Cable Forum - General Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

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Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

With all the talk of ITV Encore, do I remember correctly that when Sky and ITV agreed on the ITV Encore deal, Sky were shareholders in ITV, thus making the deal a sensible idea at the time. After the deal was struck, did Sky not effectively sell their shares to LG who could (in theory) have struck a different deal to that over-rode the previous Sky-ITV agreement?

I appreciate Sky's original exclusive deal (whatever that may be) is likely still to be in place, but perhaps ITV had a clause in the contract that allowed them to air the shows within a few days if Sky stopped the funding?

Can't say it bothers me, I doubt the first commissioned show (Frankenstein) will be that decent. I will give it a go when it airs on VM/FTA, but (like Game Of Thrones) I will probably end up not enjoying it and re-read the book anyway.:-)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry_hitch (Post 35736720)

Sky were, indeed, shareholders in ITV at the time. But a minority shareholding giving them no effective control over ITV, largely irrelevant as far as the deal for ITV Encore is concerned.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1 (Post 35736677)

I think I understand what you mean. It's probably the other way round. Why would someone leave Sky for Virgin if that means losing Sky Atlantic and ITV Encore? These two channels might just tip the deal in favour of Sky if everything else is equal. Plus it gives the reassurance to Sky subscribers that they're with a premiumm service that gets channels well before the other platforms.

That's exactly what it is , most of the feedback I've seen and been involved in suggests people state this as being one of the reasons currently keeping them with Sky.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35736712)

A) I do not really care about Sky Atlantic - the day time lineup look poor to me.

B) ITV has always says that ITV Encore will have its own commissions in 2015.

C) If Virgin sign an deal to carry CSC Media/Sony and Tru TV I will be more than happy to miss the two channels on both ITV and Sky.

How many channels have great daytime schedules ? I tend to look at how many shows I view on a particular channel over the course of a year , personally I watch quite a few shows off Sky Atlantic I appreciate however not everyone is the same.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35736723)

Sky were, indeed, shareholders in ITV at the time. But a minority shareholding giving them no effective control over ITV, largely irrelevant as far as the deal for ITV Encore is concerned.

Right-o, cheers.:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35736713)

That suggests that Sky is actively seeking out partners and VM have their nets set out downstream, only catching what Sky doesn't want to keep for itself. Perhaps a more pro-active approach and better communication with channel suppliers would encourage such channels to be made available from the start. Maybe it is time to set the nets upstream...

It's pretty hard to conclude anything from one deal in isolation. Sky and VM have finite resources and can't pursue every opportunity so it could well be that they're adopting different strategies with VM extending its network in NE England and E London and Sky setting up exclusive channel deals. On paper, Sky would probably be able to justify an absolute bigger spend for an exclusive channel as it has nearly three times the TV subscribers that VM has whilst VM will get more customers by extending its network in areas where the competition is weak.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1 (Post 35736739)

It's pretty hard to conclude anything from one deal in isolation.

It wasn't a conclusion just a suggestion that VM would probably get better deals by being more pro-active in their dealings with channel providers. As Media Boy has pointed out, VM appear to be continuing with the old Telewest policy of waiting for a contract renewal before negotiating for any new channels.

If the channel provider knows that VM shows little interest in any new channels, they may as well enter into an exclusive deal with Sky.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35736636)

I would expect ITV1 to show new dramas as well though, and air the ITV Encore repeats on days which do not tend to get the audience, particularly Saturday evenings.

If BBC did the same and put on a premier channel, it would never have to show those dreaded summer repeats ever again! Incidentally, this could be a deal to address the forthcoming reduction of the licence fee.

If ITV Encore is to be regarded as a premium channel for ITV, then the arrangement described by Richard will not achieve that. I would not be too bothered if we did not get ITV Encore at all if that's how it would work. I always watch programmes after the event anyway.

Funnily enough, I had thought that myself. The BBC could raise revenue by letting subscribers see new material before it's planned air date. This way, licence fee payers not subscribing to the premium service couldn't complain that their programmes were being delayed.

I think that any dramas that originally aired on Encore, but new to ITV, will be aired at the usual peak times.

