Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I've just been reading posts on the coming soon thread that raised an interesting point.

ESPN channels are premium content which everyone on the XL package receives. Virgin have to pay ESPN a fee for everyone that takes the XL package, regardless of whether they watch the channels or not. If Virgin removed the ESPN content, this would free up money to add new channels. The ESPN channels would then become a subscription service, just like on SKY. If you want ESPN, then it's say £9.00 per month.

Do you believe removing ESPN, ESPN HD and ESPN America from the XL package would be beneficial to Virgin?

P.S. I haven't added ESPN Classic or Classic on demand as these would surely aren't classed as premium whilst the other 3 are.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I believe VM are not paying very much due to the fact they was a new channel with only 25 games of Premier League football a season not many take sky sports with VM and so even less would take ESPN. Two more years and we will be paying as most likely the deal was to the next premier league TV rights bin. I bet that the cost of a HD channel per customer is getting us the whole espn package. ESPN then get away with it due increased tv ad money plus they have Disney behind them.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I would pay the £9 as I did for NASN for many years, as long as it meant we would get ESPN America in HD along with other much needed HD content and other SD channels.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Ditto

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I understand the sentiments, but for me personally it's a no vote.

I recently switched from Sky (where I had Sky Sports & Movies plus ESPN), to VM XL (without Sky Sports and Movies) to save money. The reason I switched rather than just dropping the premium channels, was because of ESPN being included in the XL package - I watch more sport on ESPN/ESPN America than I did on Sky Sports.

VM should be providing more HD channels to XL without the need to sacrifice any existing channels.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

At the present moment I wouldn`t pay extra to get ESPN because there is so little Premier league football on it. If say in the future there was alot more then I would consider it but to be honest I`d probably just stick with Sky sports because they do it so much better than anyone else. I think £9 would be to much though,£4 more like it,if you subscribe to sky sports anyway.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I think it would be a huge mistake to remove the ESPN channels from the XL package as they're a great selling point. Remember that they were added to make up for the loss of the Setanta Sports channels from the XL package in the first place.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Major mistake if ESPN was removed.. our customers tell us it's one of the reasons they sub to VM and the XL pack.

Should we now start removing Sky Arts1 & 2, just because not everyone wants it?

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

No try adding the Sky Arts 1 and 2 HD channels that were announced in an official press release last year.

http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/p...823&highlight=

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

noooo, this would be terrible for me

espnhd is probably my most watched channel thanks to the nba and serie a coverage

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

The poll results show what I and VM already know. Customers want ESPN on XL. :)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

They would also like the option to have channels of choice not just what VM can get on the cheap and throw at them.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

ESPN was one of the main reasons I moved from Sky. My SD picture is so good I certainly wouldnt want to pay extra for HD. How much cheaper do you really think XL would be without ESPN ?

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

about £1

---------- Post added at 20:05 ---------- Previous post was at 20:01 ----------

Nothing wrong with getting a good deal, seems good way to do business to me.

You have a choice of providers if VM doesn't suit you ;)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

When I moved into my flat in 2007 the main reason I got Virgin was because of Setanta Sports being included in XL. When Setanta closed I was gutted however Virgin added ESPN HD, I was delighted.

My brother, dad and my father-in-law all left SKY and joined Virgin because ESPN was included. My brother and father-in-law now have VIP50 plus a Virgin mobile.

ESPN being included is a very unique selling point which SKY would NEVER think of offering their customers. ESPN HD is a valuable channel to me. If Virgin dropped it from XL and in return gave me ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD, ITV4 HD and SKY Atlantic HD in return I'd be well hacked off.

I'd prefer if Virgin dropped TV choice and music-on-demand from XL and offer more linear channels as I never watch anything other than catch-up TV. There's probably plenty of things that could be removed from XL to accommodate new channels.

