Sky have announced that they will be launching a dedicated channel for its Formula 1 coverage, following a deal with the BBC earlier this year to share the broadcasting rights.

Starting in March 2012, Sky Sports F1 HD will get Sky customers closer than ever, with more action, analysis and information - on their TV, online and mobile devices - throughout the season.

The channel will broadcast live coverage of the whole Grand Prix season, including all practice and qualifying sessions and every race in the calendar.

Announcing the new channel, Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: "Formula 1TM followers are hungry for more and we want to give them the ultimate experience. Its not just every minute of every race but a channel devoted to Formula 1.

He continued: "We can now tell the whole story of the season, from every Grand Prix, from start to finish. Formula 1 will get the full Sky Sports treatment. We have big plans for live shows and a rich line-up of Formula 1 programmes; getting to the drivers, exploring the technology and lapping up the drama. With a dedicated channel for Formula 1 we can also give all sports fans the depth and breadth of sports they demand every weekend, right through the year."

Sky have announced their financial results for the three months up to the end of September 2011.

The results show an increase of 103,000 customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

During this quarter, 103,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service. The total number of Sky+HD subscribers is now up to 3,925,000. (source).

Watch HD launched on Sky HD at channel number 109 on Wednesday, 12th October 2011.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

The channel broadcasts popular shows such as Primeval, Dancing With The Stars, Total Wipeout USA, Robin Hood and Sanctuary.

Dave HD launched on Sky HD at channel number 111 on Monday, 10th October 2011.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

The channel broadcasts popular shows such as Psychoville, Dragons Den, Hardliners, Jo Brand`s Big Splash and Red Bull X-Fighters 2011.

Cartoon Network HD has launched on Sky HD at channel number 601.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

The channel broadcasts popular shows such as Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Regular Show, Adventure Time, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Amazing World of Gumball, Thundercats, Transformers: Prime, Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 and Bakugan Gundalian Invaders.

Disney Channel HD has launched on Sky HD at channel number 609.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

Disney Channel HD, is the third HD channel from Disney, joining Disney Cinemagic HD and Disney XD HD.

With the launch of Disney Channel HD also came some new series, which include new live-action comedy A.N.T. Farm; Friends for Change Games; and Disney Pop Stop.

Discovery HD is rumoured to be changing to a simulcast HD channel from the 1st July 2011.

The channel launched in May 2006. This change to a simulcast channel means that it will show the same programming as its SD channel, in High Definition where possible.

James May, a presenter on the BBC show Top Gear, has announced that Top Gear is to return for a new series on the 26th June.

He revealed that the new series will air at 8pm on BBC HD and involves "some proper demolition" and "some actual racing".

James May said on the Top Gear website: "Well, there`s some affordable performance cars, some electric cars, some actual racing, some proper demolition, some silly cars, and Top Gear`s attempt to improve public transport, which I think is going to be absolutely brilliant."

The BBC has confirmed that the 125th Wimbledon Championship Finals will be broadcast in 3D, as they experiment with emerging technologies.

Broadcasts of the women`s final on the 2nd July and the men`s final on the 3rd July will be live in 3D to viewers on digital terrestrial, satellite and cable on the BBC HD channel.

Viewers will need a 3D-ready TV, but will not need to purchase additional receiver or set top box equipment. To view on Sky, you will not need a Sky 3D subscription to view this, only a 3D TV.

Coverage of the full Wimbledon tournament will continue to be broadcast in both SD and HD on BBC One, BBC One HD, BBC Two and the BBC HD channel.

Sky have announced their financial results for the three months up to the end of March 2011.

The results show an increase of 189,000 customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

During this quarter, 189,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service. The total number of Sky+HD subscribers is now up to 3,686,000. (source).

Rush HD has been removed from the Sky HD EPG, following an end to their 2 year EPG carriage agreement with Sky.

Rush HD launched on Sky HD on 7th April 2008. It then became a subscription channel, requiring the HD Pack on the 5th October 2010 as well as the News & Events Pack.

Luxury Life HD, formally Luxe.tv HD, has today been removed from the Sky EPG.

The channel was previously at position 273 on the Sky EPG.

Earlier this month, Sky announced the launch of a new set top box that would be aimed at customers wanting to watch high definition TV in more than one room.

The box does not feature Sky+ functionality, but does allow the customer to watch high definition content.

If the customer takes the HD pack as well as the multiroom subscription, the new Sky HD box gives customers access to the same lineup of more than 50 HD channels.

The first of these multiroom boxes is free when taken with the HD pack, with additional boxes costing £49 each and an installation cost of £30 for new customers or £60 for existing customers.

Sky announced last week which channels are taking part in the HD swap that is due to take place next week. There are a total of 40 channels swapping EPG positions.

