LONDON, UK - May 28, 2008 - Sky is to launch a brand new online electronic programme guide (EPG) to offer UK viewers the most comprehensive TV listings service available anywhere online. Sky Guide will enable viewers to browse and search thousands of TV programmes from more than 600 channels up to 7 days in advance; whether they are on a PC at work or on the move using a handheld device. Unlike other online TV listings services, the Online Sky Guide has advanced search and navigation features giving intuitive ‘drag and zoom’ access to listings, as well as a host of personalisation benefits to cater for individual tastes and preferences.
The first truly interactive online EPG, Online Sky Guide, means people can search for programmes available on all digital television platforms and channels – including regional variations – on a self-contained web site through a simple drag, zoom and click interface. Once programmes are located on the guide, content boxes pop up with show synopses, recommendations, links to associated programmes, ratings, and, for Sky customers, personalisation options and a link for people to remote recording to Sky+ boxes.
Sky has also developed a version of the Sky Guide for the visually impaired, which is more accessible in its layout and formatting. This site also identifies all programming which offers subtitles, enhanced audio and sign language.
The new online EPG concept was developed by Sapient, a global services firm, in conjunction with Sky. The new Sky Guide includes several significant innovations:
1. Simplified channel and programme browsing - Using AJAX technology, viewers are able to drag and zoom their way through the guide enabling them to view the programme listings in an intuitive way without waiting for page reloads as is the case with HTML or Flash based sites.
2. Advanced search options – The Sky Guide also lets people search the entire TV schedule using single search terms based on programme title key words.
3. Personalisation - Users are able to personalise their online EPG so they get faster access to the channels and programmes they want to watch, with a choice of preferred channels, genres and page views. This also allows Sky to highlight recommendations in line with viewer interests. Viewers can also search listings by digital television platform (Sky, Freeview or Virgin Media).
4. Programme recommendations –The online EPG will also suggest related programme choices based on what you are looking for.
5. Cross platform integration – Viewers can ‘remote record’ their favourite programmes with one click, adding programmes to their Sky+ planners.
Gerry O’Sullivan, Director of Strategic Product Development, at Sky said: “With such a huge choice of TV programmes and channels now available, viewers need better search functionality to access programme information quickly and easily. By investing in the most innovative EPG available anywhere in the UK, we have given all UK viewers the ability to customise the service in line with their own viewing preferences, which means that they can plan their week’s viewing in a few simple clicks. And the additional benefit for Sky customers is that they can add their choices directly to their TV planner via remote record.
We have harnessed the best of the flexibility and interactivity of the web with the best of TV, in an integrated way. In the future, we will look at embedding even more functionality into the service, as well as offering direct access to online video content.”
Nigel Vaz, Vice President of Sapient in Europe, said: “It is becoming increasingly important for our strategic partners to be able to build extraordinary end user experiences that help maximise their brand value. Through our creative and technological expertise we believe that the new Sky Guide will drive significant business value for Sky.”
About BSkyB
Sky is the UK’s leading entertainment company and operates the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Around 21 million viewers in 8.8 million households enjoy an unprecedented choice of movies, news, entertainment and sports channels and interactive services on Sky Digital, the UK and Ireland's most watched digital television service.
Sky’s aim is to offer customers unparalleled choice in content, delivered through innovative and technological advanced platforms that best serve the demands of today’s viewers. In delivering entertainment through the TV, PC and mobile, customers have more control and flexibility over what they watch and how they watch it. In addition to its digital television service, Sky also provides the UK’s largest 3G mobile TV service (Sky Mobile TV) and offers the only multi-platform on-demand video service (Sky Anytime). www.sky.com
About Sapient
Sapient, a global services firm, operates two groups—Sapient Interactive and Sapient Consulting—that help clients compete, evolve and grow in an increasingly complex marketplace. Sapient Interactive provides brand and marketing strategy, award-winning creative work, web design and development and emerging media expertise. Sapient Consulting provides business and IT strategy, process and systems design, package implementation and custom development, as well as outsourcing services such as testing, maintenance and support.
Sapient’s passion for client success—evidenced by its ability to foster collaboration, drive innovation and solve challenging problems—is the subject of case studies on leadership and organizational behaviour used by MBA students at both Harvard and Yale. Leading clients, including BP, Essent Energie, Hilton International, Janus, Sony Electronics and Verizon, rely on the company’s unique approach to drive growth and market momentum. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Sapient operates across North America, Europe and India. For more information, please visit www.sapient.com