Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

It would cost a kings fortune for Virgin to enter the rights market and that simply is not going to happen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I completely agree, that’s why in my opinion the BT deal as reported makes perfect sense. It allows Virgin to do some aspects of what’s they would do (bundle, upsell, etc.) high value content in their packages without the same level of cost/risk and without the “off network” problem.

It was also guaranteed revenue for BT, an important partner of Virgin, from day 1 mitigating their risk in the rights market.

Eleven are wanting Virgin to do the same with low value content, er, just because :confused:.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Both VM and Sky have plenty of channels and Sports content available this adds very little in my opinion and as a subscriber I wouldn't want to see my platform of choice paying over the odds for a well below par Sports channel.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

The only value I could consider (possibly, I don’t know enough to comment) is if it is a part of a larger deal that brings Eleven in other markets onto Liberty owned platforms in those territories. I don’t know the current status or value of those channels, or even where they are in the same markets, but if Liberty were to see the UK channels as a straightforward, cheap and uncontroversial add on to a larger contract then it might make sense.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Setanta went bust
Premier Sports has little content people want to watch - why else give 2 mtgs free
BT has had a change of heart, done a deal with sky and from what I have read may be looking to cut their sports coverage (PL would be the obvious cost cutter)


Eleven Sports, has 2 matches a year I watched when it La Liga and Serie A were part of my sky package - will I subscribe to watch them NO

why not save his money and buy a couple of players for Leeds Utd?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Well we are yet to see the deal between Sky and BT, details are very thin on what it will actually entail other than Now TV over BT TV boxes.

If it's a standalone subscription over and above for Sky Sports subscribers then they're still in the market, just playing the game slightly differently. Probably cut price subscriptions and in turn Sky can sell it's whole sports/movies package via Now TV on the BT platform.

I do agree though that they are essentially agreeing to not aggressively increase the value they are paying for existing rights against each other.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Sky will be allowed to wholesale the BT Sport channels significantly cheaper than they are currently available for to those without BT Broadband in my opinion.

For HD it's currently over £30 which is extremely expensive.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Oh I agree it's ridiculously expensive, but BT aren't going to recover £400m p/a in Champions League rights (until 2021) and £300m p/a for Premiership rights (until 2022) easily reducing the price point by much on the Sky platform unless Sky decide to subsidise them to some extent. I suppose Sky are saving on their Premiership contract from next year, so there might be scope to subsidise BT from that money.

Optimistically Virgin might contribute £100m in their wholesale deal.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

In the absence of any deal to have Eleven on any major platform ahead of their biggest event one can only hope they go bust sooner rather than later.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

They have certainly missed a chance to get a new revenue stream. Their product is now devalued to third parties.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Disappointed with the fact Eleven hasn't launched in time for el classic. Does anyboby know why it didn't considering it was being tested recently?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Could be any multitude of reasons really. Probably money the most likely factor.

It’s also quite possible that the intention was to launch after this game, allowing Eleven to maximise their direct subs. The number of people likely to subscribe between tomorrow and the first UFC event is probably in the tens.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

With Barcelona winning 5-1 and Real now languishing in 9th, I would suggest a new manager for Real before long?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Seeing the same usual feedback from eleven sports subscribers today on social media. Stream going down and being minutes behind the live action.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Usual problem with streaming then!

Why would anyone subscribe to such a poor service?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I've no idea who Eleven even appeals to.

If you are one of the minority viewers of two La Liga games per season but doesn't want to pay for Sky Sports surely a Now TV day pass was more cost effective?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Old Boy would.;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

You are very wrong there, Den!

I think Raider is right, if the service is unreliable, people will not pay those prices. That, and the poor choice of sport currently, means that they are probably dead in the water without a wholesale deal, and a wholesale deal with VM will come with it a requirement for better quality and continuity of programming.

Buffering, stuttering and cut outs will have to be overcome before Virgin signs up, I would presume.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Good question.

It was meant to be sometime next year, but after hearing Comcast's latest earnings webcast last week which included the SKy boss too, I think there will be a "change" to the plans.

