Sky has confirmed that users of their Sky+ HD service will see quite a few changes to the line-up on their Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) on the 1st of February.

The UK satellite TV giant, who also have an online viewing and catch-up service in the forms of Sky Player and Sky Anytime, claim that it will be one of the biggest wholesale updates to their EPG and channel line-up for over 10 years. The changes are said to include, for Sky+ HD a High Definition (HD) ‘number swap’ for many channels with their SD counterparts, relocation for a number of popular ’add-on’ channels, and the much-publicised launch of Sky Atlantic, a channel dedicated to American-made series.

Up to 40 channels on Sky’s HD pack will be switching positions on the EPG, and moving higher on the list than, their SD versions, reflecting the growing trend for HD content. This move will generally be based on Sky’s own branded channels, such as Sky 1 HD now on #106, and Sky 1 replacing it at #170, or Sky Sports 1 HD (now #401) changing with Sky Sports 1 (now #408). Sky have assured viewers that the change will be seamless, and preset recordings of shows will not be affected by the new destinations.

The move will not affect anyone who has a subscription lower than Sky+ HD, meaning that those users will not see a change in that department, though they will still see the regular channels switch (e.g. Sky 1 will remain at #106), with MTV, Comedy Central, and Syfy, amongst those taking up high-profile slots on the list.

Rob Webster, Commercial Director, said of the plans: “We want our customers to be able to discover and enjoy the content they are most passionate about. That’s why we’ve worked with a range of partner channels to ensure that customers can find their favourite pay TV channels and programming as easily as possible. And with high definition viewing now demanded as standard, this has also meant swapping HD channels into the EPG numbers that our customers know best. The combination of high quality content, an intuitive, easy-to-use EPG, and innovative services like Sky+ HD and Sky Anytime+ , means our customers benefit from real choice, control and flexibility of viewing, whether linear or on-demand.”

With over 50 HD channels, Sky+ HD is said to be the largest HD service outside of North America, and is now looking to make its mark on the 3D TV industry.

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