Sky Channels on NTL
 

Sky is threatening to pull its channels off the ntl:Telewest platform over a dispute about carriage fees.

It is believed that Sky is demanding better terms for cable’s carriage of Sky channels such as Sky One, Sky News and Sky Sports News.

According to Media Week, the UK's biggest satellite company had slashed the amount it was offering for carriage of cable channels, such as Living and Bravo, which are part of Sky’s subscription package.

There is speculation that Sky may threaten to withdraw channels such as Sky One from the cable platform if it does not get what it wants from negotiations.

Source: Media Week

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Just out of interest what prevents Sky from puling Sky 1, sky sports movies etc etc from its rivals. If i was with telewest and coulnt not get sky 1 or sky sports id jump ship straight away.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Sky have become increasingly irritating over the last few months. They have become very fierce and aggressive. Blocking the ntl and ITV takeover, blocking ntl from promoting the rebranding, by buying up advertising spaces.

Now they are threatening to pull the Sky channels, this is a typical 'throw your toys out the pram', attitude. Grow up Mr Murdoch.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

:mad: Mr Murdoch has been really annoying these past months.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

It seems to me that Sky are finally taking Virgin media as a serious competitor.

They seem to be trying to assert themselves by offering broadband and re-negotiating the fees for carrying/supplying channels.

Could make for interesting times - but I'm going to be sitting on the fence, as a Sky customer with NTL phone/broadband....

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Somehow i think Mr Branson has put the fear of god into $ky. why else would they be throwing there teddies about. $ky have had it easy far to long. I hope to see the day when $ky get a good smack in the face. :)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Ditto.

My wife only watches Living TV or UK TV or something like that, losing Sky One would save me money as i only use the net / DVDs and video games. All my main TV comes from rental of DVDs.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

don't parts of ntl/telewest/virgin own other channels so surely if sky pull sky from ntl/telewest, then sky will also lose ntl/telewest/virgin channels?

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

What channels do Virgin own?

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

http://www.flextech.co.uk/

and they were(may still be) Partners in the UK TV channels every thing named UK *'* The BBC repeats channels cant see those dropping from the Astra Digital unless they own 51% shares of them.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

ntl Telewest 50% own
UKTV GOLD
UKTV GOLD + 1
UKTV G2
UKTV G2 + 1
UKTV DRAMA
UKTV DRAMA + 1
UKTV PEOPLE
UKTV HISTORY
UKTV HISTORY + 1
UKTV GARDENS
UKTV FOOD
UKTV STYLE
UKTV STYLE + 1
UKTV BRIGHT IDEAS
UKTV DOCUMENTARY
UKTV DOCUMENTARY + 1

But they own
FTN
LIVINGtv
LIVINGtv + 1
LIVINGtv 2
BRAVO
BRAVO +1
BRAVO 2
TROUBLE
Bid tv
price-drop tv
Speed auction tv

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I could live without Sky channels. Sky one should be called "Sky Simpsons" anyhow.
Skys unhealthy monopoly on sport is their one and only flag bearer.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

At least that's a reduced monopoly now.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

The behaviour of sky, while questionable, is no different to tesco on the high street, buying up land with no intention of future development, just to stop a competitor.
What about the small retailer? there are not a lot of people up in arms about that.
But I do see it as a sign that sky are trying to flex some more muscle, but again I see it no different to tesco.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I don't think you can really compare the two. Although Tesco may have to odd less than ethical practice, they are in a market that has a lot of true competition.

Sky meanwhile are engaging in these less than ethical practices in order to stop anyone from being able to truely compete with them.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

The competition may be there now, come back in 5 maybe 10 years time and there will be a different story, as I see it the aims of sky are similar to tesco, to be number one, with tesco if this means the small retailer going to the wall it is seen by them as business.
Look back over the past ten years to the amount of stores they had then, then have a look now.
I just think that all companies are as bad as each other when it comes to making money.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

the tesco scenario is slightly different, if sky remove channels from ntl, who else can you use to watch sky channels (except sky)? with tesco, they aren't building shops and removing other companies shops so the option of not going to tesco is and always will be there

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Is it not like Tesco own brand products though? ;)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

As a side note, who sold BSB (a company that, IMO, if properly handled could have severly damaged Sky) to Murdoch? Oh, that's right. Richard Branson.

