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HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION HDTV

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk

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.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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HISTORY OF SKY TV

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk

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.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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TELEVISION AND YOUR MOBILE

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Telecommnications, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk/

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.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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MAKE IT A MOVIE NIGHT TO REMEMBER

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk

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?
To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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PIRATED TELEVISION ON THE INTERNET

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk

Where Did it Start?

The first phase of popularity was with download software such as Morpheus. These programs allowed computer users to share files, including music and video, by downloading from other servers.

Although available, television shows were certainly not the most popular downloads – taking a distant third place behind music and movies. The reason for this was primarily because television shows often took a very long time to download and were frequently of lower quality than their movie counterparts.

What Technology is Driving this Trend?

There have been a few key technological developments over the past 5 years that have allowed pirated television to thrive online. The first development has been the continual reduction of cost for high storage computers. Compared to 5 years ago, the average computer now has more than 20 times the storage space. Also, DVD burners have sparked an increase in pirated video trafficking ensuring that viewers are not limited to collecting only what can be stored on their hard drives.

Even more recently, direct streaming capabilities improved to the point that internet users can visit sites such as YouTube and watch videos without actually downloading the content to their computer. From here, several pirated television databases, PeekVid and TVLinks being two of the most popular, have cropped up offering hundreds of links to television shows available online.

Why Are People Concerned?

Those who view pirated television must sacrifice some quality and convenience in order to receive free television shows. First, the sites that provide direct streaming are often short lived, meaning that viewers must frequently search for a new supplier. Second, even if the site is active it is common for several of its links to be broken or damaged meaning that the video is unavailable or incomplete. Third, even after locating the television show they wish to view, users are still often faced with poor image quality or uncoordinated audio.

These problems are not enough to deter everyone, and they certainly are not enough to appease the industry that is being robbed. When the concept of pirated music first landed on the radar, video, and television was believed to be immune given the size of the files. Ubiquitous access to high-speed internet changed this. Now, experts understand that the technology of tomorrow will likely overcome the direct streaming challenges of today.

Dangers for the Viewers

There is a certain sense of anonymity that comes with using the internet, but this isn’t actually the case and many pirated television viewers are hiding behind a clock that doesn’t actually exist. One of the easiest ways that investigators are finding illegal downloaders is through their IP addresses which are left with every download.

The Solution?

Even with increased legal action against those who pirate television online, it is unlikely that the problem will disappear any time soon. The solution for many companies in the television industry is to simply view pirated television as a message from their customers and adapt their services. For example, several network sites are now streaming previously aired episodes directly from their websites, for free.

This “viewership on demand” trend is one that has been long recognized by Sky television. With a variety of custom packages and sky boxes, viewers can now control their television viewing without resorting to illegal activity.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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OFCOM

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Telecommnications, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk/

Ofcom, an independent regulator that is accountable to the UK Parliament, oversees the United Kingdom’s communications industry (including television, radio, telecommunications, and wireless communications services).

The duties of Ofcom were established by the UK Communications Act 2003, and include ensuring that:

  • The radio spectrum is used effectively for wireless communications services.
  • UK residents have access to a range of electronic communications services.
  • Television and radio broadcasts are of high quality and appeal to a wide variety of interests.
  • Monopolies over television and radio services do not exist.
  • Harmful and offensive material is not broadcast through radio or television.
  • UK residents are treated fairly by the communications industry.

Ofcom Licenses all television and Radio Services

Ofcom licensing is not limited to analogue and digital terrestrial services. Instead, all UK television and radio services, including cable and satellite fall under Ofcom’s licensing requirements. This means that they must abide by the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Areas of the Communications Industry not Regulated by Ofcom

Although Ofcom’s powers are far reaching, the organization is not responsible for all areas of the communications industry. For example, while Ofcom must license television networks, they are not responsible for regulating the content of television and radio advertisements.

Finally, Ofcom is not responsible for determining which programmes are broadcast and when. However, the broadcasters who make these decisions must comply with some regulations which have been set forth by Ofcom. For example, material unsuitable for children is not to be shown before 9.00pm.

How to File a Complaint with Ofcom

Consumers in the United Kingdom can file complaints with Ofcom for the following reasons:

  • Problems with a landline phone
  • Problems with a mobile phone
  • Problems with internet service
  • Issues regarding television and radio programmes
  • Issues with digital television and radio availability
  • Problems with television and radio interference and reception.

