Have linear pay channels had their day?

[Rex]

When it comes to linear pay channels I'm surprised that Sky Cinema still have so many linear channels. I wouldn't be surprised if in the coming years the number of linear Sky Cinema channels reduces, with more of a push towards the Sky Store for movies as more devices become internet enabled.

Similarly linear channel that have their HD version as paid but SD version free (e.g. ITV4) must surely have a limited shelf-life. There must surely come a point where the HD channel will become the standard on Sky & Virgin, whilst maybe some channels may start to offer a paid 4K version (e.g. sports channels).

in a way, they justify their existence with the fact that they're used for themed strands (Superheroes, Mega Hits, or hit franchises), but the movie channels have become second rate to the on demand presence Sky Cinema has on both Sky and Now tv.

However. I will not be surprised if over time the movie channel offering is downsized over time.