Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Indeed ET and the penalty shootout that's just finished :)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

What exactly do you mean by "watching other people play sport!" ?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

To my mind, Max, if you are playing yourself, it can be fun. But warching others play is just boring.

I know that there are many, many others who do not feel the same, but hey, I was born this way!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

More original content on the cards if Amazon acquire Lionsgate.

http://www.csimagazine.com/csi/Amazo...Lions-Gate.php

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

What are the shows that would be shown, OB?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The TV side of Lionsgate has produced Nashville, Anger Management, The Dead Zone, Five Days to Midnight, Weeds, Nurse Jackie, Boss, Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Mad Men, for example. I don't know what is currently in production.

On the films side, they own many thousands of films including Army of One, Total Recall, On Golden Pond, The Hunger Games and the Rambo series.

Incidentally, they also own Starz, so those shows will be available too.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Ok thanks OB, the only thing I see there that I have watched is Mad Men, which was excellent.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Malone and Discovery also have a decent stake in Lionsgate.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Very true. Unfortunately, VM subscribers appear not to have benefited from that.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If the contracts and shows are already with other networks and providers there is not much VM can do at the moment.
People need to remember just because a company takes over another company, the buying company does not automatically gain rights of shows/movies if contracts are already in place with other providers.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I asked this question in another thread but didn't receive a reply and I have to admit I'm only asking out of curiosity rather than any desire to switch equipment.
Can anyone who has a top tier Netflix subscription, a V6 box and compatible TV tell me if Netflix's 4K content on the V6 also displays with Dolby Vision or is it just 4K resolution on its own?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Just logged into my Netflix account and noticed all the extra profiles have disappeared including the the default kids one. I've had to create new ones but any history on them has gone.
Has this happened to any one else? The account holder profile was unaffected.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Any finding that Amazon Prime is not switching to HDR for The Grand Tour?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

On my LG TV's webOS app it doesn't switch on HDR if I view it from my watchlist,
but it does if I view it from the separate 4K section.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I have a 4K HDR ready TV and the pq on amazon for 4K is terrible, very dark, they've had loads of complaints about it, I don't have any issues when viewing Netflix or any YouTube 4K content.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It has been like that on all my devices - but today it will not switch to HDR for any HDR programme. All was good on Thursday.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sounds to me like a temporary glitch. I certainly hope so.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I've not experienced that, out of interest what are you using to play Amazon 4K content?

On my TV the webOS app is perfect for 4K HDR content from Amazon,
and my Fire TV box also plays their 4K content perfectly without being very dark, colour seems a bit washed out from the Fire TV in comparison to the LG app but that's understandable as its displaying 4K without HDR.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix tunes into subscriber surge

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42779953

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sky takes on Netflix and Amazon with cheaper streaming

https://www.theguardian.com/business...wnload-service

---------- Post added at 11:11 ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 ----------

Now TV to go to full HD

http://www.a516digital.com/2018/01/n...ality.html?m=1

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well that's good news, especially for sport. Fingers crossed it's on devices like PS4 and not just their own boxes.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Interesting.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Unless they also up the framerate from 25 fps to 50 fps the increase in resolution wont make much difference to sport on Now TV.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think VM has some Starz shows as exclusive on-demand doesn't it?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I know they have Ash v Evil Dead, but I thought that was a one-off deal.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The plug in stick would be useful, but would it work, as they have said, on any TV?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

VM talks of a partnership here but I don't know how much content it spans.
http://www.virginmedia.com/corporate...gin-media.html

It looks like The Rook is also part of a partnership between Lionsgate and Liberty Global
http://variety.com/2017/tv/global/st...ok-1202509572/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

....just as a direct follow on from that, AMC has teamed up with John Malone's Charter cableco to allow them first digs at new AMC shows:

https://www.thetripleplay.net/blog/c...-amc-networks/

And I was going to post all this in my John Malone thread, as its all related to the current wave of media mergers, but here's a few other titbits of news:

