Sky Player returns - sort of

The Sky Player TV distribution service was launched on Xbox Live for the UK and Ireland last week only to be pulled later that day. Demand outstripped the service's ability to deliver.

Now Microsoft says it is rolling the service back out again - but only in a gradual way.

Here's the official explanation from the Xbox.com:

As you may know, we have been experiencing some technical issues with the Sky Player on Xbox 360 since launch last Tuesday morning. It is important to both Sky and Xbox that we give customers as much information as possible about why the service is not working and when we expect this to be resolved.

As we said last week, some customers have been unable to experience full use of the service due to the initial demand for the service at launch, when so many people tried to access the service all at the same time.

Right now we are implementing a revised rollout which will see Sky Player become available to all Xbox 360 customers gradually. While unfortunately some customers do not have access to the service, tens of thousands more will be added each day, until the service is available to all.

We are taking this phased approach to ensure that consumers experience a high-quality experience. The Sky team has contacted the affected Sky Player TV subscribers on Xbox directly with further updates.

For further information consumers can go to xbox.skyplayer.com/help or www.xbox.com/support.

Slow hand clap.