Sky's new-look EPG ready for live launch

 

Sky has revealed the face of its new- look electronic programme guide (EPG), which will finally go live on 28 February.

The satellite giant had planned to complete the relaunch of the EPG before Christmas, but has been hampered by technical issues with upgrading the systems, which download information to eight million set top boxes.

The revamp, as expected, sees many new categories added to the EPG menu. Entertainment is separated from lifestyle and culture, music channels are split from a new radio station-only section, and there are new destinations for shopping, gaming and dating.

Sky is also splitting news and documentaries, while creating a section for religious programmes. A Sky spokesman said: "This is the biggest change to the EPG since the launch of digital (in October 1998).

"It will bring much clearer navigation for customers which, in turn, will be of great benefit to broad-casters in getting bigger audiences."

Sky claims to have successfully calmed the concerns of broadcasters, who have long been worried about how to make their channels stand out from the huge number of rival stations.

Among those to benefit from the changes is E4, which will move more than 20 paces up the listings from 163 to 140. Meanwhile, Flextech channel Trouble is moving out of the child section into the entertainment category.

ITV is known to have disputed the positioning of at least two of its channels, with ITV2 being sited below the UKTV Gold and Living stable and BBC Three and BBC Four, despite having bigger audiences.

But it has won its battle to stop Men and Motors being lumped in with porn channels under the EPG's new adult section.

More 4 has been positioned five places below family orientated channel Life TV, although C4 is understood to be happy with the position.

The EPG's specialist channel section, previously home to a bizarre mix of ethnic channels and x-rated movies, offers a sign of things to come. It is now home to Teachers TV, the Pub Channel and Audi's new advertiser-funded offering, and is likely to house any future advertiser content.

X

You must log in to use Clip & Save

 
 

All Comments

There are currently no comments.

 

Only registered users may comment. Sign in now or register for free.

 
 

Jobs

 

News By Email

The Media AM Bulletin : Preview

The Media PM Bulletin : Preview

Breaking News from Media Week : Preview

You need to register to receive our bulletins. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
If you have already registered then sign in to your account now and selected 'My bulletins' within preferences.