What do you mean by a planned reduction in the TV licence :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35736695)

At the moment, with a format based on repeats, it's certainly not a "must-have" channel. I'd be amazed if ITV has managed to sell this channel as a premium product to Sky on the basis of 7 days exclusivity. Especially considering that the article suggests that there will be only 2 commissions in the first year, both to be limited to only 6 parts.

On the basis of what ITV is offering, I can't see the set up costs being that much. Similarly I wouldn't expect the price to Sky or VM to be astronomical. After playing catch-up in the game of acquiring channels last year, VM is now in danger of losing ground again.

---------- Post added at 18:38 ---------- Previous post was at 18:34 ----------

A delay of only 1 week would probably give the channel no significant value at all. Which didn't seem to be what ITV had in mind in their 5 year plan.

---------- Post added at 18:47 ---------- Previous post was at 18:38 ----------

As it stands, perhaps. Going forward, we don't know how many new commissions ITV have planned for Encore or how popular they will be with potential viewers. In the unlikely event that it commissions material of a similar quality to Sky Atlantic, the demand will be there. If the commissions are sufficiently popular and exclusive, ITV Encore may become a mainstream channel. VM shouldn't really have mainstream channels missing from its line-up. At the moment, ITV Encore isn't mainstream but VM should closely monitor this channel and make sure that they offer the channel before it becomes a "must-have".

Maybe these new dramas are what would have aired on ITV and are now being premiered on Encore? ITV viewers still get to see them after those who have paid a premium to see them a little earlier.

This way, ITV get the extra revenue from Sky, without it costing them any extra.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35736766)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1 (Post 35736629)

I think ITV could get away with drama being aired a week or so before showing on ITV but if shown six months afterwards then ITV could be in danger of appearing to look like a slightly newer ITV3.

I understand what you are saying, but I think it is true to say that ITV1 will still carry original dramas of its own. If ITV Encore was only going to show new programmes a few days before ITV1, I really don't see the point!

---------- Post added at 12:23 ---------- Previous post was at 12:21 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35736766)

Who would be foolish enough to want to pay for a channel simply for the privilege of seeing programmes a few days before the free airing? If that's the plan, it ain't going to work IMO!

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35736760)

I agree. One of the main complaints on this forum is that VM is too slow in acquiring new channels.

The aim should always be to have them put on the system from the launch date, except where they have determined that they are not worth watching or spending the amount of money demanded.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Isn't the whole point of ITV Encore explained by the name? Or is there some strange new definition of 'encore' that I don't know?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

October List update - October 22nd update.

Keep up-to-date on the latest news on upcoming channel launches and other important events across all platforms of Virgin TV.

NOTE: I DO NOT WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA SO ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS LIST IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News and links.
Media Boy = Local TV news, other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Freeviews on Virgin Media ===
September 1st. CBS Reality, Horror Channel, CBS Action, CBS Drama, CBS Reality +1 and Horror Channel +1 is having an freeview to all M, M+ and L packages on Virgin Channel 148, 149, 192, 197, 201 and 202 right now untill December 1st 2014.
October 1st. TV5 is having an freeview to all M, M+ and L packages on Virgin Channel 825 right now untill November 1st 2014.

=== October ===
No News...

=== November ===
1st. NBCU to rebrand Movies 24 as Christmas 24 on Virgin Channel 419 today at 6am.
1st. NBCU to rebrand Movies 24+ as Christmas 24+ on Virgin Channel 420 today at 6am.
2nd. Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Superheroes as Sky Movies Greats on Virgin Channel 404 today at 6am.
2nd. Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Superheroes HD as Sky Movies Greats HD on Virgin Channel 434 today at 6am.
5th. Local TV Broadcaster Made in Leeds will launch today on Virgin Channel 159 in some Leeds areas.
12th. Local TV Broadcaster Made in Tyne Wear will launch today on Virgin Channel 159 in some Newcastle areas only.
Media Boy HQ has been told that ITV Be HD will launch sometime this month.
Reports says that ITV Be +1 may also launch sometime this month.

=== December ===
9th. Media Boy HQ to reveal winners of "Best of 2014" today.
9th. Media Boy HQ to reveal top posters of "Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014)" threads today.
29th. Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1 to launch today.

=== Before 2015 ===
-Local TV broadcaster Bay TV Liverpool hope to launch on Virgin Channel 159.

