The Sky Player, Sky TV’s online service, launches on Xbox LIVE this autumn, bringing with it a tempting array of blockbuster movies, the best of music and the arts, thought-provoking documentaries, family favourite shows and, of course, the all important Premier League-powered Sky Sports content.

All of the above, and more besides, will be available to watch live or on-demand. Users don’t need an existing Sky contract and needn’t even sign up to one of the monthly subscription packages. Instead they can pick and choose the best bits from Sky’s myriad offerings on a pay-per-view basis. Better yet, there’s no need to install an external aerial or buy any kind of plug-in device. That’s the magic of broadband, folks!

The Xbox LIVE Sky Player offers new levels of interactivity too, adding some of the Xbox 360’s own abilities into the mix. In the case of Sky Sports this is set to include online chat during matches, league updates, instant results and so on. Other applications are currently being devised.

A full price schedule is still to be confirmed, although the existing PC-based Sky Player is a useful reference point. In which case we should be looking at individual monthly packages starting at £15 and single programmes from around £1 upwards.

The Sky Player is a useful addition to the Xbox 360’s ever-widening skillset. The console is certainly a step closer to becoming the mythical home entertainment hub that Microsoft always wanted it to be too. But is this a functionality too far? In other words does latest addition dilute what the big ‘Box is really good at – i.e.games? Guess we’ll see about that soon enough. In the meantime new episodes of The Simpsons and Premier League footy via your Xbox 360 – that’s got to be a good thing, right?

Tags: Digital TV, Mircosoft, Sky Player, Sky TV, Xbox 360

For quite a few years now, observers have been looking into the issue of the effects of TV gambling and TV games, and asking if it is fun, or a social problem?

Over the last few years, gambling laws have been relaxed and there are now numerous channels devoted to traditional gambling pastimes such as bingo, poker and horse-racing, but also ‘lite’ versions, which are more akin to on-screen pub quizzes. And like it or not, they are here to stay.

Estimates vary as to the size of the British TV Gambling market, but most put it into the low billions of pounds range.

Experts all agree that it is a flourishing market and growth will be dramatic during the next few years. Gambling is an impulsive act and when that’s combined with TV’s increasingly interactive nature, it makes it a very attractive proposition and fun pastime.

And whilst broadcasters do not release the numbers who bet via their TV stations, it is believed that the largest player in the market might have up to 100,000 punters a week who play their games. Add in punters from other channels, and soon TV gambling will become a major entertainment industry in its own right.

Now, at those sort of figures there is obviously a demand for this kind of entertainment; the trick for regulators and broadcasters alike is to ensure that people see it as entertainment and fun, and not something that is addictive.

For many people the opportunities of having a flutter via their TV is a welcome chance to participate in something that does not require visiting potential hostile environments, such as high-street betting offices. And betting these days is not just on the 3:40 at Kempton. Major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest and Big Brother, are proving as bigger draw as some of the major sporting events.

And the demographic is changing, with more women keen to try their luck, not least because they feel safe gambling from their homes, and not the more traditional, male orientated outlets.

It is in the best interests of the major broadcasters to ensure that TV gambling and TV games remain fun for all concerned. Great effort is made to ensure players are over 18 and the broadcasters also work with a number of consumer bodies to ensure that they have a sensible approach to their gambling practises.

One such organisation is the charity GamCare, which has become a recognised authority on the social impact of gambling. In a non-judgmental way, it sets out to understand why people gamble, the overall social effect of gambling and to offer help and guidance to those who become dependent.

So TV gambling and TV games, is it fun, or a social problem? Currently, its fun, and most people are responsible punters who understand the reasons why they play and are disciplined enough to not let it become an addiction. And, ultimately, TV Gambling offers little different from what is already out there on the high-street; its just brings it into the comfort of the home.

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Tags: British TV, Gambling, Gambling Laws, TV Gambling, TV Games

Is Children’s TV a digital nanny, or source of education?

Okay, lets be honest, we’ve all done it. Little Jonny wakes up moaning for attention at six in the morning, you got to bed about two in the morning after the neighbours came around to try out that bottle of Tequila and you don’t just feel up to helping him do that 1000 piece jigsaw.

So you turn on the box, make sure he’s safe and while he’s happily watching Postman Pat and his Little Black Cat called Jess drive around Pencaster, you can snooze on the sofa.

And if you haven’t done it, you’re either fibbing, or you should be up for a Mother Teresa award.

But the question is, how many times does Jonny get given to the box for a diversion? If he sees the Sony flat-screen as his natural parents and struggles to recognise you at all, then you’ve got problems. Who can forget that classic Simpsons’ episode when Bart and Lisa try to prevent Homer pawning their TV, as they saw it as their cultural and social reference point?

