What is Sky UK Limited, and what services does it provide?

Sky UK Limited, formerly known as British Sky Broadcasting Limited (BSkyB) and trading as Sky, is a British broadcaster and telecommunications company. It offers television, broadband internet, fixed-line telephone, and mobile telephone services to consumers and businesses within the United Kingdom. Sky UK is a subsidiary of Sky Group, which is currently owned by Comcast.

Where is Sky UK Limited headquartered?

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

What is Sky UK's position in the British media landscape?

Sky UK is a major media company and holds the distinction of being the largest British broadcaster by revenue. It also operates significant media organizations like Sky News, Sky Sports (the UK's largest sports TV broadcaster), and Sky Studios (a film and TV production company).

When was Sky UK formed, and through what merger?

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

What significant media rights did BSkyB acquire by the end of the 1990s?

By the end of the 1990s, BSkyB had secured all television broadcasting rights for the Premier League and almost all domestic rights for Hollywood films, significantly expanding its media influence.

How did the company's holding structure change in 2014?

In 2014, following its acquisition of Sky Italia and a majority stake in Sky Deutschland, the holding company, British Sky Broadcasting Group plc, changed its name to Sky plc, which is now known as Sky Group Limited.

What were the origins of Sky's pay-TV service regarding channel encryption?

The origins of Sky's pay-TV service trace back to 1990 when its predecessors, Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting, began encrypting their film channels, Sky Movies and The Movie Channel, respectively. This required viewers to obtain decoding equipment and a subscription to access these channels.

When did Sky Sports become an encrypted channel?

Two years after the merger of Sky Television and BSB, the Sky Sports channel also became encrypted, requiring a subscription.

What was the significance of Sky's bid for Premier League football rights in 1991?

In the autumn of 1991, BSkyB, in conjunction with the BBC, made a bid for the Premier League broadcast rights starting from the 1992 season. BSkyB secured the rights for live matches for £304 million, while the BBC obtained highlights, establishing a significant pay-TV model for football.

How did BSkyB's monopoly on Premier League rights end?

BSkyB's monopoly on Premier League rights ended from the 2007-08 season following a legal challenge by the European Commission, which deemed the exclusivity of the rights detrimental to competition and consumers. This led to other broadcasters, like Setanta Sports, being awarded packages of matches.

What was Sky Multichannels, and when was it launched?

Sky Multichannels was launched in September 1993 as the analogue predecessor to Sky's digital platform. It was a subscription package that provided access to Sky's channels as well as those from third-party broadcasters.

What was the business strategy behind Sky Multichannels?

The service was based on a strategy shift by CEO Sam Chisholm and chairman Rupert Murdoch to convert the company's business model to an entirely fee-based concept. This involved converting previously free-to-air channels to a subscription model and introducing new channels.

When did Sky's analogue service cease operations?

Sky's analogue service was closed down on September 27, 2001, coinciding with the expansion of the Sky Digital platform.

What were the key selling points of the Sky Digital service upon its launch in 1998?

The key selling points of Sky Digital, launched on October 1, 1998, included improved picture and sound quality, an increased number of channels, and an interactive service initially branded as 'Open....' and later as 'Sky Active'.

How did Sky Digital compete with other digital TV offerings?

Sky Digital competed directly with ONdigital (later ITV Digital), a terrestrial digital television service, and various cable television providers.

When did Sky's digital service surpass its analogue service in subscriber numbers?

Sky's digital service surpassed its analogue service in terms of subscriber numbers in late 1999.

What was the significance of Sky reaching 10 million homes in 2010?

In 2010, Sky's direct-to-home satellite service became available in 10 million homes, marking Europe's first pay-TV platform to achieve this milestone. This represented a reach into 36% of UK households, equating to over 25 million people.

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

In 2016, Sky launched its new TV and entertainment service called Sky Q.

What was the outcome of the negotiations between Sky UK and Netflix in March 2018?

In March 2018, Sky UK concluded successful negotiations with Netflix, enabling Sky subscribers to access Netflix's international streaming service.

Who acquired control of Sky UK in late 2018?

Comcast, the largest cable TV provider in the United States, acquired control of Sky UK in late 2018, outbidding 21st Century Fox and subsequently taking full ownership.

