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Sky Movies will become Sky Cinema next month
Sky isn't just a household name in the UK, but in several other European countries too. In those regions, however, Sky Movies as a brand doesn't exist. Instead, it's called Sky Cinema in those parts, and come July 8th, that's what it'll be known as in the UK as well. Big deal, right? Well, the new name isn't the only change. For starters, instead of debuting four new movies a week, a fresh film will be added to the roster every day. Sky Cinema will also devote more space to original content and foreign flicks in the future, with a new international release dropping on the service every Wednesday.
Sky to show 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' first after UK cinemas
Sky knows that more and more UK families are shying away from building costly DVD and Blu-ray collections and embracing on-demand services like Sky Movies and Now TV. To be the best, you need the best streaming catalog though, which is why the company is extending its current deal with Disney. The new multi-year agreement means that Disney flicks will continue to premiere on Sky Movies and Now TV's Sky Movies Pass in the "first pay TV window" -- before streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, in other words. It'll cover family-favourite Inside Out and, perhaps more importantly, the next instalment in the Star Wars franchise. So once the lightsaber mayhem has left UK cinemas, that means Sky will be one of the first places to let you watch it all again at home. We suspect most fans will make an exception and buy a physical copy of The Force Awakens, but if you're a parent or a casual movie fan, it's good to know Sky's got you covered.
Latest Sky+ update helps you discover new movies
The last update for Sky+HD boxes was all about keepings the kids entertained, so it's only fair that the next give parents a few ideas of what to watch when the munchkins are all tucked up. Rolling out to set-top boxes from today (though it might take a few weeks to land on yours), the third Sky+ update this year is specifically aimed at Sky Movies customers. As part of continued efforts to make Sky+ more like Netflix and other streaming services by focusing on the discovery as much as the content, the new "More Like This" feature recommends other flicks based on your current selection.
Virgin Media customers can now log into Sky's Movies and Sports iOS apps
Virgin Media said last month its TV subscribers would soon be able to use Sky's iOS apps for getting their film and sports fixes on the move, and as of today, that's now possible. If your Virgin TV package includes Sky's Movies and Sports channels, then their respective iOS apps should let you log in with your Virgin account details. Furthermore, the same sign-in option is now available through Sky's websites, which should placate Android users while they wait for the same functionality to be added to Sky's apps on their platform.
Sky Movies comes to BT TV, hell braces itself for cold snap
With Sky and BT muscling in on each others business, the animosity between them makes Miley v. Sinead look like playground hijinks. Despite this, both recognize the growing threat of Virgin Media's Netflix offering, which is why the pair have teamed up to offer Sky Movies via BT's subscription TV packages. From October 26th, customers can subscribe to 11 Sky Movies channels in SD as well as on-demand content for an additional fee. It'll all be done via existing Vision+ and YouView hardware, so there's no need to buy any more gear, although HD-enthusiasts might just have to bite the bullet and sign up with Rupert directly.
PlayStation 3 adds Now TV in the UK, offers access to Sky Movies and Sky Sports
Sure, the PlayStation 3 is going to be making way for the new generation soon, but something tells us folks won't complain about having access to more entertainment on Sony's aging console. To wit, Now TV's just announced that its video services have reached yet another audience, allowing those in the United Kingdom to watch Sky Movies and Sky Sports via the PS3. While subscribers can currently stream a good amount of live sporting events and some relatively new movies, Now TV has promised that additional content from Sky is "due to be added this year" -- such as programs from Sky 1, Sky Arts, Sky Living and US shows.
Sky Movies lands deal with Entertainment Film Distributors to stream top movies
The core of any good movie service is... good movies. We're glad to hear, then, that Sky Movies has struck a years-long deal with UK outlet Entertainment Film Distributors to stream a large number of recent and back-catalog titles. The pact gives Sky access to Silver Linings Playbook and a slew of other notable movies during the initial pay-per-view and pay TV windows, which usually start six months after the releases leave theaters and last for over a year. The agreement isn't so hot for those on rival services when Sky has an exclusive on subscription access, but its viewing is at least independent of both the platform and business model: customers can see the newly added flicks through a Now TV pass on their phones or rent them through the Sky Movies Box Office, for example. Older included titles like Gangs of New York are already available; if you've been waiting for Sky to get a healthier video selection before signing up, now's as good a time as any to take a closer look.
