[ian@huth]

Originally Posted by Tristan

If the cable network weren't capable of offering it, that would be one thing. But all the Sky Sports Interactive things are really are hidden screens and the occasional graphical overlay, which the NTL software can deal with (see the BBC Wimbledon app for example).

I think the issue really is multiplex space. If NTL offer Sky another 8 high-bitrate streams (they need to be high to show sports well), then that's probably the same space as could be filled by perhaps 12 regular channels. NTL would expect Sky (not unreasonably) to pay the going rate for this bandwidth -- after all, Sky have to rent this space on the satellite to broadcast to their own subscribers, so why not rent it on NTL? But since Sky will get the same amount of money from NTL Sky Sports subscribers regardless of whether they provide the extra streams or not, they surprisingly choose not to give money to their biggest rival. So somebody has to force the issue here.

I think Tristan has hit the nail on the head. Do NTL have space to provide the extra channels needed for the up to eight extra streams for Champions League and Football First coverage considering that the space is only needed for a few hours now and then.