The truth of the matter is, if Virgin aren't delivering the TV you want or expect then it's time to move to another supplier. I'd love access to all HD channels, and could go to SKY however Virgins overall TV experience to me outweighs what SKY has to offer.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Don't forget that as things currently stand, people upgrading to TiVo will also be upgrading to XL (those who aren't already on that package, at least), meaning more subscription money for ESPN. Personally I don't think ESPN are doing too badly on the deal. Plus, having the ESPN channels in XL means that subscribers still get some decent sports without having to also subscribe to the Sky Sports package.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I never said there was , however the top customers should have an option for more. Is the wink a polite way of saying fire off to Sky and don't question VM.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I kind of agree and disagree with you on this one. I'd like the option to add Premier Sports to my subscription however Virgin believe the channel is too niche to offer at this time. I'd like to be the one who decides what's niche to me and what isn't.

On the other hand, what would happen if Virgin signed carriage deals with channels such as ESPN America HD, SKY Atlantic HD, History HD etc.... in view of creating a new XXL HD package for an extra £5.00 per month on top of the current XL charge but the majority of their TV customers shun the new package as they are not prepared to pay more for TV. Who picks up the tab? Do Virgin just absorb this costly error, or do they put all of their prices up to cover the costs? I feel if Virgin start throwing money at channels, just for the sake of adding them, it'll be all customers who ultimately pay for them, not just the ones who actually receive them in their package.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

An excellent point , a survey to see what customers actually want wouldn't go a miss once in a while.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

The package is fine how it is now, why would you want to remove a key component? Sky Arts viewing figures are pitiful.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I'm not remotely bothered about SKy ARts HD however Mersey70 is an it's made worse for him by the fact VM put an official press release out saying it was coming which is extremely unprofessional.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

How does that old adage go....?

"You can please some of the people, all of the time and all of the people, some of the time...but you cannot please all of the people, all of the time":shrug:

I don't envy whoever's job it is in VM to decide on what should and shouldn't be included in TV packs!! :banghead:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I voted to keep ESPN as part of the XL tv package its very nice to have it, would i pay £9 say to have it separately no but as a wholesale addition its good stuff.:)

---------- Post added at 23:03 ---------- Previous post was at 23:02 ----------

And on that i would definately agree with you.:D:D

---------- Post added at 23:04 ---------- Previous post was at 23:03 ----------

Thats just about the way i see it.:) cricket excepted.:(

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Having ESPN free on TV XL is a 1UP on Sky as they have to purchase a sub for it, no matter what package(s) they are receiving.
It's a good selling point.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I would love to see sky arts HD also and yes it was supposed to have been part of the tv channels sold to sky deal that they had i think the option of carrying it i cannot seee why it has to be one or the other vm could carry sky arts HD and ESPN,if it chose to.:)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

And what new channels were you thinking of.
I already get 165 channels including ESPN which keeps hubby sweet..what else do you think is missing?

If you are suggesting Sky Atlantic I don't want it.I'd rather there was some sport that I don't have to pay through the nose for..which is why I don't have Sky Sports.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

This thread and the poll doesn't reflect my opinion. I saw the matter being discussed at length in the Coming Soon thread and thought the subject would be better served here with the option for people to vote.

Personally I want to keep ESPN as part of my XL package. If I did lose ESPN from XL however I'd be looking for Virgin to re-invest in something like Premier Sports who cover lots of boxing, my favourite sport. Alternatively History HD or Bio HD.

To be perfectly honest I don't have enough time in the day to watch the channels I have, let alone new ones! I could cancel with Virgin and get SKY to access all the extra HD channels and all the extra free to air ones but then I'd just be paying more than I do currently to miss even more TV everyday:rolleyes:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Let me make sure I understand this correctly.

You want Virgin to remove some channels, not add some.

Wow .... that's a first. :spin:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I don't beleive I've ever watched it.
Most of the premier league games I watch at home come via Alazeera sports or similar ;)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

If that is the case (the £1 point) then as ever I am happy to admit I am wrong, especially when so many people at least on here seem to prefer ESPN. I guess it might well be time for me to change provider, or at least bite the bullet and drop to M+ and (very, very reluctantly) pay extra for Sky if I want a wider choice of basic HD which is fair enough I suppose, I have always said if you want something you have to pay.

