Sky Anytime expands on-demand reach to PC systems

While Channel 4, ITV, and BBC Worldwide have recently revealed their plans to launch ‘Project Kangaroo,’ which will deliver collective on-demand programmes to online viewers via a new Web channel, media giant BSkyB is moving to flex its own on-demand muscles. As the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 join forces for a new PC-based on-demand service, BSkyB prepares to re-launch its Sky Anytime service. Credit: Sky.

As the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 join forces for a new PC-based on-demand service, BSkyB prepares to re-launch its Sky Anytime service. Credit: Sky.Specifically, BSkyB is to re-launch its Sky Anytime service as a completely free PC-based venture for its existing customers, while also opening access to those not signed to Sky via a convenient pay-per-view payment system. According to a report on Mad.co.uk, the new Sky Anytime package will deliver a wide range of first-run subscription movies as well as leading sports events, popular entertainment programming, documentaries, and also third-party content provided by other channels. The service will also include a selection of ‘buy-to-own’ entertainment, which will be opened for the very first time to online users not subscribing to Sky.Along with the introduction of new Sky branding and improvements to Sky Anytime’s functionality, other available content will include offering from the likes of The Biography Channel, The History Channel, National Geographic, and the Crime and Investigation Network."At Sky we have moved into a multi-platform world in which we put the power in the hands of the customers to define what, when and how they watch," outlined Griff Parry, director of BSkyB’s On Demand department. "Sky continues to innovate and the content and service enhancements to Sky Anytime on PC are a reflection on this."At present, no related prices or a more inclusive explanation of Sky Anytime’s content, has been divulged. However, Parry insists that Sky is aware that its customers want access "to the best entertainment experience" across different platforms and that a newly launched Sky Anytime will continue to deliver that "breadth and depth of content.