However, something may have happned. Sky do appear to be scared.

---------- Post added at 12:59 ---------- Previous post was at 12:57 ----------

Tescos can't (and don't) do that directly. However, they are large enough that they can make conditions extremely difficult for other shops to trade (and I'm not just talking about the small retailers either, HMV have been complaining).

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

:bigcry: I only pay for NTL TV to watch Sky1... :bigcry:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I think your OK, this does look like a lot of hot air, and a very typical bargaining chip being played.

Sky can't afford a drop of about 3M in viewing figures, it would cripple their advertising revenue, which could then meen less cash in the pot for purchasing new programs.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Virgin withdrew from the BSB consortium long before BSB merged with SKY.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I take it you don't have a phone line from them either. Sky One is on their free package

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

All i see from this is $ky running scared. Why else would they resort to these tactics.

At last someone that has put the fear of god in to $ky :clap::clap::clap:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

According to Private Eye, it was, however, either that act or something else Richard Branson did that triggered the merger.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

As much as I enjoy Sky One (especially recently, with reruns of Bones which I really like), if I was given the ultimatum of losing either Sky One or Bravo, I would keep Bravo - [Adult Swim] is too good to let go :D

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Perhaps we will see Sky Clubcard Points?:D

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Well, I would be sorry to see Sky One go.....but, lets face it, there are, urm, other ways to 'acquire' Sky One's content :erm: - and sooner than Sky get it, minus the adverts.

The only true loss for me then is Sky Sports. At least I would save around £25 per month, and looking ahead to the next football season (being a Coventry City fan I want this season over now), there's always Sentena Sports at £15 per month. Withdrawing Sky Sports from Virgin could backfire on Sky in a BIG way then - how many Cable footy fans would go crawling back to Sky Sports when its finally put back on for Virgin Media customers?

No doubt about it. Sky's worse nightmare finally is coming true. Cable is finally getting its act together, and Sky are ****ting themselves. Its worth re-branding NTL Telewest for that alone. :tu:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Excellent post :tu:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Isn't there some clause with the broadcasting watchdog that sky have to give cable certain channels so there is not a monopoly. If so could this just be hot air blown by SKY

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Yes, and probably yes :)

I've mentioned this in a previous post, this is all about Sky making a lot of noise before the rebrand. Whilst they would dearly love to shove one up Virginmedia, they still have certain obligations, including offering Sky to its competitors.

Simply put, the gloves are off. It's like all the retoric you see in those crappy WWF fights, trash talk first, then watching a "fight" where the outcome has already been decided by the powers that be. :)

Sky can afford to purchase the big syndicated programs like BSG, SG1, Lost and the others becuase they have strong advertising revenues. They cannot afford to loose a potential advertising base of 2-3 million subscribers by pulling the switch on a deal with Virginmedia.

Bring on the rebrand, they don't like it up em!

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

With the talk of subscribers lost if sky pulled the plug with NTL how many NTL subscribers would simply go for sky?
You can guarantee that if sky pulled the plug over the weekend, talking extreme now ;) on monday would NTL tv customers just get onto sky for their tv services? for all the anti sky talk I bet there are people here who would ;)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

No doubt some would leave, but i think Sky forgets the reason there are a few million people with NTL and freeview is the most popular TV service... Price.

I wouldn't leave even though i like Sky One. NTL have always bettered their price with me, i will never pay Sky Prices. If Sky go down this route then it is inevitable that prices will rise further for Sky customers because of the lost revenue from NTL. It's a matter if simple economics. Shareholders won't be happy with less money.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I think a few would go, but it will be a trickle.

As one poster said though, the programs that he watches on Sky can be obtained by other means, so it may not be a great loss :)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

If Sky decided to stop offering their channels to ntl, I would still stick with ntl. The reason I didn't get Sky in the first place is because I didn't want to put a dish up on the side of my house and ntl worked out cheaper with the value pack.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I would not be moving. The problems i have had with my $ky+ box and the arrogant attitude of $ky about there repairs has ensured that i NEVER let them across my doors again.

