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Sky UK Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Sky UK Limited: History and Services

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Sky UK Limited: History and Services Study Guide

Company Overview and Services

Sky UK Limited, formerly known as BSkyB, is a British telecommunications company that offers television, broadband, fixed-line telephone, and mobile services.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky UK Limited is a British telecommunications company providing television, broadband, fixed-line telephone, and mobile services. It is a subsidiary of Sky Group, owned by Comcast.

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Sky UK is the largest British broadcaster by revenue and operates Sky Sports, the UK's largest sports TV broadcaster.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky UK is recognized as the largest British broadcaster by revenue and operates Sky Sports, the premier sports television broadcaster in the UK.

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Sky's current marketing slogan is 'Believe in Better'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky's current marketing slogan is 'Believe in Better'.

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What range of services does Sky UK Limited provide to consumers and businesses?

Answer: Television, broadband internet, fixed-line telephone, and mobile telephone services.

Explanation: Sky UK Limited offers a comprehensive suite of services including television, broadband internet, fixed-line telephone, and mobile telephone services.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a significant media organization operated by Sky UK?

Answer: Sky Atlantic

Explanation: While Sky operates Sky News, Sky Sports, and Sky Studios, Sky Atlantic is not explicitly mentioned as a primary organization operated by Sky UK in the provided context.

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Which of the following is listed as a main entertainment channel operated by Sky UK?

Answer: Sky Max

Explanation: Sky Max is identified as one of the main entertainment channels operated by Sky UK.

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Historical Development and Evolution

Sky UK was formed in 1990 through the merger of Sky Television and Virgin Media.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky UK was established in 1990 through the merger of Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB), not Virgin Media.

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By the end of the 1990s, BSkyB had acquired exclusive television broadcasting rights for the Premier League and most Hollywood films.

Answer: True

Explanation: By the end of the 1990s, BSkyB had secured exclusive television broadcasting rights for the Premier League and most Hollywood films.

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Sky's pay-TV service originated from encrypting its news channels in 1990.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky's pay-TV service originated from encrypting its film channels, not news channels, in 1990.

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The Sky Sports channel became encrypted two years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sky Sports channel was encrypted two years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB.

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BSkyB secured the live Premier League broadcast rights for the 1992 season for approximately £304 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: BSkyB secured the live Premier League broadcast rights for the 1992 season at a cost of approximately £304 million.

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Sky Multichannels, launched in September 1993, was an analogue service that provided access to Sky channels and third-party broadcasters.

Answer: True

Explanation: Launched in September 1993, Sky Multichannels was an analogue service offering access to both Sky channels and third-party broadcasters.

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The business strategy behind Sky Multichannels involved making previously subscription-based channels free-to-air.

Answer: False

Explanation: The strategy behind Sky Multichannels was to transition channels to a subscription model, not to make previously subscription-based channels free-to-air.

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Sky UK entered the broadband market by acquiring the ISP EasyNet in 2005.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky UK entered the broadband market in 2005 through the acquisition of the Internet Service Provider EasyNet.

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Following the integration of Living TV Group, channels like MTV and Syfy moved to less prominent EPG positions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the integration of Living TV Group, channels like MTV and Syfy moved to more prominent EPG positions, not less prominent ones.

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Sky UK's predecessor companies were Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB).

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky UK's predecessor companies were Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB).

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Sky Sports became an encrypted channel approximately four years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Sports became encrypted approximately two years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB, not four years.

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Sky UK was formed in 1990 through the merger of which two companies?

Answer: Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB)

Explanation: Sky UK was formed in 1990 through the merger of Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB).

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What major media rights did BSkyB secure by the end of the 1990s?

Answer: All rights for the Premier League and most domestic rights for Hollywood films.

Explanation: By the end of the 1990s, BSkyB had secured exclusive television broadcasting rights for the Premier League and most domestic rights for Hollywood films.

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How did Sky's pay-TV service initially require viewers to access encrypted film channels?

Answer: By obtaining decoding equipment and a subscription for Sky Movies or The Movie Channel.

