Amstrad: Sky Digital Made Possible

Founded by Alan Sugar when he was only 21, Amstrad is an electronics company based in Brentwood, Essex, United Kingdom, known for making Sky Digital boxes. Established in 1968, Amstrad took its name from Alan Michael Sugar Trading. Now owned by BSkyB, Amstrad is headed by Alun Webber, Managing Director and Simon Ball, CEO. Sky Digital is BskyB's provider for digital satellite television and radio services.

Amstrad initially began business in electronics, making hi-fi, television, car stereo and cassette systems at affordable consumer prices. Soon, the company expanded to manufacture amplifiers, tuners and later on, personal computer units, word processors, printers and software. When the 20th century came, Amstrad then moved on to more portable electronic products such as computers and video games. The demand was weak, causing Amstrad to focus on telecommunications instead, where the company successfully launched Sky satellite. BskyB took over Amstrad in 2007, with Amstrad continuing to work on its products and services for Sky.