The chap from the CEO's office couldn't have been any clearer regarding the prohibitive expense of HD channels given their own pricing model regardless of what is rumoured on here.

I would say that I am not sure how VM arrive at the stand alone prices if ESPN only accounts for £1 of XL including ESPNA and ESPN HD but with the greatest of respect I would question that anyway. 23 Premier League matches alone must surely cost more than £12 a year let alone all the Scottish Premier League, FA Cup, Guinness Premiership etc. On the other side of the coin all that included shows how good value XL is if you actually want ESPN but I fancy it costs more than £1, I really do.

One thing I will say, in my opinion Mr Berkett's claim of 80 HD channel in 3 years (now actually 2 years 9 months) seems even more ambitious than I first thought.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Cant believe people are even suggesting this,Its got to be a big selling point for vm especially xl.Its £9 with sky,I personally think vm should try to continue to do this very long term as i believe once premership is up for renewal espn will strike a blow at sky and the fact that it is included with xl it will put vm back in a very strong position over sky and were gonna need it if murdoch(greedy git) takes over sky

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

It is a strong selling pont I agree, but only if you want ESPN. They are very wisely building up a brand a reputation in the UK, as big as they are in the US they didn't mean too much to most of us here prior to obtainng EPL rights.

Some people would prefer a wider choice a general HD channels in a general TV package and it dosen't look like we are going to get that.

Horses for courses, nevertheless I completely agree XL is very good value though, no doubt about that.

One sidenote though, if ESPN were lucky enough to get more EPL packages in future, which is highly likely, do you think ESPN would continue to be in XL?

Setanta tried that and went bust. If ESPN do indeed only get £1 from XL customers, which I personally doubt, that dosen't add up to me.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I think this sums it all up pretty well!

:)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I agree with ESPN part of the XL tv pack at least those that want to see some premiership football get to do so without paying sky sports through the nose and in HD as well also included in the XL sub.

Personally i think virgin will add more HD anyway without the need not to take ESPN off the XL tv pack eventually. As a working person just how much tv can anyone watch i certainly cannot watch all the tv i have at the moment so a lot more channels (sky arts HD excepted;))would mean even more channels i do not have time for,i personally do not watch any of the music channels either at all these days so to me they are a waste of my money however i would not advocate getting rid of as i know a lot of people may watch them.

Anyway a look at the poll above suggests a lot of people value ESPN in the XL tv pack.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I don't think anyone was suggesting getting rid of any channels, rather perhaps just having a debate on the way the channels are packaged. At least I was and thats what we have done, the results of the poll don't lie. Another consideration was paying extra for HD, it isn't cheap and you get what you pay for.

It's just to me XL is supposedly a package of general entertainment and it's very good indeed. It just that personally it includes too much expensive content that personally we simply do not require and I feel it provides inclusive premium content like ESPN at the expense of general HD content however I am a democrat, I totally accept what most people want and that seems to be the status quo so as has been said maybe it's time for me to leave or at least change my package.

But sadly given my conversation with the CEO's office I lost confidence, rumours can be bandied around but from the horses mouth it wouldn't appear that there will be many new additions in the near future. True Enterainment merely swapping with another of it's channels was a nod in that direction for me. And I hate to bang on about it but Sky Arts HD wasn't a rumour, VM actually said it was joining and now they have changed their mind which is fair enough as things change, it is just a shame I had to ask the CEO to find out.

