Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I'm just wondering if Virginmedia will ever match Sky TV's channel line up?

I ask this because Sony Movies is free to view, the CBS channels are also free but none appear on Virignmedia. This channels are not in contracts with any other provider but yet they are not on VM.

So does (yes DOES not dose!!!) anyone here think Virginmedia are really committed to new channels and I am talking exclusively about general entertainment channels here CBS and Sony movies.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Virgin Media have both CBS Action and CBS Reality

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Ohh so its only the free channels CBS drama and Sony movies missing? do you have the reality +1

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I'd say Virgin are 100% committed to delivering the most popular channels being broadcast in the UK. Both CBS Drama and Sony Movies are free to air and are available to over 10 million SKY customers yet the viewing figures for both channels are very weak according to Barb. Neither are in the top 100 popular channels.

I'd rather Virgin continue to invest in catch up and on demand content. I think Virgin offer a great selection of general entertainment at the touch of a button. Will SKY ever match Virgins' catch up and on demand selection?

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

They have already haven't they?Sky Anytime plus has complete seasons of TV shows in HD, Sports in HD, Movies in HD. ITV Player for catchup. BBC iPlayer on the way.

7 days backwards EPG catch up on the way. If you look at a A-Z listing of VM VOD and Sky VOD Sky seems to have a little bit more content and many newer shows. A lot of VM customers seem to have zero knowledge of Sky anytime and how it is an ondemand service with lots of content. The Sky Anytime on VM is not the same as Sky Anytime+ on Sky.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Sky in no way has anywhere near as much On Demand content as VM.

VM have their own massive selection of On Demand as well as Sky Anytime+ content, iplayer, 4OD, and itv player content.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

It appears both of us are really just guessing at who offers the most content on demand. Is there any independent website which confirms just how much content both offer? I've searched Google for about 20 minutes now without finding a proper comparison.

When it boils right down to it I'm glad both companies offer different products and services as it pushes both to innovate. It would not be good for consumers if both just offered the exact same services. At the end of the day customers will choose the provider based on what they are looking for from their TV provider. The reasons I've chosen Virgin won't be the same reasons why you've chosen SKY. At least neither of us are with BT Vision:D

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Iknow when I had VM their wasn't really that much but I can tell you on Sky anytime+ their is(goes to anytime+ on sky box) bare in mind each channels has pages of content. I do honestly suspect Skyanytime+ will surprise many VM customer for speed and content.

Channels with ondemand content on Anytime+ on Sky.
ITV Player
Sky1
SkyLiving
SkyAtlantic
Watch
Gold
Dave
Comedy central
FX
CHallenge
MTV
Skyarts1
Skyarts2
Alibi
Bio
Discovery real time
Discovery home&health
Home
Good food
Skymovies(all channels)
Sky sports
Skysports f1
ESPN Classic
Skynews
Discovery
Animal planet
NatGeo
Natgeo wild
History
Military
Eden
Crime
Cartoon network
Boomerang
Nickleodeon
DisneyXD
Disney channel
Disney Junior
NickJr
Cartoonio

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Both my "children" have Sky and both would switch but for different "problems "

1) Its not in her street !
2)For him it has not got Sky Atlantic.
The reason both would like to switch is simple the recording capabilities of TiVo .
Nothing else
A lot of Skys content they both agree is rubbish .

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Agreed, a show stopper for me considering Sky if I ever wanted to. Having 3 tuners to record concurrent programmes is absolutely essential in my household, Sky is simply not an option so a case of “will Sky will ever catch up with VM?” As regards that Anytime+ list, plenty of channels there which have OD content of VM so caught up already as far as I am concerned.