When Sky's IPTV service was first muted, more than two years ago now, Netflix had only really just entered the mainstream of life. Now, it dominates, as will other streamers.

This is only a guess, but as Comcast is keen to expand Sky's services into other European countries and with the rise of streamers only showing their own content in the future, I think Comcast will drop the idea.

I reckon Comcast will launch a global streaming app, perhaps called Sky, showing Sky/Universal/NBC stuff and the IPTV service will get axed. Comcast is keen on Now TV, so perhaps that might get expanded to a full IPTV service, but the winds have changed and I don't see it likely now.

What would be the point of launching a full IPTV service now, if the other media companies restrict their own content to their own streamers/channels? Very, very unlikely and I've been waiting years for it to launch, oh well.

---------- Post added at 10:49 ---------- Previous post was at 10:48 ----------

With Sky 2 and Real Lives getting axed, if Sky were to launch those +1 channels, they could use those slots.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Sky's CEO Jeremy Darroch said on an investors call that they intend to reduce the number of linear entertainment channels. No specific channel names were given.

Spreading rumours as if they were facts based purely on speculation is not helpful.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

That's nice, I subscribe to Eleven because I follow Serie A, apart from not showing every game I'm really happy with the service but yeah let's hope they go bust because Sky didn't want La Liga, makes loads of sense that

For what it's worth I watched most of the Clasico yesterday, as usual the PQ was perfectly fine on my TV via Chromecast and the stream was completely solid with zero buffering

Again I hear people saying the stream was behind real time but again I'm not sure how I would be aware of that just from watching the game

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Best way to check that the stream is behind real time is to check on Twitter as basically goals are up there as soon as they score and then compare that to your stream.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I haven't subscribed because I have little interest in sport, but I don't selfishly & spitefully hope that Eleven Sports go bust. There are investors, members of staff and customers like yourself (especially those who have paid in advance) to consider.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

If you are watching a live broadcast of a match why on earth would you look at Twitter to see if anyone has scored - look at the screen!:confused:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

He was talking about the stream possibly being behind real time and l advised him one of the ways you can check if the stream is behind the stream time.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I’m not obliged to hope every capitalist enterprise succeeds. Indeed the value of capitalism is that failure isn’t rewarded, allowing those who fail the opportunity to refocus their efforts elsewhere and those who succeed to continue.

Literally nobody believes they will break even with their current model.

They’re almost certainly now hoping Amazon but them as an easy mechanism to buy the rights they hold.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Or possibly sky decide to get the rights back on the cheap. Another alternative might be Premier Sports - but they seem to be stretching themselves a bit with purchasing the Pro-14 rights

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Not a chance given their current model.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

This is my point, if I'm watching a game I don't care if its 10, 30 or 60 seconds behind, it's just not something that enters my head

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Sky don’t reward failure.

---------- Post added at 21:41 ---------- Previous post was at 20:19 ----------

It’s neither selfish or spiteful to hope failing ventures do just that. It distorts markets when new entrants with no business model throw money around, fail, and leave others to pick up the tab.

The people to genuinely feel sorry for are those who lose their jobs at the companies who have credible business models, or if/when Eleven fail those clubs who spent money on the basis of that income that is never realised.

It took EFL clubs years to recover from budgeting in good faith on the basis of ITV Digital income that never came to pass.

I have no reason to sympathise with their investors any more than a gambler who loses money at a roulette wheel. They have their eyes open.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

No rumours being spread, just quoting what was said here:
https://www.a516digital.com/2018/10/...rtainment.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

If you read it carefully, it says:

'the names of the channels that he intends to cut were not revealed'

The editor of the website then speculates what he/she thinks might happen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

That’s a big ask! ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

It's always a shame when people are indifferent to the fate and losses of others should a particular venture fail, particularly when they actually hope that it will.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Such a laughable assertion. An organisation with a failing business model deserves to fail. One that actively pushes up prices for consumers even more so.

Investments aren’t noble, charitable contributions for the greater good of all mankind. They are gambles, like roulette or the 16:45 at Wolverhampton.