And the whole issue of how much TV a child should watch is fraught with sociological mumbo jumbo and do-gooders with various axes to grind. Listen to some experts and having a TV is similar to inviting Satan in as a house-guest. Yet if your child grows up never having seen TV, how can it survive in the modern matrix, where digital, multi-channel media platforms are the norm? The Luddittes had the same issues back in the early nineteenth century, when they tried to resist the introduction of mechanised work practices.

With today’s modern media, there are plenty of educational channels to which Jonny can be pointed and ones that will help improve his education.

And lets have a look at some figures. A recent survey found that British kids spent over five hours a day watching TV. This, apparently, has gone up over the last five years, when kids spent an hour less glued to the box in the corner of the room.

The survey went on to say that the hours were clocked up during breakfast, when they returned home from school, when they ate dinner and went they went up to their rooms for bed.

It also found that a remarkable number, over 80%, turn the TV on when they come home from school. Although, knowing the stress endured at modern day schools, maybe that’s not so remarkable? Now, another interesting point is that although the TV might be switched on, kids weren’t necessarily watching it, using it almost as a ‘wall paper’, a background experience whilst they did other things. Some see this multi-tasking as bad, others as a sign of children’s ability to adapt.

So the trick is, when faced with the question is children’s TV a digital nanny, or source of education, is to make sure that the kids get their daily dose in moderation and that a good part of that moderation is with programmes that tax their mental ability. There, not so difficult then.

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Tags: Children’s TV, Digital Nanny, Education, Sky TV, Televisions

The TV licence and where does the fee go, is one of life’s perennial questions. They say they are two certainties in life, taxes and death; if you live in the U.K. and watch TV, then there’s a third, the TV Licence.

It harks back to an era of small-screen black and white TV sets, of dinner-jacketed, home-county accented presenters announcing the latest government farming initiative and the good old British Broadcasting Corporation.

And as regards the TV Licence revenues, things haven’t changed that much; it still all goes to the BBC, much to the annoyance of many other broadcasters. Bear in mind that although there are only two independent broadcasters in the U.K., the BBC, funded by the TV Licence, and Channel 4, funded by advertising, there are a myriad of other media companies out there.

With the funds from the cost of colour TV Licence at £139.50 and £47 for a black and white (who still watches a black and white TV?), the BBC is charged by the Government to produce programming for itself and S4C, without recourse to commercial advertising. By the way, the first TV Licence set you back £2 per year!

Now, in this enlightened age of multi-channel digital TV, and with many of the other TV stations moaning about the BBC’s unfair commercial position (not for them sensitive advertising budgets which tend to head south in times of economic difficulty), the TV Licence is a very contentious issue within the media community. Many claim its simply not a level playing field.

Even the Government department which ‘handles’ the BBC, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has admitted that the digital age, together with the ever increasing number of programme delivery platforms (mobile phones, internet for example), is beginning to make the licence look anachronistic. But, the Government hasn’t come up with a plan for its change, or demise.

But, enough of that. What does the TV Licence generate in terms of revenues and where does it go. Firstly, it raises a staggering £3.2 billion per year; enough for quite a few programmes of Strictly Come Dancing. Where it goes can be broken down into five key areas and the percentages are provided by the BBC Trust. TV gets the largest percentage at 67.58%, with network radio the next largest at 10.45%. The next largest chunk, 9.30%, gets spent on transmission and licence fee collection costs. Local radio has its hand out for 7.61% and bringing up the rear, is the 5.05% to web-sites. That’s basically where your money goes.

Now the BBC is bigger than just those parts of course and interestingly, other bits are funded in other ways. The BBC World Service is bank rolled by a governmental grant and BBC World, and some of its other independent enterprises, are funded by advertising and normal commercial practices.

So when your child asks that embarrassing question, the TV Licence – where does the fee go, just tell him, or her, not to worry. By the time they’ve grown up, it will have all changed.

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Tags: BBC, Digital TV, TV Licence, TV Licence Revenues, TV Sets, TV Stations

Compare Virgin TV and Sky TV and see what you get.

Firstly, some basics. Virgin TV and Sky TV are the two major players in the subscription digital TV market, and the choice really comes down between these two.

Both Virgin TV and Sky TV provide an extensive range of programming in return for a monthly subscription. And in reflecting people’s different tastes and needs in terms of entertainment wishes and budget, both providers offer a range of packages. For those that love sport for example, they can build this into their package, but drop other programmes that they would not find so interesting.

They both also provide additional services, such as telephone and broadband subscriptions.

Importantly, as the U.K. moves towards digital TV and the analogue signal gets cut off, it is a viable alternative to purchasing a Freeview box which has a lot less programmes than those offered by Virgin and Sky.

Now, one important consideration when choosing between the two is where you live.