Explanation: Initially, accessing Sky's encrypted film channels required obtaining decoding equipment and subscribing to services like Sky Movies or The Movie Channel.

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When did the Sky Sports channel become encrypted, requiring a subscription?

Answer: Two years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB.

Explanation: The Sky Sports channel became encrypted two years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB.

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What was the financial significance of BSkyB's bid for Premier League broadcast rights starting in 1992?

Answer: BSkyB secured the rights for £304 million, establishing a pay-TV model for football.

Explanation: BSkyB secured the live Premier League broadcast rights for the 1992 season for approximately £304 million, which was pivotal in establishing the pay-TV model for football.

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What was the primary function of Sky Multichannels when launched in September 1993?

Answer: To offer a package of Sky channels and third-party broadcasters via analogue transmission.

Explanation: Launched in September 1993, Sky Multichannels was an analogue service designed to provide access to a bundle of Sky channels and those from third-party broadcasters.

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What strategic shift did CEO Sam Chisholm and chairman Rupert Murdoch implement with Sky Multichannels?

Answer: Shifting the business model to an entirely fee-based concept, including subscription channels.

Explanation: The strategy involved converting the business model to an entirely fee-based system, incorporating subscription channels, which was a significant shift from previous models.

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How did Sky UK enter the broadband market?

Answer: By acquiring the ISP EasyNet in October 2005.

Explanation: Sky UK entered the broadband market by acquiring the Internet Service Provider EasyNet in October 2005.

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How did the integration of Living TV Group into Sky in early 2011 impact channel positioning on the EPG?

Answer: Channels like MTV and Syfy moved to more prominent EPG positions.

Explanation: Following the integration of Living TV Group, channels such as MTV and Syfy were relocated to more prominent positions on the Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

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Product and Technology Advancements

Sky's analogue service was shut down on September 27, 2001, to facilitate the expansion of its digital platform.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky's analogue service ceased operations on September 27, 2001, to facilitate the growth of its digital platform.

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Key features of the Sky Digital service launched in 1998 included enhanced picture and sound quality and an interactive service.

Answer: True

Explanation: Launched in 1998, Sky Digital offered enhanced picture and sound quality, along with an interactive service.

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Sky's digital service achieved higher subscriber numbers than its analogue service by late 1999.

Answer: True

Explanation: By late 1999, Sky's digital service had surpassed its analogue service in subscriber numbers.

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Sky launched its new TV and entertainment service, Sky Glass, in 2016.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Glass was launched in October 2021, not 2016. Sky Q was launched in 2016.

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Sky One was replaced by Sky Max and Sky News channels in September 2021.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky One was replaced by Sky Showcase and Sky Max in September 2021, not Sky Max and Sky News.

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Sky Glass, launched in October 2021, is a smart TV range designed to stream content over Wi-Fi without needing a satellite dish.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky Glass, introduced in October 2021, is a smart TV range designed for streaming content via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a satellite dish.

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Sky released its streaming box, Sky Stream, in October 2022, which requires a Sky broadband subscription.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Stream was released in October 2022, and it is compatible with any broadband provider, not exclusively Sky broadband.

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Sky Go is a paid add-on service for Sky satellite TV subscribers to watch content on mobile devices.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Go is provided free to Sky satellite TV subscribers, not as a paid add-on service.

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Sky Q boxes, unlike previous models, are owned by the customer and do not need to be returned upon contract termination.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Q boxes remain the property of Sky and must be returned upon contract termination, unlike some previous models which customers might have owned.

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Sky UK began broadcasting in 4K UHD on August 13, 2016, starting with a Premier League football match.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky UK commenced its 4K UHD broadcasting on August 13, 2016, with the inaugural broadcast being a Premier League football match.

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Sky Q Mini boxes are capable of UHD playback.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Q Mini boxes are not capable of UHD playback; they serve to extend the Sky Q experience to other rooms.

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The 'Darwin' EPG update in June 2012 was specifically for Sky Q UHD receivers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Darwin' EPG update in June 2012 was for Sky+HD receivers, not Sky Q UHD receivers.

