Sky Deutschland counters Netflix with OTT

Pay TV operator Sky Deutschland has launched an OTT TV service, Sky Online, that will be available to non-subscribers paying on a monthly basis without an ongoing contract.

Sky Online will offer two programming packages – the Sky Starter package including first-run series and series box sets, kids programmes and documentaries from a selection of pay TV channels including Fox, RTL Crime, TNT Serie, TNT Glitz, National Geographic, Spiegel Geschichte, Disney Junior, Disney XD and Sky Sport News HD, plus the library from existing multiscreen on-demand service Snap, for €9.99 (US$12.56) a month.

Content available in the starter pack including series The Walking Dead (pictured) season 5, Klondike season 1 and The Blacklist.

The second package is a movie pack, Sky Film, offering blockbusters and recent releases some 12 months ahead of other online services, according to Sky. The package will also include series from Sky Atlantic directly after their US premiere. Sky Film will be available for €19.99 a month. Series available will include HBO shows The Leftovers, The Knick and The Newsroom, while movies available will include Gravity, Rush and Frau Ella.

In addition, Sky is offering a live daily sports pass for €19.99 a day. Sky Supersport Tagesticket, will provide access to all Sky’s live sports channels and will be available to Film and Starter pack customers.

Sky Online will initially be avaialble on the web, on iPads and on iPhones, including Apple AirPlay. According to Sky, devices including Xbox One, LG and Samsung Smart TVs, and Android smartphones and tablets will follow.

Sky has teamed up with Roku to provide a set-top box for the service, on the model of BSkyB’s Now TV. The Roku platform will give users access to the full range of Roku apps.

“With Sky Online we wanted to provide an additional option, combining some of the advantages of our traditional pay TV premium service with the added flexibility that an online service enables,” said Sky Deutschland CEO Brian Sullivan.

“For the beginning, we are launching the service for the web and iOS and we will expand it to many more devices and platforms over the weeks and months to come, including our own Sky Online TV Box. Sky TV remains the home of the widest choice, highest picture quality and best value, but Sky Online is just the right thing for those who want more flexibility to match their lifestyles. This unique portfolio enables us to offer the ideal product for every customer segment.”