Sky has upgraded its Anytime on-demand download service to be compatible with Microsoft's Windows Vista.

The service can also be accessed in a standard web browser, with content still being downloaded in the main application.

Sky said that the change to web-based browsing made searching for programmes easier, as users can access a dedicated URL from any PC without having to log-on to their Anytime software.

Customers accessing the website from outside their home can trigger content to start downloading on their home PC.

Sky is also opening up the service to non-Sky subscribers for the first time. Shows from channels such as Sky One and Sky Arts will be available on a buy-to-own basis at a one-off fee of £1 or £2.

The broadcaster has added documentary programmes as a new genre on the Anytime service, including content from National Geographic, The History Channel, The Biography Channel and Crime & Investigation Network.

"At Sky we want to put power in the hands of the customer to define what, when and how they watch," said Hilary Perchard, head of advanced TV products at Sky.

"With Sky Anytime on PC customers are free from schedules and can enjoy top entertainment when they want, direct from their PC."