Discovery, Viacom and AMC join up to launch Philo, their own streaming service:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/...mor/856269001/

Discovery teams up with the Germans to launch streaming service and the exec from the German company becomes Discovery's no 2 man (join the dots...):

http://variety.com/2018/digital/news...tv-1202685290/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ne...els-cfo-934868

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Interesting. Nice to see more concentration on content - I assume that VM viewers will benefit. We shall soon see as 2018 was the date the new shows were going to start coming through. Maybe we are not so dependent on BT for AMC shows in the future after all!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

In a last minute move Netflix have added the new Cloverfield movie to their service today.

It was planned to hit cinemas in March or April I think.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think its more than just concentration of content, but concentration of companies.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes their rather colourful reply to a tweet announcing this last night was a little expletive for a highly big brand.

https://mobile.twitter.com/netflix/s...10934198603781

Caution: Strong language.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Very strong wording but then I guess they just used the words of the previous tweet. Trying to be funny.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

NOW TV hikes the price of Sky Sports day pass and week pass

https://www.cable.co.uk/news/now-tv-...ass-700002250/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Filmstruck UK has launched in association with Curzon. I wonder if we might get an app alongside the Curzon app

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That's what I hoped would happen!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Oh that would be great! All the films shown in Curzon could appear on Filmstruck first.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

They have their own individual film libraries as I understand it and can co-exist together.

https://www.engadget.com/2018/01/22/...uck-curzon-uk/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix coming to Sky , bundled as well


https://www.skygroup.sky/corporate/m...an-partnership

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So those who thought that these companies could not work together must be choking on their tea and biscuits this morning.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Also being added as a standalone app to the Now TV box.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

At last, Sky have seen the light. Virgin need to add Amazon and lots more apps to the V6 to keep ahead in this area.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Could be a two-edged sword.

Most People have a finite amount of money to spend on entertainment. Adding apps that cost money to get streamed content might make VM customers reduce their VM TV package - on the other hand not having the apps might make people leave.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Although that is a concern, I think that offering apps on the Sky and Virgin Media platforms is the way to go. It's what people want and it is such features that will attract customers. Price structuring is important, so for example you could say that the video apps (apart from existing on demand and catch up services) are only available to Full House subscribers.

Now that Sky have seen the light and are adding Netflix to Sky Q, Virgin Media needs to get its act together by getting Amazon and other apps on its system.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's nothing to do with seeing the light Sky is a content provider where in the main Virgin just resell others content this makes it easier to add other competing services.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Then VM are going to have to change. As OB has said streaming is the future, that is what the younger end (future income) want. If VM can't get on board with that then they will suffer.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Now Amazon have added channels to the Prime app, albeit with an added subscription, i can't see VM having it.

Unless Amazon agreed to remove their channels to get on the box but i can't see that TBH.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

OK, don't forget SKY are moving to a streaming platform, that'll leave VM dead in the water.

That said could this be why VM are looking to release DOCSIS 3.1?? More bandwidth which would suit streaming by more users?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Of course it is. This is a major change in strategy for Sky, who saw the likes of Netflix only as competitors. Over this last few months they have completely changed tack and now they are facing up to the fact that their existing model cannot form part of their long term strategy.

In future, all content will be on demand, not through the hundreds of pay channels Sky currently offer. In the future the choice will be between Sky's own on demand/streaming services and other subscription, pay per view and ads financed on demand/catch up services.

