The DVD-907 IS Cube based so where's the PR? - Here's some BskyB news...
BSkyB digital launch restricted to selected existing subscribers - report
06/03/98
AFX News
(c) 1998 by AFP-Extel News Ltd
LONDON (AFX) - British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC's launch this month of 200 digital television channels is to be more low-key than expected with the digital channels available only to selected subscribers, the Financial Times reported.
The FT report, which did not cite sources, said this month BSkyB is to offer only its most loyal customers the opportunity to buy a set - top box, needed to unscramble digital signals. That will give the company time to test its service and iron out any problems before the main launch later in the year.
Other existing customers will be offered the service later in the summer and viewers who do not already subscribe to BSkyB will get the chance to take digital satellite in the autumn, the FT said.
The report also said the satellite television company is planning to spend up to 100 mln stg on advertising and promoting its digital service later in the year.
The FT said there will not be enough boxes for BSkyB to offer its digital service to all its analogue subscribers this month.
Of the four manufacturers commissioned to supply BSkyB's set - top boxes only one, Pace Micro Technology PLC, will have the product ready this month. Grundig AG and Amstrad PLC are likely to have boxes, costing about 200 stg, in the shops by next month, but Panasonic is not expected to be ready until August, the FT said.
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0708 03 Jun 98
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