Sky+HD VOD still on course for 2010

Sky+HD VOD will integrate into the new Sky HD guide
Sky+HD VOD will integrate into the new Sky HD guide

With Freesat shouting from the hilltops about its forthcoming BBC iPlayer video on demand service and next year's ITV Player coming to the platform, Sky has reiterated its commitment to bringing broadband VOD to Sky+HD next year.

Freesat's beta trial of the iPlayer service starts on December 7, with a full public rollout expected soon afterwards.

A second announcement from the company stated that ITV's catch up service – ITV Player – would arrive in the first half of 2010.

Sky Player

Sky is keen not to be left behind in VOD and with the Sky Player already functional on Xbox and through Windows 7 PCs, it is only a matter of time until VOD arrives through the standard Sky+HD boxes.

"Sky will launch a comprehensive 'pull' video-on-demand (VOD) service next year to more than 1.6m Sky+HD homes," a Sky spokesperson told TechRadar.

"This new service will use the broadband capability of existing Sky+HD boxes and provide customers with additional choice and control to complement Sky+ and the current Sky Anytime 'push' VOD service."

It's not a statement that adds much to Sky's commitment to a 2010 launch, but with early reports on the Sky Player through Xbox and Windows Media Centre positive, the arrival of the service on Sky+HD will be a key event for the broadcaster.

Patrick Goss

Patrick Goss is the ex-Editor in Chief of TechRadar. Patrick was a passionate and experienced journalist, and he has been lucky enough to work on some of the finest online properties on the planet, building audiences everywhere and establishing himself at the forefront of digital content.  After a long stint as the boss at TechRadar, Patrick has now moved on to a role with Apple, where he is the Managing Editor for the App Store in the UK.