Future of Sky Cinema linear channels?

I still watch a mix of Sky Cinema content either via the linear channels or on demand. Sometimes it's just easier to go to the now and next menu and start the film which is about to start.

I'm assuming I'm in a minority here but whenever I'm just looking for "something to put on" I tend to look through the linear Cinema channels for something I've already seen and like. I don't always look to watch something from start to finish, but sometimes something familiar and comfortable.

If you know you're going to want a particular film, then I consider it better to record to my TiVo given a choice. That way, the program is actually on my STB's disk.

That's an interesting point.

I think there's a big difference between the type of programmes and films people actively choose to make a point of watching, and those that we watch just because 'they happen to be on'.

There are a lot of programmes, mostly cheaper, light entertainment stuff, that I'll end up watching when flicking around the channels, but that I could never imagine searching a streaming service for. Whereas it tends to be high-end dramas or documentaries that I'll specifically search out.

With the assumption that all TV will eventually move over to streaming/on demand, I guess that could have a big impact on the type of entertainment we watch.

There shouldn't be a PIN needed on Disney or Family.

You're right, I'm wrong. I apologise.
However PINs are still needed even when the film currently being shown is PG. If it was Reservoir Dogs then okay. But this was one of the Miracle on 34th Street adaptations which AFAIK are all U.

It'll be interest to see how long Sky Cinema Disney remains as a linear channel once Disney launch their own 'Disney+' app in the UK. Long term I can imagine the app potentially replacing the linear channel.

I imagine one advantage of the linear channels for Sky is that they can temporarily rebrand them (e.g. Sky Cinema Star Wars), allowing them to effectively act as a marketing tool for whatever film franchise they wish to promote.

I believe Sky’s agreement with Disney runs out at the end of March in 2020, so I could see some change about that point, as that is when Disney+ is launching in the UK.

Yes, I'd have thought it would come to an end.

The only reason I can find to think that might not be the end of the Sky Cinema/Disney relationship is that Sky hold the keys to the NowTV and SkyQ STB platforms, and have influence over Roku too.

Disney will want their app to be available across all of them I'd imagine.

That said, Sky might be willing to do a revenue share type arrangement like they already do with Hayu and Netflix.

Those are similar thoughts I have. Disney sign a new contract with Sky on the basis of Disney+ access on SkyQ (similar deal with Netflix on pricing) and Now TV/Roku, which allows Sky to keep the linear Disney film channel and carriage for the Disney Channel family and FOX UK. I doubt Sky would want to lose linear rights to The Simpsons for example.

But Disney specific linear movie channels have closed recently in Australia and Germany. Why would the UK be any different?