Sky TV arrives on Xbox Live

Sky’s long-awaited Xbox Live IPTV service has gone live in the UK, meaning that Xbox 360 owners are now able to access satellite TV without the need for a dish.

The service, which launches with 24 available channels, requires Xbox Live Gold membership to use. The monthly subscription charge for non-Sky customers is 15.

Additional bundles including the likes of Sky Sports and Sky Movies are available for an additional fee. A Sky Player Retail Bundle, priced at 29.99, should also be available from today and includes a media remote, three months Xbox Live Gold subscription and a one month subscription to the Sky Player.

Alongside the standard Sky Player features that users of the internet-based service will be familiar with, 360 owners will have the additional option of entering Avatar Party Mode, where their digital selves can be seen interactive with Avatars of other users in the party.

Today our customers enjoy film, music, videos and games on Xbox 360 and TV is another significant step forward in our entertainment vision,” Microsoft UK’s senior director of Entertainment and Devices Neil Thompson stated.

And now Xbox owners will have the variety and volume of entertainment along with unique services such as the avatar community which allow you to share, celebrate and chat – it is clear that Xbox 360 is taking entertainment beyond the living room with unique social interactive entertainment experiences.”