3 weeks for a engineer to attend my house to fix my box is horrendously long
Customer Service in India
Wanting to replace my Thomson 160 box which i paid for with a crappy Amstrad.
Then when i refused to let them give me a Amstrad they tried to charge me for there call out.
I now have no faith in the new box and it sits in a corner collecting dust having cancelled my $ky subscription.

Bring on the TV Drive at the end of this month. :)

Every episode of Stargate can be obtained elsewhere and before $ky has them. The only programs i watch on $ky One are Stargate or Atlantis that's it so no great lose there :)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I'm surprised you had Sky seeing as your an ntl employee.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/3138

^^^ Sky running scared; Planning to move in quad-play? Didn't they say a while ago that there was no point in offering quad-play?

This is the same company who couldn't see the point of NTL buyng ITV, and then brought 20% for themselves. Nothing to do with blocking competition, no siree. :rolleyes:

I'll post Sky some toilet paper. Sounds like they need some.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I needed a pvr and $ky had one NTL did not. To be honest it was a bad move the dam thing never worked fully from the day it was installed. So i am now willing to wait for NTL's TV Drive. Se if that is any better. As long as it records when it should, Does not say it has recorded then tell you it has not, Does not go to crap when there is even a warning of rain or hi winds then NTL's box should be ok. :)

Oh and just because i work for them does not mean i have to use there service or have to rub up to them. If they mess up i soon start to complain just like everyone else. :LOL:

---------- Post added at 14:50 ---------- Previous post was at 14:48 ----------

Indeed :)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

A disagreement over Sky channels....... Cable doesn't have any of sky's HD channels yet, I bet that's where the real arguement over pricing is at.......

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

A side topic for Bill, Stargate SG1 is no longer airing state side it airs in the UK first. Atlantis airs in canada first if you like that.

What happened to Cable only channels did Sky crush them as i remember them along time ago but cant remember the reason they stopped.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

what is tv drive, and as for working for ntl and using sky i worked for a well known multiple and shopped in another, they paid my wages but i spent them how i wanted, lol

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Tv Drive is similar to Sky+ i believe. http://www.telewest.co.uk/html/tvdrive/index.html

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

nah man if sky was 2 pull channels frm telwst id miss simpsons lol

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Just hot air. Sky's usual bully tactics, this isnt the first time this rumour has gone around. No way sky would remove up to 3 million viewers from viewing their content and most importantly advertisers, would kill their revenue. BTW on another note why isnt Sky Three on ntl?? It is afterall on freeview!

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I don't think they would be allowed to.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

it'd never happen as it'd be referred to the competition commission re sky's ownership of the channel and the platform being used to assert an act of unfair competition or something like that!

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I think Virgin would look very silly if customers on the VIP pack like myself suddenly found themselves without Sky Movies and Sports channels one morning.

Sky would also look very silly explaining to advertisers why 3.3 million Cable TV viewers are no longer seeing their adverts on all Sky channels. :p:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

actually the more I think about it the more I think SKY would be shooting themselves in the foot as the channels they offer wouldnt be missed that much anyway. if you remember a few years back ITV wouldn't allow their channel on the sky platform and we just accepted they were being pathetic and ignored it - then as soon as 'ITV digital' went down the pan they allowed their channel to be on sky boxes.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

There's also the footy on the (much cheaper) Setanta Sports for next season. If Sky did remove their channels, they risk Cable TV footy fans like myself not coming back to Sky Sports when they made it available again.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

we had this last time i don't think anything we come of it if it did sky would be the loser

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

whats a vip pack? do you have a red carpet to your stb?

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Nope, :), its this:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...php?t=33607298

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

New top package which gives you the top broadband, phone and TV packages plus the TV Drive and extra STB for around £85 if memory serves. £37 a month discount off the normal prices for those packages I think it works out at..

---------- Post added at 11:48 ---------- Previous post was at 11:47 ----------

Bah, forgot about the movies and sports in there too! Thanks Chris :)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

its not as galmorous as the virgin air vip pack though. still sounds like a bargain!

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Why haven't they put the VIP pack on the ntl website yet?

Seeing as Virgin Media are trying to push quad-play I would have thought you would get Virgin Mobile in that pack as well.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Maybe there will be a 'Super VIP' pack which will include that.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Bye Bye Sky One?
http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcas...006080,00.html

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Not working you need to register.:banghead:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I can't be without sky one 24 and lost are two of my favourite shows on tv

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2005873,00.html i think this is the link ?

