Sky Digital is the only digital satellite TV broadcaster in the UK. Launched in 1998 to replace its previous satellite TV network, Sky Digital has added a number of innovative additions to its service such as Sky+, allowing viewers to 'pause' live broadcasts and schedule future programs to be recorded using a digital video recorder, and has launched a range of programmes that are broadcast in High Definition resolution (HDTV). Recently, Sky Digital has expanded into the converging communications market offering fast internet access with Sky Broadband and free evening and weekend calls over a landline - this multimedia 'triple play' package is advertised as Surf Speak See.

Information is broadcast via satellite, and received by viewers at home through a small minidish fixed to the exterior of the house. From there, the information is fed through one of three set-top decoders; the Standard Sky Box, the Sky+ Box or the Sky+ HD Box.

Nothing more than access to a phoneline and a TV set. As part of the set-up process, Sky will install everything else you need; a standard installation usually takes an hour. The Sky technician installs the minidish and connects your chosen Sky Box to your TV and phoneline and sets everything up for you, as well as providing a brief demonstration of the service and all the functions.

Aside from one-off set up fees on certain packages, Sky Digital charges you monthly for the programmes you watch. Sky offer a customisable pick-and-mix approach to their packages. Customers can choose from 1 to 6 of the main Entertainment packs, which includes Music, Variety, News & Events, Style & Culture, Knowledge and Childrens. For example, the News & Events pack contains news programmes such as Sky News, British Eurosport, and Music contains channels like MTV and VH1. A basic 1 pack package viewed through a Standard Sky Box costs £17.50 a month.

Additional Premium packs, such as Sports and Movies can be added individually or all together. The all inclusive package deal, Sky World includes all Sky Sports and Sky Movie channels plus all the 6 standard packs and costs £46 a month.

The Standard Sky Box is installed for £60.00. The Sky+ Box costs £49.00 with a £30 standard set up fee and the impressive Sky+HD box costs £49.00 with FREE standard set up. All of these charges are one-off and once you have paid for everything, the equipment becomes your property; you do not have to return it to Sky at the end of your contract.

"It's so easy to understand - that's the genius of it"
Ross Kemp on Sky+

"Of all the recorders currently on the market, we reckon the best, by some margin, is Sky+ … Sky+ is just so well thought-through,so competently executed in almost every regard, that it just has to earn our admiration… It’s the world’s most user friendly recordingdevice; recording quality is excellent; perfectly capable sound."
What HiFi - September 2004

“Sky+ is as life-changing as the washing machine. I got one of those about 12 years ago – no more queuing at launderettes – amazing! And now no more rushing home – because I’ve got it all!”
Ricky Gervais