Unless I completely misunderstood the guy, I hope I did but I doubt it. But given all this lord knows how VM are planning on having 80 HD channels in less than three years, to me it simply dosen't add up but I hope i'm wrong.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Don't you dare drop ESPN from the XL package.
I couldn't care less about over paid prima donnas kicking a bag of wind about on a bit of grass, I'm sure that 'entertainment' is available elsewhere.
I only watch ESPN for American drag racing which, AFAIK is NOT available elsewhere.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

No you were completely right to ask for a debate on the way the channels are packaged mersey70 no problems there, the thing we probably would agree on info from virgin media is pretty poor ie they led everyone to believe sky arts HD was "coming soon" and then after changed their mind without feeling the need to inform customers,and perhaps they could repackage the channels a little more into packs but the way vm have to buy in the channels suggests this might be difficult to do and they adopt a "one size fits all" approach.

I believe ESPN costs vm around £3 per subscriber i think or around that figure not sure how many HD channels vm would get access to for that even if they could negotiate deals.

Yes would agree that 80 HD channels in less then 3 years does sound a bit optimistic given the sky arts HD fiasco,but there you have it generally i am pleased with my package but not vms lack of communication as regards anything,thank goodness for Digital Fanatic/masque ect on here.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

NO - having ESPN as part of the XL package is the best thing ever. My subs already are over £100/mo and I don't wish to increase them just for HD content. I am happy the way it is thank you. I am not saying don't add HD channels to the package though. VM know they must do this just to stay competitive. If they don't Uncle 'R' will be rubbing his hands together (even more).

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Anyway for me personally the problem is sorted.

Catch Up is vital for us but someone on here insisted you have to have M+ as a minimum now but that isn't right (maybe that is just for new customers). I can have just M so I will continue to get Catch Up, I just have to keep L broadband which is no problem whatsoever and the price is just fine. Skys OD offer dosen't overly appeal to us anyway so not getting their broadband is no great shakes, we might not even bother with a conventional landline but we'll see.

I'll just get Sky and a couple of packs and add HD and get those specific channels we miss, it's a few quid dearer but a happy compromise, and obviously from my posts we dont really need ESPN so it's sorted!

She did say Sky Arts HD is still in the pipeline though as is Sky Classics HD but it's gone on a bit too long for me now.

Happy chap.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Cannot say i blame you mersey70 as the sky arts HD "coming soon" thing has gone on for an absolute age.! No sky for me though as its not available in my area even if i wanted.:td:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Must admit Mersey70 I was thinking of going back to Sky for my TV but keeping M retention deal , but I'm going to give VM a year see how things pan out and I'm now convinced to give TIVO a whirl after reading the Pocket Lint review , I'm just hoping we see more HD as I hate watching SD, must admit TIVO was pretty good when I tried it in the VM shop and that particular box didn't seem to sluggish.

What put me off going back to the darkside was 0844 calls to CS , two tuner and a lot of problems with glitches on the current Sky+HD software.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I just wish ESPN would sort it's schedule out.. Every week the NBA seems to over run, even with 5 mins padding it misses the last minute of the games (which can last for a long time).. It can't be that hard to work out!

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Trust me I have absolutely no huge desire to be a direct Sky customer, none whatsoever. When I found out the tricks they are pulling with Tivo it infuriated me. HD has only become an issue for us since we got a 46" TV at christmas, before that I wasn't that impressed with it.

However you have to spend your hard earned in a way that suits your family needs and I reckon this is a decent compromise.

It's never really been about cost, it's merely the lack of flexibility with Virgin's TV and it will be nice to have a bit more control on what channels we get, that's all.

I am delighted we will still be VM customer's though, that softens the blow of giving Sky money direct!

By the way the 0844 calls to Sky are free from a Sky line, and remember if you don't have a VM line the calls to them are 0845 numbers too!

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Plus if I leave who would torment DF LOL .

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

ESPN/ESPN HD being in XL TV package is one of the advantages VM has of Sky. If you want ESPN as a premium channel get Sky! It will cost you extra on there. One of the reasons I keep XL TV is ESPN, Otherwise i would consider Freesat or Freeview for my main TV viewing.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

.



