The 2011 Formula 1 racing season just wrapped up in Brazil, but Sky is already breaking down what it may bring to the series because it takes over UK coverage next year. Launching in March, Sky Sports F1 HD may be a channel devoted to round-the-clock coverage of the world’s most technologically advanced racing series including every race, practice, and qualifying session. Sky customers with the Sports and HD packages will see the HD channel appear at number 408 at the dial, although there isn’t any word yet whether it will become available on BT Vision or Virgin Media. Other tidbits include a promise of Sky Go access, and that despite the broadcaster’s big 3D push , there’s no such coverage planned for 2012 . Seeing how long it took for true HD broadcasts from F1 we’re thinking that would take a little time, but here within the US we’d simply accept a promise of not more tape delayed broadcasts on Fox (and a few competent challengers for the Red Bull team while we’re asking) for next season. Until then, inspect this brief video trailer, plus a statement with each of the details after the break.
SKY SPORTS will launch a dedicated channel for its new in-depth Formula 1TM coverage, taking viewers under the surface of the sport
Starting in March 2012, Sky Sports F1TM HD gets Sky customers closer than ever, with more action, analysis and knowledge – on their TV, online and mobile devices – through the season.
This new home of Formula 1TM stands out as the only place to enjoy live coverage of the entire Grand PrixTM season, including all practice and qualifying sessions and each race within the calendar.
From launch, Sky Sports F1TM HD will give viewers:
* EVERY RACE LIVE: From March to November, every moment of every race would be live in HD, without the interruption of adverts.
* LIVE PRACTICE & QUALIFYING: Every practice and qualifying session for every Grand Prix TM would be shown survive one channel, Sky Sports F1TM HD.
* THE ENTIRE SEASON IN-DEPTH: Over nine full months, viewers could have a wealth of programmes with in-depth interviews, archive action and weekly magazine shows.
* EXTRA LIVE CONTENT: Through Sky’s interactive service, fans can follow the action through
on-board cameras, go behind the curtain with the teams within the pits, and follow race data, to
take them further contained in the sport.
The dedicated channel should be provided at no extra charge to all Sky TV customers who take
both Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 2 or the HD pack of channels. It is going to be found at 408 in Sky’s
on-screen guide, after a scheduled move of the Sky Sports channels. Sky Sports viewers
without the Sky+HD pack will receive a typical definition version.
Sky Sports F1TM HD viewers could also follow the action wherever they’re with all live coverage on Sky Go, through online, mobile or tablet devices, at no extra charge.
Announcing the recent channel, Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: “Formula 1TM followers are hungry for more and we wish to give them the final experience. Its not only every minute of each race but a channel dedicated to Formula 1TM.
He continued: “We will now tell the total story of the season, from every Grand PrixTM, from begin to finish. Formula 1TM gets the whole Sky Sports treatment. We’ve big plans for concert events and a rich line-up of Formula 1TM programmes; attending to the drivers, exploring the technology and lapping up the drama.
“With a dedicated channel for Formula 1TM we are able to also give all sports fans the depth and breadth of sports they demand every weekend, during the year.”
Jeremy Darroch, Sky’s Chief Executive, added: “This today’s channel again proves Sky’s commitment to investing within the best content for patrons. It could give much more value to Sky customers and create one more reason for others to think about pay TV.
“This can be another example of the worth we’re creating for purchasers through our content leadership. It follows the hot launch of alternative high-quality new channels like Sky Atlantic and Sky 3D in addition to our growing commitment to UK original content in areas equivalent to drama, comedy and the humanities.
Additional info on Sky Sports F1TM HD are available at www.sky.com/f1
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