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I'd be surprised if Sky One did go. Sky would lose a lot of revenue.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Will FreeView keep SkyOne? If so i would consider canceling my NTL TV (Keeping Phone/NET) and get a freeview box.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Freeview doesn't have Sky One but it does have Sky Three, which is like Sky One but about 12 months behind.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Oh dear, that wouldn't be good. :(

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Sky One would be no loss at all to me - They have a lot of drivel on that channel anyway. I started watching Lost when it was on Channel 4 / E4 but now I stopped watching it because I just felt it was far too long and drawn out.

Let Sky have their crap channels back and lets face it their movie ones too, because all they do is play repeated cheap rubbish anyway.

Before the rebrand I would of said ntl would of been in a lot of trouble to losing out the Sky channels (If indeed they do lose them anyway) but with a serious multi billionaire investor at the helm (Sir Richard Branson) I cannot see why Virgin shouldn't launch their own channels. V Movies? VOne? Etc.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Ditto.

Not a big loss to me as I never watch it, but very important to some I can imagine.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

i would miss the simpsons and futurama but the other tosh can go

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

All the loss of Sky One and such like would achieve is loss of advertising revenue to Sky, and to drive many into increased leeching from the internet.

Interesting that that Guardina Article suggests that premium channels, such as Sports are that dominant they couldn't be removed for fear of government action. Presumably that applies to the movies channels too?

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

SkyOne would be no loss to me at all. I can get all the crap off SkyOne from other means ;)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

looks like some people are pulling the plug on sky

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/dms...money.com/news

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I think it might be dangerous for BskyB to assume that witholding channels from other carriers will result in increased business for BskyB?

For example, preventing VirginMedia from carrying any BskyB content would likely result in my preference shifting to Freeview, I don't have sports channels subscribed, I wouldn't miss the movie channels, and there are other ways to access content from Sky1???

- In my opinion they have to work out a way to compete, but still co-operate, otherwise they could both start losing subscribers???

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Then register. Its free. :)

Hell, here most of the article:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Hello Virgin, goodbye Sky channels, goodbye contract. Hello Sky+.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

SKY get the income from the advertising on their channels, they also get to advertise their wares for free on a competitors platform and get paid by NTL for carriage. It's in SKY's interest to get as much visibility as possible whatever the delivery system, why do you think they have SKY Three on Freeview.
NTL *NEED* SKY's package since SKY ONE, Movies and Sports are such a huge draw. Without those channels NTL would ship huge numbers of TV viewers to satellite.
So. It isn't going to happen, it's in both parties interests to keep each others company and if it does ever happen I'll eat my t-shirt.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Thank god for that. Let me know when so i can have a party. I feel sorry for the Sky forums tho best warn them about Gary;)

Oh but hang on you will not have been a previously banned user on those forums will you Gary, Well not at first ;)

I am sure it will not be long before the Gary Parson school of bull**** shows it ugly head;)

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

If Sky One disappeared then the only programme I would miss would be 24. I'll just have to ask my Mum to record it for me. She already records some things - which hopefully I will soon be able to do if the V+HD install goes ahead on time.

I enjoy the Simpsons/Futurama but it's not a must have - that's what DVDs are for.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...1&postcount=61

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

will miss stargate atlantis and the odd new episode of the simpsons but i can catch up on channel 4 and bbc2 later


AtD

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

You are all talking like it has already happened.

Lets just see how it goes or a announcement. These things normally sort themselves out

Look what happened with Nickelodeon and Telewest a few years back.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

as most people have said this is just about money really and how much Sky can get out of Virgin Media

if Sky only has to provide it's premium channels to other operators how do they classify basic and premium ? Surely Sky One with 24, and the rest would really be a Premium channel

