Sky Angel
 |
|
| Type | Limited liability company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Headquarters | Naples, Florida |
| Key people |
Rob Johnson, |
| Products | IPTV services |
| Website | skyangel.com |
Sky Angel is an American Christian-owned IPTV provider, based in Naples, Florida. Its service specializes in offering Christian radio and television services, along with other channels which it deems to be "family-friendly" programming. Sky Angel also operates an internet television service, with streaming channels and video on demand services. Sky Angel formerly operated a satellite television service, but in 2008, it discontinued the satellite service in favor of a switch to IPTV. Founded in 1980, it is one of the first niche-oriented television providers in the United States.
Its operations were given a seal of approval by the Parents Television Council in 2008 for providing "family-friendly television programming" to its subscribers.[1]
Operations
Sky Angel operates "Christ-oriented" television services—CEO Rob Johnson described its lineup as "programming that the entire family can enjoy together." [2] The company's corporate headquarters is located in Naples, Florida.[2] The company also has a Chattanooga, Tennessee location where programming, engineering and network operations reside.
Sky Angel was originally established as a direct-broadcast satellite service with more than 30 channels in its lineup. In 2008, Sky Angel announced that it would begin to phase out its satellite services in favor of transitioning its customers to a new IPTV-based platform developed with NeuLion. The new IPTV service would offer additional features such as an increased channel capacity, support for DVRs, and the ability for Sky Angel to offer internet and mobile television services through the platform.[3]
In September 2012, Sky Angel launched its "Sky Angel 2.0" platform, which added web streaming through an iPad app, and introduced a new spin-off service known as FAVE TV (standing for "Family and Values Entertainment")—which aims to include "mainstream" and "family-friendly" television channels.[4]
Programming and services
Sky Angel previously offered two programming packages for its IPTV service: the base "Faith Package", which consisted of primarily faith-based broadcasters (including various Christian and Roman Catholic broadcasters, and accompanying video on demand services)[5] while the "Family Values Pack" adds a selection of general entertainment, sports, and specialty channels. Sky Angel also offered a subscription "WebTV" package, which includes a selection of around 35 of the service's faith-based channels available for live streaming on the Sky Angel website, along with video on demand content.[6]
With the launch of the "Sky Angel 2.0" platform in 2012, the packages were changed to "Faith TV" (which offers Sky Angel's religious-oriented channels through a set-top box) and "Faith Everywhere" (which adds access to the channels through the Sky Angel website and mobile apps). Concurrently, Sky Angel replaced the "Family Values Package" with the new service FAVE TV.[4]
Notes
- ^ "Sky Angel Inks Deal to Offer NFL Network". Retrieved 2008-01-20.
- ^ a b "'Christ-Centered' IPTV Service to Offer NFL Network". Retrieved 2008-01-20.
- ^ "Sky Angel to Spread IPTV Wings via NeuLion". Retrieved 2008-01-20.
- ^ a b "Sky Angel Launches Sky Angel 2.0 and Creates New Television Service, FAVE TV, With the Help of NeuLion's TV Everywhere Technology". NeuLion press release. Retrieved 30 March 2013.
- ^ "Sky Angel IPTV service includes five Catholic channels". Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- ^ "Sky Angel: FAQ". Retrieved 2008-01-20.