=== January 2015 ===
5th. NBCU to rebrand Christmas 24 as Movies 24 on Virgin Channel 419 today at 6am.
5th. NBCU to rebrand Christmas 24+ as Movies 24+ on Virgin Channel 420 today at 6am.
6th. CSC Media to rebrand True Christmas as True Movies 1 on Virgin Channel 424 today at 6am.
Local TV Broadcaster STV Edinburgh will launch sometime this month on Virgin Channel 159 in some Edinburgh areas only.
Media Boy HQ has been told that both Sky News HD and Sky Sports News HQ HD will launch sometime this month.

=== February 2015 ===
No News...

=== March 2015 ===
No News...

=== April 2015 ===
No News...

=== May 2015 ===
No News...

=== June 2015 ===
No News...

=== July 2015 ===
No News...

=== August 2015 ===
No News...

=== Autumn 2015 ===
-The BBC may close BBC Three on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may close BBC Three HD on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC launch BBC One +1 on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may add an extra hour per day (to 8pm) to CBBC and CBBC HD on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.

=== September 2015 ===
No News...

=== October 2015 ===
No News...

=== November 2015 ===
No News...

=== December 2015 ===
No News...

=== Local TV on Virgin Media ===
-All the following Local TV broadcasters may launch by 2016 on Virgin Channel 159:

-YourTV Manchester
-YourTV Blackpool & Preston
-Cambridge Presents
-That’s Basingstoke
-That’s Surrey
-That's Solent
-That’s Reading
-That’s Salisbury
-That's Oxford

=== Unknown dates ===
-TruTV soon to launch on Virgin Channel 245 - And is now rumoured to be testing on Virgin Media HQ with rumoured launch date of November 2014.(UPDATED October 13th 2014).
-Media Boy HQ has been told that Sky Sports News HQ HD will be on Virgin Channel 511 from launch on Virgin Media.
-The BBC hope to launch English regional variants of its existing BBC One HD service as well as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland editions of BBC Two HD - but still need to be approved by the BBC Trust.

=== Channels ONLY in Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas ===
List last updated on October 17th 2014.

ONLY TV CHANNELS THAT ONLY BROADCAST IN THE UK ON OTHER NETWORKS WILL APPEAR ON THIS PART OF THE LIST.

ALSO THE FOLLOWING LIST OF CHANNELS IS CURRENTLY BROADCASTING ON SMALLWORLD CABLE OR UPC IRELAND BUT NOT ON VIRGIN MEDIA:

Entertainment:
-Sky1 +1*
-MTV +1*

Documentaries:
-History HD^
-Nat Geo Wild HD^
-CI HD^

Lifestyle:
-Travel Channel +1*
-Food Network +1*
-Fashion TV^

Movies:
-Movies4Men*

Music:
-MTV Classic (Channel broadcast in both UPC Ireland and Smallworld areas)
-Channel AKA*
-Now Music*

News:
-Sky News HD (DEAL SIGNS COMING SOON).^

Sports:
-Sky Sports News HQ HD (DEAL SIGNS COMING SOON).^

Kids:
-Disney Channel HD^

Specialist:
-EWTN^

Radio:
-UCB Ireland^

*Only in Smallworld areas.
^Only in UPC Ireland areas.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

==== Virgin Media's Deals with broadcasters ===
Full list now at: http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.co.uk/p...adcasters.html

This part of list has now moved to my blog - follow link.

=== What is Media Boy on about??? ===
Here is what I mean when I post the following on Cable Forum:

Virgin Insiders - means just that.
'Do Not Post' order - means an Virgin insider has given me some info on things that set to happen but has told me not to reveal it right now.

=== Media Boy Extra info: ===
Liberty Global - http://www.lgi.com/
Media Boy Blog - For all things Virgin TV - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
Follow Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Last updated October 13th 2014.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: Media Boy HQ gets all info from Virgin Media viewers, some Virgin Media workers (I called them Virgin Insiders or Virgin Sources) and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: WHY HAVE YOU ADDED 'ONLY IN SMALLWORLD AREAS' AND 'ONLY IN UPC IRELAND AREAS' WHEN THIS THREAD IS FOR VIRGIN MEDIA?
A: Virgin Media, Smallworld and UPC Ireland are now ALL own by Liberty Global.

