ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

For all those HD American sports fans I have more bad news, this a reply I received this morning from the boss of TV.

"Dear AB, sorry for the delay, but I've been just a bit busy launching Tivo :)

No progress to report on ESPN America HD at this stage, but we are still in discussions.

These negotiations are complex and take time, thanks for your patience.

Regards,"


I think we can forget about getting this channel any time soon, so if you want to watch American sports in HD its a case of going to Sky.:(

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

No kidding! The HD channel launched a year ago tomorrow.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

It is becoming the same old story with VM coming soon never happens and they cannot blame this one on Sky.:(

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

This became one of my main reasons for switching , if VM could add this I would defo consider a move back.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

They must be trying to get the best of both as the negotiations are still ongoing? They must be still talking due to they have the best interests of the consumer at heart, As if they did not the talks would have collapsed by now?

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I think they must be negotiating via Royal Mail.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Sorry Devil ,but that argument is getting a bit tired in my book.
They are never going to say negotiations have failed, for fear of loosing customers. As Lew stated the channel launch a year ago tomorrow,the time it has taken to get know where is ridiculous.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Well the usual how long does paint take to dry negotiations.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Perhaps VM ought to get a proper negotiator in pity FIFA have employed Henry Kissinger.:D:D:D:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Yes the current one still seems to be propping up the bar having his thirty second pint of beer.:D:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Sky will pay them anything, Virgin will be trying to get it in the XL pack like the other channels.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Maybe there is insufficiant demand for the channel, and they actually are not negotiating, or they are negotiaitng but are trying to get it for free due to the "maybe" low demand. Just an idea.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I'm confused on how a channel on sd is already broadcasting, but if its in HD negotiations are complex and take time, surely all your doing is paying a bit more than you do for SD. simples.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

My Sky package is 10.25 more than the equivalent pack with VM , in that I receive around 20 more HD channels , Sky go on 2 devices , Sky 3D free as a Sky World subscriber a free HD box with no PVR sub. To say Sky will pay anything is nonsense they look after the customer its just their offering is completely different to that of VM. Do you not think Skys bargaining power is an advantage after all they do have over 10 million subscribers.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Also, on the technical front Sky don't have to do anything other than to add an EPG number and include the channel in the package so it's cheaper for them to add a channel than it is for VM who have to add the channel to their network themselves.

Still annoying that we're still waiting a year on, though.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

That is a very good point. I hope its added to VM also so us US sports fans can all enjoy our favourite sports in HD , trust me its good PQ and 90% HD schedule.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

That is what baffles me 90% HD content so VM would be getting a top quality channel.
I used to pay for the old NASN channel in 4:3 shocking picture, I am more than willing to pay £10 for my favourite sports channel in glorious HD.:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Sky Go is limited to one device (I've heard), HD is £10.25 per box in comparison to free, each extra box is £10.25 a month in comparison to £6.25 and there is no iPlayer, etc.

Sky will pay anything just like they've payed anything for House, 24, Prison Break, Lost, Mad Men and Glee, just to take them off free to air and have them all to themselves (literally in 2007).

TiVo (in the state that US users receive it) is much better than any provider supplied PVR and at an additional £3 per month is nothing when you receive free servicing and replacements on tap.

The reason Sky has 10 million subscribers is because Sky as a brand is like iPod/iPhone/iPad, to the uneducated it is the only brand and no matter what features anyone else offers, they're just copycat poor products. Add the fact that its been around for longer and that it can be received almost anywhere instead of your street having to be cabled then its obvious why they have more customers.

And can ESPN please show more MLS, especially live matches.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Sky go is 2 devices and free includes laptops , ipod touch , ipad , smartphones etc.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/sky-...free-50004093/

1 HD charge covers multiroom from September

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showp...0&postcount=61

The customer decides which deal suits them , some will prefer Sky some will prefer VM , my point is your fact is wrong that sky will pay anything , were is your proof to back this claim up.

Back on Topic , VM will hopefully add this for their US sports fans , hopefully in XL TV



ESPN America HD will be available to existing ESPN HD subs in the U.K. and Ireland at no extra charge. ESPN America HD already is carried in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden on France's Canal Digital.

A few countries have access to it.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Sorry I was just trying to add what may have happened or is going on :( I think that I better keep my mouth shut then:erm:

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

No your mouth is better open then shut.:D:D;):D:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

you would think the cost of getting all the HD feeds over to Europe would need to be paid in some way. I cant understand why so few countries have ESPNA HD.

I wish ESPN was available like setanta was on satellite then it would only be like 10 pound a month. Currently cheapest would be one sky mix + ESPN + HD Pack which is 41.75 :( another 30 pound and you can get all their channels

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Precisely. Time and tide..............

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

No I think that on this subject it is better closed? As I seem to be digging a grave for myself?