The channels taking part in the HD swap have been confirmed as:

Comedy Central HD Disney Cinemagic HD Disney XD HD E4 HD Eden HD ESPN America HD ESPN HD FX HD Good Food HD History HD ITV2 HD ITV3 HD ITV4 HD Luxury Life HD Nat Geo HD Nat Geo Wild HD Nickelodeon HD Sky Arts 1 HD Sky Arts 2 HD Sky Living HD

Sky Movies Action HD Sky Movies Classics HD Sky Movies Comedy HD Sky Movies Drama & Romance HD Sky Movies Family HD Sky Movies Indie HD Sky Movies Modern Greats HD Sky Movies Premiere HD Sky Movies ScFi & Horror HD Sky Movies Showcase HD Sky Movies Crime & Thriller HD Sky News HD Sky Sports HD1 Sky Sports HD2 Sky Sports HD3 Sky Sports HD4 Sky Sports News HD Sky1 HD Syfy HD Universal HD

Channels confirmed as not taking part in the HD swap are:

BBC HD BBC One HD Bio HD Channel 4 HD Crime HD Discovery HD Eurosport HD

Five HD ITV1 HD MGM HD MTVN HD Rush HD Sky Box Office 1 HD Sky Box Office 2 HD

Sky have announced their financial results for the three months up to the end of December 2010.

The results show an increase of 343,000 customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

During this quarter, 343,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service. The total number of Sky+HD subscribers is now up to 3,497,000. (source).

Sky announced earlier this month that its new channel, Sky Atlantic HD, is to launch on the 1st February 2011 on channel 108, meaning it is to take part in the HD Swap System at launch.

At the same time, Sky 1 HD moves to channel 106 and Sky Living HD moves to 107.

Sky Atlantic HD will broadcast the HBO library in the UK which Sky have gained the rights for. In addition to HBO content, the channel will also feature a number of UK commissions including "This is Jinsy", "Hit and Miss" and "Flying Monsters".

Main highlights of the channel will be "Broadwalk Empire", "In Treatment" and "Weeds".

Stuart Murphy, director of programmes for Sky Atlantic and sister channel Sky 1 HD said "As the home of HBO in the UK, it`s the place where the world`s best talent – whether on screen or off, American or home-grown – come to do their most creative work. Sky Atlantic HD is a key part of our strategy to help further grow the content gap between what you can get with Sky, and what you can get elsewhere."

An SD version of the channel will also be available.

From the 1st February 2011, Sky is to launch a seperate EPG system on Sky HD boxes for customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

For channels that broadcast in both SD and HD, they will have the option of taking part in the "HD Swap". It means that channels with an HD simulcast that has been allocated a number further down the guide will be able to take the slot held by the SD channel for customer with the HD Pack. This will put an end to the confusion for some customers of remembering the channel number for HD simulcasts of SD channel where some viewers inadvertently watch an SD channel when an HD version is available.

A number of channels will be able to opt-out of the HD Channel Swap, including those with regional variations, such as the recently BBC One HD and possibly ITV1 HD.

ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD have launched on Sky HD at channel number 226 and 227 respectively.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

ITV3 HD Programming that will be shown on the channel includes, Poirot, Monk, Life, The Darling Buds of May and a selection of movies.

ITV4 HD Programming that will be shown on the channel includes, Grand Slam Darts, Back on the Job and a selection of movies.

ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD are simulcst versions of their standard definition channels. Content is broadcast in high definition where available, or is upscaled where it is not available in high definition.

Sky have today announced their financial results for the three months up to the end of September 2010.

The results show a massive increase of 215,000 customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

During this quarter, 215,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service. The total number of Sky+HD subscribers is now up to 3,154,000. (source).

The BBC have today announced the channel numbers for its High Definition channels on Sky and other platforms.

On the 3rd November 2010, the BBC HD channel will move from it`s current position of Sky channel 143 to Sky channel 169.

At the same time, BBC One HD will launch on Sky channel 143, taking the place of BBC HD.

The BBC have also announced today the Eastenders will be shown in High Definition for the first time on Christmas Day. The executive producer of Eastenders, Bryan Kirkwood said "Christmas Day in Walford is traditionally turkey, tinsel and turmoil for the residents of Albert Square. This year will be even more spectacular with viewers having the opportunity to watch the festive drama unfold in HD for the first time.".

Until EastEnders is shown in HD from Christmas Day, it will still be on BBC One HD but will be upscaled SD.

Luxe TV HD has today undergone a rebrand of its SD and HD channels.

Luxe TV HD has rebranded as Luxury Life HD.

The channel has remained at its channel position of 273 and shows programming such as `Home`, `Look`, `Passion` and `Destination`.

The BBC has today announced the launch date of BBC One HD. The channel will launch on all high definition platforms as a simulcast of BBC One.

The high definition simulcast of BBC One will become available on Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media on the 3rd November 2010. Channel numbers for each platform have not yet been confirmed.

The channel will air HD versions of `EastEnders`, `Holby City`, `The One Show`, `Strictly Come Dancing`, `Human Planet` and `Waterloo Road`.

There are also plans to transmit more programmes in the future, such as `Songs Of Praise`, `Casualty`, `Match Of The Day`, `A Question Of Sport` and `Blue Peter`.