What changes occurred with Sky One in September 2021?

Sky One ceased broadcasting on September 1, 2021, and was replaced by two new channels: Sky Showcase, featuring content from other Sky channels, and Sky Max, which focused on Sky's original programming and content previously aired on Sky One.

What is Sky Glass, and when was it launched?

Sky Glass is an in-house smart TV range announced on October 7, 2021, and launched on October 18, 2021, in the UK. It is designed to stream Sky TV and other streaming service content over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a satellite dish or set-top box. It features a 4K quantum dot display and integrated Dolby Atmos sound.

When did Sky release its streaming box called Sky Stream?

Sky released its streaming box, Sky Stream, on October 18, 2022. This service is compatible with any broadband provider, though the box is registered to a specific home.

What is Sky UK's role in digital terrestrial television (DTT)?

Sky UK holds an equal stake in Freeview, the digital terrestrial television platform, alongside other major broadcasters like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Arqiva. Previously, Sky provided channels like Sky News, Sky Three, and Sky Sports News on Freeview.

What was the outcome of the dispute between Sky UK and Discovery Networks in early 2017?

In January 2017, Discovery Networks threatened to blackout its channels on Sky due to a dispute over payment fees. However, a deal was reached on January 31, 2017, allowing Sky UK to continue broadcasting Discovery Networks' channels.

What was the result of the trademark dispute between Sky and Microsoft regarding 'SkyDrive'?

In July 2013, the High Court ruled that Microsoft's use of 'SkyDrive' infringed on Sky's 'Sky' trademark. Microsoft settled the case, agreeing to rename its cloud storage service to 'OneDrive' within an unspecified 'reasonable period'.

What was the nature of the dispute between Sky UK and Virgin Media that began in March 2007?

The dispute stemmed from the failure to renew channel carriage agreements, leading Virgin Media to remove Sky's basic channels. Virgin Media claimed Sky had significantly increased its asking price, while Sky asserted the new deal offered greater value by including HD channels and Video On Demand content.

How did Sky UK offer broadband services?

Sky UK entered the broadband market by acquiring the ISP EasyNet in October 2005 for £211 million. This acquisition provided Sky with access to local-loop unbundling (LLU) technology, enabling it to offer its own branded broadband service.

What technologies does Sky use for its broadband network?

Sky offers broadband services utilizing the Openreach network, with customer connections made via ADSL, FTTC (Fiber to the Cabinet), and FTTP (Fiber to the Premises) technologies.

Sky Go is a service provided free to Sky satellite TV subscribers, allowing them to watch live channels and on-demand content via an internet connection on computers or mobile devices.

What were the key features introduced with the Sky Q product range?

Sky Q, announced in November 2015, introduced new set-top boxes (Sky Q 1TB, Sky Q 2TB, Sky Q Mini), a Sky Q Hub router, and mobile applications. Key features included a new user interface, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, Power-line and Bluetooth connectivity, and a new touch-sensitive remote control.

When did Sky UK begin broadcasting in 4K UHD?

Sky UK began broadcasting in 4K UHD on August 13, 2016, with the first live Premier League football match of the 2016/17 season. High Dynamic Range (HDR) was added later on May 27, 2020.

What are some of the main entertainment channels operated by Sky UK?

Sky UK operates several entertainment channels, including Sky Showcase, Sky Max, Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Witness, Sky Replay, Sky Sci-Fi, and Sky Mix. It also operates Comedy Central and Comedy Central Extra as a joint venture with Paramount Global.

Which sports channels are part of the Sky Sports offering?

The Sky Sports offering includes channels such as Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports F1, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Arena, Sky Sports Darts, Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports News, Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Racing, and Sky Sports Tennis.

Sky Store is a service that offers a library of films from Sky Cinema, available for rent or purchase. Customers can access it via an app or order physical DVD/Blu-ray copies by post. It is accessible on Sky Q boxes and through apps on various devices, not requiring a Sky TV subscription.

What is NOW Broadband?

NOW Broadband is a brand name used by Sky for its low-cost broadband plans. It is associated with the NOW over-the-top television service, which operates separately from the core Sky TV service.