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

How many shovels shall you need.:D:D:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

What is the email address. I'd like to voice my concerns, given that I only subscribe to Virgin for ESPN America.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Check your PM.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Thanks dude.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

If you're trying to email the info@espnamerica.com email address I don't think they use it any more. I haven't been able to get a response from that one for ages.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Or they've just added you to their spam filter :p: :jk:

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

This HD picture ain't making CC Sabathias pitching look any better tonight.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

:rofl:

After a lot of searching I've managed to find the feedback form on their website.

http://www.espnamerica.com/gb/f1/help-feedback

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Wahey!
I bet they are looking forward to seeing your name again :p:

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Hey! At least I got them to stop using that ugly overlay that looked like it was created on an Amiga for programming alerts and use the Bottom Line ticker instead. ;)

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

That was you ! Well done mate.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Yup! Here's the email I sent them:

Shortly afterwards they started using the Bottom Line ticker for programming alerts. :D

---------- Post added at 23:31 ---------- Previous post was at 23:30 ----------

It's a shame really, as they used to be really good at answering emails, such as when I asked them if they could use the Fox feed for the World Series:

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Any updates on ESPN America HD coming to Virgin Media ?

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

No

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

coming soon :d

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

VM haven't said that though, all they have said is they are negotiating for the channel.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Now almost 18 months.

Even smallworld cable now have it in their XL equivalent package.

It can not cost that much.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

18 months and counting:rolleyes:

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Could they be waiting the Gestation period of a Elephant? :D:D:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Lol :D:D I have given up hope that it will ever happen to be honest:(

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

The sonner we get ESPN America HD the better

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Yes it would be nice to have that channel.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I suppose it's been thrown on the "2012 To-Do List" like a bunch of other stuff. Just a guess, but you know VM...

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Getting fed up of waiting for this channel.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I'll be totally honest this was my main reason for leaving VM , along with my poor BB speeds due to oversubscribed area.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I think a lot of HD channels will come next year as part of the 80 HD channels target.

It says at the end of the electric magazine " watch this space" so something is happening. Virgin Media usually announce new channels in February , March or April.

It does not make sense :confused:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/35340028-post41.html

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Have you ever stared at anything long enough? It makes you see things that are not there?

That is what they mean by watch this space (look at it for hours, I saw the second coming)

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Yes :D:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Step right up! Free sarcasm lessons courtesy of Devil! ;) :D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I will now take a bow:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

And l should bow to my master.:D

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

With no NHL or NBA coverage it's not been worth watching since the MLB finished!

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I'm sure college football and Basketball fans would disagree. What about its many magazine type shows.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Sorry, but I will have to disagree, I am an American sports fan and I enjoy most of them, College football is the next best thing to the NFL and there is plenty of good action. College hoops is good and will keep me going for another few weeks until the NBA starts on Christmas day all being well.
The loss of NHL is a massive loss, the NHL have reneged on their promise to give European fans a better tv deal.:( The NHL is now only available here on Premier Sports(Sky Only) which is not even covering HNIC as far as I am aware ,which is an institution in the Ice Hockey world. I also enjoy watching Sportsnation and Around the Horn.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Agreed.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I agree.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

With no NHL coverage it is of no use whats so ever

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Totally agree.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

In your opinion ;)

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Funny, I'm rather enjoying the lack of NHL coverage as it means I get to watch more college football than in previous years.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Couldnt agree more , nothing beats a good CFB game on a Saturday.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

ESPN America is, IMO, the most significant HD channel currently missing from the VM channel line-up. Hopefully it will appear in the near future.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

If only VM would come to that conclusion as well.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Whilst i do watch College hoops and football on ocasion the loss of NHL and NBA is a major let down.

i do feel with the MLB season over the schedules are very watered down at the mo- almost to the point that for the first time in since NASN came to our screens i have questioned my subscription. ESPN America HD is well overdue- its on other platforms so what is taking negotiations so long for VM.

the NBA strike was obviously beyond TV's control but to allow NHL rights to go to a small market channel like Premier Sports is unforgivable. Not sure what happened as i doubt Premier Sports can challenge financially the might of the ESPN network so presumably cant see how they would outbid them. if it was the choice of NHL execs ...well that defies any logic. Would be interested to know what viewing figures premier Sports pull in for NHL? Not exactly promoting the sport to the fullest are we NHL.

I subscribe to MLB.com in the summer so unless the situation with HD and NHL is sorted for next year i may well cancel ESPN America..i doubt i will be alone.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

We will know one way by July 2013 (When the EPL deal is up - I think Virgin sign an four year date with ESPN when Setanta Sports went under.)

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Lets hope we will have ESPN America HD by July 2013!

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I never thought of it like that - you are quite right my friend though I do like NHL as well to be honest.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

I think the blame for this lands squarely at the feet of the NHL. They didn't like the fact that one station had the pan-European rights as they wanted to sell individual rights to channels in each country in the hopes of getting more money. It seems to have backfired though, as only a couple of channels went for the rights. I think this will be good for ESPN next time the rights are up for grabs as they'll probably be able to get them for an even better price than before.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

i hope so. I am a really big NHL fan and cant believe I am not able to watch any this season. I was tempted by NHL center ice package but as most are evening starts in North America i would not watch many live due to the time difference.

Unlike MLB which has enough day games to wath live to make their package worthwhile to me.

i shall make do with the hihlights on the NHL.com site. better than nowt.

Re: ESPN America HD update Still in negotiations
 

Same here, it is disappointing not to be able to watch HNIC.