BBC One HD will broadcast in addition to BBC HD, which will also be increasing its broadcast hours for 9 to 12 hours per day.

The Hallmark HD channel has today rebranded as Univerval Channel HD.

The Universal Channel HD has remained at its channel position of 220.

With the rebrand, the Universal Channel also announced some new content, including a new detective drama series called SHATTERED.

Disney XD HD has today launched on Sky HD at channel number 633.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack and the Children`s Pack.

The Walt Disney Company has announced that children`s channel Disney XD will launch in high definition on Sky from the 18th October 2010. The channel will be available to Sky+ HD subscribers.

Programming such as "Phineas And Ferb", "I`m in the Band", "Kick Buttowski" and "Zeke and Luther" will be shown in HD.

Boel Ferguson, vice president and general manager of Disney Channels UK & Ireland said "The arrival of Disney XD in HD is another great example of The Walt Disney Company`s commitment to bringing kids and families the best possible entertainment experiences through the most compelling mediums. Disney XD is a unique proposition designed to excite and engage a boy-focused, girl-inclusive audience and shows like Phineas And Ferb, I`m in the Band and Kick Buttowski have been hugely popular with our viewers. Disney XD`s technology-savvy audience is perfectly aligned with the HD proposition, and we can`t wait to bring all of their favourite shows to them in crystal clear high definition."

Rob Webster, director of Sky`s commercial group said "delighted to add Disney XD HD to our unrivalled HD offering which now reaches more than three million HD subscribers. We are committed to continue to work with high-quality content partners to ensure we carry on delivering the very best HD service on the market."

ITV2 HD has this evening launched on Sky HD at channel number 225.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack.

Programming that will be shown on the channel includes, Vampire Diaries; 71 Degrees North; The Xtra Factor and Gossip Girl.

ITV2 HD is a simulcst of the standard definition channel, ITV2. Content is broadcast in high definition where available, or is upscaled where it is not available in high definition.

The Sky HD channels that you are able to view may have changed from the 5th October 2010.

From the 5th October 2010, you will only receive the HD channels from the entertainment packs that you subscribe to. For those customers that subscribe to all 6 entertainment packs, the HD channels will remain unaffected.

However, those customers who subscribe to some of the entertainment packs will lose the HD channels from the packs that they do not subscribe unless they upgrade to those packs.

For example, a customer who does not subscribe to the Variety pack will lose the channels: Sky 1 HD, SyFy HD, Hallmark HD, FX HD, Comedy Central HD and Living HD, unless the customer upgrades to add the Variety pack for an additional £1.

Sky have confirmed however, that those customers who began subscribing to Sky HD prior to the 5th October and are still within the 12 month contract can call Sky to reinstate your HD channels during with 12 month contract period.

Nick HD has today launched on Sky HD at channel number 632.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack and the Children`s Pack.

Programming that will be shown on the channel includes, iCarly; True Jackson; The Troop; Big Time Rush; Victorious.

Nick HD is a simulcst of the standard definition channel, Nickelodeon. Content is broadcast in high definition where available, or is upscaled where it is not available in high definition

Eden HD has today launched on Sky HD at channel number 559.

The channel is available to customers who subscribe to the HD Pack and the Knowledge Pack.

Programming that will be shown on the channel includes, Life; Wild China; From Freezer to Furness; Planet Earth; The Great Rift; Miracle on Everest.

Eden HD is a simulcst of the standard definition channel, Eden. Content is broadcast in high definition where available, or is upscaled where it is not available in high definition

Sky has announced that in early 2011, it plans to launch Sky Atlantic HD, a new entertainment channel. Sky Atlantic will become the home to some of the most hotly anticipated shows in television to Sky subscribers.

The plans follow the news of Sky and HBO`s deal announced in July. Atlantic HD will air all of HBO`s new series exclusively in the UK and Ireland.

HBO productions to be broadcast by Sky Atlantic HD include the fantasy drama "Game of Thrones", "Mildred Pierce" and "Treme". In addition, future seasons of existing HBO shows - such as "Entourage" and "Big Love", will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland. Some older content will also broadcast on the channel, such as "The Wire", "Six Feet Under" and "The Pacific". The content will also be offered to Sky customers via Sky`s on-demand platforms, including the soon-to-launch Sky Anytime+ service.

Sophie Turner Laing, Sky`s Managing Director, Entertainment, News & Broadcast Operations said: "Sky Atlantic HD will be an extraordinary TV channel. It will have compulsive television that pushes creative boundaries and tells great stories. The addition of Sky Atlantic completes a fantastic portfolio of entertainment channels including Sky 1 HD, Sky Arts, Living and Sky Movies. Together, our channels will bring customers high-quality programming that is worth paying for."

ITV have today confirmed the launch date for ITV2 HD as the 7th October 2010.

ITV2 HD will be a simulcast of the ITV2 channel, and will launch exclusively as a Pay TV channel on Sky. The channel will be available to all homes with a Sky+HD subscription.