What security services does Sky offer for its broadband customers?

Sky offers two security add-ons for Sky Broadband: Sky Broadband Shield, which provides network-wide web filtering and security, and Sky Talk Shield, which offers spam call blocking.

What was the purpose of the 'Darwin' EPG update in June 2012?

In June 2012, Sky launched a new EPG, codenamed 'Darwin', for its Sky+HD receivers. This update provided a more modern interface and improved functionality. Newer Sky Q UHD receivers use different hardware and run a different software stack.

What is Sky Mobile, and what network infrastructure does it use?

Sky Mobile is Sky's mobile network, which launched to the public on January 5, 2017. It operates as a Full MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), utilizing the O2 radio access network infrastructure and O2's network speeds, including 4G+.

What were some of the criticisms leveled against Sky UK regarding its business practices?

Sky UK has faced criticisms and controversies including allegations of political corruption, tax avoidance, and anti-competitive practices, as highlighted in parliamentary debates and media reports.

What was the outcome of the legal negotiations between Sky and Hello Games regarding the video game 'No Man's Sky'?

After three years of legal negotiations, the trademark dispute between Sky and Hello Games over the use of the word 'Sky' in the game title 'No Man's Sky' was settled in June 2016, allowing Hello Games to retain the name.

When did Sky Arts become available on Freeview?

On September 17, 2020, Sky Arts became the first premium Sky channel to be offered on the free-to-air Freeview service, joining Sky News and other channels.

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

The 'piggybank' facility allows Sky Mobile customers to save unused data. This data can then be 'cashed in' to reduce the monthly cost of a phone or other services.

What was the initial competition Sky faced in the digital terrestrial television market?

Sky initially faced competition from ONdigital, a digital terrestrial television service that later rebranded as ITV Digital. ITV Digital ultimately failed due to various factors, including administrative and technical issues, market downturns, and Sky's aggressive marketing and acquisition of sports rights.

What is the purpose of Sky Broadband Shield and Sky Talk Shield?

Sky Broadband Shield offers network-wide web filtering and security for Sky Broadband customers. Sky Talk Shield is designed to block spam calls.

How did Sky's EPG numbering system change in early 2006?

In early 2006, Sky significantly reorganized its EPG numbering system. This shake-up aimed to split the original ten categories into sixteen, reclassifying channels like 'Entertainment' into 'Lifestyle & Culture' and dividing 'News & Documentaries' into two separate categories. The 'Specialist' category was also broken down into multiple genres.

What was the impact of the integration of Living TV Group into Sky in early 2011 on the EPG?

Following the integration of Living TV Group, several prominent EPG slots became available as many channels were closed. This led to a major reshuffle, with channels like MTV, Comedy Central, and Syfy moving to more prominent positions.

What was the outcome of the Virgin Media dispute regarding channel carriage in November 2008?

In November 2008, Sky and Virgin Media reached an agreement to return Sky's basic channels to Virgin Media's platform. This agreement included continued carriage of Virgin Media Television's channels on Sky and the termination of High Court proceedings between the two companies.

What is Sky's current marketing slogan?

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

What is the function of the Sky Q Mini boxes?

Sky Q Mini boxes connect to the main Sky Q set-top boxes via Wi-Fi or Power-line connections, allowing households to share recordings and media across multiple devices. However, they are not capable of UHD playback due to hardware limitations.

Sky Uk Wiki: Skyward Bound: The Evolution of British Broadcasting and Connectivity

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Overview

Corporate Identity

Sky UK Limited, formerly known as British Sky Broadcasting Limited (BSkyB), operates as a prominent British broadcaster and telecommunications provider. It delivers television, broadband internet, fixed-line, and mobile telephone services to both consumer and business markets across the United Kingdom and Ireland. As a subsidiary of Sky Group, which is currently owned by Comcast, Sky UK is headquartered in Isleworth, London.

Media Powerhouse

Sky UK stands as a significant entity in the media landscape, recognized as the largest British broadcaster by revenue. Its operations encompass the news organization Sky News, the dominant sports broadcaster Sky Sports, and the film and TV production arm, Sky Studios. The company is a leading provider of pay-TV services, serving millions of households through its advanced platforms like Sky Q, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream.

