Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Great article at Variety.Com (http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=18&cs=1) on the UK Digital Media War:
You can run, but you can't hide, Sky. :p:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

nice find:clap:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I think this competition between Virgin Media and Sky will be very good for consumers. ;)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Great article. The future certainly looks much brighter these days. Looking forward to the launch of Virgin Central on Tuesday, hopefully it will offer both HD and SD content of each programme it has rights to as that would certainly give Sky something more to worry about :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I was driving home earlier today and I went past a HUGE VM advertising poster telling the world about unlimited downloads.

I thought, "Would that poster be even there under the old NTL Telewest days? Not bloody likely!"

Keep it up, Virgin Media. :tu:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I agree, I've seen Virgin Media posters all over the place, even in non-cabled areas, lol :) Nice to see the company promoting itself more these days.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Maybe its just my love for underdogs that makes me like to see stories like this, for years I've been NTL regardless of the crap CS.
Now Sky is rattled and competing for once, and Virgin Media is slowly swinging into action, Im with Virgin all the way, these kind of battles only mean one thing.
Better prices and services for us the customers.

It's all good.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

competition is always good !

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Interesting line ;

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Sydney Bristow. In Alias. In HD. On Demand.

Please Virgin, make my dream come true. :D

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I really don't think Sky are in the least bit worried about VM. When the hoo-hah of the wonderful Branson swooping down to save us from Murdoch's Sky with a wonderful media organisation dies down, we'll see nothing's really changed.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I think you're right.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Now there's a thought.. :D

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Steady...go and stand on some cold lino.:D

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Some interesting comments on Radio 5 "wake up to money" regarding sky and virgin .

Link:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/progra...shtml?focuswin

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Ooooo, colour me surprised. :rolleyes:

I think the momentum will keep going, and that very much needed investment into customer service improvements shows a lot of intent.

If they can get the momentum on content, and improve overall bandwidth and modem speeds, I think VM will stake its place as THE Digital service provider.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I hope so....but I do worry that as margins are cut and budgets slashed, the first casualty will be proving customer service. Which is why ntl ended up in the state it was. It's all very well pouring in £19m now, but what happens when all the money's gone and you haven't made at least that back in additional revenues?

I'm kind of erring on the side of this too. I'd love to think that there is a whole new ethos in the company, and many VM employees are on here singing very loudly from the Virgin hymn sheet, which is great. But I'm just not convinced.

Actually, I'm thinking it's a bit like having David Cameron as leader of the Tories...nice new image, no new policies and not really much substance underneath!


I'd like to be proved wrong...but I don't think I will be.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Let's give them a bloody chance shall we - its only been a week and a few days since they rebranded...

Too many people are expecting overnight miracles. :rolleyes:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Well said.

I am sure most of us have seen some improvements already (the new VIP packages, for example). Things like VOD enhancements, Virgin Central, etc have certainly given me some hope that things will be better than they ever were.

I think it's an encouraging start.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Its been, what, 12 days since they've re-branded? Since then:

• They've signed a VOD content deal with Disney (which includes HD content).
• They've signed a VOD content deal with Buena Vista
• They've signed a VOD content deal with HBO
• They launched a VIP pack which, for many people, is giving them more, for less.
• They launched a Sky Sports pack which undercuts Sky.
• They announced the launch of Virgin Central which will give us more VOD content to watch compared to the pre-branding days.
• They've spent/are spending £5 million on customer services.
• They've got Sky so rattled, they begging US to ring up VM in a desperate attempt to 'save' Sky One (good bloody riddance to it).

Not bad work for 12 days. I think they deserve a chance. :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

a beautiful find,i hope virgin screws them into the ground.:tu:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Very well simplified. :) :tu:

Lots of things have improved already.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Only one thing to add, the HBO content is free for XL members isn't it? Not entirely VoD?

---------- Post added at 14:35 ---------- Previous post was at 14:29 ----------

heh You obviously aren't seeing everything else the media and public are seeing then. They are starting objecting about a package of Sports which undercut them, buying a stake in ITV so Virgin couldn't, demanding customers call Virgin to let them know how much Virgin customers want Sky channels and they are so completely not worried about Virgin that they didn't buy any advertising on the day Virgin said they were going to launch. Yeh right :rolleyes:

If you think Sky aren't in the least bit worried about Virgin, i'd love to know your ideas on why they did all this, as surely someone who isn't worried would concentrate on spending their money on improving their own services instead?????

