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Perfect Choice · 03-03-2011, 13:33

I really don’t expect VM to secure any more Sky controlled/own HD channels for the foreseeable future as Sky just value those at a higher value VM is prepared to pay. VM did the best it did when the Sky basics was negotiated and at least we ended up with Sky One HD, Sky Sports 1 and 2 HD.

Even when I expect a deal is done eventually on Sky Atlantic, I will not be surprised to find it is for the SD version only.

With the Tivo threatening Sky’s view of their own users TV viewing experience (by comparispon with Tivo), they will want to hold as many exclusive cards they can and pricing HD channels beyond VMs reasonable financial reach is a tactic I expect. Either VM say no deal to Sky or it’ another big fall out and back to the courts again but I don’t expect that.

However, there are still plenty of other HD channels VM have not signed up yet outside Sky, e.g. ITV2 to 4 HD. So VM should focus their efforts elsewhere to increase the HD viewing base for its customers.

On a side note though, VM need to make sure its Tivo box can upscale SD as best as possible then, as I’ve read variable reports on its performance with SD channels versus a user’s previous box. My SA V+ gives excellent upscaled SD on my Sony HX803 TV making the impact of higher quality PQ on HD channels less of an impact. So as long as I get this on the Tivo box (when I finally get the call!) I’ll be happy, but a general message VM needs to take note off if they cannot secure HD content channels of interest to VM TV subscribers.

03-03-2011, 13:33	#1800
Perfect Choice cf.geek Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Nottingham Services: Maxit TV, M phone, 200MB BB, V6 TIVO, Super Hub3 Posts: 701	Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I. I really don’t expect VM to secure any more Sky controlled/own HD channels for the foreseeable future as Sky just value those at a higher value VM is prepared to pay. VM did the best it did when the Sky basics was negotiated and at least we ended up with Sky One HD, Sky Sports 1 and 2 HD. Even when I expect a deal is done eventually on Sky Atlantic, I will not be surprised to find it is for the SD version only. With the Tivo threatening Sky’s view of their own users TV viewing experience (by comparispon with Tivo), they will want to hold as many exclusive cards they can and pricing HD channels beyond VMs reasonable financial reach is a tactic I expect. Either VM say no deal to Sky or it’ another big fall out and back to the courts again but I don’t expect that. However, there are still plenty of other HD channels VM have not signed up yet outside Sky, e.g. ITV2 to 4 HD. So VM should focus their efforts elsewhere to increase the HD viewing base for its customers. On a side note though, VM need to make sure its Tivo box can upscale SD as best as possible then, as I’ve read variable reports on its performance with SD channels versus a user’s previous box. My SA V+ gives excellent upscaled SD on my Sony HX803 TV making the impact of higher quality PQ on HD channels less of an impact. So as long as I get this on the Tivo box (when I finally get the call!) I’ll be happy, but a general message VM needs to take note off if they cannot secure HD content channels of interest to VM TV subscribers.