The first step is to visit the compliant section of Ofcom’s website. From there you will be directed to select the problem that you are wishing to complain about from a list similar to that provided above. From there, the site guides you through the entire process in a very easy and user-friendly manner.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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ASTRA – YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THE NAME, BUT DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS?

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk/

Astra is one of Europe’s satellite systems that is in place to deliver television and radio services. This company operates independently, although it works with European television and radio broadcasters such as Sky, Canal+, and Premier.

The ASTRA that we are familiar with here in the UK is actually a called ASTRA (GB) and is an affiliate company of SES ASTRA. SES Astra delivers Direct to Home and cable satellite service to more than 109 million homes across Europe. The company’s fleet is comprised of thirteen satellites that work together to transmit 1,864 analgue and digital television and radio channels.

In addition to television and radio, Astra is also responsible for providing satellite-based multimedia, internet, and telecommunication services to both private enterprises and European governments.

Operating from the 28.2 east orbital position, Astra 2C provides digital satellite services to 8.5 million households in the UK. This satellite is the only digital service that offers full national coverage across the UK.

Newest Astra Addition and What it Means for the UK

On 5 May 2007, SES Astra’s newest satellite, Astra 1L was launched from Kourou, French Guiana. Providing Direct-to-Home broadcast service for continental Europe, Astra 1L holds a position of 19.2 east. It is because of this new satellite that Astra 2C, the satellite responsible for serving the UK and Ireland, was able to be moved to its current and stronger 28.2 east location.

Who is SES Astra

SES Astra, the parent company of Europe’s satellite provider, owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES Astra Europe, SES Astra North America, and SES New Skies. SES New Skies provides satellite coverage and connectivity for the global market.

In addition to these three operators, SES Astra also holds participations in SES Sirius Europe, Ciel Canada, and Quetzsat Mexico. With a total of 36 satellites and 25 orbital positions, SES Astra is the leading Direct to Home satellite system provider.

Astra in the UK

In the UK, SES Astra Service is available through Sky Digital. You can receive access to SES Astra Service with a Sky Digibox and Sky Digital access card. This special system is required to ensure that you receive the channels you are interested in.

Digital access cards also provide copywrite protection for broadcasters. Satellite broadcasting is so powerful that it can be received over an extremely large area, unlike terrestrial broadcasting. As a result, the television and radio broadcasts must be encrypted to protect both viewers and those who have created the material.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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HOW MUCH TELEVISION DO YOU WATCH?

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk

The average person in the UK spends more than 3.5 hours a day watching television. This puts UK viewers well in the lead of those living in France, Spain, Germany, and Italy.

The situation in America is even worse. In fact, in 2006 USA Today reported the results of a Nielsen Media Research study which found that the average American home has more television sets than it has people. Amazingly, the average American home holds 2.55 people who can all be entertained by 2.73 television sets.

This is an astounding increase, especially considering that only 19% of homes in America have only one television, compared with 57% in 1975. Of course, all of these extra televisions are accompanied by long viewing hours. It is estimated that the average American home has at least one television set turned on for more than 8 hours each day and the average American views more than 4.5 hours of television a day.

Where else is Television?

Television sets are bracketed to walls and ceilings in almost any place that people have a minute to stand and look. Lobbies, airplanes, and even the halls of educational buildings now sport television sets to entertain onlookers.

What do Children See?

It is estimated that by the time they are 18 years old, the average child has watched more than 16,000 murders and 200,000 acts of assorted violence. In addition to the dangers of desensitization, television also affects the way that we view ourselves. Research suggests that the more television a person watches, the more they feel compelled to spend and the poorer they believe themselves to be.

Annual International television Turnoff Week

Each year, during the last week of April is the annual international television Turnoff Week. This organized boycott of the screen is organized by the Television-Turnoff organization that advocated reducing television-time in favour of spending more time reading and enjoying activities with loved ones.

Test Yourself

Taking a piece of paper write down your favourite television shows (not the ones you watch the most, but the ones you enjoy the most). In the next column write down the most memorable things that you have seen on television during your viewing history (think of breaking news, important interviews, gripping season-finales). Now, estimate the amount of time that each of these two columns required in-front of the television. To get a general idea you can assume a show runs for 20 episodes a season. (For example, if you faithfully watched a weekly ½ hour show for 4 years you spent approximately 40 hours on this particular show)

Now, complete the following formula to see how much television you have likely watched in your lifetime.

# years with television x 182 = total # of hours

For example, if you are 30 years old and started watching television when you were 2 then you have spent 5096 hours watching television so far. That is the equivalent of 212 days!