Whether anything changes or not is a different matter, but they are concerned.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Well I am a XL TV customer so I'm happy. :D

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Yes and some, moderators included, are simply writing off the re-brand. I've seen significant changes over the past few months, not just since VM launch day. I'm all for pointing out the continued errors being made, but I genuinely believe they should be given credit where it is deserved.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Everything you've described is just the simple ins-and-outs of business. I really don't think think Murdoch's lying in bed awake a night at the thought the ntl-Virgin merger. For one thing you certainly don't get into a position like Murdoch, by being phased at every turn the competition makes.

---------- Post added at 14:44 ---------- Previous post was at 14:42 ----------

Cable Forum is entirely independent of Virgin Media, as they are of Sky. Moderators are entitled to air their views (providing the don't contradict the terms and conditions of the site), without being Virgin Media public relations mouthpieces.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

So Gavin, having called the company ntl-Virgin (where have I heard that before?), and given the vociferous campaigns being run in boths camps, you don't think Murdoch is worried?

Going back to VM's (then ntl:Telewest) attempted purchase of ITV, Murdoch junior came out fighting saying they (Sky) had not interest in the proposed by-out, and yet days later they pumped a massive amont of cash into a 17% stake in the company, which ended VM's interest.

I'm not saying he's loosing sleep, but even you have to admit they are concerned?

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I'm not saying he stays awake at night. Being concerned about the success of another competitor is natural though.

Do you see Bill Gates trash talking Nintendo all the time? Nope cos he's not worried in the slightest. Do you see him trash talking Sony all the time? Yep cos he sees them as competition. I'm sure Bill doesn't stay up at night worrying about it, but he does these things as he is concerned about the competition, believe me.

Companies only do anti-competetive things if they are concerned about the opposition. And Sky certainly are being anti-competetive rightly or wrongly. People can kid themselves though that Sky bought into ITV as they saw a sound investment (on a company who's been struggling), or they can wake up and see it's cos they were concerned Virgin would merge with them and give them a problem.

It's pretty obvious Sky are concerned about Virgin really. Most of the papers would say the same thing if they wern't all owned by Murdoch!

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

OK, fair comment, although I still get the feeling that given this sites history, there is more than a little bias towards not liking VM, and that is my opinion. :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Hah, you beat me to it. :D

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I never "called the company ntl-Virgin", I said "ntl-Virgin merger", not company. In the same way I am not a VM puppet, I am not a Sky one either.

Ian Hislop summed it up all nicely for me. When Branson was slagging off Murdoch, Hislop said: Branson is angry because Murdoch is doing a better job of being Branson than Branson is. Basically, Branson is Murdoch with a clever marketting ploy to be hip and cool.

Depends on what you mean 'concerned'. A company is always 'concerned' with the competition, but are Sky anymore concerned now than before the merger? I don't think so. If I was Murdoch, I wouldn't be either.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

i would have thought it would be obvious that sky would be more concerned now than before the merger.

pre virgin media, how much advertisment of the ntl brand was there? not a lot compared to the VM brand being launched, if sky truely has nothing to worry about, why bother spending money advertising their benefits compared to VM... this didnt happen when it was ntl:telewest

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Eh? At least once a week I was getting a bloody leaflet through the post, despite already receiving (then) all 3 of ntl's services (of which I still do, some of you might like to know). And then there was all the TV adverts with the old bloke marrying the young bird, 30 seconds of looking a toilet door and listening to the the toilet flush. "if you can, you should" is imprinted in my brain. Then there was all the bus shelter adverts. And newspaper ads. And magazine flyer-drops.

All that's happened is that all ntl:telewest's are filled with Uma Thurman. Which pretty much backs up Virgin's ethos. They'd rather spend more money appearing cool/hip than on services. At least the previous ntl:tw's ads were cheap.

So, by Sky advertising after the merger, its 'concerned', or to use the OP, "rattled" by VM? Not at all. Before, during and after Sky advertised more or less the same. Sky are a company, you'd expect them to advertise their services. Its not a new thing post-VM.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Totally agree with this.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I thnk the problem comes from a few VM advocates that claim that the miracles have already happened.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

The difference being that before, Sky would not have have spent hundreds of millions buying an ISP. They would not have spent hundreds of millions buying shares in ITV, despite the fact they are specifically forbidden from owning 100% of any terrestrial channel.

