Viewers who do not take a subscription Sky TV package or the Sky+ service will still receive all free SD and HD channels, but cannot use the recording facilities.

These have included Sky News (Technofile, Diana: The Last Word), Disney Channel (High School Musical 2) and Nickelodeon (iCarly).

The first generation of Sky+ HD Digibox were produced by Thomson, with Sky subsequently adding Samsung, Pace and Amstrad as manufacturers afterwards.

[7] For connectivity with HD ready televisions, the box outputs via a HDMI connector (adapters to Digital Visual Interface are available).

Sky boxes manufactured prior to January 2008 also had analogue component connections (YPbPr), but as the HDCP copy protection cannot be applied to this type of output it is no longer included.

An update was sent to the HD boxes early on 20 March 2007, which also included code for Sky Anytime (now OnDemand).

[12] Sky brought an update to its Sky+ app, this features a similar looking design to the Sky+HD box bringing the services more in line with one another.

[13] The service, delivered by broadband internet, would utilise the Ethernet port of existing Sky+ HD boxes.

Although the service may be similar to DirecTV's VOD offering that also uses an operating system built by NDS Group.

Following demonstrations in December 2008,[16] Sky announced on 30 July 2009 its intention to launch a 3D channel during 2010, featuring a broad selection of 3D programming, which is expected to include movies, entertainment and sport.

The first programme that was broadcast by Sky in 3D was the Arsenal vs Manchester United football match on Sunday 31 January 2010.

[17] On Monday 29 March 2010, Sky 3D appeared on the EPG at number 217, showing "Programs Start on Saturday".

Sky launched its 3D services on 3 April with the Manchester United vs Chelsea football match being broadcast in over a thousand pubs across England in 3D.

To this end, there will be a new 3D segment in the Sky Box Sets, Movies, Store and TV Guide sections.