Integrated Services

Beyond television, Sky UK is a major player in the telecommunications sector. It is recognized as one of the United Kingdom's "big four" internet service providers, offering comprehensive broadband and mobile services. This integrated approach allows Sky to provide bundled packages, enhancing its competitive position in the market.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Growth

Sky UK's origins trace back to the merger of Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting in 1990. Initially, its film channels required subscribers to obtain decoding equipment and a subscription. The company's strategic acquisition of broadcasting rights, particularly for Premier League football in the early 1990s, proved pivotal, establishing a strong customer base and solidifying its market dominance.

Digital Transformation

The launch of Sky Digital in 1998 marked a significant shift towards digital television, offering improved picture and sound quality, an expanded channel selection, and interactive services. This transition allowed Sky to compete effectively with emerging digital terrestrial and cable services, eventually leading to the phasing out of its analogue service in 2001.

Modern Era

The 2010s saw further innovation with the introduction of Sky Q, a next-generation entertainment service. The company also embraced streaming by partnering with Netflix and launching its own streaming-focused products like Sky Glass and Sky Stream. The acquisition by Comcast in 2018 marked a new chapter, integrating Sky into a global media conglomerate.

Service Portfolio

Broadband and Telephony

Sky Broadband, established through the acquisition of Easynet in 2005, has become a leading internet service provider in the UK. Leveraging local-loop unbundling, Sky offers broadband services via ADSL, FTTC, and FTTP technologies. Complementing this is Sky Talk, a fixed-line telephone service available through various pay-as-you-go and bundled call packages.

Mobile Communications

Launched in 2017, Sky Mobile operates as a Full MVNO utilizing O2's network infrastructure. It positions itself as a "Smarter Network," focusing on data flexibility and customer savings. Sky Mobile offers competitive tariffs and integrates with Sky VIP loyalty program benefits, with recent expansions into Ireland and plans for Italy.

Television Platforms

Sky provides television services through multiple platforms. Its traditional satellite service, accessed via a minidish and Digibox, offers a vast array of channels. More recently, Sky has expanded into IPTV with Sky Glass, an all-in-one smart TV that streams content over Wi-Fi, and Sky Stream, a compatible box that works with any broadband provider, further diversifying its delivery methods.

Key Products

Set-Top Boxes

Sky's hardware evolution includes the original Sky Digibox, followed by the enhanced Sky+ and Sky+ HD boxes, which introduced personal video recording capabilities. The current flagship product is Sky Q, a sophisticated system featuring a new user interface, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, and multi-room viewing capabilities. Sky Q boxes remain the property of Sky and must be returned upon contract termination.

Innovative Displays

Sky Glass represents a significant product innovation, integrating a smart TV with Sky's content ecosystem. It features a 4K quantum dot display, built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, and voice control, eliminating the need for a satellite dish. Sky Stream offers a similar streaming experience, designed for flexibility across different broadband providers.

Digital Services

Sky offers various digital services, including Sky Go for mobile and computer access to live and on-demand content for subscribers. Sky Store provides options to rent or purchase films digitally or physically. The NOW brand offers a contract-free, over-the-top television service accessible via dedicated devices or apps.

Channel Ecosystem

Active Channels

Sky UK operates and partners on a diverse range of channels across multiple genres. This includes entertainment channels like Sky Showcase and Sky Max, factual channels such as Sky Documentaries and Sky History, and dedicated lifestyle and crime channels. Joint ventures with companies like A+E Networks UK and Paramount Global contribute to a broad content offering.

Sports and Movies

Sky Sports is a cornerstone of Sky UK's offering, holding extensive rights to major sporting events, including Premier League football. The Sky Cinema portfolio provides a curated selection of films, with dedicated channels for various genres. Sky Sports News and Sky Sports channels dedicated to specific sports like F1, Golf, and Cricket are central to its sports broadcasting.

Historical Channels

Over its history, Sky has launched and retired numerous channels. Notable defunct channels include Sky One, Sky Living, Sky Arts 1 & 2, and various niche sports and movie channels. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the broadcasting industry and Sky's continuous adaptation to market trends and consumer preferences.