Where Sky do lead is total channels available including HD and I don’t ever expect VM to catch up that far, further progress yes but not to take on everything Sky has. But if you want access to every channel, then Sky will always have the edge if that is what is really key to you. However apart from the odd programme/series on Sky Atlantic, I cannot remember the last time I saw a something I couldn’t see on VM.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

An even more compelling reason that TiVo scores over Sky+ (if I'm not mistaken) is that when it becomes possible to network two TiVos in the same household that will in effect give users six tuners to play with. This may not be too far away. The big attraction for me, however, is the on-demand content available via the TiVo. In an ideal future all content will be on-demand to be viewed when I want and not when the broadcaster dictates. It's only really news and sporting events that need to be viewed as they happen.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

It's seriously getting boring now with all your TiVo and VM bashing, if you know the answers why ask? Good luck with your Sky sevices and I am honestly pleased for you. Please go to the Sky forums and justify your purchase with like minded people because to be honest the majority of people here are sick of reading your anti Virgin posts and your biased Sky posts.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Thankyou for your kind comments, at last you admit defeat and I hope your master is not to displeased with you :D An to be fair I don't "bash" VM but I do state the rest are catching up.

---------- Post added at 10:58 ---------- Previous post was at 10:56 ----------

Sky will be networking Sky boxes in beta as early as July,So you'll be able to watch recordings from one box on another box in a different room. You'll also be able to access you planner on your mobile device/tablet so can down load your recordings for watching on the move.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I hope Virgin has the sense to add further channels to go some way to matching Sky (more HD channels and Sky Atlantic etc.

Anyway I have recently deisided to drop the 2 V HD boxes and replace them with Sky+ HD boxes. So that I can get Sky Atlantic etc (The rest of my TV service, as well as Phone and Broadband however, still comes from Virgin Media)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Honestly? you mustn't have been looking very hard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_TV#On_demand
I imagine that by now its well over 7,000 hours.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

How much content does Sky VOD have? (they have HBO programmes, unlike Virgin)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Anytime%2B#Content

there are around 1,000 Hours of Sky Anytime+ content.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

As of January this year it was 1000 hours, which includes stuff from Sky Sports, so you presumably have to subscribe to the Sports channels to get the full 1000 hours, and 619 films for movies subscribers. I'm not sure how that compares with the number of Sky movies on demand on Virgin, but clearly there is significantly more general programming available on demand on cable for xl customers. However, Sky fans will, quite rightly IMO, argue that what is important is quality rather than quantity, and that's a matter of personal taste. It would seem incredible that there could possibly be better quality on a service that offers just 1/7 of the content, especially considering there isn't that much of it that's exclusive, but it's certainly possible.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Sky has a lot more than 1000 hours of programming, a lot of VM's VODis catch-up from BBC, 4OD ect which is included in the total hours.

Sky will have the full ITV,Demand5,4OD,BBC iPlayer soon so their content will increase even further.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Well that's clearly wrong here's a quote from it

Sky Store has 1040 movies at an average of 2hrs per movie that's 2080 hrs
Sky Movies OD has over 500 movies so at least 1000 hrs plus there are many boxsets , Sky catchup content , content from other channels included so that figure is way off the mark.

Fair point , VM also have a complete terrestrial catchup service and it's OD service is available on all their STB's and not dependant on BB speed , however it is worth remembering Anytime+ only started towards the latter end of 2010 considerably later than cables OD service , it's a service which Sky are now beginning to see as essential.

It's the old adage what's good for one person isn't necessarily for another , they are both decent services and basically boil down to a persons individual requirements.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Alright how much content is there from Sky Anytime+/Sky Store/BBC iplayer/ITV Player/4OD/Demand 5 and how much is there from VM VOD/FilmFlex/BBC iplayer/ITV Player/4OD/Demand 5?

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I never said it was right or accurate. It's the only thing I could find relating to hours of content. Still it's way behind VMs 7,000 hours or there abouts.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Yes, but CBS Action,Horror,Extreme Sports and CBS Reality are actually available on Virgin TV, Sony Movies will come eventually

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Media Boy has just told me that Sony and VM are not currently in talks with each other over Sony Movies Channel, however we will wait and see!

