BSkyB's Internet video streaming service Sky Player has launched on Xbox Live in the UK today, enabling UK owners of the Xbox 360 games console to access a selection of Sky's live and on-demand content via the Xbox Live online service, without the need for a satellite dish.

The service has launched with 24 linear channels, and is available to existing Sky customers for free, while non-Sky customers will have to pay GB£ 15 (US$ 24.58) per month.  Additional bundles which include channels such as Sky Sports and Sky Movies are also available for an additional fee.  A Sky Player retail bundle will also be available from today for GB£ 29.99, including a remote control, a three month subscription to Xbox Live and a one month subscription to Sky Player.

"Today our customers enjoy film, music, videos and games on Xbox 360 and TV is another significant step forward in our entertainment vision," said Neil Thompson, Senior Regional Director of Entertainment & Devices (UK and Ireland) for Microsoft.  "And now Xbox owners will have the variety and volume of entertainment along with unique services such as the avatar community which allow you to share, celebrate and chat - it is clear that Xbox 360 is taking entertainment beyond the living room with unique social interactive entertainment experiences.”

Linear channels available at launch include G.O.L.D., Sky Real Lives, Sky Arts 1, MTV ONE, Sky Sports News, British Eurosport, ESPN Classic, Sky News, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, History, Eden, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Nick Jr.