Major overhaul planned for Sky EPG

Sky is planning a huge revamp of its digital EPG later this year, according to a report in this week's Broadcast.

Paramount to the changes is an expansion in the number of genre categories from seven to fifteen.

The existing 'main menu' page of the EPG groups channels in the genres of Entertainment, Movies, Sports, News & Documentaries, Kids, Music & Radio and Specialist. Links are also provided to view listings for all channels, an A-Z programme guide and the Personal Planner / Sky+ menu.

Although the seven-category split was more than sufficient when Sky launched its digital service in 1998, the number of channels has exploded in recent years from an initial 140 to almost 500 by the end of 2004. As a result, an increasing number of channels have been launched into inappropriate categories - particularly in the 'entertainment' section - while an even larger number have found themselves hidden away in the depths of the guide.

Sky's solution is to more than double the number of categories to fifteen. In order to facilitate the changes, the main menu page will be split into two. Listed on the first page will be Entertainment, Lifestyle & Culture, Movies, Sports, News, Documentaries, Kids and Music, while the second page will house Radio, Shopping, Religion, International, Gaming & Dating, Specialist and Adult.

The assigned EPG numbers for most channels will also change, although the five terrestrial stations are guaranteed to keep their existing positions at the top of the guide.

Furthermore, Broadcast reports that Sky themselves will be assigning the channels to their new categories and EPG numbers. Broadcasters were notified of an initial decision today (March 31), although they are all being given an opportunity to modify channel content in time for a final review period in June.

"These enhancements are designed to improve navigability for viewers and to assist Sky to meet continued demand for EPG slots," said a Sky spokesperson. "Better signposting will help make it easier for viewers to find the programme and channels that they want to watch."

The new EPG structure will be rolled out to viewers "over a six week period" this autumn.

Source: DigitalSpy.