I know that not everyone likes that idea, but this is the future, and those companies that don't embrace it will not be here in a decade or so.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Any idea when this future will arrive 2020, 2030, 2100 ?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The BBC think within 15 years. That's what they are basing their strategy on.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Why do you think Sky moving to a streaming platform will leave VM dead in the water?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

What will VM have to offer to counter it? Same,old, same old unless they also embrace it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Depends what their model is based on, from what I can gather the mark up on the TV side is not great, whereas their mark up on broadband and telephone is very good as its their own network. You also need a vehicle to deliver any streaming service and they have that, so you could see a world where consumers take a Sky streaming service but VM broadband to deliver it?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But VM already have a deal with Netflix, they also own all their infrastructure.
Sky have to use other peoples infrastructure and are reliant on others to deliver their online services.
VM are also in the process of commissioning their own content.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So Sky is planning to catch up with Virgin by adding integrated Netflix. Virgin have had that for quite some time. OK, they're going to be offering bundle prices, Which VM don't do. That can only be judged advantage/disadvantage wise when the bundle prices are known.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

They will embrace it, too, pip. After all, the number of traditional channels will start the big decline in a few years.

VM have been one of the leaders in this thinking but tend to make slow progress, and Sky have now caught up. So Virgin need to get tons more apps, including Amazon, double quick to avoid getting left behind.

---------- Post added at 17:00 ---------- Previous post was at 16:57 ----------

I wouldn't be surprised if Sky, Virgin Media and BT all offered bundles including streaming services from Netflix, Amazon and other subscription streaming services in time, PB. It makes perfect sense.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No they haven't. According to the press release, Netflix will launch on Sky "in the coming year". Meanwhile VM have 3 million Netflix-enabled customers right now.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The potential demise of Virgin Media has been greatly exaggerated...

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well, true, let's say they are almost there. It doesn't take away from the point that they need to get Amazon to keep ahead of the game.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

They will get what they believe is right for the future for Virgin Media.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Let's hope they do, those of us with an interest in seeing VM survive into the coming decades.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Any reason why they won't survive?.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

If they do not keep up, they will not survive. I am not staying with them if they fall behind, and nor will many others just stay put regardless of developments elsewhere.

I've already ditched my Sky Cinema channels with Virgin because I watch films on demand, and many from Sky are only in SD. I use Now TV for that now, and their 720p HD is better.

A big share of my regular viewing is now with Netflix, Amazon and Now TV. If Sky gets Amazon and Virgin doesn't, that will be it for me, I think. It wouldn't take a lot for me to move to Sky now, and yet just a couple of years ago, nothing would have been further from my mind.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Virgin will get Amazon, much more UHD content and more Virgin exclusives this year, which will definitely keep me as a VM subscriber, at least for the time being.

I am sure I'm not alone in saying this.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Agreed. Anyone would have thought that VM hadn't got Netflix yet.
That being said, Netflix was the key TV offering that VM had that Sky didn't apart from some adhoc on-demand content.
Sky is remedying this but I've heard of no plans for VM to get Atlantic, unlike BT which will have it next year via Now TV. Maybe something is possible with Amazon Prime if Amazon is willing to forgo its linear channels or maybe VM will be acquired by Comcast if it doesn't win Sky.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Amazon doesn't have to forgo its linear channels if only Full House subscribers are permitted access to the video apps.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But that means that some Prime customers can access the app and some can't which reduces the benefits of having the app as the development costs will be spread across fewer users.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

When you say get Amazon, do you mean as an app, I have VM but also a fire stick for Amazon?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I agree any Amazon app appearing on VM would need to be watered down, in my opinion just Prime Video would work for VM.

Seeing as VM have only just launched VM store then it would be silly to add direct competition onto the same box. You could say buying a movie or show through Amazon is a better option if it's the same price as it can be viewed on multiple devices

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

..as can material bought on the VM Store, up to 5 devices.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Fair Point but I'd much rather have Amazon. I've said before I prefer their device limit model for streaming, unlimited devices but only two streaming at once.

5 devices is an improvement on 2 on VM Go but still may not suit a typical family of four with differing tastes in what to watch. There are now so many devices in households with smartphones, tablets, PCs, laptops and VM Boxes that I think some may find a 5 limit an issue

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It's not a problem. You already have such conflicts between Virgin Movies and Netflix. I don't favour a watered down Amazon, that is not necessary.

