Sky's Branding

Sky2 is in essence a catch up channel for Sky1. So I'm not sure there's a need for Sky1 to have a timeshift channel, or if it does it should be Sky2, offering timeshift and timeshuffled programming along the lines of 4seven, perhaps.

Sky Living has Sky Livingit, so Sky1 should have Sky2. Maybe the only channel to justify a timeshift is Sky Atlantic.

I don't think Sky2 is necessarily a catch-up channel for Sky1: some of the popular programmes aren't repeated on there. I actually see more programmes of interest on PickTV.

Sky Living already has a +1. Wasn't Livingit supposed to be aimed at a slightly different audience, with a bit of the old Sky Soap format thrown in (for extra slushiness) after it was brought from VM and they closed LivingLoves?

Sky's full catch-up service should begin beta testing soon. As long as there are going to be HD downloads available, then I can't see the point of more +1s for anyone with access to 'Anytime+/On Demand'.

Sky2 isn't a catch-up channel for Sky1, but it should be, is what I'm saying. I don't think it really serves much of a purpose at the moment anyway.
And what's the full catch-up service going to be like? An evolution of Anytime?

An evolution, certainly.

Anytime+ has disappeared from the EPG for the beta versions. It's now called 'On Demand'.

As well as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player & Demand5, they intend to offer a full 7-day catch-up service for Sky channels.

Full details haven't been released yet, or tested, but I'm looking forward to that.

Bar a few minor glitches, the latest software has been remarkably stable and the Development Team take people's concerns very seriously. I'm hoping they will release the next phase soon.

That sounds fantastic! Sky have been lagging behind the iPlayer, and from what I've heard about TiVo, Virgin Media as well so it will be nice to get some new features on the HD box.
I assume these changes will only be for the HD boxes, right? Anytime+ and the recent software update have only happened on my HD box.

A new Sky1 ident is now airing promoting the new season of Strikeback, it can be viewed here (external link to skyidents.com)
http://skyidents.com/resources/strikeback%20f.jpg.opt375x205o0,0s375x205.jpg

Initially they will only be released to the Amstrad (now rebranded Sky) DRX890/895s, with other branded HD boxes to follow, except the Thomson one.

When the shared planners start (no timing given for that), the multiroom SkyHD(non-PVR) STBs will also have access to anything downloaded through 'On Demand'

http://www.theidentgallery.com/sky1/2011/SKY1-2012-ID-STRIKEBACK-2-8.jpg

Second ident for the third series of Strike Back - watch the video here

Sky Catch Up webpage has been launched. It will be part of Anytime+ and available only to Sky+HD subscribers.

http://www.sky.com/products/ways-to-watch/anytime-plus/catch-up?DCMP=DMC-SkyCOM_catchup

This webpage has been available on the site for a few weeks, and promises the services later this year.

The 'Anytime+' service is renamed 'On Demand' on the latest beta versions I've tested (last month) - but there is no news on when any of the catch-up services are going to be released for test as yet.

Although Sky already have library access for UKTV channels, it's a big step forward to 7-day catch-up from the Sky channels, ITV, BBC and C5.

I thought a condition of the BBC deal would be that it was available to all? I would think only certain HD content would need the HD sub.

I think it means only the Sky+HD boxes will have the software.

All new customers (or those upgrading to Sky+) get the standard Sky+HD box (Sky DRX890). You don't need an HD subscription to watch BBC HD channels (or ITV1, C4, C5), but you're still a Sky+HD subscriber.