Sky box office was launched in 1996 by BSyB which is a pay-per-view selection of channels. Although the main focus is movies, after its release in the cinema’s and befor they ar released on DVD, viewers are able to purchase and watch the movies on their televisions, Sky Box Office also shows sporting events on occasion for example, WWE and Boxing is frequently broadcast on Sky Box Office. On 1 February 2011, Sky Box Office was rebranded as Sky Movies Box Office.
Sky Box Office promo logo 1998
WWE
Since 1997, the channel has also shown World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (formerly World Wrestling Federation) events. From 1997 to 2003 it showed UK only WWF PPV events. However, when the deal with Channel 4 to show 4 WWE events (Royal Rumble, Backlash, Fully Loaded, and Armageddon) broke down in 2002, Sky picked up the 4 events and showed them on Sky Box Office, with a charge of £14.95 (or €21.95 in Ireland). As of 2006, eight WWE events are shown on the channel. The other five WWE PPVs are shown on Sky Sports. The price is now £14.95 even for WrestleMania, despite the fact that in the USA the WWE charges $54.95 (£35), and more for High Definition).
Four dedicated Sky Box Office channels were launched on 1 December 1997 on Sky Analogue. At this time multiple showings of selected movies, shown in advance of their broadcast on Sky's existing subscription movie channels, were added. Initial movies includedThe Long Kiss Goodnight and Courage Under Fire. However, at least one hour pre-ordering was required, and for most movies one purchase at £2.99 only bought one viewing. There are now over 70 Sky Box Office Channels available with multiple films screening
With the move to Sky Digital in 1998, where the Sky Digibox provided a data return path, events and movies - the latter now copy protected - could be bought minutes before or even during the event either by telephone or through an on-screen menu and PIN system.
Sources: Wikipedia
By Fergine Nzita
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