I've also noticed in the last few months (since NTL started talking about the merger), Sky have been advertising more and more. Then, we come to their adverts. Sorry, "Editorial Comments" being broadcast regulalarly asking Virgin (or, as they put it, Virgin:NTL) customers to phone and complain if the channels are taken off air.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Sky sound very scared... Re-negotiating to buy channels from VM at 1/4 the existing rate...

Also...

I personally thought as much. So Sky pretty much have VM over a barrel here.

Source: http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2016063,00.html

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Editorial licence, they don't appear to back this claim with any respected research.

As has already been pointed out, its a battle of words at the moment, but the noises coming from VM would suggest that they mean to take the fight for content to the wire.

If they can up the anti also against Sky's not so glittering move into Broadband, VM will have done themselves proud in pulling their former company out of the quicksand of poor customer service and choice, and onto the firm ground of customer excellence, as is expected of a Virgin branded company.

Like it or not Gavin, Sky have made MUCH more noise about their offerings since RB and Virgin came into the fray.

I've been in full time employment for as long as you have been alive, and if I have learned one thing, its never, EVER underestimate your competitors. That is money in the bank advice.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Unlimited downloads?
I suggest a read of the terms & conditions?
How companies get away with blatant lies is beyond me.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

That doesn't sugest they are scared. Bullying maybe, but not scared.

What DOES suggest they are scared is the fact that they have massively increased their advertsing in all media, and that they have spend nearly a billion pounds since VM was first rumoured..

Companies that are sure of their position don't generally spend that much on a rumour..
I read that Lost and 24 (Sky's two biggest programs) average about 800,000 viewers. If you combine satellite and cable thats out of possibly 10,000,000 viewers (the total is actually 13 million, but I am allowing for 3 million to have both).

I wouldn't say that Sky one is the most watched channel on Cable, I would say it's probably the fifth or sixth.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

It's actually the 2nd most watched non-terrestrial channel last week based purely on % share, behind Sky Sports One:

http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary...t=multichannel

The Sky channels as a whole carry an 8.6% share, more than twice that of all non-Sky channels coming in at 3.5%.

You can also get stats for previous month, etc from that site :)

So yes I would suggest that the claim that Sky One carries some of the most watched shows on cable is accurate.

---------- Post added at 20:47 ---------- Previous post was at 20:40 ----------

Really?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4496894.stm
NTL and Virgin in takeover talks
Last Updated: Monday, 5 December 2005, 12:18 GMT

http://networks.silicon.com/broadban...9153556,00.htm
BSkyB confirms £211m offer for Easynet
Multiplay ahead for Sky, trouble on the horizon for smaller ISPs?
Published: Friday 21 October 2005

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but October is before December, suggesting that Sky have had this strategy for a while, and before the Virgin / ntl talks were confirmed as in progress. It's fair to say that Sky / Easynet were in discussion for months before this, as the story I quoted from December says 'talks' while the October Sky / Easynet story is an offer, IE legal stuff done and here's the cash.

Of course they're on an advertising spree, who wouldn't be, it's good business when your competitors are advertising like crazy with the floodlights on them to try and steal their thunder a bit.

There's some cynicism from both camps here in my opinion. Both are running questionable ads and sniping at one another.

Perhaps should VM get their act together and actually be properly competitive, expand their coverage with real cable not LLU, and take advantage of their network then Sky would be concerned.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Read my post. I didn't distinguish between terrestrial and cable channels. Therefore my assertion was correct.

OK. So maybe they weren't panicing about the recent name change. Maybe they were not comfortable with the fact that the then merged NTL:Telewest were already talking about a triple play?

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

It's all good news for customers thou which is good and the Virgin brand is indeed a good named brand and it will be interesting what else Sir Richard pulls out of the hat next. :rolleyes:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

True, but then commenting on 'most watched channel on cable / satellite' does strongly imply discussion of non-terrestrial channels. As neither cable nor Sky get anything for showing the terrestrials, they are required to, they are a total non-issue in this.

While you may not be distinguishing between terrestrial and cable for the purposes of deciding who is and isn't scared of who terrestrial is completely irrelevant. Sky One is the second most watched channel not available down an analogue aerial.

ntl and Telewest have been offering triple play since spring 1999 for ntl and early 2000 for Telewest, so what?