From what I have seen posted over the years Sky Sports take-up on Virgin is very low compared to take-up on Sky platform.


Hopefully ESPN will decide that 1 million XL tv viewers @ whatever per month is worth it asI doubt they would get much more if at all from unique subs.


Keep ESPN in XL as is a great unique selling point for Virgin over Sky and makes Virgin better than Sky for non premium subs as it includes more HD unless you pay an extra tenner a month plus a set of channels that on Sky are premium......

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

:D

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

My guess would be drop ESPN and XL numbers would probably drop leading to less funds for VM anyway meaning not as much channel additions as some have suggested would happen.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

That is a very good point, that has been born out by the vote. We will just have to wait and see what the new financial year brings in the way of new HD and SD channels.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I don't like sports, so I don't watch sports, therefore going to SKY for TV was a no-no as I would not like to be subsiding sports.

Now it appears I am subsiding sports via VM/ESPN instead of being given an opt-out that could save me money..... :(

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Manual recordings are your friend. ;)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

All sport channels should be an option to have as an add on with a corresponding reduction in basic costs. Then people may be able to have more say over which channels they actually pay for rather than having to pay for things they never watch.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

It's about £1, so not a massive amount.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Now if you're talking about dropping channels, the 'adverts' for the LONG list of adult channels in the EPG could go for a start ..or at the very least move them all to the END so kids don't come across them (or even the pin protected screen) when channel flipping to get to the kids channels

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

You could say the same about the music channels, the kids' channels, the religious channels etc. I don't watch any of those but I'm happy for them to be included in channel packages as they're meant to have a bit of everything, and the XL pack is all about added value.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

you can lock those channel, so the kids can't see them.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Yes lock them and watch online:erm:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

It's £1 more than I would wish to pay out.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

:)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Agree 100% with you on this one - just where would you draw the line? There's always going to be something someone doesn't like. It's like when one of the soaps are replaced by sport and you get a lot of moaning that sport should be on its own channel, I often say that the soaps should be on their own channel just to see what reaction it gets....doesn't usually go down vey well :)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I don't like music, so don't watch music channels however as MTV Base, MTV Dance, MTV Hits, MTV HD, Kerrang, Smash Hits, The Box and MTV Classic are part of the XL package then I am subsidising music. Also I forgot to add music on demand. I bet more money goes to music channels annually than goes to ESPN?

The subsidising argument can be used for pretty much anything on the XL package that you don't like. Think how unhappy customers who are on XL but don't have a HD TV must be subsidising all of the HD channels in their package that they never watch. These are the customers who are really getting it in the neck:( Tough turnips to them though, bring on the HD!!!:D

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Out of all the channels on XL pack (165?), I only ever watch 15, maybe 20 at most. Some of them probably only for one particular program. But most are channels only available on XL pack, but I'm not going to go asking VM to make up dozens of different packs so I can find one where I only pay for the 15 or 20 channels I want.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I would just like to say that i would like ESPN to stay in the XL TV pack as that is one of the best selling points ( I do not think that the advertise this enough outside their own site ).
In regards to been able to pick your own TV channels all I have to say is " Ones mans trash is another mans treasure " so if you do not like the channels in the packages you know what to doe ( MOVE PROVIDER ).

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2011/04/81.gif

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

65,000 Sky premium HD customers on VM. Dunno what is it on Sky.

I read somewhere VM are paying ESPN 20p per XL customer.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

WOW if that is true what a bargain! If Virgin drop ESPN from the XL package they might be able to secure something like BBC Alba with all that spare cash that'll be floating about:rolleyes:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Not all of those will be Sky Sports viewers though.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

keep it,i love sport esp.football.hopefully ESPN will compete with sky when the premier league rights come up.i will expect to pay extra then,but at the moment i enjoy ESPN in HD.we should not talk about removing channels,but adding them!i never watch the music channels,and i have a hard core of about 10-15 channels that i watch on a regular basis.many of the channels on XL i would not pay extra for,but i dont want them removed.i have access to the childrens channels but my girls have grown up but they are available for the grandkids when they visit.but i would not pay extra for those either. in effect each to his (or her) own choices. lets get more choice not less,even if you dont use it!!!