ITV announced the launch of ITV2 HD as well as HD versions of ITV3 and ITV4 last month. It was confirmed that the HD versions of ITV3 and ITV4 would follow later in the year.

Last month it was announced that Eden HD would be launching early October 2010.

Well, UKTV have now confirmed on their website that Eden HD will be launching on Monday the 4th October, with HD programming including "The Great Rift", "South Pacific", Yellowstone", "Wild China" and "Life".

UPDATE: Nickelodeon HD will be launching on Sky Channel 632.

MTV Networks has announced that Nickelodeon HD will launch on the 5th October 2010 as a simulcast channel on Sky HD.

Nickelodeon HD will be available to all Sky HD customers who take the kids` pack as part of their subscription and subscribe to HD.

Mike Darcey, chief operating officer at Sky, said: "Sky remains committed to delivering customers the best HD service available, and this means continuing to work with high-quality content partners. With the best of free and pay-TV now in HD, there`s never been a better time to embrace HD."

MTVN HD currently broadcasts Nickelodeon content during the weekend mornings, but will no longer do so and will focus solely on music, following the launch of the new channel.

No channel number has yet been announced for Nickelodeon HD.

Sky has confirmed that from the 27th September 2010, its Sky Arts HD channels will be moving EPG positions.

Sky Arts 1 HD will be moving to Sky channel 244

Sky Arts 2 HD will be moving to Sky channel 256

Previous EPG positions for these channels were 258 (Sky Arts 1 HD) and 259 (Sky Arts 2 HD)

Living HD has today launched on Sky on Sky channel 224 as a simulcast of Living.

This means that Sky has now confirmed all 50 High Definition (HD) channels that will be available by Christmas, in line with its promise to customers.

Upcoming highlights on LIVING HD include the current series of Britain`s Next Top Model, presented by Elle Macpherson, which concludes with the first ever live final on 4th October. Also launching on LIVING HD in October are brand-new US drama Nikita, and Four Weddings spin-off Party Wars. They join the existing LIVING line-up, which includes CSI: Miami, CSI: Vegas, Ghost Whisperer, Grey`s Anatomy, Private Practice, Criminal Minds, Medium, and Supernatural – all in glossy, pin-sharp HD.

Sophie Turner Laing, Sky`s MD of Entertainment, News and Broadcast Operations said "Sky recognised the potential of HD early and we are delighted it has grown into something which our customers utterly love and now demand as standard. Adding LIVING HD to our great range of high-quality HD channels only adds to the choice that more than three million homes enjoy. In maintaining our leadership, we look forward to offering our customers even more choice of HD as well as new innovations such as Sky 3D and Anytime+. With so much brilliant content coupled with ground breaking innovation, it`s no wonder that we`ve seen such strong growth in HD."

Jonathan Webb, Managing Director, Living TV Group said "LIVING is home to some of the glossiest UK and US programmes on television, and they deserve to be seen in their pin-sharp HD glory. With so much great content still to come in 2010 and into 2011, we`re delighted to be bringing LIVING HD to Sky`s three million subscribers."

As expected, Good Food HD has today launched on Sky.

It has launched on Sky channel 283 and offers HD content such as Top Chef Masters, Rhodes Across Italy and Rick Stein`s Mediterranean Escapes

Sky has today launched Sky Sports News HD on channel 455.

Sky Sports News HD is a simulcast of the Sky Sports News Standard Definition channel.

Andy Cairns, Executive Editor for Sky Sports News, said "At Sky Sports News we continue to push boundaries and innovate with both the journalism we offer and the quality of on-screen presentation. I`m delighted that through a combination of our move to HD, broader editorial coverage, and innovation on the TV, PC, iPad and mobile, we will once again raise the bar in broadcast sports news journalism."

Sky has today closed down the Sky Real Lives portfolio of channels, including the HD channel and reallocated the budget to Sky1 and Sky2.

Sky has decided that the channel`s audience can be "better served" by allocating the programming budget to the main Sky1 and Sky2 channels.

Head of Sky Real Lives Barbara Gibbon said "By focusing content investment on those channels which offer greater reach and exposure, we believe we can better meet customer demands. There will be no compromise on screen, nor in satisfying Sky Real Lives viewers, who`ll continue to enjoy a rich diversity of high-quality pay-TV programming."

Sky has today launched Sky Movies Classics HD on Sky channel 346, joining the rest of the Sky branded movie channels.

With the exception of Sky Movies Premiere+1 channel, Sky now have all of its main movie channels broadcasting in HD.

HD movies showing on this channel range from "The Wizard of Oz" to "Georgy Girl" to "The Great Escape"

Comedy Central HD has today launched on Sky at Sky channel 222.

Comedy Central HD is a simulcast of its Standard Definition (SD) channel, with content upscaled where it is not available in High Definition (HD).

Content on the channel which will be broadcast in High Definition include Southpark, Two and a Half Men, Kind of Queens, Everybody Loves Raymond, Rules of Engagement and Samantha Who?.