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Sky Store allows customers to rent or purchase films from Sky Cinema and order physical copies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky Store allows customers to rent or purchase films from Sky Cinema and order physical copies, accessible via apps and Sky Q boxes.

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Sky's EPG numbering system was reorganized in early 2006, expanding the number of main categories.

Answer: True

Explanation: In early 2006, Sky reorganized its EPG numbering system, expanding the number of main categories and reclassifying various channels.

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Sky Q Mini boxes can be used to play UHD content independently.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Q Mini boxes cannot play UHD content independently; they are dependent on the main Sky Q box.

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When did Sky's analogue television service officially cease operations?

Answer: September 27, 2001

Explanation: Sky's analogue television service was shut down on September 27, 2001, to facilitate the expansion of its digital platform.

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Which of the following was a key selling point of the Sky Digital service launched in 1998?

Answer: An increased number of channels and improved picture/sound quality.

Explanation: Key features of the Sky Digital service included enhanced picture and sound quality, along with an expanded channel selection.

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What new TV and entertainment service did Sky launch in 2016?

Answer: Sky Q

Explanation: Sky launched its new TV and entertainment service, Sky Q, in 2016.

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What happened to the Sky One channel in September 2021?

Answer: It ceased broadcasting and was replaced by Sky Showcase and Sky Max.

Explanation: Sky One ceased broadcasting on September 1, 2021. It was succeeded by two new channels: Sky Showcase, featuring content aggregated from other Sky channels, and Sky Max, which primarily broadcast Sky's original programming and content previously aired on Sky One.

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What is Sky Glass, launched in October 2021?

Answer: An in-house smart TV range designed for streaming.

Explanation: Sky Glass, launched in October 2021, is an integrated smart TV range designed to stream content over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a satellite dish.

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Sky released its streaming box, Sky Stream, on October 18, 2022. What is a key feature regarding its broadband compatibility?

Answer: It is compatible with any broadband provider.

Explanation: Sky Stream, released in October 2022, is designed to be compatible with any broadband provider, offering flexibility in internet service.

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What is Sky Go?

Answer: A free service for Sky satellite TV subscribers to watch content on internet-connected devices.

Explanation: Sky Go is a complimentary service for Sky satellite TV subscribers, enabling them to access live channels and on-demand content on internet-connected devices.

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What distinguishes the ownership policy of Sky Q boxes compared to previous Sky boxes?

Answer: Sky Q boxes remain the property of Sky and must be returned.

Explanation: Unlike previous Sky box models, Sky Q boxes remain the property of Sky and are required to be returned upon the conclusion of a customer's contract. Penalties are imposed for unreturned equipment.

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When did Sky UK begin broadcasting in 4K UHD?

Answer: August 13, 2016

Explanation: Sky UK commenced its 4K UHD broadcasting on August 13, 2016.

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Business Operations and Market Strategy

Sky UK Limited's headquarters are located in Manchester, England.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky UK Limited's headquarters are situated in Isleworth, London, England, not Manchester.

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Sky Digital primarily competed with terrestrial digital television services like Freeview.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Digital primarily competed with ONdigital (later ITV Digital), not Freeview, which emerged later.

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In 2010, Sky's direct-to-home satellite service reached 10 million homes, making it Europe's first pay-TV platform to hit this milestone.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2010, Sky's direct-to-home satellite service reached 10 million homes, marking a first for a European pay-TV platform.

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In March 2018, Sky UK reached an agreement with Netflix allowing Sky subscribers to access the streaming service.

Answer: True

Explanation: In March 2018, Sky UK finalized an agreement with Netflix, granting Sky subscribers access to the streaming service.

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Sky UK holds a full ownership stake in the Freeview digital terrestrial television platform.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky UK holds an equal stake in Freeview alongside other broadcasters, not full ownership.

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Sky's broadband services exclusively use proprietary fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky's broadband services utilize ADSL, FTTC, and FTTP technologies; they do not exclusively use proprietary FTTP.

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Sky Arts became available on Freeview in September 2020, marking it as the first premium Sky channel on the free-to-air service.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky Arts became available on Freeview in September 2020, marking its debut as the first premium Sky channel on the free-to-air service.

