The BBC is launching 24 free-to-air temporary channels on cable and satellite platforms, running live streams of every sport taking place at the London Olympic Games.
The channels are being made available on a non-exclusive basis throughout this summer’s Olympics, with Sky the first to announce it is part of the agreement.
Sky is creating 48 temporary channels – 24 HD and 24 standard – to carry the footage, running simultaneously at peak times during the games. The BBC-branded channels will launch into the first available slots in Sky’s sports category on the EPG on 24 July. The HD channels are available on any Sky+HD box and do not require a subscription, but do require an HD-ready TV.
Freesat is also creating 24 HD channels for the streams. But although conversations are taking place with other providers, it is understood that other parties such as Virgin are yet to ink a deal.
The move comes as part of the BBC’s aim to ensure viewers have access to all events, even when at its peak 24 different sports will be taking place - previously the corporation had discussed putting the streams online or behind the Red Button. The total coverage, including BBC-specific reports, is expected to equate to around 2,500 hours of content.
The channels are being made available on a non-exclusive basis throughout this summer’s Olympics, with Sky the first to announce it is part of the agreement.
Sky is creating 48 temporary channels – 24 HD and 24 standard – to carry the footage, running simultaneously at peak times during the games. The BBC-branded channels will launch into the first available slots in Sky’s sports category on the EPG on 24 July. The HD channels are available on any Sky+HD box and do not require a subscription, but do require an HD-ready TV.
Freesat is also creating 24 HD channels for the streams. But although conversations are taking place with other providers, it is understood that other parties such as Virgin are yet to ink a deal.
The move comes as part of the BBC’s aim to ensure viewers have access to all events, even when at its peak 24 different sports will be taking place - previously the corporation had discussed putting the streams online or behind the Red Button. The total coverage, including BBC-specific reports, is expected to equate to around 2,500 hours of content.