Sky adds more HD movie channels

Sky is to add a total of seven new high definition channels to its Sky+ HD service in October, the broadcaster confirmed today.

Joining Sky Real Lives HD will be Sky Movies Action/Thriller HD, Sky Movies Sci-Fi Horror HD, Sky Movies Drama HD, Sky Movies Modern Greats HD, Sky Movies Family HD and Sky Movies Comedy HD.

"There’s no better way to watch a movie at home than in HD," said Ian Lewis, director of Sky Movies and Sky Box Office. "Whatever genre of movie you're watching, HD doesn’t just make pictures clearer, it makes the whole experience more intense. I keep reading that in the future, HD will be the standard way to watch movies at home. On Sky Movies, the future is here today."

Among the films to be broadcast in HD for the first time in the UK are The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Sound of Music, Back to the Future and Apollo 13.

The new channels will take the total number of HD services available on Sky to 26.

"With equipment prices falling and the choice of content increasing, this is shaping up to be a big year for HD," said Hilary Perchard, head of advanced TV products at Sky. "Almost half a million homes are already enjoying Sky+ HD and we’re excited to be offering even more HD content to our customers. With our commitment to offering the best in movies, documentaries, sport, entertainment and the arts in HD, there has never been a better time to join the high definition age."

Sky said it "expects to add even more HD channels" by the end of the year.