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

That I disagree, I was actually disappointed with it, Virgin TV' Vod is much better and its slow, and you have to wire it up to a router.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I truthfully have no idea how many hours each provider has , however clearly that wikipedia links figures are no longer correct , does it really matter so long as we can all find something to watch. We'd be here all day discussing the pro's and cons of each service and the truth is only the individual customer can decide that.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

So to take if back to the original question of will Virgin Media ever match Sky's channel line up nobody knows and only time will tell.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

But apart from Sky Atlantic there are not very many must have channels that Sky and even the great one from on high believes that.;)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I know the July is just a beta date but VM/Tivo were first of the blocks with this; why are they taking so long to implement it? If Sky beat them to it, it will be a disgrace and missed opportunity for a limited time USP.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

From what l have heard PB there is no chance of Sky beating them to it as my sources from a Sky insider indicate that Virgin will beat Sky to this by at least 6 months with networking to come sometime later this year.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

This is an interesting read...thanks people. :)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

My Virginmedia insider tells me Sky will probably beat them to networking by at least 7 months(see what I did there?).

Sky already have an estimated 60% of Sky+HD boxes connected to the home network and rising weekly. Your TiVo may have a cable connection but it will still need connecting to your home network to stream between boxes. I understand VM are working on a way round this but its going to take time.

Sky will be streaming between boxes before the end of 2012, VM still need to rollout TiVo to ALL boxes before they can even think about streaming between a TiVo and a VHD unless you're going to have homes with 2 or 3 TiVo's?

Ok a little googling has got me this...

The DRX595 None recordable SkyHD box is "Multiroom streaming" ready, You'll be able to watch a TV channel whilst someone else is streaming from the same box. It has had Alpha testing(closed) it will Beta in Summer 2012. No hard facts or official comments from Sky apart from the original announcement of Multiroom streaming when the DRX595 was launched.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

l see as the masters apprentice you stll have much to learn and one of those is don't believe what you always read dear chap.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Well everything Sky said they're going to do they have done EG-Truely unlimited broadband, Fibre optic broadband, Skygo, Sky free wifi for all customers via the cloud.Anytime+ roll out to all ISP's..

So you'll forgive me for believing Sky will have multiroom streaming 2012.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Thing is VM are busy rolling out there speed doubling.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Then one thing I do like about Sky VOD is being able to download the material to my STB. That way I can watch it when I want rather than rushing through shows or even not being able to watch them.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Virgin Media may soon become part of a much larger media group, better able to compete with Sky and BT.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/375301/e...rgin-media-too

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I think the competition authorities should put it through, how come cable and wireless was able to swallow up 3 cable companies at once whilst owning one2one and mercury? And who the hell allowed NTL to take over the franchises when it had a huge debt mountain.

So I think they should put it through and if the C&W deal flops with Vodafone they should attempt at that as well since its only £1 Billion, plenty of infrastructure for 4G

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

That is interesting. Although I'm not happy about the prospect of VM being owned by the same company as Orange (the bunch of crooks).

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

GOING BACK to the ORIGINAL point of the thread (mods?), no I don't think we will and I am very glad we wont. We have more than enough crap channels as it is, and there are plenty more crap channels on sky, but some mugs think content is king. Seriously quality over quantity any day of the week. I would much rather read a book, listen to a radio show (thank you BBC..your radio service is worth the license fee alone) or do some crosswords (or something to challenge my mind) whilst listening a decent album, instead of watching some pointless mind numbing trash that has (already been) repeated ad nauseum on sky atlantic. Sky can shove their remaining channels where the sun don't shine!

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

In answer to the question posed at the outset of this thread I would personally say that it is unlikely that VM will ever have as many channels as Sky. However less channels does not always make a inferior product. I'd be happy if VM added Sky Atlantic and a few extra HD channels but I certainly wouldn't swap to Sky just for these.

It's all a question of personal choice and which of the pay tv companies best meets your needs in terms of the services they offer and the price they charge. Both companies are clearly doing something right as otherwise Sky wouldn't have around 10 million customers and VM around 4 million. It's clear from your various posts Telly Bear that you prefer Sky to VM and that's great if they better meet your needs. However also bear in mind that many people prefer VM to Sky as they better meet their needs.

If you also take into account that only about 50% of UK homes can access VM's cable services whereas Sky is widely available to the majority of UK homes. It would be very interesting what the subscriber figures would be if both products were available equally.

