The Sky+ 160 is the first box in the Sky+ family to offer increased storage capacity via the use of a 160 Gigabyte hard drive, delivering an average of 80 hours recording capacity. It also features USB 2.0 connectivity for future applications and is based on xTV, the DVR and extended conditional access system from NDS. The DVR functionality will be identical to that of the existing leading Sky+ product line.

Brian Sullivan, Director, New Product Development and Sales at BSkyB said, "The manufacturing agreement with Thomson underlines Sky's determination to remain at the forefront of digital broadcasting.

Sky+ has already revolutionised the way that the UK watches television; Sky+ 160 will allow BSkyB to offer even more flexibility, choice and control for our growing customer base. This is an important product for BSkyB and we are delighted to have the support of Thomson as developer and manufacturer."

Koen van Driel, SVP of Broadband Access Products at Thomson added, "We are pleased to be able to provide this important market with a cutting-edge product that reflects our technology innovations and manufacturing expertise.

Sky has already demonstrated the consumer popularity of digital video recorder technology with Sky+ and we look forward to helping BSkyB deliver the next level of DVR-based services."

This agreement reinforces Thomson's Video Networks Solutions Division, which provides digital equipment and services for broadcast television, cable and other network operators. Through this division, Thomson is the world's leading supplier of digital satellite set top boxes, DSL modems and IP Video set top boxes. The agreement will allow Thomson to further expand its leadership position in providing advanced technology and solutions to integrated media companies around the world.

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