Discovery will be on Sky

sanderton · 17-01-2006, 09:40

Press release:

Quote:

DISCOVERY HD JOINS SKY HD CHANNEL LINE-UP

London, 17th January, 2006 - British Sky Broadcasting (Sky) and Discovery Networks Europe today announced that Discovery HD will be part of the initial package of high definition channels* available on Sky’s HD service at launch.

Uniting the enhanced technology of HDTV with innovative content and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, Discovery HD is a 24-hour HD network that will bring audiences even closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and panoramic detail, featuring programming on the wonders of the world ranging from culture, engineering, science, technology and nature to travel and lifestyle themes.

Discovery HD will offer exclusive content from Discovery’s extensive worldwide library of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition programming, including content commissioned specifically for the network such as Sunrise Earth and Atlas. The channel will also deliver a mix of some of Discovery’s top series and specials in addition to feature-length “HDShowcase” presentations including Leopard Son, Alien Planet, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Discovery HD will offer programming in 1080i (or the 1080i HD format), which lends itself perfectly to the type of rich, spectacular images Discovery is renowned for.

No surprise, but good to have it confirmed. release also says that that completes the launch line up and

Quote:

Sky HD is on track to launch in the UK and Ireland in early 2006.

Dan27 · 17-01-2006, 11:03

Nice. Cant wait for the platform to be launch and people's opinions to be expressed

middlep1 · 17-01-2006, 11:37

I still don't think they (Sky) have enough HD content for a successfull launch, they only have a handfull of channels.

I'm gonna wait until the likes of the BBC start broadcasting HD on before I upgrade to it, I only really watch Sky One and a bit of footy.

I thought Sky might have worked closer with other UK based broadcasters to either wait or get them on board for it's launch. Surely the likes of Channel 4 with E4 could have gone HD, they show alot of US shows most of which are HD, Lost, Invasion, Desperate Housewives, all HD

I'm a bit disappointed there isn't more choice for the launch to warrant the cost it will be.

Dan27 · 17-01-2006, 11:54

The problem is that the terrestial (sp?) channels cant justify upgrading to HD until the entire country can receive it. They dont have the financial power of receiving the kind of income that a pay service like Sky generates.

One thing that is good about the current package is that Sky may not be able to justify the £10pm additional fee that SkyHD is (rumored - please correct me if Im wrong) charging.

Im going to find out exactly what channels in the US broadcast in HD and do a comparison to what Sky will be launching. I'll post that later

Jarrak · 17-01-2006, 12:23

I think the HD premium is here to stay, that is after all how SKY intend to actually make money from HD and the reason why the non-subscription commercial broadcasters see little point in providing HD until the market matures.

David (2) · 17-01-2006, 12:48

I wont be paying £50 a month just to get HD quality pictures. Not worth it.

Dave

bayards · 17-01-2006, 14:13

8 confirmed channels is better than other Euro launches. Germany started with 3 channels on the pay-per-service (12 Euro a month) - but they also have 2 FTA services - so 5 channels.

France's TPS is expected to have 3 or 4.

Scandinavian service Canal+ has one HD channel called CMore.

So we are doing ok - and if the BBC start simulcasting BBC1 then splendid - pass the wine gums...

H

camaj · 17-01-2006, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by David (2)

I wont be paying £50 a month just to get HD quality pictures. Not worth it.

Here we go! Saying £50 a month is misleading since some people will belive it's £50 EXTRA when the chances are it'll be £10 or under.

Quote:

I still don't think they (Sky) have enough HD content for a successfull launch, they only have a handfull of channels.

How many channels do we need though? Personally I watch football, films and US imports which will be covered by SS,SM and S1. There's nothing to say that various shows won't be on S1 just because they aren't now

While I don't watch National Geographic and Discovery I will be watching the HD equivilents. I'm glad that some of the US shows will be on the UK version, hopfully without the dull voiceover people they use.

sanderton · 17-01-2006, 16:54

All I watch on Sky is the rugby and US sci-fi, both of which will be in HD, so I'm happy. I'll probably re-activate Sky Movies as well and drop most of my DVD purchases!

bayards · 17-01-2006, 21:45

Actually although 8 channels at launch - History HD will be joing after launch. 9 now.