All major players have been working on triple play for a while, it's the nature of the industry. Nothing to do with being 'scared' of anyone just convergence. Triple play can improve customer retention and loyalty, as can double play, which is why Pipex, Plusnet, Tiscali, etc, etc, have moved out of providing broadband only.

Think people are reading a lot where it isn't there. The two are sniping, trying to 'urinate' on one another's bonfires.

I think too many people here are sold on the hype of Virgin Media, the nice infinity logo and the pretty red fonts, Uma Thurman, etc. Has anyone actually stopped to think that VM are still pretty heavily indebted and are spending tens of millions of this ad campaign?

The financial people are still expecting Virgin Media Inc to post a loss of not far off a billion US dollars for the year. This is a company that financially isn't super healthy still, just ask the employees who've been going without bonuses and negligable pay rises.
Yes there's obviously spending on improving customer experience, however no-one can claim that this is due to Virgin media, and may I point out the numerous times in the past that ntl have claimed to be reinventing and investing in their customer service, none of which have been much of a success.

Don't believe the hype, wait and see. Yes there is potential there, but there always has been and for years it's been unfulfilled.

Who knows maybe now it actually will be, you'll forgive me for not holding my breath though.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I think you must think people here are thick then. You just like to think people are sold on this stuff. People are actually sold on the fact that Virgin can offer better deals than Sky. In my area that's the case anyway. They also offer supperior VoD, a better box and better broadband on the whole.

Why would i stop to think about how in debt Virgin are?? Does anyone stop to think how Man U are in debt whilst they are winning the league?

I think you must be sold on Sky being a Sky Employee and believe everything they tell you.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Ahh, that old trick. Trying to discrediting his opinions because he's a SKy employee.

Calling it bullying is a bit harsh. This is business. The point of a negotiation is to bargain the price down. However, considering VM dropped the price of one of their key leverages down to a 1/4 of its original price, smacks of desperation to me

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

No it's not a trick, it's as stupid as saying people use Virgin because they have a red logo and use Uma for advertising.

That's insulting. I thought you might have noticed that.

I would have respected his opinion until he used tripe like that.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Actually, my bullying comment was a bit harsh.. It might be bullying, but I am pretty sure any business (virgin included) would do it given half the chance..

Anyhow, one thing seems clear. Whichever company wins any battle between the two, the consumer should do well..

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Well according to dslzone, they disagree. Even ADSLGuide shows mixed results, especially in the much-lauded CS. Hardly conclusive.


Like Virgin.net? (Funny Virgin.net's CS can't even Spell Branson correctly.) or Virgin.net (part 2) or Tribe?

Thus ends the debate then with well documented evidence. "Like it or not?" You don't understand, There's nothing to like or not-like. I really don't care either way. I don't care who'se advertising what or who runs what. VM, like ntl was, is just a media company. Much like Sky. It has a new CEO. That's it. I really can't get as excited as you about it.

I'll re-state it again before I called another puppet of Murdoch, I have VM TV, BB and phone.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Being in debt is all very well if you are winning and can quickly turn a loss back into a profit.

I think all of these Sky vs Virgin threads are getting a little out of control, with people taking sides and hurlling abuse at the 'other side'. This is silly, whomever you 'support' will not thank you for doing so. So short of feeling smug that you might happen to be on the 'winning' side, whatever that is, and getting one up over a fellow forum memeber is all you will be able to obtain.

Personally, I prefer to maintain my grip on reality. Whomever I subscribe to right now doesn't automatically get my loyalty for any longer than I personally deem suitable. I'm buying a service, not planning the invasion of Poland, and I'll get behind whoever gives me a combination (in no particular order) of the best products, range, service and price. End of.

Right now, and for many years past, cable has failed on each count. So why should it have changed now already? Which is not to say that it won't one day in the future of course.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Actually if I were speaking 100% for Sky I'd agree with you, but I don't :) Have you not noticed the hype monster working its' magic? It's the whole point of advertising you know. If no-one cares about the advertising then VM are wasting their money doing it ;)

Customers should do pretty well out of all of this and already are, which is a good thing. We'll see if VM can fix their numerous issues, won't happen overnight though.

If one were really as vastly superior to the other as you mention then one wouldn't have any customers while the other would be laughing all the way to the bank, no? ;)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Now that i totally agree with, on this or one of the other hundred VM ones i must have posted on i stated that Virgin don't offer all the best deals but for people to Simply say Sky are the best is a lie.

