This article was published on August 21, 2014

Sky introduces new ‘recommendation engine’, Smart Series Link and more for Sky+HD TV customers


Sky introduces new ‘recommendation engine’, Smart Series Link and more for Sky+HD TV customers

Sky has announced a wealth of new features rolling out to its Sky+ HD customers in the UK from today, many of which promise to make it easier to find new shows to watch, as well as easier to navigate the programme guide.

Announced today, the update brings a handy ‘Smart Series Link’ feature that automatically records new series of shows already in your series recording list, and also introduces a useful ‘HDMI One Touch’ option. This allows you to program the ‘Sky’ button to turn on the Sky+HD box and TV (as well as switching to the correct HDMI input) in a single key press.

SkyUI2

Alongside making the interface a little easier to use, the company has also focused on improving content recommendations. It says that its new ‘recommendation engine’ will suggest movies and TV shows based on your recently recorded and downloaded programmes.

Sky_UI

Other changes include combining HD and SD viewing quality options (to make it easier to select between each when watching or downloading), support for DVD cover art and a new sports tile for the homepage designed to provide quick access to sporting events across a range of channels.

The revamp follows the introduction of Buy and Keep downloads from the Sky Store in April and the launch of a Sky News catchup service for Sky+HD customers in May.  The new sports tile is no surprise either – Sky recently tweaked a range of its sports and football-related services in a bid to fend off competition from the likes of BT TV and Virgin Media.

The company said the update would begin rolling out today and will be available to “over 8 million customers with compatible Sky+HD boxes by the winter this year”.

Image credit – Sky

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