MTV Networks UK and Ireland managing director David Lynn said "Showcasing Comedy Central content in HD is a real coup for our viewers and an important expansion for the MTV Networks HD offering. We`ll continue to investigate HD opportunities that will excite our audience."

Comedy Central UK managing director Jill Offman said "We`ve always been the funniest channel on TV, now we`ll be the best looking one too."

UKTV has confirmed plans to launch high definition versions of the Good Food and Eden channels exclusively on Sky.

Good Food HD will launch on the 31st August 2010 and will broadcast a HD simulcast of the channel`s schedule every day on digital satellite from 5am to 11pm.

Eden HD will will launch in early October, will run a HD simulcast of the main channel from 9am to 3am.

UKTV join acting chief executive Keith Porritt said "I`m delighted that we are able to give fans our viewers an enhanced viewing experience of Good Food and Eden. Both channels have an enviable schedule which viewers can now enjoy in the stunning picture quality that HD offers - whether that is home grown commissions such as Ronnie Corbett`s Supper Club or the best of the BBC`s natural history programming including Wild China and Planet Earth."

Sky`s director of product management Hilary Perchard said "We are pleased to welcome UKTV`s first two high definition channels to Sky`s ever-expanding HD stable. With these new additions, Sky continues to lead the way in high definition, with Sky+ HD customers enjoying the most comprehensive selection on high-quality content available. Across the schedule, we offer an unrivalled selection of HD that caters to the interests and passions of millions of customers."

ITV has agreed a deal with Sky to launch high definition versions of its successful digital channels as a subscription service on the Sky platform.

ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD, and ITV4 HD will launch as part of the Sky+HD subscription package of channels in autumn 2010. The channels will be available to all homes subscribing to a Sky+HD subscription, of which there are more than 2.9 million.

ITV2 HD will launch in October for the start of The Xtra Factor, with ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD launching shortly after.

Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of ITV plc, said: “I`m delighted to announce ITV`s move into pay television today with this deal with Sky. We will launch our highly successful family of digital channels, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4, in high definition for the very first time as part of the Sky+HD subscription."

Mike Darcey, Sky`s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The subscription model best rewards those committing to HD and continues to drive its growth. We therefore welcome ITV`s move to embrace pay TV to satisfy the demands of millions who now regard anything less than HD as a compromise. This is great news for the one in three Sky homes who have already responded to the increased choice and quality offered by Sky+HD.”

Sky have today announced their financial results for the six months up to the end of June.

The results show another powerful increase in the number of customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

An impressive 429,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service during the quarter, up slightly from the previous quarter. The total number of Sky+HD subscribers up to 2,939,000. (source).

Five HD has today launched on Sky on Sky channel 171.

The channel, which is a simulcast of the main Five channel offers high definition versions of Neighbours, Home And Away and some US dramas.

Speaking in March, Five`s director of strategy Charles Constable said "Our programme schedule is more suited to HD than that any other major free-to-air commercial broadcaster given the wide range of high quality series we broadcast, such as our top-rated line-up of US dramas. We`re delighted to begin our HD journey with Sky."

However, the launch of Five HD follows confirmation from Ofcom that the channel will not launch on Freeview before 2012, after the broadcaster failed to supply a launch date or programming schedule.

Five have made a statement posted on the Five.tv website: "We are exploring options to launch Five HD on Freeview at some future date and are also considering other digital television platforms."

An HD version of Hallmark Channel has launched on Sky.

Hallmark Channel HD is available on Sky channel 220 and will air major US series in HD.

Laurence Dawkin-Jones, MD, of Universal Networks International in the UK said "Hallmark Channel has a huge number of loyal viewers and I`m delighted that we can now deliver their favourite US shows like the Law & Order titles, CSI and Without A Trace in high definition to really maximise their enjoyment. Our channels really have never looked as good."

ESPN has launched a high definition simulcast of ESPN America on Sky.

The channel has launched on channel 431 on Sky`s electronic programming guide. ESPN America HD will offer a range of North American sports in HD, including baseball, ice hockey and American football.

ESPN America HD joins its other HD channel which launched in August 2009, ESPN HD.

ESPN`s senior vice president & EMEA managing director Lynne Frank said "ESPN has been a pioneer in high definition television around the world. Anybody who has experienced HD knows how much it adds to the viewing experience, and this launch is part of our dedication to bringing the very best in sports television to a wider audience".

Sky have today announced that along with making Sky Sports News a subscription only channel, it will also launch Sky Sports News HD, a simulcast of the Sky Sports News Standard Definition channel.

Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports News has been a great success over the last 12 years and we have big ambitions to make it even better. As part of a subscription service, customers can look forward to expanded coverage and the launch of Europe`s first HD sports news service.”

Sky Sports 4 HD has today launched on Sky on Sky channel 454 as a simulcast of Sky Sports 4.

Sky Sports 4 HD joins the other three Sky Sports channels to be broadcast in High Definition.

