Sky TV Creates New Technology Division

SKY Television today announced the formation of a new division called the “Technology Development and Interactive Broadcasting Division.” The new division will focus on developing interactive services for the digital platform

SKY’s founding engineer, Brian Green AMIEE, NZCE, TM.IPENZ, has been named group head, Allen Hill chief engineer of technology development and Wayne Tibby senior engineer of digital technology.

Brian Green says the interactive potential of the digital decoders is both exciting and endless.

“Within 6 months SKY customers will not need a computer or an Internet connection to email friends across the street or across the ocean. They'll be able to do it with their television using a wireless keyboard," says Mr. Green.

Following the introduction of e-mail, the division will explore further services using the interactive platform.

“Virtually anything is possible, from playing interactive games, to ordering movies, pizzas, setting up bank accounts, trading stocks and ordering concert tickets. The options are limitless,” says Mr. Green.

In addition to developing products to meet local tastes, the team will customise software created offshore.

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Once the interactive software is resident on SKY’s satellite decoders, interactive services will be introduced not only through SKY’s channels but also through its free-to-air broadcast partners TV3, TV4, Prime and Trackside.

The division will also track new technology enabling the delivery of data and pictures. The addition of this technology to the digital decoder will allow SKY customers to store up to 10 hours of programming, allowing them to watch what they want, when they want. This enhancement is anticipated early next year.

And in keeping with Sky's movement towards a new interactive age, Nate Smith, SKY’s chief executive officer has decided to make the wearing of suits and ties at Sky strictly optional.

For further details:
Bridget Gardiner
Publicity Officer
SKY Network Television Ltd
Ph: (09) 579 9999 ext 8761

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