---------- Post added at 07:39 ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 ----------

Again i don't disagree with most of what you say, but what you are saying is from a personal stand-point, i've had nothing but good Customer Service and am given everything i am told i am going to get... why would i moan?

I on the otherhand accept that other people have had bad experiences etc, so can't say Virgin is the best company in the Country, just depends on what you are looking, whether you get it, how much you want to pay for the service and how they treat you.

---------- Post added at 07:45 ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 ----------

I think if you can't see that things have already started to improve then that would have to be a very biased person regardless of what services they had from what company. He didn't say they had improved into the best company, but they HAVE improved. Wait times have reduced, more content deals signed, more packages released to offer customers better value and services and no extra cost, a new channel (new idea anyway) to watch VoD, a V+ box.

Surely someone would have to be very blinkered if they wern't considered improvements? It's not just a new CEO.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I've got VM BB, Sky, and BT.

I therefore declare myself an independent state.:p:

Joking aside, I've had bad experiences with Sky AND ntl/vm, I think at the moment they are as bad as each other.

I've also noticed BT have quietly been getting better....

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

All any of us can talk from is our own personal experiences. You're saying you've had great service and I am genuinely happy that you have. But just becuase I think cable is dreadful doesn't mean I'm swinging from the turretts pontificating about how great Sky is.

But I shout about how awful I think cable is, due to the awful service I recievd from them for many years.

I do agree with this. I was very pleasantly surprised how good their service was in comparison with ntl. They have been efficient, they write you a confirmation letter every time you change something, they give you service status updates via text and the staff I've had to deal with have been polite and do their job - I couldn't care less where they are based if they sort my problem out - and they do. I can't say that about my experiences with ntl I'm afraid.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I have found BT as awful as ever recently. Admittedly I have only dealt with the business side in the past year but that has been terrible. When ordering they cocked up the order, when fitting they sent the wrong van without a lift, and refused to install where I wanted 'because it was too difficult'. The wiring inside is a mess the bx is stuck to the wall not even level. The ADSL Service keeps disconnecting for no reason and BT Say they can do nothing and we should contact our provide, who say to contact BT in the end our speed has had to reduced to 1.5Mbs despite being less than 3 miles from the exchange. Still appalling in my eyes!

I havent and wont let them anywhere near my house in a long time, since the persitent crackling lines (with no fault) and abysmal broadband speeds.

My mums ADSL service now won't connect the familiar pass to pilar to post and back of blame is now going on. Pipex say its a BT issue, BT say its a Pipex issue, a week without ADSL and my mum is none the wiser. Looks as poor as ever to be honest!

Everyone has their own experience, but most companies in this country offer poor customer service full stop.

As for the Sky and Virgin Media debate, I cant see why Sky wants more for Sky One, FACT is viewing figures are reducing, the channel has more competition and is becoming less popular. Thefore the channel commands a lower price simple as any idiot (except Murdoch) can see that. Sky is talking from its backside if it says otherwise!

It is Skys problem if they want to pay excessive amounts for import shows with no original programming, Virgin Media should not fund this. The Terrestrial channels are the most watched on all platforms, the rest are thinly spread Sky One viewing figures are way below 800000 and dropping all the time, with PVRs and VOD people are watching what they want when they want and not second rate television which they may have settled for in the past. I say if Virgin Media cant get a deal at the price they want they should drop Sky One like a hot potatoe its only 1 average channel that possibly 20% to 30% of cable subscribers watch every now and then it WILL NOT be missed.

I would rather Virgin Media invest in more VOD Content this is the future, Linear channels like Sky One are dying a death as there is no flexibility in viewing.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

"It is Skys problem if they want to pay excessive amounts for import shows with no original programming, Virgin Media should not fund this."

Amen to that!:)

Perhaps VM should encourage home-grown stuff like channel 4 do, that would separate them from trailer trash TV nicely..They'll have to dump the "auction" channels though, it gives them a low-rent image.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Here, here :clap:

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Right, because I don't agree with 100% of what you say, and because I don't believe Branson taking over ntl:telewest is a significant event in my life, then I am "blinkered" and "biased". Hmmmmm. Let's just leave there, shall we?

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Not good.

True that your provider should be interfacing with BT to fix these things, not you. Providers do seem to love passing the buck to BT though.