Your statement that it’s always a shame would presumably extend to government contractors such as Atos Healthcare, Capita and global weapons manufacturers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Media Boy HQ news in brief

-Radio Times has confirmed that Sky Cinema Drama will now become Sky Cinema Christmas from November 3rd until January.

-Also Sky Viewers are reporting that UKTV are testing Drama +1 on Astra UK.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Jeez, this must be non post of the year...........:rolleyes:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

The rebranding of Sky Movies is particularly tedious. It’s not even new content, it’s just repeats bundled together by theme/series/actor.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

They do the same every year..

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

All year every year! I wasn’t being Christmas specific.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Several times a year without fail but whether it attracts more viewers remains open to question.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Certainly keeps Media Boy HQ busy. ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

The problem with the streaming delay is slightly more complicated. You don’t always have to go out of your way to have it spoiled.

I subscribe to an online service to avoid the 3pm blackout in the UK. Often it’s a close call whether notifications from the BBC Sport app happen before the goal happens on my TV. Also friends can text or post to group chats who are either at the game or listening on the radio. The usual television delay of a few seconds generally isn’t enough to receive an app notification or text about the goal prior to it happening on screen.

(For the avoidance of doubt this is a legitimate service available to users outside the UK, bought from a registered company that holds the rights outside the UK, that pays appropriate taxes in it’s registered territory. My view is that rules set by football associations don’t supersede my rights to purchase goods and services across the European Union)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

All the same, I would be rather careful when it comes to splashing that information all over the internet forums. The fact that you pay an organisation to supply you with content that they do not have the right to provide to you is still unlawful, however you dress it up.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

It’s been tested at the European Court of Justice for domestic consumers. If as a UK national I moved to Germany and wanted to install a satellite dish to receive Sky UK broadcasts I’d be perfectly entitled to.

The copyright holders are placing restrictions in their contracts that are unlawful.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Ah yes, you are right, jfman, sorry!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

:D

Apologies. ;)

You are right for pubs and clubs, the ECJ specifically decided copyright law was more important in those cases and a commercial loss to the FAPL.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

When I’m watching a game I tend to watch the game rather than look at my phone to check for notifications which is why a slight delay doesn’t concern me

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Bad news for anyone expecting Eleven to launch one of the Foggy frequencies has been reconfigured so the full bandwidth is being used by the remaining channels.

Hopefully a sign of no deal and their demise can occur sooner rather than later, allowing the content to return to Sky/BT.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

https://advanced-television.com/2018...-on-virgin-tv/


Star Network has announced the launch of Star Plus HD and Star Gold HD on Virgin TV, available from November 1st.

Star Plus HD will be available on channel 803 and Star Gold HD will be available on channel 801 on Virgin TV.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Thanks for info.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Foggy1 has become Star Gold HD.

Edit: I should say “the space vacated by” as it disappeared about a week ago.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Looks garbage.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Their La Liga deal is 3 years. Eleven are an international organisation and have a foothold in many countries...I don't foresee a scenario where they go bust and free up the rights when still in contract?

Don't get me wrong, if were to happen tomorrow I'd welcome everything back to Sky/BT but surely they would have anticipated distribution issues.

I love LaLiga but refuse to sign up to laptop/tablet (delayed) football coverage as a matter of principal.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I wasn't particularly interested in the LaLiga change of home, but I was under the impression Sky dumped it as part of cost savings and Eleven simply saw the opportunity to add it to the collection of UK rights they were building for their new service as they were homeless. As such I don't think Sky are in any rush to get them back, it's not like they were outbid.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

l think it was more a case of what La Liga were asking for the rights and Sky felt they were not worth the figure they were quoted.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

You can substitute Eleven for Setanta and all of those statements held true at one point in time.

It would be reckless of Eleven if they haven’t isolated their operations in each territory from each other to ensure that losses in one wouldn’t bring the whole operation down.

There is often confusion that because an organisation is big, or profitable as a whole, it is willing to tolerate losses indefinitely. They aren’t, they are investors and each decision made on the basis of likelihood of returns in the medium to long term. Eleven in the UK requires hundreds of thousands of subscribers and the indication is it is falling far short. That position isn’t sustainable.