Sky Movies app finally arrives on Android
Sky's Movies app may be old hat for iOS users, but the companion experience has only just arrived on Android. By wielding the software, folks can look up what's airing across the network's film channels, read up on information about flicks and look up theater listings. Users can also catch streaming movies with the application (if a device is registered with Sky Go, of course), and even remotely set their Sky+ HD box to record. Hit the bordering source link for the the full feature list and download.
Now TV launches in the UK, brings pay-as-you-go streaming to Mac, PC and Android
Sky is going online and ditching the contracts... sort of. The UK TV provider is launching a new service called Now TV that will take on more established properties like Lovefilm and Netflix. The streaming video service will initially be available on OS X, Windows and Android with iOS to follow shortly. By the end of the year it will also be available on Xbox, PS3, Roku and Youview. Initially Sky Movies will form the backbone of the service, with titles costing anywhere from £0.99 to £3.49 for playback, or you can purchase unlimited monthly access for £15. Eventually Now TV will expand to include Sky Sports, Sky 1 and plenty of other BSkyB owned properties. For more, check out the PR after the break.
Sky mobile apps on the way include Movies channel companion for iOS, Go for Android
Back in June,the UK's Sky TV said we would see an Android version of its mobile viewing Sky Go app, and while it may not have arrived in time to fall back (in Europe, don't ask us to explain DST around the world, it makes our heads hurt) the company says it's still on track. Telling Tech-Radar the app is still due "in the coming months", Sky has already indicated in a recent earnings report that it has more than 1.6 million viewers of its aggregated mobile VOD on iOS. Speaking of, iOS users will be getting a new app designed to work alongside the Sky Movies channel. It can show what movies are on the channel at the moment, schedule recordings, display info on movies in theaters, and even launch streaming flicks in the Sky Go app when it hits iTunes next week. The screenshot above gives a hint of what it will look like and expect more like it -- the company plans more individualized companion apps that work together, as opposed to the all-in-one approach of a DirecTV or TiVo.
Sky Movies gets serious with HD flicks
Following the lead of BBC HD, Sky Movies has also announced its intentions to get its high-def program in gear during the run-up to Christmas. The channel is gearing up to show UK premieres of over 15 films, with a number of those being available in stunning HD. Additionally, Sky Movies HD will be showing the entire Rocky saga on Boxing Day, and certain fresh releases (like Beowulf, Stardust and The Golden Compass) will also be delivered in high-definition. The full schedule awaits you in the read link.
Sky to launch seven new HD channels in the UK
Simmer down, UKers -- it's not nearly as good as it sounds. Sure, seven HD channels is seven HD channels, but aside from Real Lives HD, you'll be getting six channels of (mostly) the same stuff. Reportedly, the half dozen other high-def additions will simply "bolster Sky Movies," offering viewers the ability to watch horror, sci-fi, action, family, comedy and other genres by simply flipping the station. We suppose it's a good sign to see Sky ramping up its Sky+ HD lineup, but can we get a little more variety the next time you folks get the itch to expand?[Thanks, Adam]
Sky Movies receiving name tweak
Nothing too major here, but apparently, Sky Movies is getting all set to undergo an official name change. Starting next February, Sky Movies SD 1 will be dutifully renamed Sky Movies Screen 1, while its HD counterpart (you know, the one we watch) will become known as Sky Movies Screen 1 HD. Not surprisingly, the same nomenclature will be applied to Sky Movies SD 2 and HD 2, too. So yeah, don't be too shocked to see your favorite channel vacate its regular spot -- only the name's a-changin', programming (and channel slot) is set to stay the same.