Content shown on Sky Sports 4 HD include Cricket, Tri-Nations Rugby Union, WWE Experience, European Tour Golf, Nascar, US Open Tennis, NFL and WWE Raw.

Sky have today announced their financial results for the six months up to the end of March.

The results show another powerful increase in the number of customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

An impressive 428,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service during the quarter, down slightly from the previous quarter. The total number of Sky+HD subscribers up to 2,510,000. (source).

Sky News has today announced that it will launch in High Definition on Thursday 6th May at 9.00pm to coincide with the channels election night show Decision Time. Sky News HD will be broadcast on Sky channel 517 and will be simulcast alongside the existing Sky News Standard Definition channel on 501.

The channel will feature an updated HD studio and HD cameras being used by reporters, while HD graphics will create a new look on screen.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News said: “We`ve made the news ourselves in 2010 by launching the first UK news service in HD with sharper pictures and enhanced services for HD viewers. It`s an innovation which clearly defines Sky`s strengths, our passion and our restless pursuit to be first and to be the best. The detail of Sky News HD is stunning - I hope our viewers will enjoy the new experience.”

Five and Sky have announced the launch of Five HD this Summer, a high definition version of Five which will show programming that has been made in HD. Five HD will start broadcasting to more than 2 million Sky+HD homes in July.

The HD content includes top-rating US dramas such as CSI and FlashForward, popular soaps including Neighbours and Home & Away, international cricket and live Europa League football, as well as blockbuster movies.

The launch of Five HD will take the number of HD Channels to 42, following news that ITV 1HD, Sky News HD, Sky Sports HD 4 and Hallmark Channel HD are all to launch in the months ahead. Sky is aiming to have 50 HD channels by Christmas.

Charles Constable, Five Director of Strategy, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Five. Our programme schedule as more suited to HD than that any other major free-to-air commercial broadcaster given the wide range of high quality series we broadcast, such as our top-rated line-up of US dramas. We’re delighted to begin our HD journey with Sky."

Hilary Perchard, Sky’s Director of Product Management, comments: “We’re delighted to announce the addition of Five HD to Sky+HD, the UK’s leading high definition service. Sky remains committed to delivering customers the best HD service available, and this means continuing to launch high-quality channels right across the schedule. With the best of free and pay TV now in HD, there’s never been a better time to embrace HD.”

Five HD will be available without additional subscription to viewers with Sky+HD boxes, a Sky viewing card and an HD-ready television set.

Sky has today announced the launch of 3 more High Definition channels, reaching a new milestone by exceeding 40 HD Channels.

Sky have already announced the launch of Sky News HD, meaning a total of 4 HD channels will be launching over the next few months.

Sky plans to reach 50 HD channels by Christmas this year.

ITV1 HD will be launching from 2nd April, giving access to watch World Cup matches live in HD, as well as other major ITV shows such as Law and Order: UK, The Prisoner, Foyles War, Lewis, Survival with Ray Mears, and Britain’s Got Talent.

Hallmark Channel HD will be launching on the 28th June, and will showcase a range of its most popular titles in HD for the first time, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Without A Trace.

Sky Sports HD 4 will be launching on the 29th April, and will enable Sky Sports to build on its 9,200 hours a year of live sport in HD. This year will be the busiest ever for HD content on Sky Sports, with the schedule including The Ryder Cup, The Ashes, Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership rugby plus US Open tennis.

Sky has updated their website today and have started providing high definition set top boxes as standard to all new and existing customers upgrading to Sky+.

From today, new or existing customers upgrading to Sky+ will receive an HD box as the standard offering.

The prices will are as follows:
New Customers
Free Sky+HD box and Free Installation when you take the HD Pack at £10 per month.
or
£49 for the Sky+HD box with £30 installation without the HD Pack.

Existing Customers
Adding a multiroom box, Free Sky+HD box and £60 installation when you take the HD Pack at £10 per month.
or
Adding a multiroom box, £99 for the Sky+HD box with £60 installation without the HD Pack.
or
Upgrading an existing box, £199 for the Sky+HD box with £60 installation with or without the HD Pack.

Sky have today announced their financial results for the six months up to the end of December.

The results show another powerful increase in the number of customers subscribing to the Sky+ HD service.

An impressive 482,000 households joined the Sky+ HD service during the quarter, more than double the number of additional subscribers for the same period last year, which took the total number of Sky+HD subscribers up to 2,082,000.

MGM Studios has launched a new high definition movies channel on Sky, which is the result of a joint venture agreement between the two firms.

The channel has launched on Sky channel 345.

MGM HD will carry a 24/7 schedule of fully remastered movies from the studio`s around 4,000-strong film archive.

To access the channel, Sky subscribers will need to receive the Dual Movies and HD pack. However, it is also being offered on an a la carte basis for £5 per month.

MGM Worldwide Networks president Bruce Tuchman said "We are pleased to be partnering with Sky on MGM`s first branded channel to launch in the UK. As it truly is the best way to experience feature films, MGM anticipated the popularity of high definition and has been committed to remastering many of the great MGM movies in HD for some time. MGM has the world`s largest modern film library, packed with great blockbuster titles and renowned classics alike. Now, thanks to Sky, we can deliver all of that quality entertainment content in HD."

