[WillPS]

I think Sky went down quite a progressive route from the beginning which matched the technology available at the time.

- PPV from the movies service from timed channels on analogue
- then up to 700 digital channels which was a 'view once only' at staggered times mixed with pre-loaded 'Anytime+'
- then the full SVOD download when cancelling the staggered broadcasts

I think they played the game rather well.

This is essentially the route the entire market went, +/- a 'download' step in place of/before streaming.

I think that Sky's policy of still allowing HQ downloads from all catch-up services is one of their best features.

It's less a policy in itself, and more a hangover from the previous business model which saw customers buy and own their equipment instead of renting it. This business model meant that Sky have to support far older equipment than they might otherwise like, or face losing subscription revenue from long-time customers.

It's the same reason they were stuck with a restricted number of EPG positions (back in the days when that mattered) - the limit reflected the very earliest Sky Digital boxes which could store no more.