The fact the La Liga contract is three years makes them more likely to walk away rather than commit themselves to the accumulated losses for the whole period.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

You may be right, jfman, but it's early days. They still have to build up their sports rights so that their offering gains popularity. It's far too early to write them off yet, IMHO.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Well unless they suddenly get a huge spurt of customers its Adios Amigos IMO.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

If it’s not on the biggest platforms - yes that means retailing directly on Sky - I have no idea how that comes to pass with such minority interest content.

I don’t think the model is credible anyway, but you need to maximise your potential audience.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

l agree with all of what you said.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Further to my point, and it’s a small one, if they are to rely on app/casting models then my previous post above about the timing of notifications from the BBC etc is relevant.

It’s refresh to have constructive discussion though, yourself and OB are insightful in your thoughts on these matters.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

The red button app on Clubland TV appears to have broken yet again... as we have NOW 80s on 346 they should just add NOW 90s to 347 and Total Country to 348 then we would have all 4 of the AATW channels in the main TV Guide.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I thought that we would have gotten Now 90's on the EPG after the UKTV channels were pulled and they were scratting about looking for channels to fill up the blanks.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Sky Cinema reveal rebrands for Christmas Holidays:

December 2018:
18th. Sky Cinema Select HD & SD rename temporarily as Sky Cinema Classics.
27th. Sky Cinema Classics HD & SD rename temporarily as Sky Cinema Musicals
31st. Sky Cinema Christmas HD & SD revert to Sky Cinema Drama HD & SD.

January 2019:
1st. Sky Cinema Musicals HD & SD revert to Sky Cinema Select HD & SD

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Good to see Ofcom at last recognising that there is no longer any reason to bar pay-tv channels from being able to broadcast more adult material during the day, given the availability of pins.

https://www.a516digital.com/2018/11/...cted-post.html

Post-watershed TV programmes will be allowed to be broadcast earlier in the day following a decision by Ofcom.


The broadcast regulator confirmed today its decision to extend use of an audience safeguard called 'mandatory daytime protection', which requires some programmes to be unlocked using a PIN code.


Currently, Ofcom's Broadcasting Code already allows 15-rated films to broadcast during the day on premium pay TV channels and up to 18-rated films on pay-per-view channels, providing they are protected by a mandatory PIN code, which can't be bypassed or removed by viewers.

From 1st January 2019, this scheme will be extended to cover all other types of programme that would normally not be allowed to be shown on UK television channels before 9pm.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

That's going to be interesting - enough people complain about the Sky Cinema channels having a PIN you can't turn off as it is, let alone once 'normal' channels start asking for it as well!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

But is it not pretty simple to just remember a 4 digit number as surely that can't be too hard for TV viewers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

It's not no, but it's apparently the principle behind it.

For instance I believe someone had a different view on PINs not too long ago ;)
https://www.cableforum.uk/board/show...php?t=33705630

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

One is allowed to change their view though ;) as given that nowadays we seem to have to have a pin for many things we simply have to get used to it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I think the PIN is fine. If it means I can watch a 15 or 18 rated movie or program at any time of the day on broadcast TV.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I think the benefit here will be that we have a much better choice of daytime viewing. Fewer reality shows, maybe! You can always hope.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

l doubt it as they are cheap to make and fill up the morning and afternoon menus.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

But maybe repeats of good dramas screened in the evenings are even cheaper.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Most of those go on to their bouquet of channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I think Sky One, Sky Witness and Sky Atlantic could all do with a daytime makeover on the back of Ofcom's new stance. This must provide some good opportunities not previously open to them.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

l certainly think Sky One could do with a fair shake up as personally l find watching Sky Arts more engrossing then much of their stuff.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Pin protection is very annoying when it can’t be switched off, if you are in a household with no children. Particularly when you tune in a minute early, type in the Pin and then have to enter it again a minute later. The V6 also seems to have a bug where the Pin doesn’t work first time and needs to be entered again.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I've not experienced that bug. A re-boot of your V6 might help.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

It's there to protect themselves in all circumstances. You could have a child visit and switch on that particular channel and see something they shouldn't have and then complain to them about not having a PIN.

