Sky is shaking things up with a big channel change on April 30.
(Image: (Image: Sky))
If you have Sky and love a movie binge, then you’ll find a big change is coming to your TV later this week. The telly firm has confirmed that it’s shaking up its channel list and combining two current services into one.
Sky has told Mirror Online that Sky Cinema Animation (channel 312) will merge with Sky Cinema Family, with the update taking effect on April 30.
Although that may sound like customers are now getting shortchanged, Sky says the idea behind the update is to simplify the service by creating a single destination for family-friendly films on channel 304.
After the switch, viewers will be able to find 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 all in one place.
READ MORE: Freeview TVs could stop working today as 24-hour alert issued to all UK homes
So yes, there is one less channel to watch, but Sky has said that all content previously shown on Sky Cinema Animation will continue to be available through Sky Cinema Family.
For fans of Sky Cinema Animation, it’s not all bad news. While the standalone channel is being removed, it will temporarily return during school holiday periods to help keep kids entertained.
Sky confirmed it will be available from July 24 to August 30, October 23 to November 1, and December 1 to January 5.
This is not the only recent announcement from Sky. The company has also entered the home security market with the launch of new smart devices. Customers can sign up for a Sky Smart Doorbell and Chime for £5 a month, with a £15 upfront cost. The system includes full HD video recording, instant mobile alerts, customisable activity zones, two-way audio and 30 days of cloud video storage.
For those wanting extra features, Sky is also offering a Smart Home Bundle with Smart Home Plan+ for £8 per month and a £20 upfront fee. This package adds an indoor camera and extra app controls, including scheduled arming and automatic device modes.
Paul Sweeney, Managing Director of Sky Smart Home, said the aim is to make premium smart technology easier to access. He said Sky has focused on the features customers value most while keeping them simple to use, easy to manage and affordable.