Sky HD Box Will Have Network Connection

[WPW_Feedbot]

Last month when news leaked that Sky was planning a <u>"broadband VOD" initiative</u>, I hoped for a moment they would be jumping into IPTV. But they're not -- they're simply offering a la carte VOD delivered to a PC, something dozens of other content companies have been doing for years. (Jupiter defines IPTV as multi-channel TV or VOD delivered over an IP connection and displayed on a TV screen. PC-based video like this Sky effort doesn't qualify.)</p>



But Sky's flirtation with internet delivery will continue next year when they introduce their HDTV service. <u>Word is</u> the Sky HD set-top box, which we already knew would have a DVR built in, will also have a network connection built in -- enabling IPTV and providing the backchannel required for VOD and interactive content.</p>



It's yet another smart, aggressive move by a company built on a history of smart, aggressive moves. It also puts the PC-based VOD effort into perspective: it's not a business, it's simply a chance to learn about VOD and internet-based delivery, and establish ISP partnerships, ahead of the HDTV launch.</p>

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