Those who subscribe to Sky's TV and broadband packages will soon be able to access Home Box Office (HBO) programmes due to a new agreement signed by the two companies.

Under the agreement, new HBO-commissioned programmes will be broadcast in high definition exclusively on Sky's channels in the UK and Ireland.

The first HBO programme to be shown on Sky will be Boardwalk Empire, a prohibition-era drama.

Sophie Turner Laing, Managing Director of Entertainment, News and Broadcast Operations at Sky, said that the company is committed to bringing customers the best choice of pay-to-view content.

"Like HBO, we believe that innovative, high-quality content is worth paying for. We are therefore delighted to have partnered with one of the most renowned names in television," she added.

Last week, Sky announced that it is set to launch Europe's first 3D channel on October 1st.

The channel will start by screening films and live sport and will be available to any Sky+HD subscribers who have a 3D-ready TV.