Universal Electronics has announced that British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSkyB) which operates the UK's largest digital satellite television platform, Sky Digital, has selected UEI's sales subsidiary, One For All UK Ltd., to partner in the development of the concept and serve as the sole distributor of the company's new line of Sky-branded digital accessories. These accessories will be available for the first time via retail channels in both the UK and Ireland.

The 12 products include the Sky digital and Sky+ remote controls the Sky Gamepad, and other control accessories. With One For All UK's extensive distribution capabilities, these products aim to tap into the 6.7 million digital satellite households throughout the UK and Ireland.

The agreement enables One For All UK to distribute the Sky line of accessories to more than 3,000 electronics retailers including major chains such as Dixons and, Currys and Comet, as well as mail-order companies and independent retailers. The product line is also slated for distribution via nontraditional consumer electronics channels, which help provide nearly 90 per cent distribution penetration into the UK consumer accessories market.

BSkyB has a customer base approaching seven million subscribers who will be able to enhance their Sky experience with these products. This partnership gives Universal's retailers and distributors, which are key to the development of digital TV services, the opportunity to further increase their business with Sky.

BSkyB states that for the first time its customers will be able to buy Sky-branded digital accessories from a local electronics retailer. The development of a line of Sky accessories will increase consumer awareness even in non-Sky digital homes. Universal Electronics claims to have a proven track record in product development and strong marketing and trade relationships with its key retailers.

Sky digital was launched five years ago. It is now available in 6.6 million homes in the UK and Ireland. It delivers an extensive range of channels and TV services to these audiences including entertainment, movies, sports, news, documentaries, kids and music channels. The easy to use Sky Guide enables people to plan and control their viewing up to a week in advance.