Sky viewers can expect a significant change in their channel lineup this week as Sky prepares to merge Sky Cinema Animation (channel 312) with Sky Cinema Family, consolidating both services into a single channel on April 30. Despite the reduction in the number of channels, the move aims to simplify the viewing experience by offering all family-friendly films in one place on channel 304.
Following the consolidation, viewers will have access to a variety of popular titles such as the Shrek series, The Secret Life of Pets, Smurfs, How to Train Your Dragon, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and Wicked in one convenient location. While the standalone Sky Cinema Animation channel will no longer be available, Sky reassures customers that all content previously featured on that channel will still be accessible through Sky Cinema Family.
For fans of Sky Cinema Animation, there is a silver lining. The channel will make a temporary return during school holiday periods for kids’ entertainment. Sky confirmed that the channel will be reinstated from July 24 to August 30, October 23 to November 1, and December 1 to January 5.
In addition to these changes, Sky has ventured into the home security market by introducing new smart devices. Customers can now subscribe to a Sky Smart Doorbell and Chime for £5 per month with a £15 upfront cost. The system includes features such as full HD video recording, instant mobile alerts, customizable activity zones, two-way audio, and 30 days of cloud video storage.
For those seeking enhanced capabilities, Sky offers a Smart Home Bundle with Smart Home Plan+ for £8 per month and a £20 upfront fee. This package includes an indoor camera and additional app controls, enabling features like scheduled arming and automatic device modes.
Paul Sweeney, Managing Director of Sky Smart Home, emphasized the company’s commitment to making premium smart technology more accessible. He highlighted Sky’s focus on delivering features that customers value, ensuring they are user-friendly, manageable, and cost-effective.