Sky has announced provisional details of the channels in its HDTV launch line-up.

Among the offerings are Sky Sports, Sky Box Office, two Sky movie screens and simulcast HD versions of Sky One and Artsworld.

The broadcaster says it is in "advanced negotiations" with other broadcasters about joining the line-up; Discovery and National Geographic are among the channels tipped for inclusion.

From launch, Sky Sports HD will offer full live coverage of the Premiership in HD, with the added benefit of Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. In addition, there will be live rugby from the Guinness Premiership, mixed with other HD sports programming to be confirmed closer to the time of launch.

The two movie screens include a slate of HD films such as Spider-Man 2, The Day After Tomorrow and House of Flying Daggers. "Up to ten movies a week" will be available through Sky Box Office HD.

The simulcast version of Sky One will include "a range of shows and cutting edge series" in HD.

Although Sky has yet to confirm pricing details or even a firm launch date, consumers eager to be amongst the first to sample the new service will be able to pre-register from this Friday (August 26). Pre-registration will be available at Comet stores around the country and at selected independent retailers.

"The launch of high definition will be the start of an exciting new era in broadcasting and Sky HD will offer stunning picture and sound quality for a broad selection of programmes," said Brian Sullivan, Sky's Director of Customer Products and Services.

"When this choice of viewing is combined with the Sky+ functionality of the Sky HD box, consumers who upgrade to HD Ready television sets can look forward to a viewing experience that will be truly transformed."



According to the most accurate rumours(don't take the below as Absolute FACTS!) to watch HD via Sky, you will need

1) Sky HD Box approx £399
2) New cabling if you do not have Sky + anyway
3) HD Sub will be £10 extra to the normal packages this will give you HD access to the viewing package you already see.
I.E. Lower packages will get Sky One etc, but no HD Sports. Top packages will get all HD content.
4) A HD ready display


The HD Box will according to my sources have a 320Gig drive, partitioned into 2 160's. Only one of the 160's will be available to the customer to record on.

HD will cost an EXTRA £520 a year ( £400 + installation? + £10 a month)

For more details see here

http://hd.sky.com/