Sky used the already common PAL picture format, and shared space on the Astra 19.2°E Pan-European cluster of satellites, whereas BSB used D-MAC carrier modulation, a bespoke system designed by the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).
Alongside this, at the heart of the BSB advertising campaign was the 'Squarial', a diamond-shaped flat Satellite antenna, much smaller and (supposedly) aesthetically pleasing to the eye, unlike the 80CM dishes that were supplied by Sky.
Only 6 months after launch, the two companies merged to form British Sky Broadcasting, moving all customers to the cheaper, but inferior Astra and PAL system.
Take-up was very quick and successful, and Sky discontinued the former analogue service in June 2001 – just two-and-a-half years after digital satellite was launched.
Although some of the channels which had been part of their package, such as CNN and CNBC Europe, have continued broadcasting unaffected by Sky's departure.
Cable also broadcasts using standard (PAL) signals though often scrambled to prevent people watching the channels without paying a subscription.
Milton Keynes was designated as a new town in 1967 and benefited by having the UK's first ever analogue cable television networks, owned by BT.
Now with satellite not allowed in the district and IPTV unable to get signals, the only option left is terrestrial television, like Freeview.