Operational Framework

Transmission and Technology

Sky's satellite broadcasting primarily utilizes the Astra satellites at the 28.2°E orbital position. Services are transmitted using DVB standards, employing MPEG-2 for standard definition and MPEG-4 with DVB-S2 for high-definition and 4K UHD content. The company provides universal Ku band LNBs for reception, with content delivered either unencrypted, free-to-view, or encrypted requiring a VideoGuard-equipped receiver.

Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)

Sky maintains a comprehensive Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) that lists channels with assigned logical channel numbers. The EPG is dynamically updated to reflect new channels and content, with numbering systems adjusted to categorize content and accommodate regional variations. Sky also provides an audio channel line-up service for visually impaired customers.

Regulatory Environment

Sky operates under the purview of Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. Its operating license mandates open access to its EPG for channels meeting specific criteria, ensuring a degree of neutrality. However, Sky has faced scrutiny regarding its market position and practices, including disputes over channel carriage and allegations of anti-competitive behavior.

Market Dynamics

Competition and Disputes

Sky UK has navigated a competitive landscape, engaging in significant disputes with other media providers, notably Virgin Media over channel carriage agreements and Discovery Networks regarding payment fees. These conflicts highlight the complex commercial negotiations inherent in the pay-TV market and have sometimes led to regulatory intervention.

Legal Challenges

The company has been involved in notable litigation, including a trademark dispute with Microsoft over the "SkyDrive" service, which resulted in Microsoft rebranding its cloud storage as OneDrive. Sky also engaged in trademark negotiations with Hello Games concerning the video game title "No Man's Sky."

Criticisms and Controversies

Sky UK has faced various criticisms and controversies throughout its history. These include allegations related to political influence, tax practices, and anti-competitive strategies. Public discourse and parliamentary debates have often addressed the company's market power and its impact on the media ecosystem.

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References

Premier League unity is tested by an offer of Â£34m. Peter Ball. The Times, Saturday, 18 April 1992

'Time to play hardball' by David Teather and Vivek Chaudhary investigate Monday 8 May 2000

BSkyB buys Easynet for Â£211m The Guardian, 21 October 2005

"Brown accuses News International of using 'known criminals,'", BBC News, Tuesday 12 July 2011

[1], BBC News, "Brown accuses News International of using 'known criminals,'" Tuesday 12 July 2011

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sky UK Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and Limitations

This document has been meticulously crafted by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing exclusively from the provided Source of Truth (Wikipedia data) to maintain academic rigor. It is intended for educational purposes, offering a comprehensive overview of Sky UK's operations, history, and market impact.

Professional Advice Disclaimer: The information presented herein does not constitute professional advice in media, telecommunications, or business strategy. Readers are advised to consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance related to these fields. Reliance on the information provided in this document is solely at the user's own risk.

The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information. Content accuracy is dependent on the integrity and currency of the source material.

Skyward Bound

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏢 Corporate Identity

📺 Media Powerhouse

🌐 Integrated Services

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🚀 Genesis and Growth

💻 Digital Transformation

📈 Modern Era

Service Portfolio 📡

📶 Broadband and Telephony

📱 Mobile Communications

🎬 Television Platforms

Key Products 📺

📦 Set-Top Boxes

💡 Innovative Displays

☁️ Digital Services

Channel Ecosystem 🎬

🌟 Active Channels

🏆 Sports and Movies

📺 Historical Channels

Operational Framework ⚙️

🛰️ Transmission and Technology

🔢 Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)

⚖️ Regulatory Environment

Market Dynamics 💼

⚔️ Competition and Disputes

⚖️ Legal Challenges

🗣️ Criticisms and Controversies

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Academic Integrity and Limitations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Corporate Identity

Media Powerhouse

Integrated Services

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Growth

Digital Transformation

Modern Era

Service Portfolio

Broadband and Telephony

Mobile Communications

Television Platforms

Key Products

Set-Top Boxes

Innovative Displays

Digital Services

Channel Ecosystem

Active Channels

Sports and Movies

Historical Channels

Operational Framework

Transmission and Technology

Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)

Regulatory Environment

Market Dynamics

Competition and Disputes

Legal Challenges

Criticisms and Controversies

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and Limitations