BSkyB unveils free digital service

**scoopex** · 9th June 2004

LONDON (Reuters) - Satellite television provider BSkyB has unveiled plans to launch a 200-channel digital service without subscription fees later this year to attract new customers who may eventually switch to a pay-TV package.

BSkyB BSY.L also said it would develop by 2006 a package of channels for high-definition TV, which is being promoted gradually in the United States to become the next default TV format.

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackage...ection=finance

ABCMan · 9th June 2004

sounds interesting, i wonder when they plan on launching this service would be ideal for the kids roons

**monsta** · 9th June 2004

HDTV for 2006, would be nice, of course youll need a new box

**3tv** · 9th June 2004

heard it on the radio today, a 1 off fee of �150.
not bad, just need to see the channel line up. Fingers crossed skyone will be there

I hope the hdtv story is true.

In the space of 1 hdtv channel occupys sky can fit 6 over compressed channels into the same bandwidth. (as they are doing now), if they ditched some of the garbage channels they could start up today

**3tv** · 9th June 2004

mpg4/divx etc would come in handy for hidef.

New box's anyone

**4me2** · 9th June 2004

Sky to launch FTA service installed for �150

12:12 BST, Wednesday 9th June 2004 -- by Alan Jay

Sky have today announced details of a new FTA satellite promotion, priced at just �150 for equipment and standard installation.

The service, due to launch "later this year", will come with a viewing card (to allow ITV, C4 and BBC regions to be viewed) but no requirement to subscribe to any Sky services.

That said, consumers will still be able to upgrade to a subscription package at any time without the need for any extra equipment.

The offering is designed to bring digital TV to those who are not currently interested in pay TV but cannot get access to DTT service FreeView: recent figures show that some 27% of UK households are currently unable to receive the full FreeView lineup.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds14674.html

my understanding of this is sat tv not terrestrial TV ?

**Likkle** · 10th June 2004

So its freeview ... kinda pointless really . For the one of connection fee you may aswell just subscribe to Sky , Freeview is awfull! there is no way it has 200 Channels availible, its probally like 150 Radio stations or something

Ahh well i like my NTL digital anyway

**N3R0** · 10th June 2004

its not a "new" offer, its the same setup thats been around for ages, just sky saw the chance of another money spin and thought they'd sell something thats already available but charge more money, oh and theres supposed to be a 2 year clause!