So, looking back at your list of important television memories, how does it compare to the amount of television you actually watched?

This exercise can seem very depressing, but remember that television is a source of both important information and entertainment. The key is to take control of your viewing habits.

Television Your Way

Digital television, such as the services offered by Sky, allow viewers to take control of their television viewing, only watching the shows and channels that they want. Learn More.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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CAN WATCHING TELEVISION MAKE YOU SMARTER?

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-direct.co.uk/

There are several television shows currently airing that are quite demanding of their viewers’ intellect levels. For example, Steven Johnson argues that watching and understanding cognitive shows such as 24 requires much more perception and information integration than any show aired ten years ago.

Compounding this effect is the new penchant for high paced cuts and biting dialogue. Popular shows today are edited for speed, packing much more information into each scene than ever before. Between high levels of information and a fast-paced delivery, many viewers have moved beyond passively staring at the screen.

Informational television

Of course, there is also the more obvious benefits of informational television, designed to teach as well as entertain. News magazines, documentaries, and reality based how-to shows are all growing in popularity. Although quality and value vary from show to show, as a whole the concept of educational television serves its purpose of improving the knowledge base of its viewers.

Comedy Makes You Smarter Too

According to a study conducted by the Wisconsin’s Marquette University psychology department, watching comedy television can make viewers smarter. In their study, researchers Mark Powless and Kristy Neilson looked at people’s ability to turn short-term stimulus into long-term memories.

During the study, Powless and Neilson read a list of words to participants. Thirty minutes later half of the participants watched a single comedy clip. After one week, all of the participants were tested again to see how many words they could recall from the original list – of course, those who watched the comedy sketch performed an average of 50-100% better than those who did not.

Educational Television for Children

Can the generations of Sesame Street kids be wrong? Many television shows currently aired for children are designed to serve more than entertainment purposes. Educational programming, particularly for preschool-aged children, is quickly gaining respect as a legitimate learning tool.

Researchers at the University of Texas followed the television viewing habits of 200 children aged two to seven, for a period of three years. These children’s reading, math, and vocabulary skills were also closely assessed. The resulting data indicates that children who watch a few hours of educational television each week scored higher than those who watched none.

It Is Not Always About Intelligence

Of course, there are television shows that are entirely geared towards entertaining the viewer rather than helping them with their cognitive processes. This does not mean that there is anything wrong with these shows; entertainment – even the mindless variety – plays an important role in our lives. Sometimes we just need to laugh or escape into a fantasy world.

Why does everything have to make us a better, smarter, more insightful individual? As long as it is consumed in moderation, the trashiest of television can be a welcome reward for a long day of more intelligent pursuits.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit www.sky-direct.co.uk

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OVER 1 MILLION CUSTOMERS CONNECT WITH SKY BROADBAND

August 12th, 2008 by admin | No Comments | Filed in Home Electricals and Computers, Sky TV, Televisions, eCommerce Associates

Sourced from http://www.sky-join.co.uk

Sky was recently named the UK’s fastest growing broadband provider; an honour that is clearly well deserved. In August of 2006, Sky connected its first broadband customer. Now, just one year later, the company is celebrating the connection of its one millionth customer.

QUIZ

What are your internet habits and how do they measure up?

How often do you use the internet?

Everyday
According to a recent study by Sky, more than 80% of Sky Broadband customers use the internet everyday. Keep Surfing!

Less than once a day
Would you like to learn more about the convenient features of the internet? Take advantage of email, online banking, instant communication, and a world of knowledge right at your finger tips. Learn more about Sky Broadband

How many hours do you spend on the internet each day?

Three hours or more
According to independent research nearly 1/3 of Sky Broadband users spend three hours or more online each day. Tell the world how you use your Sky time (link to leave a review).

Less than three hours
Many internet users who spend more than three hours online each day use the internet as an integral part of their business. Click here to learn more about how Sky Broadband can bolster your business’ success.

Do you shop online?

Yes
You’re in good company – this same recent study shows shopping to be one of the top three uses of the internet (banking and staying in touch with loved ones are the other two). Looking for more ways to shop?

No
Shopping online is a convenient way to purchase necessities and track down hard to find items. Plus, it’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy! In fact, survey results indicate that men visit fashion sites more often than women, finding them to be easier to manoeuvre than busy stores.

To Sign up or for more information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services use these links

For more detailed information on Sky TV or Sky Broadband Services visit http://www.sky-join.co.uk

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