Sky claims 40,000 HD advance sales; sets May 22 for kick-off

[Bob Crabtree]

Sky claims that it's taken over 40,000 advance sales for its high-definition satellite service since bookings were opened to the public on April 13. That, it says, is more than the total number of sales achieved by Sky+ in its first 12 months. Launch date for the Sky HD service is now fixed, too, with things kicking off for real on Monday May 22.

In addition, as we reported yesterday, Sky has confirmed to HEXUS that all eight of its own HD channels will be broadcast in the highest possible resolution from the outset - 1080i - rather than being a mix of 720p and 1080i as had been planned.

Lots more interesting stuff in this HEXUS.headline.

[Alex]

We're getting it May 24th

[Bob Crabtree]

We're getting it May 24th

A full report soon after is the very least expected!

What make/model/type/size of TV set will you be watching it on?

Enjoy.

Bob

[DeathByDuke]

i wonder how many of those 40,000 bought 'HD ready' sets that arent.

I also wont be surprised if a fair number thought just having the box would give them HD. Its not like Sky have made a great effort to advertise that fact...

[Skinleech]

i wonder how many of those 40,000 bought 'HD ready' sets that arent.

I also wont be surprised if a fair number thought just having the box would give them HD. Its not like Sky have made a great effort to advertise that fact...

Yeah, think there was a lot of misselling at the start, sets without HDCP. Good news is that Sky won't downconvert over analogue and nor the do the first wave of HD-DVDs. That may change in the future though...

[Nick F]

I can see lots of people buying the box without the correct TV. I spoke to Sky the other day to see what they were saying about it and the bloke skimmed past the fact you need a HDTV.

[Bob Crabtree]

I can see lots of people buying the box without the correct TV. I spoke to Sky the other day to see what they were saying about it and the bloke skimmed past the fact you need a HDTV.

I strongly suspect that a huge proportion of people who've already signed up and who will sign up prior to the world cup will be owners of what they they think are HD TV sets.

However, what you say about talking to Sky (customer service front-line, I presume) is really rather scary.

The idea that people might buy into Sky HD and not realise their TVs are unsuitable until the installer comes doesn't say much for Sky.

However, if people without HD sets do sign up, it doesn't say good things about them, either, does it?

Reminds me of the Marty Feldman travel-agent sketch:

MF - "I want to go to the Edinburgh Festival"

John Cleese - "How would you like to travel?"

MF - "Oooh, I don't want to travel!".

Bob

[Bob Crabtree]

I've not seen the Sky HD commercials but I have just been to the Sky HD site, where, in my view, it's pretty obvious to visitors that they need an HD ready TV set.

It says this (in the HTML site):

Make sure you get the most out of Sky HD with an HD Ready television
Because a High Definition picture has over four times as much picture detail as a Standard Definition picture, you'll need a TV that can display all this extra picture detail. These TVs are called HD TVs.

If you haven't bought an HD TV yet: Look for the HD Ready logo. This labelling scheme is being supported by all major TV manufacturers to help you find the right HD TV. Sky HD is designed to work with HD Ready TVs. Sony offer a range of HD Ready TVs.

If you're not sure if your current TV is HD Ready: Check your TV's manual or contact your retailer. Sky HD is designed to work with TVs carrying the HD Ready label. The Digital TV Group website contains a list of TVs that are HD Compatible. If you are still unsure there is more information in our FAQs.

Bob

[Alex]

A full report soon after is the very least expected!

What make/model/type/size of TV set will you be watching it on?

Enjoy.

Bob

Will do, as soon as I can...

Its on a 32" Toshiba 32WLT58 HD LCD.

[Bob Crabtree]

Alex,

Thanks in anticipation!

Cheers

Bob

[Nick F]

Will do, as soon as I can...

Its on a 32" Toshiba 32WLT58 HD LCD.

Make sure you take a picture of your system for our "Your HDTV..." thread.

http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=73714