Sky TV has the great advantage that the programming is delivered to your home via a satellite, which is installed, along with your Sky Box, by a qualified engineer. So even if you live in a remote country location, you can still usually access Sky. This has the added advantage that should you live in an area that struggles with receiving Freeview channels, a Sky satellite will pick them up.. And once you have your subscription package, this can effectively move with you, should you move house within the U.K., or even move overseas.

Virgin TV is delivered via cable, so U.K. coverage is mainly limited to metropolitan (highly populated) areas.

Costs tend to be about the same, given the large number of options and combinations you can choose, going from about £11 a month to £125.

As to specifics, Virgin Media has a range of hardware including a standard digital receiver (connected to a cable), labelled V, and a digital TV recorder, known as V+, which allows you to watch one channel, and record two others onto a hard drive. On-demand viewing is also available. They offer three basic packages, M, L and XL, which come integrated with various levels of telephone and broadband packages. But check first that you live in a cable area, otherwise Virgin is not an option.

Sky is delivered via a satellite dish attached to your house and the hardware consists of a digital receiver, Sky TV, a digital TV recorder with a built-in hard drive memory (this can record, rewind and pause real-time TV) and also Sky HD, which offers high definition channels, which are currently the ultimate in picture quality. Sky, like Virgin, offers a range of channel mixes and options, which can be supplemented with telephone and broadband packages.

Sky also offers freesat which, for around £150, gives you a satellite and receiver with access to the Freeview channels, with some additional ones throw in. Customer can then upgrade to larger Sky packages at any time.

When you compare Virgin TV and Sky TV, its worth sitting down and seeing what you get for your money, and judging which provider will be the best for you.

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Tags: Digital TV, Freeview Box, Sky TV, Televisions, Virgin TV

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The idea of digital TV signals has sparked many new and exciting innovations in the way television is watched. Unlike analogue signals, which are limited due to their large size,
digital signals are small and versatile. This means that more information can be
communicated to your television than ever before.

Why is Digital TV so Popular?

The compact size of digital signals allows broadcasters to increase the quality of the sound and image, broadcast an expanded array of channels, and offer interactive features.

The versatility of digital signals also means that they are used for more than television. This allows companies to create packages which include television, internet, and phone for homes and businesses.

What will Happen to Analogue?

As digital TV gains momentum more broadcasters are making the switch from analogue, sending those signals the way of the cassette tape. Currently in the UK, television operates on a simultaneous broadcast system, providing both analog and digital signals.

This will not last forever, though, and over the next four years the analogue signals will be phased out for good.

Digital Viewing Options

As analogue television becomes more rare, TV viewers must update their entertainment systems to receive digital signals. Innovative products make this simple to achieve.

Now your home can be receive digital TV in one of three ways:

1) Through a specially designed television.

2) Through a digibox purchased for a standard television.

3) Through a PC fitted with a television card.

Although Sky has offered digital television simultaneously with analogue for several years, the broadcaster officially eliminated analogue in 2001.

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Tags: Analogue TV, Digital TV, Sky TV, TV

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High Definition Television (HDTV) is an improved resolution viewing standard compared with Standard Definition Television (SDTV). Put simply, there are many more pixels with HDTV providing a clearer and cleaner image.

It is important to note that HDTV and Digital TV do not refer to the same concept. Although HDTV is available for Digital TV, digital signals can be high definition or standard definition.

Although HDTV has been around for a while and was available through analogue signals, digital signals have allowed HDTV to grow in popularity.

Advantages of HDTV

Viewing your favourite shows and channels in high definition allows you to create a TV experience like never before. Compared to standard definition, HDTV provides images with sharper colours, smoother motion, and richer details.

The Future

It is likely that at some point in the future all broadcasts will be high definition, although a formal date is not set in the UK. However, once the formal switch from analogue to digital signals is completed there will be even more opportunities for HDTV technology to expand.

Viewing Requirements

To get the most out of HDTV you require an “HD-ready” television, which are becoming very common in stores. Another option is to purchase an HDTV box that upgrades your HD-Compatible television to receive HDTV channels.

High Definition Beyond the Television Channels

Although it is very commonly thought of in conjunction with television channels, high definition is expanding to other areas of entertainment as well. For example, HD-DVDs and DVD players are about to be launched in some markets. These video platforms will provide movie-watchers with the same amazing advantages offered by HDTV.

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Tags: Digital TV, HDTV, Sky TV, TV

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Your favourite broadcaster in the UK began its journey in January 1984 when Satellite Television, Europes first satellite channel, was purchased by Rupert Murdoch and re-launched as Sky Channel. During the years that followed more channels were added including Sky News, Sky Movies, and Eurosport.