Not saying you would, but it could happen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Amended my post due to the bad English :td:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Look like MTV Xmas will be staying on MTV CLASSIC on Virgin Media Ireland this year.

But from November 9th MTV ROCKS will become VH1 Christmas.

Can anyone in Ex-NTL areas remember "Scuzz" here some sad news for anyone still in hope of Scuzz relaunching on Virgin Media.

Sky Viewers on the web is reporting that Sony (who now own Scuzz) will axe Scuzz from Astra UK on November 15th.

---------- Post added at 21:12 ---------- Previous post was at 20:57 ----------

Broadcastnow is reporting "Discovery set to swoop on Dave slot"

Broadcastnow think Discovery may put Quest on Dave channel number on Sky.

Under reported plans BBC will end up with GOLD, W and Drama.

Discovery will end up with UKTV's Lifestyle channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

What is the current situation with Eleven? It looked a deal was well on the way to being done a few weeks ago.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Seen nothing in weeks.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

http://investors.lionsgate.com/press...2018-213021279

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Starz, a Lionsgate company (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), announced today STARZPLAY will launch on Virgin Media in the UK on November 29.

The STARZPLAY premium streaming service will give Virgin TV customers in the UK the opportunity to watch STARZ series all in one place, with future STARZ Originals launching exclusively on STARZPLAY on the same day as the U.S., including season two of "Counterpart" starring Academy Award®-winner J.K. Simmons.

The latest Subscription Video on Demand service available to Virgin TV subscribers, STARZPLAY offers access to a vast library of additional content including popular series such as "Vida," "Sweetbitter," "The White Princess" and "Mr. Mercedes" as well as an extensive movie library featuring favorites like The Hunger Games at the touch of a button, for only £4.99 a month.

STARZPLAY is now available on Virgin Media in the UK and Amazon Prime Video Channels in the UK and Germany, as well as in Canada under the STARZ brand with upcoming launches in France, Italy and Spain.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Now, that's more like it! Good find, Batchain!

Still waiting for Amazon, though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

A lot of the Starz originals already seem to be shown on Netlflix and Amazon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Don't think we will be getting this now

https://www.loudersound.com/news/scuzz-tv-is-closing

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Yup, and I for one will not be subscribing to another service.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Same here. It wouldn't be a bad little add on for those on top package but another £4.99 isn't worth it for me

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Surprised they haven't tried to incorporate it into the top package. I probably wouldn't have watch much, but definitely won't be paying an additional £4.99

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I totally agree. I can't see many paying for this

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Certainly not this household.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Looking to cut my monthly tv spend not increase it so will not be taking up this offer.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Not for me, we have access to Netflix and Amazon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Just what the market needs: another streamer...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Nowt wrong with having more choice, IMHO.

It is also a cheaper alternative than either Netflix or Amazon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Cheaper it might be but Amazon and Netflix offer far better value and much more content.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

Yes, they do, but some would be very happy with Starz content at this price.

You don't have to subscribe to every streamed service anyway. We can pick and choose.

And if VM do a wholesale deal as they have with BT for its sports programmes and also Hayu, that would be even better.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018)
 

I don't have anything against more choice per se.

However you could end up in a ridiculous situation where content splinters so much that only a tiny number of people benefit from 'new' entrants offering near similar products.

In a hypothetical scenario if all of the major content companies (Disney, Viacom, etc) decide they'd prefer to market their own content at £6-8 per month the vast majority of people would be worse off overall than the status quo.

If Virgin, Sky etc can wholesale the content and an additional standalone service is offered, then that's the best of both worlds. However I fear the streaming future is just going to leave the vast majority paying for a basic TV service, plus three or four add ons, to be worse off while trying to maintain the same quantity/quality of content they have at the minute.

In reality for those who don't want to pay huge amounts the choices have never been better with Netflix, Amazon and Now TV.

I'm not sure what value Lionsgate, Disney, Viacom, etc. would bring to the market with separate standalone offerings that aren't bundled with Sky, Virgin etc.