I want to be able to search for something on my V6 and have a good chance of locating what I'm looking for, whether on Sky, on demand, Virgin Movies, other channels on the EPG, Netflix or Amazon.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Virgin Media want to be multi-SVOD aggregator but rules out deal with Amazon.

http://www.v-net.tv/2018/03/09/its-o...d-aggregators/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think he's talking bollox!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Any reason why you think that MM?,

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes, all the other evidence about how popular streaming is would seem to suggest that.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It suggest that.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Honestly! What a perverse attitude in this world of rapidly growing SVOD streaming. Even the BBC, whom I'd have thought were more backward looking, have acknowledged that streaming will take over from traditional broadcasts within the next 15 years. This is Virgin's opportunity to get ahead of the game, but it now looks as though Sky will beat them to it. Same old, same old.

Patience is beginning to wear very thin now. :mad:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Well instead of procrastinating continuously for the last few years OB there is something called freedom of choice...

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

The choice I want hasn't come about yet, Den.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Perhaps it never will...

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sorry OB, I really don't understand why you are constantly moaning about lack of Amazon video on Tivo. You have a thirty five quid stick that gets you exactly what you want.


You've previously mentioned about leaving VM, if they don't get Amazon video. So, you'd be leaving VM, because they don't have something that you've already got? :confused:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I am looking at this from a number of perspectives, passingbat. From a personal perspective, yes, I can already get Amazon on other devices, but I don't want to be conducting multiple searches to locate what I am looking for. At present, if the show I'm after is on Nerflix or the BBC i-Player, a search on the V6 will locate it, but if it's on Amazon or any other streaming service, it won't. I don't want to be searching a lot of different sites to find what I'm trying to hunt out.

Secondly, once you find something on TV that you like, how do you ensure you don't forget to watch it at a later date? Well, for anything taken from the EPG channels, you simply record it. If it's on demand, the i-Player or Netflix, I can bookmark it. But for the streaming services not available on the V6, you have to put the programme on your watchlist, and each service has its own watchlist. So I don't want to be looking at lots of different lists to find the programmes I've identified.

Thirdly, from a VM business perspective, surely it makes sense to offer a whole range of good SVOD services. If the V6 was seen as an excellent streaming box, it would be extremely popular and draw more people into VM's system. The more subscribers VM gets, the more money they will have to spend on content and technology while keeping prices down. Of Sky, BT, Virgin Media, Talk Talk and the rest, VM is my preferred platform, but I do worry that it may succomb to the competition in the foreseeable future. To my mind, having a nice range of SVOD services on the V6 will stand the company in good stead and would be an even better alternative to Sky, the main player in the industry.

The way things seem to be going, Sky will beat VM to the post with Amazon and VM will have to play catch up - again.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l doubt whether Sky will get Amazon OB..

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Nothing there that is even a minor issue for me at all, but if it upsets you so much, being that you now have a definitive answer re Amazon, I guess the path ahead for you is to leave VM.


I suspect you will never find a supplier that meets all your requirements though.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not IMO.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Even more reason to believe that Mike Fries has got it wrong about Amazon.

https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018...rvice-by-2022/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

A quick heads up for any Now TV customers and movie fans amongst the nice CF user base,
Argos are currently selling off 2nd gen Now TV boxes with a 4 month movie pass for £24:99

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7471931

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I would certainly subscribe to YouTube Red if it meant I could watch music videos without interruption from ads.

However, the news that they are increasing advertising to encourage people to subscribe is annoying. I just hope they don't start doing this over here before YouTube Red is launched in the UK.

http://www.digitaltveurope.com/2018/...-music-videos/

---------- Post added at 13:10 ---------- Previous post was at 13:04 ----------

I was also pleased to see that the comedy genre is about to be covered by a dedicated streaming service.

http://www.digitaltveurope.com/2018/...outfit-nextup/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

https://www.rapidtvnews.com/20180329...#axzz5B99lDhDh

Interesting stuff here. The BBC i-Player is the very best of the catch up services available, but it now it has to evolve towards the Netflix/Amazon kind of model in order to survive in the new digital world.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Are the movie channels on Now TV on demand only or do you get linear as well?