Sky chief operating officer Mike Darcey said "This new joint venture demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality HD content for our customers. Offering a range of classic MGM movies, some for the very first time, this new channel joins an already impressive HD movie offering on Sky. It also means that customers can enjoy more classic movies the way they deserved to be seen, in stunning HD."

Sky+HD customers with Amstrad boxes have begun to receive the new HD EPG.

The update started in March 2009 for Thomson Sky+HD boxes, with Pace and Samsung also getting the update in recent months.

When the update to all amstrad boxes are complete, all Sky+ HD boxes will have received the update.

Sky has reported impressive results for the 3rd quarter of this year with 94,000 new customers joining, taking the total number of subscribers to 9.536 million, including strong growth of its high definition service.

Sky reported that their Sky+ HD service had an additional 287,000 customers joining or upgrading - a three-fold increase from 2008 results, increasing to a total of 1.6m customers.

Sky also reported an increase of 100,000 customers signing up for their broadband and 132,000 signing up for their telephone service.

The number of customers choosing to take all three services (TV, Broadband and Telephone) from Sky also increased by 12% to an impressive 17% of its customers.

Source: Sky Corporate

Sky have this morning began to update another batch of Samsung Sky+ HD boxes to the new HD EPG.

It has been nearly two months since the last batch received the HD EPG, with no news on when the next batch would get it.

However, yesterday, owners of Samsung boxes with version number 973005 reported receiving an email from Sky to let them know that the new HD EPG would soon be arriving.

This morning, owners of this version number are reporting that their boxes have been updated with the new HD EPG.

The BBC has today confirmed that the next series of Top Gear will be shown in High Definition from November 15th this year.

Danielle Nagler, Head of BBC HD, confirmed earlier today, that following receiving requests from viewers for the popular programme to be broadcast in HD, the team are now using HD cameras: "Yes, after several hundred emails from you as to why you feel Top Gear needs to make the journey from the SD to the HD world, I can confirm that the team is now working with HD cameras on the new series".

"You've been very clear that this is a BBC programme that for you represents the best of what we do, and that you believe it is one of those series that can benefit most from HD. I agree with you, and I'm confident that the shift will ensure that the cars are glossier and faster than ever, and the presenters... well, probably will look even more like their reflections in the mirror but we'll all have to wait to judge"

Source: BBC HD Blog

Sky are preparing to send the new HD EPG to 30,000 customers with Samsung Sky+ HD boxes.

Sky is now ready to start contacting 30,000 customers with Samsung boxes about them upgrading to the new EPG.

This morning, the new HD EPG guide has appeared on Sky Anytime TV, and users have reported receiving the HD EPG Guide through the post this morning.

As of 30th June 2009, the number of Sky+ HD customers stood at 1,313,000 (source).

Sky has announced this morning that it now has 1.313m Sky+ HD subscribers.

Earlier this year, Sky announced that as of 31st March 2009, its Sky+ HD subscribers totalled 1.02m customers, meaning that in the 3 months following the previous announcement, Sky has gained a further 293,000 Sky+ HD customers.

Sky has announced that over the last 12 months, they gained a total of 534,000 Sky+ HD customers, meaning a very impressive increase in the last three months.

ESPN has started test transmissions of its new high definition channel on digital satellite.

The HD channel will officially launch at channel 443 on 3rd August 2009.

The channel will broadcast English and Scottish Premier League games, as well as premium US and international sports coverage.

The HD channel is currently testing at:
Frequency:11856
Polarisation:V
Symbol Rate:29.5
FEC:3/4

However, the symbol rate that the channel is using means it cannot be viewed using a Sky+ HD box until Sky add the channel to the EPG.

Sky has told the Digital Spy website that the rollout of its New HD EPG to Sky+ HD boxes is "on schedule".

Sky also said, however, that additional and planned development work is taking place before it is sent to customers with Samsung and Amstrad boxes.

Source: Digital Spy.co.uk

BET HD has launched in the UK, specifically for the BET Awards, which will be shown at 8:30pm on Saturday, July 4th. The broadcast is being marketed as exclusively available to Freesat viewers, however, the channel broadcast can be viewed on a Sky+ HD box.

It can be seen by adding the channel manually. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1) Press "Services"
2) Press "down", then scroll to "ADD CHANNELS"
3) Press "down"
4) Enter frequency: 12.730
5) Set Polarisation to "V"
6) Set Symbol Rate to "27.5"
7) Set FEC to "2/3"
8) Press Yellow
9) Highlight "Freesat HD F6U" and press Yellow
10) Press "Select"

To view the channel, follow these steps:
1) Press "Services"
2) Press "down", then scroll to "OTHER CHANNELS"
3) Press "down"
4) Highlight "Freesat HD F6U" and press "Select"

Yesterday, ESPN bid and won the rights to show 46 Premier League matches in the 2009-10 season and 23 matches in each of the three seasons from 2010-11 to 2012-13.