In 1990 Sky merged with the British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB) to become BSkyB.
The original BSB was established in 1986 as a direct satellite broadcaster, also serving the UK.

Sky and Digital Media

As digital media grew in popularity and capabilities, BSkyB, still known as “Sky” began making the change from analogue to digital. Starting slowly, to help acclimatize its customers, Sky launched Sky Digital on October 1st 1998. With this launch, Sky maintained simultaneous transmission of both analogue and digital signals. In late September of 2001, Sky closed its analogue satellite service, joining the advancing world in the broadcast of only digital signals. Today Sky provides customers with over 100 digital television channels and many digital radio options.

Sky and HDTV

On Monday, May 22nd 2006 Sky launched their satellite high definition television (HDTV) service. This service is provided as a supplement to Sky packages and is available to those customers who own a Sky HD Box.

Today’s Sky

Presently Sky operates the largest digital television platform in the UK. Among the hundreds of channels offered to clients, Sky also broadcasts 11 Sky owned and operated channels including:

• Sky One
• Sky News
• Sky Travel
• Sky Sports
• Sky Movies

BSkyB serves over 8 million households, providing digital satellite television, broadband internet, mobile television, and more.

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Tags: Digital TV, Sky TV

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Your mobile phone already does so much for you; it keeps you in touch, alerts you to appointments, and plays games. Last year it was music on the mobile that had everyone excited. This year it’s television.

What to Watch

Eventually TV on your mobile will likely expand to offer the same range of channels as are available in your home. For now, there are several dozen channels already available including the Sky Channels Sky News, Sky Sports News, and Sky Travel.

How it Works

Television on your mobile works using broadcast standards designed specifically to relay TV signals to mobile phones and other handhelds. There are currently three standards which are competing for your attention. The first standard is referred to as DVB-H (digital video broadcast –handheld). There is also MediaFlo and T-DMB.

Viewing Requirements

Mobile phones that provide television entertainment have special screens and longer battery life. In fact, with a technology called “time slicing”, these phones provide users with up to eight hours of television time with each battery charge.

Extra Features

As a strictly digital television service, TV on your mobile is interactive and full of extra features. Viewers are able to watch video-on-demand, live TV programs, and mobile TV podcasts.

Mobile TV and Sky

Sky Mobile TV offers over 20 channels for TV on mobile phones. With three packages to choose from, viewers will never miss another minute of their favourite programming. Imagine watching Sky Movies, MTV, CNN and all of your other favourite channels as you commute.

Sky subscribers can now search the Sky TV Guide from their mobile phone and schedule their Sky+ to record their favourite programs.

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Tags: Digital TV, Mobile Phone, Sky TV, TV

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Looking for a family activity that everyone will enjoy?
Thinking of an inexpensive date idea?
Searching for the best girl’s night fun?

Stay in with Sky Movies and these at Home Cinema Ideas

Step 1: Select a Movie

Sky Movies offers over 450 different films each week, so take some time to pick the perfect movie for you and your other viewers. As you browse through the options available consider everyone in the group and what they would be interested in watching. Great options include:

• Sequels to movies you’ve already enjoyed.
• Movies that reflect the interests of the group such as sports or dancing.
• Movies that educate such as historical films or those based on true stories.

Step 2: Design a Theme

After you have selected your movie build your entire night around a theme. For example, watching the classic film Casablanca would perhaps call for a dress up party with the men in suits and the women in dresses. Or, if your film of choice is set in a foreign country ask each viewer to come prepared with a bit of information to share before the movie starts.

Step 3: Create the Snacks

Even if your theme does not bring any special foods to mind, there is always the cinema traditional fare to rely on.

No movie night would be complete without popcorn, but don’t stop there! Allow everyone to customize their popcorn bowl by providing plain popped kernels with a buffet of toppings. Seasoning salts, flavoured butters, caramel, almonds, candies and marshmallows are some favourites that will be had to resist.

Other great options include ice cream floats (ice cream in soda), milkshakes, and a variety of store bought treats.

Step 4: Plan Games

For group movie nights there are several dynamic games that can really get the party going.

• Whose Review? After the film have the movie-goers write a review of the movie and put it into a hat. Draw each review out and read it without disclosing the author. See who can guess which review belongs to which guest!
• Quotable Quotes. Before the movie begins provide everyone with a sheet of paper. Ask them, as they watch the film, to write down a quote and the character who said it. After the movie, read each quote aloud and see who can guess the most speakers correctly.
• Movie Scavenger Hunt. In the days leading up to the film conduct a bit of research and create a scavenger hunt of questions that can be answered throughout the film. A simple Google search of the film’s title should turn up some amazing information. For example, are there any present day stars acting as extras before they became famous? Is there a blooper that was missed during editing?

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Tags: Digital TV, Home Cinema, Movies, Sky TV