Do you have to put in a PIN during the day as with VM?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Linear and on-demand except on YouView which is on-demand only.
No PIN required.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thanks Andrew.

On Sky & VM you have to keep putting in a PIN for most films during the day every time you change film channel or watch a recording. Not sure if on demand requires this during the day as i've only ever used it at night.

It's a PITA, but, apparently, it is an Ofcom requirement. Perhaps Ofcom have no jurisdiction over streaming services?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Ofcom say:
(From https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/asse...sting-Code.pdf)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Virgin Media could be that supplier.

http://telecoms.com/487352/virgin-me...ds-to-do-more/


VM now finds itself asking the same question as a lot of telcos staring at the world of content; where do we fit in? Those who have tried to crack the content ownership so far have largely failed, though looking across to Continental Europe, Deutsche Telekom has shown there is value in the role of content aggregator. VM does seem to be heading down that direction, and we think it is a very sensible idea.

“Virgin Media has the opportunity to leverage its superfast broadband assets to deliver a good content experience for the consumer,” said Paolo Pescatore of CCS Insight.

“There are more than a hundred streaming services in the US who will be looking for a way to engage European audiences before too long. Being the aggregator, or a shop-window, is a very sensible idea, but Virgin Media needs to do more.”

Being a content aggregator is a very logical move for a telco. It has an existing relationship with the consumer, offers connectivity at home and on the move and is a lower-risk entry to the world of content. Virgin Media has shown it can do it with a partnership with Netflix, but it will need to develop more of these relationships if it is going to be a heavyweight.

That said, last year’s introduction of the V6 box, the partnership with Netflix and other exclusive box set deals, does seem to have made an impact on subscriber numbers. Over the last four quarters, the total number of TV subscribers has risen; 4,033,900 (Q4 2016), 4,073,200 (Q1 2017), 4,106,300 (Q2 2017) and 4,119,600 (Q3 2017). The trend is heading the right direction.

That said, content is a tricky game to play in as there are so many options. Trying to pick the next Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones could be considered pot luck, but the OTTs are doing it too often for this to be considered a coincidence.

“The telcos don’t have the same luxury as the OTTs,” said Pescatore. “Netflix has been in this world for quite a while and has the data available to understand what customers want. This insight makes buying decisions for content much easier and removes a notable amount of risk.

“The telcos will get there eventually, but they need the data first. Being an aggregator allows them to collect this data without taking the risk of spending on content.

“Most consumers also have two or three streaming services, meaning finding content can be a nightmare, there are so many windows and search engines. Having a smooth interface where all content is collected for the consumer provides a solution to a problem which is out there right now.”

It can be frustrating having to sign into a different browser and beginning the search process over again. DT’s Stream On shows that if you can develop relationships and bring all the content into one place, you are providing a valued service to the consumer. It is a logical place for the telcos to begin their content journey; consumers generally only have one connectivity provider, so take advantage of that streamlined view and bring all the content into one app.

The aggregator route is certainly a sensible one for VM to take, as while it is a sensible place to enter the value chain, it will also provide insight for any original content decisions which could be made down the road. It is also low-risk, something all the unadventurous telcos like to hear.

This is a good move from VM, but it can’t rely solely on a partnership with Netflix and the bog-standard UK TV channels; it needs to do more to bring in exciting content partners.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Just About to cancel Now TV entertainment pass and they have offered us the next 4 months for just over £13.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That's pretty common when I had the Cinema Pass they did that several times.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

l will try the same trick in 4 months then MM.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Don't cancel before you see season 7 of Game of Thrones, Den!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And what date does that come on OB?.