UPC viewers to get high definition Sky channels

UPC viewers in Ireland are to get access to a range of high definition Sky channels for the first time under a new wholesale deal between the cable operator and Sky.

Sky and UPC have renewed their wholesale relationship for the carriage of Sky's entertainment, news and sport channels in the Republic of Ireland on the cable TV service.

As part of the new deal, UPC will also get HD versions of selected Sky channels for the first time, including Sky1 HD, Sky Living HD, Sky Arts 1 & 2 HD, Sky News HD, Sky Sports News HD, Sky Sports 1 and 2 HD and the full suite of Sky Movies channels.

"As we continue to increase our investment in high-quality pay TV content, we're keen to distribute our channels as broadly as possible to widen our reach and enable more households to enjoy some of the great programming Sky has to offer," said Rob Webster, the director of Sky's commercial group.

"This agreement demonstrates how through successful negotiation we can create value for the companies involved in addition to real benefits for consumers."

UPC head of content Simon Kelehan added: "The addition of a range of Sky's HD channels together with ESPN HD and Disney HD means UPC customers can get really close to the sports and movie action in glorious high definition.

"We're constantly seeking to add new services to make the UPC experience a really great one for our viewers and are very pleased to announce this enhanced deal with Sky."

Following the recent launch of the UPC On Demand service, Kelehan feels that UPC is now providing a "unique home entertainment" service to its customers in Ireland.

Owned by John Malone's Liberty Global, UPC competes in the Irish market with Sky Ireland. Financial terms of the wholesale deal were not disclosed.