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I think the real issue is not whether cable viewers will lose Sky one or not, as it seems pretty certain that to pull that would be a pretty stupid move on Sky's part, or the premium channels (movies, sport etc) which they have to provide, but more whether they will start sharing their HD content. Currently they don't and in the current bad atmosphere are unlikely to soon. All they have to do is not share it with Virgin and sit and wait for customers who have all gone out and shelled out shed loads on their new "HD Ready" TV's to get fed up watching 1 channel of HD content and want more. Their only choice unfortunately will be to go to Sky HD.
I called Telewest last week to see if there was any word about when the current Sky HD content was coming to them and he said that all the current HD channels on Sky will be on cable by the end of Feb. This is clearly a sales pitch as I doubt for one second this is true.
It will be interesting to see what Virgin manage to do about this, or what they start broadcasting themselves, but we can't wait for ever until they stop arguing amongst themselves.:mad:

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I've seen it suggested on another forum that cable could retaliate by selling Sky Sports and Sky Movies on the TV size M pack at rate card cost to customers taking telephone and broadband packages.

I don't know how much it would be, but I'd guess it will be a whole lot less than the £40 odd Sky charge for sports/movies.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Firstly :welcome: to the forums....

I agree that Virgin will have their work cut on for the moment on getting HD content, however the current cost of Sky HD (£399 for the box +£10/month) means that a large number of people (myself included) are waiting to see what happens..

As long as Virgin can get some deal in place or some additional channels (bearing in mind that Virgin may have access to ITV digital which Sky have not yet got access to) before Sky drop their prices, then I can see it being a pretty even contest.

As ever - just my opinion..

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

So has any one else seen the advert Sky is running about the channels that they will drop From Virgin Media. SKY ONE was on it. The rest were so crap I didn't care.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Do they actually show anything worth watching on Sky One these days? I can't remember the last time I looked at that channel so I doubt I'd miss it if it was pulled altogether.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

There are three series I like on Sky One (24, Lost and Battlestar Galactica). All three are or will be available on DVD. If Sky sulk and pull their channels, I'll just buy the DVDs. Hell, in the case of 24 and BSG, I'll probably buy the DVDs anyway.

I'll admit, there are other series I'd miss, such as The Simpsons and Stargate SG1, but they'll probably be on Channel 4 at some point.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

It might be bad news loosing channels, but for me there are other considerations. I already have the full pack (full TV pack with movies and sport with extra box upstairs, Anytime phone and 10MB BB) and have just ordered the £85 VIP pack with the new V+ drive, which gives me everything I already have plus the V+ drive and a couple of extra phone charge discounts, all for 30-odd quid a month less than I am paying now. If I was to move to Sky I would have to pay about £399 for the [inferior] HD hardrive recorder, a higher price for the channels, goodness knows how much for the extra box and to install a BT line and then the line rental on top of the Virginmedia line rental. There is also the fact that I will have to either pay extra insurance after the guarantee expires or buy a new box if it breaks, whereas with Virginiamedia they fix/replace the box for as long as I am with them.
It might not be ideal but if necessary I will wait and buy the DVDs when they come out (SG1, Atlantis, Battlestar, etc.).

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Hi all. First post here, so accept my apologies if you've read any of these points before.

SKY and VM are competitors in the Digital TV market. This is undeniably true. Both are businesses that need to turn a profit, and try (sometimes aggressively) to obtain/retain customers. However, suerly digital TV is supposed to also benefit the consumer with a wider choice of TV. There are, in some cases, logistical reasons why one service needs to be taken in preference to the other: no cable in the area, tenanting rules forbidding the erection of a dish etc. Surely it would benfit both SKY and VM to work in harmony with one another, each realising that to supply all available channels across both platforms is actually in everyone's interest - even their own.

I'll try to explain. There must be people taking either service who wish they could have the other instead, but are prevented by the previously mentioned logistical reasons. It is't their fault they have to take service A instead of service B. It's the way it is. Maybe, due to all the animosity publicly thrown between these two major players, these people have decided to go to freeview instead, foregoing other channels because they don't want to pay for services that could be withdrawn by a supplier if the other says the fees are too high.

Personally I am a SKY One watcher. At the moment there is a lot of content on the channel worth watching. OK, for 6 months of the year that may not be the case, but I like it nonetheless. I'm lucky enough to live in both a cabled and SKY enabled area so I have no issues. I can view these shows easily. But how do I benefit from the current arguments if I live in an area with cable but prohibitions of SKY dishes? I can't choose to change to SKY instead of VM. Their marketing tactics cannot influence me either way.