ESPN also announced plans to launch a HD channel in the UK to show these games on. A carriage and retail agreement for both residential and commercial customers has already been struck with Sky.

"ESPN is pleased to announce that it will broadcast a selection of games from the 2009/10 – 12/13 Premier League seasons live and in high definition" the broadcaster confirmed.

No details have yet been announced on the launch date or the prices for this channel.

Sky have today announced the intention of launching Sky News HD in spring 2010.

The channel will be a simulcast of the existing standard definition channel, Sky News.

Sky News HD will launch in Spring 2010 once its headquarters in West London have been upgraded to provide an HD broadcast capability. In addition, work will also be carried out in some of Sky News' busiest bureaux in the UK and overseas to support HD production.

The news follows the first HD broadcast of Barack Obama's Inauguration in January 2009.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky's Chief Executive, said: "Sky News continues to break new ground in television news and it's only natural for it to become the first UK news channel to launch in HD. It's great news for our Sky+HD customers, giving them access to award-winning breaking news in HD for the very first time and further expanding the choice on offer."

Source: Sky News leads television news into the High Definition age

On Monday 8th June 2009, Sky Arts HD 1 and Sky Arts HD 2 became fully simulcast, mirroring the full schedule of their SD channels.

Prior to this, the two channels time-shared.

Both channels are now broadcasting between the hours of 8am and 2am.

A comment on the Sky website confirms this and comments, saying: "Sky Arts 1 HD will showcase cutting-edge documentaries, cult films and classic concerts, while Sky Arts 2 HD will offer the biggest and best selection of classical music, opera, dance and fine-art programming, all in high definition".

BSkyB has licenced the StormTest product by S3 to automate testing of its Set Top Boxes.

The move will save BSkyB both time and money. Automated testing means there is less need for manual testing by employees which can be expensive, time consuming and error prone.

StormTest can also support remote testing, on-site testing and field testing.

John Geraghty, Head of Conditional Access Services at BSkyB, commented, saying "Sky is committed to finding innovative ways to improve our current operational methodologies and of driving even more value from our product development activity. S3's StormTest was the automated testing solution which best met our needs and we chose the product predominantly for its ease of use, extensibility and ability to seamlessly integrate with our existing test environment."

Source: BSkyB Licences S3's StormTest to Automate Testing of its Set-Top Boxes

The rollout of the new HD EPG has continued its rollout this morning.

Users with a Pace Sky+ HD Box, version numbers 9F3004 and 9F3002, have reported receiving the New HD EPG in the early hours of this morning.

Sky+ HD Users with a Pace Sky+ HD Box, version number 9F3003, have started to receive the New HD EPG.

This follows the completion of the Thomson Sky+ HD box rollout.

The New HD EPG software is also available on the Forced Download stream for Thomson Sky+ HD boxes, so that users with a Thomson box can update to the new HD EPG manually if they have previously missed the update.

In the early hours of this morning, more Sky+HD users received the new HD EPG.

This rollout has updated further versions of the Thomson Sky+ HD box.

It appears that the following version numbers have received the update this morning:

• 4E3004 *
• 4E3006
• 4E3007 *
• 4E3008
• 4E3009
• 4E300C
• 4E3011

* A second attempt on boxes with version numbers 4E3004 and 4E3007 was to update those boxes which may have originally missed the update a month ago.

Sky has today continued the rollout of the new HD EPG to its customers.

Thomson Sky+ HD box users with version number 4E3007 have today woken up to find their boxes have rebooted and have the new HD EPG waiting for them.

On the 10th March 2009, 38,000 Thomson Sky+ HD box users with version number 4E300E were the first to get the new HD EPG.

On the 2nd April 2009, Thomson Sky+ HD box users with version number 4E3004 started to receive the new HD EPG in the early hours of the morning.

Read about the new HD EPG here.

In the last quarter up to 31st March 2009, Sky made an impressing 243,000 additions to customers taking its Sky+ HD service.

The total number of HD customers at 31 March 2009 was 1,022,000.

The launch of the £49 offer for all customers for their first Sky+ HD Box back in January seems to have had a positive effect on these results.

Stephen van Rooyen, Director of Product Management, said "The growth of HD is really starting to take off as more people discover the difference in picture and sound quality. Whether you're a fan of Hollywood movies, Test cricket, dramatic documentaries or operatic arias, you can enjoy more of the things you love in stunning high definition with Sky."

Source: BSkyB - Results for the nine months ended 31 March 2009 (PDF Document)

FX HD is today changing from a dedicated HD channel without commercial breaks into a simulcast channel with its FX UK channel. This move will introduced commercial breaks on the channel for the first time, and the possiblity of upscaled content as well as HD content.

The hours that the channel broadcast will remain the same, but will show the peak time programmes on FX in high definition on FX HD where available.

Season 3 of Dexter also launches tonight on FX HD at 10pm.