Microsoft confirms Sky TV service for Xbox 360
Live and on-demand content for UK and Ireland this autumn; interactive features and voice communication promised
Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox 360 will offer Sky TV services through the console this autumn in the UK and Ireland.
Users will be able to watch live and on-demand content, and although details of the full channel line-up are yet to be revealed, the companies are promising access to movies, entertainment shows, documentaries, programming dedicated to kids, music and the arts, as well as Sky Sports content.
"Our customers have told us that they want the opportunity to use their consoles as a way to access TV and once again Xbox has pulled off an entertainment first with amazing content and rich interactive experience," offered Neil Thompson, head of Xbox in the UK.
"The combination of Sky’s leadership in content creation and aggregation and our own in creating a constantly evolving new generation of rich 360 entertainment experiences means we are one step closer to our goal of offering Xbox owners the best entertainment experiences out there, whether it’s movies, music, games, interactive experiences or high quality TV."
New Sky customers will be offered packages for bundled content, as well as access to shows on a pay-per-view basis. Existing customers can take advantage of their current Sky packages.
Users will also be able to communicate through Xbox Live while watching content, with Sky also set to offer interactive applications - such as league tables for sports content - for different programmes and genres.
"Our partnership with Xbox is a further example of our commitment to put choice and control in the hands of customers," commented Stephen Nuttall, director of Sky's commercial group.
"Xbox owners now have a range of ways to access Sky content and can pick and choose the platform and packages that are right for them. We are extremely excited about the opportunity of reaching Xbox owners who are looking to experience Sky for the first time, as well as giving our existing customers yet another way to experience the content they love."
Content will initially be available in standard definition-to-DVD picture quality, due to the limitations of streaming via the internet, but it is expected that specific channels to be made available will roughly mirror those already available on the SkyPlayer.
Additionally, users will be able to invite people from their Xbox Live friends list to watch live sporting events in a group-themed Xbox environment, although only those with existing Sky subscriptions will be able to participate.