The final interesting thing would be if a major investor like Everything Everwhere came in to takeover VM as with additional financially clout, VM could do much more!

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Just what VM need to compete with Sky and BT a large investor. Then they would be in a better position to fight for content.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

It's OK if you would like the UK's biggest cable supplier with Franco/German
owner's. Not a good idea.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

France telecom and Deutsche Telekom as well as the brands will cease to exist in the UK and will likely use the Virgin brand unless they will use the orange brand under license as well like Orange Israel, they used to do the same with Orange Austrailia and india until Hutchison rebranded them, with its indian operations now in the hands of Vodafone.

By the way France Telecom had a share in NTL or vice versa quite a few years ago when NTL had operations in France and Switzerland, in fact the British channels were still available a few years ago in Switzerland.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Why not?

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

The stupid thing about this country is Sky will never be allowed to buy Virginmedia and Virginmedia will never be allowed to buy Sky. But yet another foreign company will be able to buy up them both.

Sky and Virginmedia joining up then going into France,Germany,Italy and buying their telecoms companys or pay TV networks would be quite nice. Why is always our companys getting bought by European firms???

This country is built on division and its stupid, we divide then the rest of the worldcomes and conkers!!!

(I've been pub I hope that makes sense)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I couldn't agree more :clap:

---------- Post added at 21:39 ---------- Previous post was at 21:21 ----------

Why would anyone want Sky to buy VM, or VM to buy Sky? As long as there is healthy competition, then prices will stay low, and services will be improved.

If VM didn't have 100mb, do you think BT would have invested so much money in their high speed BB? And it was VM's phone prices that forced BT to lower theirs.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

They already are/have, NTL had european operations and Sky and BT operate in Italy,sky operate in Germany, Cable and Wireless Communications are based here but hold nearly a monopoly across the caribbean,the channel islands and the pacific who provide TV,phone,internet and even the post and then you have Cable and Wireless worldwide who operate across Europe,Asia and Australasia as well as the USA and of course Vodafone which operates in many countries

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

If Sky or VM end up having a monopoly by managing to take over each other then I can see prices soaring..after all it's healthy competition that keeps prices lower.

So I hope that no one company gets to own everything or TV,phone and BB will be become rather more pricey than they are at present.

so Hurray for Sky,VM and BT staying as separate entities..:)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I have looked at joining Sky in the past (Just the TV). You have to ask the question 'Is it value for money?'

I don't think so, I'm more than happy to pay £47p/m for my services :)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

So it seems we are all in agreement, Virginmedia will never match Sky for high quality live TV content.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Why didn't you set up a poll?;)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I don't agree

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

On the "Cableforum" lol....:D:D:D

I'm hoping Youview blows them all out the water.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

CBS, Sony movie channels are high quality? I think you might want to reconsider.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Oh didn't you know how to do so? :erm:

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I understand you're jealous but hey, its only TV.

---------- Post added at 23:02 ---------- Previous post was at 23:00 ----------

Do I know how to set up a poll? To be honest I have never even tried but we all know my opinion is the correct one.:D

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

So why bother asking the question? Except to start trouble.:rolleyes:

So there you have it everyone..you have been participating in a wind-up.The solution is in your hands..do not engage and just ignore.;)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Jealous, ha! If as you say they are high quality why haven't Sky made these channels subscription?

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

No, for two reasons:

1. They can't. They're several billion in debt and Sky still controls key content, ie first run Hollywood films. So there will always be a Sky "exclusive to Sky" channel.

2. They don't want to.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Seconded.:)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

High quality???

VM already has most of the quality TV that Sky does. It's mainly the rubbish channels that hardly anyone watches that they don't have.

When I switched from Sky+HD to Tivo, I can honestly say that I didn't really notice any difference in the channels available, because all those that I watch are also on VM. What I did notice, was that despite a couple of minor things the Tivo is years ahead of the Sky box.

True it's just Sky Atlantic, Sky have a stronger HD line up.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Are you suggested that Everything Everywhere should merge into Virgin Media?

