Thread: Virgin Media to add more HD channels
View Single Post
Old 27-02-2009, 01:55   #24
Turkey Machine
Inactive
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Norwich
Age: 37
Services: Company LLU internet, soon-to-be company FTTC internet at 56Mb/20Mb!
Posts: 1,895
Turkey Machine has reached the bronze age
Turkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze ageTurkey Machine has reached the bronze age
Re: Virgin Media to add more HD channels
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris View Post
It's not so much that Sky won't add BBC iPlayer, as Sky can't add BBC iPlayer. iPlayer is a Video-on-demand service, and it requires bandwidth in both directions in order to get it into the set-top box. Virgin can do VOD because its cable network can lend internet-like functionality to its TV service. Later this year Freesat will add the iPlayer because they have insisted that all Freesat boxes have an ethernet connection, allowing the box to use the internet to demand and receive content. Sky boxes receive content via the dish but can only send data via a dial-up narrowband link on your home phone line.

This is why Virgin is concentrating on VOD - it's something it can do, that Sky can't do. And VOD-HD is a more compelling proposition than linear HD, which is what Sky is offering.
Sky could offer VOD - all those Sky+ boxes have an ethernet port on them. Deliver it over ADSL. But they can't because not everyone who takes Sky TV wants broadband along with it.
Turkey Machine is offline   Reply With Quote