3 miles from the exchange is a long way, in a lot of countries you wouldn't even have broadband.

Again Pipex should be liaising with BT to resolve the issue. All this said it's Pipex, and I think that's enough said. Their CS is appauling, their broadband also pretty poor due to going mass market and cheap, and giving The Hoff the upgrade cash.

We don't know who is asking for what to be honest, though it is true Sky One's viewing figures have dropped. Unless you know the exact amounts that Sky are asking for, etc, neither you nor I can claim that Sky want more for Sky One.

You really don't like Sky do you? ;)

The stats say you are wrong: http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary...viewingsummary

I see no huge drop in viewing on the linear channels there.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I don't think they've improved yet, they have too much ntl baggage, what we have at the moment is show, not go.
I honestly hope they prove me wrong for one simple reason.

When one competitor in any field raises their game by a significant amount, the rest must follow or lose. I'm not just talking Sky, but BT and the standalone ISP's as well.

That means that whoever you stay with out of loyalty or past experiences, or whoever you move to, EVERYONE on here will reap the benefit in one way or another.

As long as it happens....

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I don't think you read what i said, so i'm not sure how to respond.

Just to clarify as you seem to want to put words in my mouth... I never said it was a significant event in anyone's life and was never even hinting at that. What i said is that it hasn't simply been a new CEO, they have released new services, packages and have improved customer service. I'm not saying it's significant to you, but it is an improvement. Stuart is right. All of these are improvements on what went before Virgin. It's surely impossibly not to see that?

I say anyone who can't even agree with that is, yes... blinkered. Without a shadow of a doubt.

Facts speak for themselves.

1) Customer waiting times on the phone have been reduced. That is a fact and it is an improvement. The quality of how calls are dealt with i can't comment on, but they haven't got any worse than they were before. Overall because call times have been reduced, overall there is an improvement.

2) The new packages are there to save customers money. Numerous people on here have said how the VIP pack has saved them money and in fact given them more services for less money to boot.

3) Services... A new V+ Box and VoD content to boot are improvements on where we were previously. I'm not sure Virgin Central is revolutionary but i think it's a nice touch, and my wife was certainly pleased as all her trash TV is in a place that is easily accessible.

I'm not saying Virgin is the best thing since sliced bread. But surely this is better and actually good?

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

'New' V+ box?

That'd be the TV Drive that Telewest released a while ago, and were testing in 2005? To use your wording it's not exactly 'revolutionary'.

ntl were looking at a superior box custom built for them but dropped it in favour of the inferior TV Drive.

The VIP package is a good deal for premium subscribers.

Not sure about the CS - while wait times may have reduced we'll see if that changes what's always been the huge bugbear, actually getting things resolved. I'd rather wait for 20 minutes once and get my issue resolved than wait for 5 minutes 5 times to get a resolution.

We'll see anyway, discussing the 'new' V+ box is however a great example of rebranding making things appear new. Only new thing about it is it's available to former ntl customers, it's actually a year old.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

New to the majority of the customers then. I couldn't have it, and now i can have it. It's new.

I'm presuming when the PS3 is released in this Country it won't be considered a new console as it's been released elsewhere already. Or is someone on this forum determining what length of time constitutes a new product?

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Mmmm posts like that I'm starting to think I have you 'rattled' ;)

V+ is a renamed TV Drive, TV Drive is a more than year old product.

Tell me, Sky Broadband has been available for a while, if it's released on your exchange is it a 'new product'?

Sky have been running with PVRs for a while, would you describe Sky+ as 'new' if you were only just able to have it after for example being unable to receive satellite and moving home?

By your reckoning so long as something isn't available to you it could be 20 years old and still be 'new' - I was pointing out that the box isn't new, even if its' availability to you might be, and it's certainly nothing to do with Virgin Media. The decision to drop the rather nice MPEG4 S A box and run with the TV Drive was made a while ago, and both ntl and Telewest have been promising and developing PVR services for some time.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Bleh, this discussion could go on forever cos there isn't a right or wrong.

They have improved since becoming Virgin and that's all i was saying.

If i could get Sky Broadband when it's wasn't possible before than yes it's new to me, and i would quite like that service actually.

I think if we did a poll most people would vote that since becoming Virgin they have improved and i think that's all that matters. Not because of new logos etc. Because i have more for less than i did before. That's improvement.

