4, E4 and More4, will be offered alongside hundreds of content from such channels as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and others.
At the same time, older shows and series from the Channel 4 archives will also be available for download from the library section of Sky’s On Demand service.
Luke Bradley-Jones, Sky’s Director of TV Products, commented: “The way people enjoy TV is changing as customers embrace technology to take control over their viewing. We know customers have busier lives than ever, which is why we’ve created the most comprehensive catch-up service in the UK. Over 2 million Sky customers have already connected their Sky+ box to the Internet so they can enjoy our full catch-up and On Demand service. But we are working hard to get even more Sky homes connected as we know our customers love the control and flexibility it gives them – it’s a perfect complement to Sky+.
Channel 4 is also the first terrestrial network to offer its channels and programmes on Sky Go. From March 18, Sky Go users will be able to watch Channel 4 and More4 live on their laptops, smartphones and tablets, with E4 and Film4 to follow shortly.
A range of classic Channel 4 shows will be made available within the On Demand section of Sky Go and More4 HD will join Sky’s HD channel line-up.
Significantly, Virgin Media says that it, not Sky, offer the most complete catch-TV service. This includes all the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five content (and was the first to do so), along with catch-up from Sky channels with the exception of Sky Atlantic.
Virgin Media also provide Fox content, which is not available on Sky catch-up.
