ACE - Aerials and Cable Equipment

SKY Confirms compatibility with LG, Panasonic, Samsung & Sony '3D Ready' TVs

Sky has today confirmed that its forthcoming Sky 3D service, which is to launch later this year, will be compatible with a wide range of 3D Ready TVs being launched in the UK and Ireland during 2010.

At this week’s CES, LG, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony will all announce an intention to introduce '3D Ready' TVs this year, and Sky's 3D service will be compatible with all of their respective 3D TV products.

Sky's existing Sky+HD boxes which are in 1.6 million UK and Irish homes, are already equipped to receive 3D TV, so customers will only need to upgrade their TV set.

The new 3D Ready TVs will enable Sky+HD customers to watch both High Definition and 3D services from the same TV set.

Sky's 3D service in 2010 will offer a broad selection of 3D programming, expected to include movies, arts, entertainment and sport. The service will be broadcast across Sky's existing HD infrastructure.

Brian Lenz, Sky's director of product design and TV product development, said; "Our HD customers already have a 3D capable set-top box, so if they are interested in experiencing TV in a third dimension, the good news is that they'll have a range of 3D ready TVs to choose from.

"This is a great example of Sky and TV manufactures taking the initiative to ensure there is no confusion over formats. By working together with set manufacturers, we want to provide a hassle free way for our consumers to enjoy 3D TV."

Said Stephen Gater, head of marketing home entertainment for LG; "No one can escape the buzz and excitement around 3D. We're witnessing the start of dramatic change in how we view TV - the dawn of a new dimension. This year will see LG's first 3D Ready TVs hit the market - and through Sky's clear commitment to 3D broadcasting, 3D in the home is set to become a reality. Here at LG we're really looking forward to being a key player in driving the evolution of this technology and giving families a more dramatic, immersive home entertainment experience."

Andrew Denham, Marketing director of Panasonic, commented; "Panasonic is delighted to support the introduction of Sky's 3D TV service in 2010 with a range of compatible Full HD 3D Viera plasma televisions incorporating high precision active shutter glasses for an unparalleled viewing experience. Plasma technologies have excellent video response which delivers an immersive, movie-theatre-like experience where viewers can feel as if they were part of the action."

Date Added: 12/01/2010 10:11:52

Sky Special offers.
Please see the Sky TV new customer tab for our latest offers for January 2010.
Date Added: 11/01/2010 17:25:49

Merry Christmas

Thank you for all of your support this year guys; We will now be closed as of 5pm today 23rd Dec until 8:30am 4th January 2010

On behalf of everyone here may we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and look forward to speaking to you next year.

Date Added: 23/12/2009 08:50:35

HSE Stalk North West!

Following on from patrols around Wales and the South West of England the HSE inspectorate will soon switch their attention to aerial installers in the North West. Installers of terrestrial aerials and satellite dishes - as well as retailers of the same – must be equipped and engineers are using PPE necessary to make ladders a safe working platform.

A further revelation on studying the material to be circulated is that engineers have to be ‘trained’ in the use of any necessary equipment. The HSE leaflets points out that it is also an offence not to be ‘competent’ in the use of fall protection equipment. The exact definition of what ‘trained’ and ‘competent’ means remains unclear. However, a sure-fire way to ensure competence and to prove it is to enrol staff on a Safe Working at Height Course with one of the CAI’s listed providers. Certification lasts for 3 years and is accepted by most authorities looking for competence proof, including the HSE.

Due to the unfortunate tussle over price-points the CAI is unable to provide these courses directly. The HSE skills training market is fiercely competitive and it became impossible for the CAI to compete with the direct supply of training on the subject. However a full list of providers that have been verified by the CAI is found on the CAI website. There is evidence large numbers of aerial riggers are ignoring safe working at heights procedures. The HSE inspectors are not discriminating between CAI companies and non-members. Neither are they targeting the CAI membership alone.

Date Added: 08/09/2009 13:58:31

News in Brief

Final West Country switchover underway.

75,000 homes in Plymouth, parts of Devon and East Cornwall have completed the final stage of digital switchover. On the 12^th August, all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Caradon Hill Transmitter and its 29 relays. An improved digital signal is now available from Caradon Hill, broadcasting the full range of BBC channels in digital form. The second stage of DSO is on 9^th September, when the remaining analogue channels from ITV, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time.

South West Wales switchover underway.

South West Wales has also completed the first stage of digital switchover. Shortly after midnight on 19^th August all TV services were temporarily switched off at the Preseli transmitter group and analogue BBC 2 was switched off permanently. The second stage of DSO in SW Wales takes place on the 16^th September 09, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, S4C, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time. Virtually all households in SW Wales will then be able to receive Freeview.

Misuse of Logo.

The CAI office is receiving many adverts where non-members are misusing the CAI Logo. This is an illegal act and will not be condoned. If you spot any non-members using the logo either on vehicles, stationary or in directories please contact: Suzanne.hammbury@cai.org.uk

Date Added: 08/09/2009 13:52:55