UK users have already had this feature since November 2009, but Sky TV broadcaster has now finally rolled out it’s Sky player to Windows 7 users in Ireland.The service gives Windows 7 users in Ireland and the UK access to a range of live and on demand programming, including movies, sports, the arts and family entertainment. This is now all built into the Windows 7 Media Center menu. In the past you could access the Sky Player online but it’s much more convienent now that it’s built in directly to the Windows 7 Media Center.
Ronald Dockery, client manager, of Microsoft Ireland said:
With Windows Media Center we are continuing to deliver on how people are choosing to view their entertainment,” ”Teaming up with Sky was a no brainer, delivering rich content through the power and ease of Windows Media Center gives people the best possible selection and viewing experience right at their PC.”
With the Sky Player weaved into the Media center it now provides users with a more media rich, TV like experience. So you now search for shows using keywords, browse programme galleries or scroll through the familiar Sky on-screen guide, it also takes advantage of the multi-touch interface with Windows 7 and it works with any Windows Media Center-enabled remote control.
If your a current Sky TV subscriber, you can easily access these features by logging in with your Sky User ID, however depending on your current package, you may be limited to what you can watch. Sky packages start at €15 per month but if you want to avail of the Sky On Demand Programs and Sports and Movies, you will have to sign up for the more expensive packages which can see your bill above €60 a month.
This is still a big step forward in Ireland at least for online TV as watching movies and content on demand is still very limited. Hopefully Sky will make more than just the 26 channels available in the future and lead the way for others to follow in online entertainment.
