The broadcaster will be the only place in the UK where viewers can watch, in high definition, newly commissioned HBO shows.

Martin Scorsese's Boardwalk Empire will be the first production to been seen on Sky as part of the deal.

The Prohibition-era drama, which stars Steve Buscemi, was written by Emmy award-winning writer Terence Winter, who worked on The Sopranos.

Boardwalk Empire will make its US debut on HBO in September 2010 and will air on Sky shortly afterwards.

Game of Thrones, the fantasy drama based on the series of books, A Song Of Ice And Fire and Luck, starring Dustin Hoffman, will also be shown on Sky.

In addition, future seasons of existing HBO shows - such as Entourage and Big Love - will be broadcast exclusively on Sky channels in the UK and Ireland after their existing broadcast agreements come to an end.

HBO's classic shows from the past, including The Sopranos and Six Feet Under, will also be available through Sky's on-demand service.

On the day BSkyB, which owns Sky News, announced a strong end to its financial year, the firm also revealed it will launch 3D TV to residential customers on October 1.

It will be available to Sky+HD customers who have invested in a 3D television.

Coverage of the Ryder Cup will be one of the events to be broadcast in 3D on the launch weekend.

Hollywood films Bolt and Monsters vs Aliens will also make their 3D TV debuts.