---------- Post added at 10:28 ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 ----------

If VM can get as many HD channels it can, Sky Atlantic (SD + HD), Premier Sports (both channels) and HBO conent on VOD, then it would be a better match towards Sky/BT

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

And you pay extra for it as well.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

The only true strength that Sky have is the Films and Sports channels.Otherwise they are no better or no worse than VM.
Each platform has different strengths and weakness.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

It mainly content, they have also gained in terms of other programming (e.g. HBO)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Errr.Sorry I can't agree on that one..:erm:

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Despite the fact Sky is built on Sports, Film and more recently Premium TV Content?

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Yep, it would make them much stronger and would give Everything Everywhere infrastructure for 4G services which is why Vodafone is interested in Cable and Wireless Worldwide. MBNL partly used by 3 currently uses Virgin Media for certain services.

There has been talk that the Vodafone and C&W deal could flop, this would be a disaster for Vodafone as it is a key to remaining successul and a opportunity to expand into fixed line services and rather than depend on BT, it would rather compete and have less dependence on BT and other fixed line networks. As C&W Worldwide slowly recovers and if the deal falls through, it would be wise to integrate Thus.

---------- Post added at 17:41 ---------- Previous post was at 17:34 ----------

But HD channels are a gimmick, I see very little difference between the SD and HD and most people would be satisfied with SD, as long as they can hear and see the channel, that's the most important thing.

As for Sky Atlantic, I think the content is not as good as they make out and think they should incorporate the whole channel with Sky1 or Sky2.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

If SKY took their most popular and critically acclaimed programming from SKY1, SKY2, SKY Atlantic, SKY Living and SKY Arts they could put together a simply fantastic channel. A channel that would surpass Channel 4, Channel 5 and would certainly push ITV in terms of popularity. For me SKY have quality programming but it can be spread thinly at times. I'm also yet to be convinced by any of SKY's attempts at comedy programmes such as Stella, The Cafe, Spy, Trollied and Wall of Fame featuring David Walliams.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

At least they're trying new things instead of just showing repeat,American tv show,repeat,American tv show,repeat......This isn't the BBC :D:D

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I do enjoy An Idiot Abroad

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

But that's what Pick TV and Sky2 mostly show, repeats of airline which were orginally shown on ITV1 in 1999 and then on ITV2 for a number of years and now on Sky. Same with a few other programmes like the filth fighters ect....

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Sigh..i will respect your choice of viewing, even though it pains me to read anyone enjoying that show

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Have you been watching me on holiday as I thought that the restraing order was still in place:erm::D:D:D

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Not fair. An Idiot Abroad is a popular and entertaining show and quite often educational in a way that straight travel shows aren't. Some of the images were memorable. As a hill/mountain walker I loved the shots from Mount Fuji.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I really enjoyed Stella.Perhaps its a "Welsh" thing.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

We've enjoyed quite a few of Sky's own content , Stella , Strike Back and Project Dawn , An idiot abroad , Treasure Island and Hit and Miss too name a few.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Not really.:)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Me too. Wish I was Welsh :smokin:

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Glad to hear it. The boss likes Starlings but that leaves me cold:(

Other than that while she likes a few others. For me the only show on Sky that I really love ( have the full boxed sets) is Futurama :D
So back on track Sky content over Virgin nothing I miss - But what you never have you never miss :rolleyes:

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Off topic I know, but

Treasure Island was shocking. Terrible adaptaion, poor script and average acting and directing.

Absolutely love an Idiot Abroad (but that was the brain child Merchant and Gervais, and lets face it, Pilkinton is just excellent) Did not care for any of the others, even the trailers for them looked dire at best (as did treasure island, but curiosity got the better of me, as I love the book, and just had to see the adaptation)

Content is over-rated and I am still glad we dont/wont have all the tripe Sky show

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Been reading the posts here and I don't think a lot of people are bothered about content. Saw this note somewhere which is interesting, when you add Ireland in I think the penetration is about 50/50.

If you look at both companies q1 results you will see the following. VM 4.8 million customers from the 12 million homes they pass, Sky 10.5 million customers from the 25 million homes that thay could serve.