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

It's the only reason I got Virgin to be honest. The only channel I really watch as well. But you do need to get ESPN America HD.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I'm not unhappy. Life's too short to be unhappy. Enjoy your HD goodness, on me. :)

PS I can't tell the difference anyway. ;)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Your clearly still buzzing on the back of the cup win:D

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

ESPN channels probably get the most use from me. It's great to have NBA coverage and it's got me into various other sports and leagues - huge selling point having ESPN within XL package. I would like to see ESPN America HD added to the roster, even if it mean an extra pound or two if it couldn't be added into the XL pack.

As previously mentioned i think we'll only have it in XL until the next premiership rights auction as I expect ESPN to make some big moves then and expand their number of channels.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

would anyone know what channel itv2 hd is on please i cant find it at all on vm

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

It isn't on cable.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

lol that explains why i cant find it
ty for the reply.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Not available

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

drop the +1 channels there no use to any one

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I disagree. Even with a V+ box I still find myself using the +1 channels, especially when there's 3 things on at once that I want to record.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

You find that much on tv worth recording LOL.:shocked::D:D

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Simple answer,it`s not available on virgin media!

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I agree with Lew on this one; seems like every channel likes to put the new shows on at 9pm.

Roll on Tivo with 3 recordable tuners :)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

The +1 channels are very useful as I often find there`s 3 programs on at once that I want to record or 1 or 2 overlap,so for me I`d say drop them never! What I do question is why we have so many shopping channels and radio channels? I never watch the shopping channels or listen to the radio through my virgin box. Most people have built-in freeview on their tv`s so could watch the shopping channels or listen to the radio through that medium.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I think you'll find that most people DON'T have Freeview on their TVs. Although I agree that radio is a bit of a waste of space. And of course, if they dropped the shopping channels then we'd all be getting less channels, and then no doubt there'd be complaints about the amount we're being charged for a dwindling service.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Without wishing to offend some people do actually listen to the radio channels i listen to several of the radio channels frequently sometimes i listen to them more then watch the main channels, Radio five live,LBC97.3 are just a couple i listen too.Whilst radio and even the shopping channels may not be eveybodys cup of tea they too have their audience.

LBC is not on freeview by the way.:)

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

The radio channels hardly take up any space, and the shopping channels pay VM to carry them.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I rarely use radio on the V+ box currently (use a tuner). But when aalogue is switched off (hopefully years away) the VM box will be usefull for radio.

Plus, although I can't do it on my SA box, tivo will record radio programmes (I think the Sammy V+ does as well) and that is usefull. So, don't drop the radio channels.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

I`m surprised you think most people don`t have built in freeview in their tv`s as all tv`s now have them as standard. I don`t know anyone who doesn`t have freeview. Also,if you go to the expense of paying for cable tv surely you must have a up-to-date tv?

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Not everyone can get Freeview, we don't get it until July 2012, with the analogue turned of Jan1 2013. I still have a 40'' Sony tv to watch HD on cable.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Especially when you have a wife that uses up the V+ recording capability and you need to find a way of watching the programs you want lol.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Firstly, all TVs don't have freeview as standard, although many do, and secondly, what makes you think that everybody has bought a new TV set recently. I have 2 up to date TVs only one of which has freeview built in. I find it arrogant of anybody to make a statement like your last one.

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

You can as far as I am concerned Along with a long list of other channels I never watch. Why have XL at all you may well ask - for the fringe benefits, and the "loss" if you can call it that ( well her indoors would) Discovery Channels that she loves :erm:

Re: Drop ESPN programming from XL package?
 

Cable TV has been around, in one form or other, for at least 15 years! So why would someone who pays for cable TV have only just bought their telly?