BSkyB’s Now TV launches on Roku

UK pay TV operator BSkyB has launched its OTT service Now TV on Roku streaming devices.

The launch comes after Roku received an investment of US$45 million (€35 million) in July from a group of investors that included BSkyB and News Corp in a deal that gave Sky the option to rebrand and distribute versions of Roku’s devices in the future.

Now TV currently offers a large library of movies via various connected TV devices to customers that do not subscribe to Sky’s regular TV services. Within the next few months the pay TV operator will add sports content to the service.

From today, Roku users can access Now TV within the Roku Channel Store and once registered for Now TV online will be able to access movies instantly. New customers will be offered a free 30 day trial of the service, followed by a three-month introductory offer of £8.99 a month.

Sky is reportedly working with Roku to develop a dedicated Now TV set-top box that will not carry Roku branding, with a launch expected next year.

Simon Creasey, director of Now TV, said: “Following today’s launch on Roku, our customers now have another way of streaming their favourite movies to their main TV screen, while at the same time can continue to enjoy access out and about via iPad and smartphones. At the same time as we’re rolling Now TV out to new platforms and devices, we’re also preparing to increase the range and choice of great Sky content that our customers can access.”