I think we should agree to disagree cos i don't know about you but this constant backwards and forewardsing is boring. lol

I just want stated for the record that i don't think that Virgin are the best in all areas but i am impressed with some of the new stuff as a lot of people are!

As for rattled, possibly, or it could just be a long day at work!

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

This is a funny ol thread to watch because out here, cable is king and has its stuff together on triple play, PVR etc. Sat is the NKOTB and Verizon is working on FTTH, the marketplace is effectivly the reverse of the UK.

The UK for the first time ever has two companies that can compete with oneanother. Cable having sufficient a coverage of the country and I imagine over time moving to one platform.

From what I read you are now starting to see the service I use, about time. Should Sky be rattled, well never underestimate the competition and if they look at the competition in other population dense areas of the world ground based infrastructure wins out. Sat is best for population sparse areas where the cost of cable outweighs the payback.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

However Carl

My v+ box is doing everything my Sky+ box did and is able to do HD when the content is there. My Sky+ box is now just a freeview device after Sky took 3 weeks to send a engineer and then tried and failed to give me a Amstrad box to replace my Thompson 160 box which i paid extra for. Don't get me wrong the box performed well until it failed and then Sky produced yet another of there excellent customer friendly service attempts, 3 weeks for a engineer is not in my view customer friendly service and here's is a little snippet of information from the engineer who turned up to fix my + box "there are not enough TV faults engineers at the moment as they have all been moved to ADSL to try and bring down the wait times for faults on that side" his words not mine. There again as Sky failed twice to give me ADSL2+ as you know all to well ;) that means i have no faith in there statements and phone calls saying i can now have there ADSL2+.

Personally i think Sky can be just as bad as Virgin and virgin as bad as Sky:)

We all have our up and downs with any company unfortunately its the downs that get the most press :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Very true. Here's hoping the services start to matchh the somewhat aggressive advertising ;)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I'm pleased you've finally seen this...it troubles me that so often I see you joining in with the aren't we great, isn't Sky rubbish deates - so it's refreshing to know you don't really believe that.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

They are.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

The throttling and congestion seen in some places disagrees with this - promising the earth makes it tough to deliver.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I know people suffering from congestion too on Sky, it's a fact of life.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

:LOL:

Indeed i only dig my heels in when other do :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I think a lot of people only hate Sky because of their CEO, rather than their policies or behavior.

I think if someone who has been marketed to be hip and cool like Branson ran Sky, perception would be different, even if its policies/behavior wouldn't. Its the same as the Apple/Microsoft.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

lol You're not wrong, plenty of heels being dug in on this thread!

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Yer some BT related congestion, isn't any on the LLU though, but saying that I don't see Sky advertising the speed you pay for being the one you get all the time, so I'm afraid the 'but Sky have it as well' line is kinda irrelevant.

So again, hopefully at some point both will deliver on the advertising, in the case of VM that means either delivering on the pretty hefty claims they are making in their advertising about being able to download the earth at full speed 24x7, subject to small print, or toning it down. :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

Funny, i have seen some stupid adverts from Sky recently too. I don't know why you keep on this line that Sky is the greatest. Everyone here seems pretty much willing to admit that they both have their bonuses and faults.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

NTL's biggest problem was it's customer service, in my experience Virgin are delivering. I used to spend 30 minutes plus trying to get through to NTL, Virgin recently 3 rings! If that is not improvement, I don't know what is!
Sky could be complacent up until now, as both they, and NTL had bad customer service, so of course they are rattled.
My call was sorted out there and then, by a Virgin rep who was technically knowledgeable and very helpful. I was lucky when it was NTL to get someone who understood English.

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

I've said this repeatedly actually, trying to play at seeing both sides while being contrary doesn't really hit the spot. You seem to just be set on disagreeing with anything negative I say about VM, whether true or not, and once again have played the 'well Sky have done it...' card so I'll leave you to get on with it :)

Re: Variety.Com: VM have Sky 'rattled'
 

To be honest BOTH Companies have a record of not delivering particulalry great service. Not one is better than the other. Customer service is poor in the country as a whole. Some can get away with it others dont!

My personal expereince favours ntl/virgin

Every company has its faults, but both need to up their game to really compete for customers in the future. The second rate service they have been offering needs to stop, the constant price rises need to stop, the excuses they offer need to stop. Both Sky and Virgin NEED to DELIVER for all customers not just some of them which has widely been the case in the past.