Sky updates EPG with new recommendation engine

UK satellite TV provider Sky is rolling out a number of new features for its Sky+ electronic programming guide (EPG), including a new recommendations engine and a ‘Smart Series Link’ record function.

The recommendations engine will suggest both linear TV and on-demand TV shows to Sky customers based on recent recordings and downloads in their Sky+ Planner.

The Smart Series Link feature automatically remembers to record the next season of a programme and all subsequent ones after that.

Other new features include: a Sports tile, which has been added to the Sky+ homepage, offering quick access to live sporting events; movie DVD cover art for Sky Movies On Demand and the Sky Store; and combined SD and HD options making it easy for viewers to choose between HD and SD when downloading TV shows or movies on-demand.

The update marks what Sky described as the “second tranche of major improvements” to the Sky+ homepage this year following a major overhaul in March when on-demand content and the Sky+ Planner were moved alongside channel listings as equal options, and a new search function was launched.

“We know customers love the new Homepage as it puts catch-up, box sets and movies at the heart of their TV viewing. That’s why we’re introducing even more features to help discover more TV they really want to watch.  Get recommendations for shows we think you’ll enjoy based on your recordings, and never miss a returning season ever again with Smart Series Link. It’s all part of our commitment to make Sky+ the ultimate entertainment experience,” said Sky’s director of TV Products, Luke Bradley-Jones.

The latest update is rolling out to customers starting from today and will be available to more than 8 million customers with compatible Sky+HD boxes by the winter this year.