Sky TV has launched a broadband only service which allows users to download films and programmes legally. Customers who are on Sky"s Digital package and have either Sky Sports or Sky Movies will be able to access a wide range of videos, at no extra cost.
The videos are encoded at 860kbps and are at a resolution of 540x432. Sky reckons a 2 hour movie will be about 750MB. Windows XP is needed to watch the videos according to Sky. They hope to offer over 1,000 films through their back catalogue, whilst Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch sports clips. Films will usually be viewable for 30 days until the license expires.
Richard Freudenstein, of Sky, said the new services were part of a "continuing stream of innovations". Sky By Mobile is another new service being offered by Sky, and is available to Vodafone 3G users.