More than 10 million Sky homes will be able to watch uninterrupted coverage of the 2012 London Paralympics this summer through three new channels dedicated to Channel 4’s live coverage of the games.

The agreement follows an announcement last month that Sky will carry every second of the BBC’s live coverage of the Olympic Games on 24 dedicated channels, which will be available in both standard (SD) and high-definition (HD).

The new channels dedicated to Paralympics coverage will be available in both SD and HD, meaning that more than 5 million Sky customers with Sky+HD boxes will be able to enjoy the Paralympics in pinpoint high-definition, creating an even richer and more immersive experience. The channels, which are being created specifically for the Paralympics, will launch into Sky’s Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and show sports including athletics, swimming and basketball.

Additionally, because Sky homes will be able to view the channels via the Sky EPG, Sky+ homes will be able to record the coverage to watch at a time that suits them, so that they need not miss any of the action. As with the rest of the HD channels on the Sky platform, the new channels will be broadcast in 1080i and in wide-screen to enhance the viewing experience. The Sky+ Remote Record option also allows customers to set their Sky+ or Sky+HD box to record from mobile devices or the web.

Stephen Van Rooyen, Managing Director of Sky’s Sales and Marketing Group, comments:

"We’re pleased to be offering our customers comprehensivecoverage of both the Olympics and Paralympics, as some of the world’s greatest athletes come to London. With three dedicated channels offering live and uninterrupted coverage of the Paralympic Games, our customers will have more choice than ever before over which events to follow, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the Games in stunning HD and record their favourite events using Sky+. As we approach a packed summer of sport on Sky, the Paralympic Games are already promising to be a real highlight."

The six new channels – three HD and three SD – will be added to the Sports section of Sky’s Electronic Programme Guide from the 29th of August, and will be showing Channel 4’s coverage of the games in its entirety. The channels are free-to-air and available to any Sky home, including Freesat from Sky homes. The HD channels are available on any Sky+HD box and do not require a subscription, but do require an HD ready TV. Customers will require a Sky subscription inorder to use Sky+.

-ENDS-

For more information:
Matt Beake
Corporate Communications Manager, BSkyB
e: matt.beake@bskyb.com

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