• Subscribe
  • Advertise
    • Media Info
    • Terms & Conditions for Advertisers
    • Mechanical Data

Broadband TV News

Independent. Since 2003

  • Home
  • News Line
    • Central & East Europe
    • People
  • TV
    • On Demand/VOD
    • IPTV
    • Cable
    • Satellite
    • Terrestrial
    • Distribution
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Columns
    • Chris Dziadul
    • Julian Clover
    • Robert Briel
  • Events
    • Events Diary
    • BTN Events
    • Events Coverage
    • Submit the details of your event
  • Features
  • Resources
    • White Papers

For Sky, Netflix is the new Black

March 2, 2018 11.39 Europe/London By Julian Clover

The deal that seemed unlikely has been reached as Sky signalled its intention to be a curator of premium content, starting with Netflix, writes Julian Clover

In any other week the announcement that Netflix was to be added to the Sky Q box and included as part of a new Entertainment package would have dominated the week’s news.

It didn’t too badly, but we also heard the music streaming service Spotify would also have a presence in Sky Q homes, and yet further improvements to the platform itself. And that’s without mentioning Comcast’s interest in the company as a whole.

When it comes to Netflix, Sky is late to the party, Virgin Media, BT TV and Freesat all have the app in their boxes, only EE has seemingly overlooked the popularity of the service.

But Sky has pulled off a masterstroke. On any other operator in you go to the Netflix app and you’re there with The Crown, Orange is the New Black and Star Trek Discovery. On Sky Q, Netflix content will be there with the rest of the Sky inventory, so Sky Originals such as Tin Star, Riviera, or Manchester United v Liverpool will be given equal billing. Smart.

And on the subject of billing the Netflix ‘membership’ is effectively added to the Sky subscription.

And don’t forget that in December Sky has also signed an agreement that will Sky subscribers to buy BT Sport.

But there’s more to just Netflix appearing on Sky Q. Sky is reclaiming the ground that once meant you had no reason to leave the Sky arena. It’s only movie service is arguably better than Netflix, it’s just that you end up paying more for fresher titles, and its original productions can also be the match of Netflix.

Previously Sky subscribers will have needed a separate app, perhaps on their smart TV, a streaming stick, or a Roku or Apple TV box.

There’s been no confirmation, but Sky’s long list of improvements to Sky Q included this line: The reach and accessibility of Sky Q will also be extended with the ability to stream content to more devices at the same time, plus a Sky Q app will become available on Smart TVs and third party devices.

To me that reads that we’ll start to see Sky Q extend beyond Sky’s own set-tops, side by side with Netflix (surprise), the catch-up services, and all sorts of TV content large and small. Now TV, Sky’s low-cost streaming service can already be found on many of these.

If the set-top box does eventually fade into history, Sky intends to hang around.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Clover's Week, Columns Edited: 9 March 2018 11:19

About Julian Clover

Julian Clover is a Media and Technology journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He works in online and printed media. Julian is also a voice on local radio. You can talk to Julian on Twitter @julianclover, on Facebook or by email at jclover@broadbandtvnews.com.

Latest News

  • Netflix offering a ‘spectrum of payment options’
  • Disney extends Bob Chapek’s contract
  • Digital UK announces chief product officer roles
  • Cyfrowy Polsat to be investigated
  • FilmBox debuts on Ziggo in Netherlands

Watch Video

Xperi on using AI to identify your audience – ANGA COM Roundup Video

Patrick Byrden, Xperi's VP of Business Development & Strategy, tells Julian Clover how the company is using AI to detect who is watching the TV, and providing them with more relevant content. … [Watch Now ...]

24i on app development and viewer recommendations – ANGA COM Roundup Video

Julian Clover speaks to 24i's Sales Director Operator Solutions, Lennart Broers, about how apps are becoming more important to pay-TV operators, and the recent acquisition of recommendations company The Filter. … [Watch Now ...]

Columns

Chris Dziadul Report: Digi turns to 5G

24 June 2022 By Chris Dziadul

The Dutch-registered Romanian telco Digi Communications is currently undergoing a remarkable transformation. … [Read More...]

View more columns

Free Ebook

eBook: Overcoming the Top 5 Challenges in Server-side IP Ad insertion

IP video is a game-changer for advertising. However, unlike traditional television, IP video is more dynamic, with new devices, formats, content and services to consider. … [Download the eBook...]

Broadband TV News

  • Subscribe
  • About us
  • Contacts
  • Logos & Pictures
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Advertising

  • Media Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Mechanical Data
  • Video Services

News

  • Latest
  • Central & East Europe
  • TV
  • Tech
  • Streaming
  • Cable
  • Satellite
  • Terrestrial
  • IPTV
  • Business
  • People

Events

  • Events Diary
  • BTN Events
  • Submit the details of your event
  • Media Meet & Greet

Broadband TV News

PO Box 499
Cambridge
United Kingdom
CB1 0AH
news@broadbandtvnews.com

Connect with Us

 

Copyright © 2022 Broadband TV News LLP · Log in