Therefore VM has 40% penetration into possible homes that they pass and Sky have 42% penetration into the homes they could serve.

Now remembering that VM are competing directly with Sky/BT/Talk Talk etc in those12 milliom homes compared to Sky who do not have competion from Virgin (but do from BT, Talk Talk) etc in 13 million of the 25 million homes that they could serve it sort of blows your argument out of the water.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

My opinion differed however it would be boring if we all liked the same , I guess one mans trash is another mans treasure (island) :D

Agreed very funny.


WOW you got all that from a trailer :D

Isn't that why we have pay TV :confused:

Each to their own.

To get back on topic I believe VM carry 99% of the popular channels and hopefully over time will add the missing HD channels.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Muppetman, Yep, I got that from trailers. Trailers are meant to excite and entice you into watching something. None of the shows you mentioned enticed me to watch those programs (much like countless movie trailers, don't make me rush to the cinema)

I believe content is over-rated. I would gladly pay the money I do now for 20-30 channels showing top quality programming all day every day, rather than 170 odd channels showing poorly produced programs, spread around two or three high quality programs.
I appreciate what I class as quality programming will not be classed as quality programming by many other people, but as you rightly say life would boring if it we were the same.
Also, how much content do people actually watch? I have my favourite shows/channels (discovery, universal, nat geo, nat geo wild, e4 channel 4, bbc 1+2, all comedy central, film four, dave watch, eden, gold, horror channel, history ITV 1-4) and watch or record most things from those channels. I don't watch much, if anything, from the rest (I might record the odd film, but if those channels did not exist, someone else would probably buy the rights) This is why I think content is over-rated - quality over quantity.
Alas, to keep everyone happy, the way the pay tv system works currently is the only way it will work:'-(
You are quite correct though, Virgin have most of the popular channels, and the missing HD channels would make Virgin a much better proposition for people. (It would certainly make me very happy to have Universal, History and nat geo wild)

P.s. Kudo's on the Treasure (island quip) I did chuckle at that!!

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

very much doubt sky will give VM there missing channels but hopefully we get the rest

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

We always live in hope Dave and that hope might well be repaid later in the year..:)

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

.. or later another year.

---------- Post added at 18:53 ---------- Previous post was at 18:52 ----------

Sorry to sound a bit glum but i do hope it isn't going to be Sky policy to show Man Utd's champions League match's on Sky Sports 3 this season as they did last, that really is taking the ....

It's tough to compete with Sky now for TV they got a strong foot hold now. Was a shame that Virgin TV channel couldn't compete more and stay broadcasting.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

I do wish the that Vodafone-C&W Worldwide deal falls apart since they are better off buying O2 UK (they are both now sharing a 4G network, to meet the challege of Everything Everywhere

In fact since Telefonica might need extra cash to cover losses in Spain, why don't Vodafone merge with Telefonica's Mobile assets (O2 + Movistar) it will create the worlds biggest mobile operator with 672 million customers worldwide

Sky Atlantic is fast becoming the home of not just HBO but for all of Sky's high quality programming (Along with Sky Arts)

---------- Post added at 12:02 ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 ----------

Sky are launching Chickens (made by the Inbetweeners team) and the return of Alan Partridge

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Well it wasn't supposed to be. It was supposed to be only for US imports from HBO and the like. But then I don't suppose it's a co-incidence that they have started putting all their good stuff on a channel they won't let anyone else have; despite the increase in advertising revenue it would bring.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Wrong again :rolleyes:

Have a read

http://corporate.sky.com/media/press...ky_altantic_hd

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

It was originally hailed by Sky as "the new home for HBO in the UK" created because of the deal so what else was I supposed to think? :confused: :rolleyes:

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

It was created as the home of HBO and does contain HBO content , but nowhere did it say it would be just HBO content so your statement is clearly wrong.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

Having just looked at the link, Its not what they said, perhaps you picked up on a "sound bite" Have to say the name made me think along the same lines - US imports would be hosted here. Clearly wrong:D

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

^ Exactly.

Re: Will Virginmedia ever match Sky's channel line up?
 

On the plus side..Sky Atlantic has HBO! :D