Q: WHEN WILL SKY SPORTS NEWS HQ HD AND SKY NEWS HD LAUNCH?
A: Base on information Media Boy HQ has seen Sky Sports News HQ HD and Sky News HD are not set to launch until January 2015.

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''SKY1 +1'' OR ''DISNEY CHANNEL HD'' FOR?
A: Sky1 +1 and Disney Channel HD are only broadcasting in Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas right now.

==== See you later ===
List last updated on October 22nd 2014.

Next update: November 3rd - unless:

A) If Virgin Media are set to launch more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) in Virgin TV areas.
B) If Virgin Media are set to move more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) about in Virgin TV areas.
C) If Virgin Media are set to close or repackage more then TWO channels (TV or Radio) in Virgin TV areas.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35736825)

I think ITV Encore will only be worth having if the first run dramas were shown at least 6 months prior to being shown on ITV1. If I was running the show, I would air them during the summer months on ITV1, which should still have its own original programming as it does now.

Regarding the BBC, the Conservative Party is planning to slash the cost of the TV licence if they get in with a majority next time. This will force the BBC to cut its costs and find new income streams.

---------- Post added at 12:21 ---------- Previous post was at 12:18 ----------

I understand what you are saying, but I think it is true to say that ITV1 will still carry original dramas of its own. If ITV Encore was only going to show new programmes a few days before ITV1, I really don't see the point!

---------- Post added at 12:23 ---------- Previous post was at 12:21 ----------

Who would be foolish enough to want to pay for a channel simply for the privilege of seeing programmes a few days before the free airing? If that's the plan, it ain't going to work IMO!

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

I agree. One of the main complaints on this forum is that VM is too slow in acquiring new channels.

The aim should always be to have them put on the system from the launch date, except where they have determined that they are not worth watching or spending the amount of money demanded.

Which seems to be the strategy VM/LG have had in place for a long time.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

LFC TV to be an 'Add on' channel from November 4th?

Liverpool FC TV to move to a La Carte Channel and also launch an HD channel on the 4th of November on Sky.

Seen no information on full link for this story or info for Virgin Media Viewers.

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showp...3&postcount=38

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavyside (Post 35736864)

Isn't the whole point of ITV Encore explained by the name? Or is there some strange new definition of 'encore' that I don't know?

I agree with you, Encore suggests that they are a channel for re-runs, yet they are to air new dramas on there first:confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35736882)

Well spotted. I was told last Sunday that LFC had approached VM with a view to them carrying the HD variant. There was no mention that the SD version would become an a la carte channel, but I can't imagine that this change will take place on Sky and not VM.

IIRC it was originally a stand alone channel, but became part of the Setanta Sports pack. When they ceased trading it became a free channel.

---------- Post added at 16:58 ---------- Previous post was at 16:53 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY (Post 35736825)

I think ITV Encore will only be worth having if the first run dramas were shown at least 6 months prior to being shown on ITV1. If I was running the show, I would air them during the summer months on ITV1, which should still have its own original programming as it does now.

Regarding the BBC, the Conservative Party is planning to slash the cost of the TV licence if they get in with a majority next time. This will force the BBC to cut its costs and find new income streams.

---------- Post added at 12:21 ---------- Previous post was at 12:18 ----------

I understand what you are saying, but I think it is true to say that ITV1 will still carry original dramas of its own. If ITV Encore was only going to show new programmes a few days before ITV1, I really don't see the point!

---------- Post added at 12:23 ---------- Previous post was at 12:21 ----------

Who would be foolish enough to want to pay for a channel simply for the privilege of seeing programmes a few days before the free airing? If that's the plan, it ain't going to work IMO!

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

I agree. One of the main complaints on this forum is that VM is too slow in acquiring new channels.

The aim should always be to have them put on the system from the launch date, except where they have determined that they are not worth watching or spending the amount of money demanded.

Maybe that's why VM were happy to let Sky help to pay the set up costs for Encore, in return for a period of exclusivity.

Thanks for the info. re: the TV licence, I'd not heard of that before. I guess it's all part of the Tory plan to reduce the role of the BBC in broadcasting for reasons best known to themselves.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2014) Vol. 4

I mean, seriously, does anyone really give a stuff about LFC having an HD channel?