Studio 1 at the media centre will be home to the new interactive channel Sky Vegas Live, broadcasting from 6 pm to 2 am every day, featuring virtual horseracing and a range of programming based on Sky’s 24/7 iTV gambling service Sky Bet Vegas. Viewers will be able to place bets via their remote control units on a range of number draws taking place live on-air.

Pete Ward, Executive Producer of Sky Vegas Live said, “We’re delighted to be producing a complete new channel at ntl:broadcast’s studios. The technical facilities there are just what we need for an innovative venture like this and ntl is able to offer a very competitive package which includes studio, technical support and production offices as well as fibre connectivity on their own network – a great one-stop-shop for us and ntl has pulled out all the stops.”

Simon Thrush, head of ntl:broadcast’s satellite and playout business, added: “This is very much the sort of channel that Studio 1 was built for – live broadcasting using the very latest in virtual-reality systems. We’ve no doubt that Sky will push the technology to new heights and this will be a real showcase for our capabilities. ntl will provide production facilities and technical support while Sky will provide the production crew.”