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The 'piggybank' facility for Sky Mobile allows customers to store unused data for future use.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'piggybank' facility for Sky Mobile enables customers to save unused data for future utilization.

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Sky Mobile operates as a Full MVNO using the Vodafone network infrastructure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Mobile operates as a Full MVNO using the O2 network infrastructure, not Vodafone.

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Sky Broadband Shield is designed to block spam calls.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sky Broadband Shield provides web filtering and security; Sky Talk Shield is the service designed to block spam calls.

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NOW Broadband is a Sky brand offering low-cost broadband plans associated with the NOW streaming service.

Answer: True

Explanation: NOW Broadband is a Sky brand offering budget-friendly broadband plans linked to the NOW streaming service.

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Sky is considered one of the 'big four' internet service providers in the UK.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sky is recognized as one of the 'big four' internet service providers operating within the UK.

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Where is Sky UK Limited headquartered?

Answer: Sky Studios, Isleworth, London, England

Explanation: Sky UK Limited is headquartered at Sky Studios in Isleworth, London, England.

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Sky Digital competed directly with which other digital TV service?

Answer: ONdigital (later ITV Digital)

Explanation: Sky Digital's primary competitor in the digital terrestrial television market was ONdigital, which later became ITV Digital.

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What milestone did Sky's direct-to-home satellite service achieve in 2010?

Answer: It reached 10 million homes in the UK, becoming Europe's first pay-TV platform to do so.

Explanation: In 2010, Sky's direct-to-home satellite service achieved a significant milestone by reaching 10 million homes in the UK, marking it as Europe's first pay-TV platform to attain this level of penetration.

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What is Sky UK's ownership stake in the Freeview platform?

Answer: An equal stake alongside other broadcasters

Explanation: Sky UK holds an equal stake in the Freeview platform, sharing ownership with other major broadcasters.

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Which technologies are utilized by Sky for its broadband network connections?

Answer: ADSL, FTTC, and FTTP

Explanation: Sky's broadband services utilize ADSL, FTTC (Fiber to the Cabinet), and FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) technologies, leveraging the Openreach network.

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What is the 'piggybank' facility offered by Sky Mobile?

Answer: A feature allowing unused data to be saved and used later.

Explanation: The 'piggybank' facility for Sky Mobile allows customers to save unused data, which can then be redeemed to offset costs.

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What was the initial competition Sky faced in the digital terrestrial television market before ITV Digital's failure?

Answer: ONdigital

Explanation: Before ITV Digital's failure, Sky initially faced competition from ONdigital in the digital terrestrial television market.

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What is the purpose of Sky Talk Shield?

Answer: To block spam calls.

Explanation: Sky Talk Shield is a service specifically designed to block unwanted spam calls.

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Corporate Ownership and Acquisitions

In 2014, the holding company British Sky Broadcasting Group plc changed its name to Sky Group Limited after acquiring Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2014, British Sky Broadcasting Group plc was renamed Sky plc (now Sky Group Limited) following its acquisition of Sky Italia and a controlling interest in Sky Deutschland.

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Comcast acquired control of Sky UK in late 2018, surpassing a bid from 21st Century Fox.

Answer: True

Explanation: Comcast secured control of Sky UK in late 2018, surpassing the bid from 21st Century Fox.

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In October 2022, Comcast wrote off US$8.6 billion of Sky's valuation due to a significant increase in Sky's third-quarter sales.

Answer: False

Explanation: The write-off was due to a significant drop in Sky's third-quarter sales, not an increase.

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Who acquired control of Sky UK in late 2018?

Answer: Comcast

Explanation: Comcast acquired control of Sky UK in late 2018, successfully outbidding 21st Century Fox.

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What was the reason cited for Comcast writing off US$8.6 billion of Sky's valuation in October 2022?

Answer: A substantial drop in Sky's third-quarter sales.

Explanation: Comcast wrote off US$8.6 billion of Sky's valuation in October 2022, attributed to a substantial drop in Sky's third-quarter sales.

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