Sky announces high-definition channel lineup

Sky has today announced further details about its future high-definition television service. No pricing details were announced, but the company has confirmed that the service will launch in early 2006 with dedicated sports, movie, entertainment and cultural channels.

High definition is the next next evolutionary jump in visual technology, upping the video resolution from 576 lines to 720 or even 1,080 lines. In addition, Sky's HD broadcasts will be made with 5.1-channel Dolby Digital audio.

Sky has confirmed that both Barclays Premiership football and Guinness Premiership rugby will premiere in high definition on the Sky Sports channel. There will be two Sky Movies high-definition channels offering films such as Spider Man 2, The Day After Tomorrow and House of Flying Daggers, as well as a Box Office channel offering ten premium movies per week. A Sky One-style offering will provide entertainment taken from its flagship channel, and ArtsWorld will offer HD highlights such as opera and classical music.

The service can be pre-ordered from high-street dealer Comet and selected independent retailers from Friday 26 August. Viewers of Sky's HD service will need a TV with an HDMI or HDCP-enabled DVI input, more easily identified by an 'HD-ready' sticker. Read more about the technology in our television buying guide.