BSkyB Confirms Consumer 3D TV Channel Launch

28th Jul 2010 18:34

By Jessica Hodgson Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES LONDON (Dow Jones)--British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC (BSY.LN) Wednesday confirmed it plans to launch a 3D television channel for consumer subscribers on Friday Oct. 1. BSkyB, the U.K.'s biggest pay-television provider, said that those customers who pay for its top-tier subscription package and have Sky + high-definition compatible set-top boxes, paying approximately GBP60 per month, would get the 3D channel free of charge. The company may later allow other subscribers on lower-value packages to obtain the service, a spokesman said. The move represents an attempt by BSkyB to capitalize on an early success with 3D television. Earlier this year, it launched a 3D channel to pub and club customers, primarily for sports such as soccer, cricket and darts. Over 1,500 pubs and clubs now have the service, a spokesman said. The launch ensures that BSkyB will be able to get the consumer-focused service ready in time for the holiday buying season. The 3D service will allow customers to watch a broader range of content including movies and arts in 3D. BSkyB said launch weekend 3D highlights would include the Ryder Cup gold tournament and TV debuts of movies Bolt and Monsters vs Aliens. Over 2.5 million households currently have Sky + high-definition boxes, a spokesman said, from a total of 9.8 million households. BSkyB is approximately 39.1% controlled by News Corp. (NWS), publisher of this newswire. News Corp. recently offered BSkyB around GBP7.8 billion, or 700 pence a share, for the 61% holding it doesn't own. BSkyB said it is open to a takeover, but that News Corp's current offer undervalues the company. The two sides are in discussions with regulators about securing antitrust approvals for a deal, which could take months. BSkyB competes with Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) and BT Group PLC's (BT) BT Vision service. -By Jessica Hodgson; Dow Jones Newswires; +44207 8429373; [email protected]. (Lilly Vitorovich contributed to this article.) (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 28, 2010 13:34 ET (17:34 GMT)