H

camaj · 20-01-2006, 01:07

Programs:

Sunrise Earth and Atlas while feature-length presentations include Leopard Son, Alien Planet and Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Jarrak · 20-01-2006, 01:32

Alien Planet was one of the best programs I watched in HD last year, it was also broadcast in SD on Discovery UK and even without the extra impact of HD would still be a very interesting program

17-01-2006, 09:40	#1
sanderton Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Acne Information, Acne Vulgari Posts: 2,809	Discovery will be on Sky Press release: Quote: DISCOVERY HD JOINS SKY HD CHANNEL LINE-UP London, 17th January, 2006 - British Sky Broadcasting (Sky) and Discovery Networks Europe today announced that Discovery HD will be part of the initial package of high definition channels* available on Sky’s HD service at launch. Uniting the enhanced technology of HDTV with innovative content and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, Discovery HD is a 24-hour HD network that will bring audiences even closer to their world with breathtaking imagery and panoramic detail, featuring programming on the wonders of the world ranging from culture, engineering, science, technology and nature to travel and lifestyle themes. Discovery HD will offer exclusive content from Discovery’s extensive worldwide library of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition programming, including content commissioned specifically for the network such as Sunrise Earth and Atlas. The channel will also deliver a mix of some of Discovery’s top series and specials in addition to feature-length “HDShowcase” presentations including Leopard Son, Alien Planet, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Discovery HD will offer programming in 1080i (or the 1080i HD format), which lends itself perfectly to the type of rich, spectacular images Discovery is renowned for. No surprise, but good to have it confirmed. release also says that that completes the launch line up and Quote: Sky HD is on track to launch in the UK and Ireland in early 2006.

17-01-2006, 11:03	#2
Dan27 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: By The Sea Posts: 9,574	Nice. Cant wait for the platform to be launch and people's opinions to be expressed

17-01-2006, 11:37	#3
middlep1 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 101	I still don't think they (Sky) have enough HD content for a successfull launch, they only have a handfull of channels. I'm gonna wait until the likes of the BBC start broadcasting HD on before I upgrade to it, I only really watch Sky One and a bit of footy. I thought Sky might have worked closer with other UK based broadcasters to either wait or get them on board for it's launch. Surely the likes of Channel 4 with E4 could have gone HD, they show alot of US shows most of which are HD, Lost, Invasion, Desperate Housewives, all HD I'm a bit disappointed there isn't more choice for the launch to warrant the cost it will be.

17-01-2006, 11:54	#4
Dan27 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: By The Sea Posts: 9,574	The problem is that the terrestial (sp?) channels cant justify upgrading to HD until the entire country can receive it. They dont have the financial power of receiving the kind of income that a pay service like Sky generates. One thing that is good about the current package is that Sky may not be able to justify the £10pm additional fee that SkyHD is (rumored - please correct me if Im wrong) charging. Im going to find out exactly what channels in the US broadcast in HD and do a comparison to what Sky will be launching. I'll post that later

17-01-2006, 12:23	#5
Jarrak Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ilkeston Posts: 18,075	I think the HD premium is here to stay, that is after all how SKY intend to actually make money from HD and the reason why the non-subscription commercial broadcasters see little point in providing HD until the market matures.

17-01-2006, 12:48	#6
David (2) Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: S.West England. Posts: 18,037	I wont be paying £50 a month just to get HD quality pictures. Not worth it. Dave

17-01-2006, 14:13	#7
bayards Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: South Lincs Posts: 1,862	8 confirmed channels is better than other Euro launches. Germany started with 3 channels on the pay-per-service (12 Euro a month) - but they also have 2 FTA services - so 5 channels. France's TPS is expected to have 3 or 4. Scandinavian service Canal+ has one HD channel called CMore. So we are doing ok - and if the BBC start simulcasting BBC1 then splendid - pass the wine gums... H

17-01-2006, 16:32	#8
camaj Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 813	Quote: Originally Posted by David (2) I wont be paying £50 a month just to get HD quality pictures. Not worth it. Here we go! Saying £50 a month is misleading since some people will belive it's £50 EXTRA when the chances are it'll be £10 or under. Quote: I still don't think they (Sky) have enough HD content for a successfull launch, they only have a handfull of channels. How many channels do we need though? Personally I watch football, films and US imports which will be covered by SS,SM and S1. There's nothing to say that various shows won't be on S1 just because they aren't now While I don't watch National Geographic and Discovery I will be watching the HD equivilents. I'm glad that some of the US shows will be on the UK version, hopfully without the dull voiceover people they use.

17-01-2006, 16:54	#9
sanderton Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Acne Information, Acne Vulgari Posts: 2,809	All I watch on Sky is the rugby and US sci-fi, both of which will be in HD, so I'm happy. I'll probably re-activate Sky Movies as well and drop most of my DVD purchases!

17-01-2006, 21:45	#10
bayards Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: South Lincs Posts: 1,862	Actually although 8 channels at launch - History HD will be joing after launch. 9 now. H

20-01-2006, 01:07	#11
camaj Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 813	Programs: Sunrise Earth and Atlas while feature-length presentations include Leopard Son, Alien Planet and Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

20-01-2006, 01:32	#12
Jarrak Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ilkeston Posts: 18,075	Alien Planet was one of the best programs I watched in HD last year, it was also broadcast in SD on Discovery UK and even without the extra impact of HD would still be a very interesting program

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Discovery will be on Sky