Surely in can't be beyond the wit and intelligence of the people running these companies to realise that this isn't VHS and Betamax all over again (this was a battle between 2 rival video cassette fromats for those not old enough to remember. Anyone who isn't sure about the term video cassette is making me feel really old). There won't be one overall winner with the loser fading from existence. There is a need in the UK markets for both suppliers. So maybe they need to drop the attitude and come up with a sensible, cost effective way to work together to increase take-up of DTV. As a result of the increasing customer base, development could move on even quicker if time and effort isn't being poughed into extremely irritating and damaging pi**ing contests that benefit no-one.

As I said, I accept that these are businesses with shareholders who (for some reason) need to cream off the top. However, I urge the two companies to sit down and discuss the problem like adults instead of resorting to childish tactics like "phone VM and tell them you're scared of losing channels". I've seen more mature behaviour in schoolyards. Maybe VM don't accurately realise how big a draw SKY One is. However I think SKY need to realise that in this age of increasing markets, it may not be long before they face very stiff competiton from other channels for the rights to the big programs. If SKY One lose the rights to big shows, Sky has no leverage. It's a Catch 22 for everyone.

So, to finish (finally) - Come on VM and SKY. Sit down and talk sensibly. Realise you both have things lose here and work out a reasonalbe solution to this. The DTV market in this country is governed by various restrictions based on geography/planning laws already. Don't add a 'My Dad's bigger than your Dad' attitude to these restrictions. Think of your customers and work together for the benfit and furtherment of Digital TV in the UK

Rant over, and again, apologies for repeating anything you've read already.

PS: For the record I am currently a SKY+ subscriber, considering moving over to the V+ system. I was originally on cable, but left them due to their falling behind SKY developmentally and an issue regarding the phone line. Current developments are making me look again at cable to supply my DTV. In my case, the SKY One issue is a key factor. However, if SKY begin losing broadcasting rights for the bigger shows, then I'll no longer be held back. Once this is all done and dusted, I'll be calling VM Customer Services and seeing what they can add to my current BB at a reasonable rate.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

Utter rubbish. In the business world it is dog eat dog. There is not a business in the world that would not like total and complete dominance in its market. Just ask Bill Gates what it feels like and the consequence to the end user. Sky would like to see the end of Virgin and vice versa. We the end user are a just problems to big corporates.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

I've said it before, but if Sky think they will gain customers at VM's expense by pulling their content from the VM channels, then, in my case at least, they are wrong. I don't have sports, I hardly ever watch movies & Sky1 programs are available on DVD or download. All that will happen is I will save £16.50 per month by ditching the movies if they pull Sky1 - cut off nose to spite face, Mr Murdoch? The loss of advertising revenue, alone, doesn't make good business sense & I entirely agree with Happy Trucker that both sides should negotiate a compromise.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

It's not quite all utter rubbish.

There is a good example in this Country how a lot of other countries operate all the time.

HBO just licenced content to Virgin and to BT within the same week. They didn't say OK you can have it but you over there can't. I'm presuming as long as the company stumped up the cash then they could have a license.

Over here 9 times out of 10 one licence is given based on having exclusive rights and that's it, leaving people who can't gain access to that system without that program.

In other Countries you can pretty much watch what you want, wherever you are, as long as you are prepared to pay.

Sky urging ntl/Virgin Ad
 

I hadn't seen it before, but here it is...
Sky urging ntl:Virgin customers...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOmlG...related&search=

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

:tu: Hi ppl,
I think SKY has to be droped and for Virgin to start its own SKY like channels.
SKY One to become Virgin 1 and so on.

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

i don't think this will work as alot of the programmes are owned by Fox who are part of Sky and News Corp so some of these programmes will never end up on Virgin unless OFT \ Ofcom get involved

Re: Sky Channels on NTL
 

[QUOTE=sherer;34226874]i don't think this will work as alot of the programmes are owned by Fox who are part of Sky and News Corp so some of these programmes will never end up on Virgin unless OFT \ Ofcom get involved[

I would just like to see SKY take a step back, i think they have to much control and Virgin are now gving them a run for there money.

Sky have been very unfair and are not playing ball. Look at the hole ITV thing.