General : Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 4.

[Chad]

Originally Posted by MutleyF

I would imagine that if they did both go into XL, then there would be an increase in subs to compensate for the cost of supplying.

However, I would expect both to be available as an app only, and thus subscription based

Maybe Virgin could cancel all of their current on demand content contracts for "Virgin Movies" and make Netflix and Lovefilm their default movie on demand providers? Netflix for free in XL and Lovefilm on a pay per view basis for those who want to watch new titles on demand.

[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by Chad

Maybe Virgin could cancel all of their current on demand content contracts for "Virgin Movies" and make Netflix and Lovefilm their default movie on demand providers? Netflix for free in XL and Lovefilm on a pay per view basis for those who want to watch new titles on demand.

That wouldn't work as neither have recent titles, so you would have to wait years to be able to watch a movie.

[Media Boy UK]

Originally Posted by Gavin-D

BSKYB have lost the rights to show the James Bond movies with all movies except Sky fall showing an expiry date of 30th September 2013 on the On Demand service on sky. This will mean no more Sky movies 007 channel re-brands on sky movies for a while now.

The question is who will pick up the rights the front runner is probably ITV to re pick up the rights I'd like to see the beeb pick up the rights but I can't see it happening tbh

Maybe Film4, Sony Movies or Movies 24 (Universal) will pick them up.

The Bond movies are now own by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

[devilincarnate]

Originally Posted by BenMcr

That wouldn't work as neither have recent titles, so you would have to wait years to be able to watch a movie.

Would be nice if this launched ?

http://www.epixhd.com/

[andy_m]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

It doesn't follow that just because Netflix is in the XL pack (as I hope it will be) that Lovefilm would have to be as well.

However, if we did get both in XL, I would be overjoyed! Unfortunately, it just seems too good to be true. Having said that, look at what they must have paid for BT Sports. Those of us who don't like sport haven't benefited at all from this arrangement, so having Netflix and Lovefilm included in XL would make up for this.

I think it does. Netflix and LoveFilm are in direct competition. Netflix makes original content, LoveFilm responds by signing exclusive content deals, etc. I cannot see LoveFilm doing a deal with Virgin to be a paid for by subscription OTT app on the TiVo platform, if the same platform will give the customer access to their closest rival for no extra cost. It just wouldn't make any sense - it would be like standing next to your largest competitor and telling everybody that it is they, and not you, that offer the best value for money. If LoveFilm is coming to TiVo then it's on the same basis as Netflix. ie. They're either both paid for or both at no extra cost. In my opinion.

---------- Post added at 13:17 ---------- Previous post was at 13:13 ----------

Originally Posted by Chad

Maybe Virgin could cancel all of their current on demand content contracts for "Virgin Movies" and make Netflix and Lovefilm their default movie on demand providers? Netflix for free in XL and Lovefilm on a pay per view basis for those who want to watch new titles on demand.

Personally, I like the idea, although Virgin Movies should stay to provide a "box office" style service (ie. at or around the time of DVD release). Then of course, you have the problem of renegotiating all of those carriage deals which include OD offerings, and those customers who pay for Sky Movies would still want Sky on demand, for example. I'd happily give up the current OD offering for free Netflix and LoveFilm, with Virgin Movies as a ppv option. But I don't see it happening.

[blue666666]

can't see why virgin would want netflix and lovefilm when they do the same job

[Jong1]

Originally Posted by BenMcr

That wouldn't work as neither have recent titles, so you would have to wait years to be able to watch a movie.

Could certainly scrap Virgin's anaemic, non-catchup, TV On demand service and replace with Netflix.

It's almost impossible to "discover" stuff on it, certainly much harder than Netflix, which is great at bringing relevant content to your attention, and content comes and goes on whim, with frequently incomplete series and seasons.

[Lew]

Originally Posted by blue666666

can't see why virgin would want netflix and lovefilm when they do the same job

Because they have different content, maybe? You may as well ask why they bother with Sky Movies when they have Picturebox. After all, they both "do the same job" as you put it.

[MutleyF]

Originally Posted by Jong1

Could certainly scrap Virgin's anaemic, non-catchup, TV On demand service and replace with Netflix.

It's almost impossible to "discover" stuff on it, certainly much harder than Netflix, which is great at bringing relevant content to your attention, and content comes and goes on whim, with frequently incomplete series and seasons.

I have no problems with it at all

---------- Post added at 14:44 ---------- Previous post was at 14:44 ----------

Originally Posted by Lew

Because they have different content, maybe? You may as well ask why they bother with Sky Movies when they have Picturebox. After all, they both "do the same job" as you put it.

Beat me to it !

[blue666666]

does any one watch picturebox or bother to pay for it.can see picturebox going when netflix comes

[ocav]

Originally Posted by devilincarnate

Would be nice if this launched ?

http://www.epixhd.com/

This is a US equilavlent of Sky Movies/Now TV, the likelyhood of it appearing this side of the pond is 0.

Originally Posted by BenMcr

That wouldn't work as neither have recent titles, so you would have to wait years to be able to watch a movie.

I believe LoveFilm used to have a PPV style service, but I'm sure it would be cheaper to haggle BlinkBox in for new releases. Personally I would rather Virgin left that to 3rd party's, I'm sure they don't make that much of PPV Sales anymore!

[Jong1]

Originally Posted by MutleyF

I have no problems with it at all

Well I'm pleased for you.

Almost every time I have tried to watch a "boxed set" on Virgin episodes have either been missing from the start or disappear half way through watching a season.

I've also frequently had misnamed or broken episodes and episodes out of sequence.

Virgin typically only have a few seasons at a time. Netflix typically purchase the entire series from beginning to end.

Netflix tend to buy long term contracts. Virgin's are often only for a few months, requiring a mad dash to view.

And all that is on top of the fact that Virgin have no real way of bringing your attention to the majority of new stuff, so unless you are constantly scanning the index you don't find something has arrived until half way through its viewing window, making the short term contracts all the more problematic.

And Netflix just have so much more content than Virgin. Virign will never I suspect compete, which is why, I guess, they are happy to add it to their service (and full credit to them for that )

I am not trying to knock Virgin here. Adding Netflix is great news and their openess to OTT is fantastic. But, other than the "minor" problem that Netflix will not currently be available without a Tivo, if Virgin adds Netflix to their packages I really can't see why they would want the hassle of doing their own half-A***d job too!

Originally Posted by blue666666

can't see why virgin would want netflix and lovefilm when they do the same job

Because they want the money. Think of VM as the landlord of a shopping centre. Netflix, Lovefilm, Picture Box etc pay VM a rental for a shop. They then open their shops and try to persuade VM customers to buy from them. VM want to fill as many shops as possible so they can get as much rent as possible from the owners. It doesn't care how many people use it, so long as it gets its rent.

I do think that Picture Box will have to up its game though, it's very poor value compared with the other two at the moment, however it does have the advantage that you don't need a TiVo to receive it.

[MutleyF]

Originally Posted by Jong1

Well I'm pleased for you.

Almost every time I have tried to watch a "boxed set" on Virgin episodes have either been missing from the start or disappear half way through watching a season.

I've also frequently had misnamed or broken episodes and episodes out of sequence.

Virgin typically only have a few seasons at a time. Netflix typically purchase the entire series from beginning to end.

Netflix tend to buy long term contracts. Virgin's are often only for a few months, requiring a mad dash to view.

And all that is on top of the fact that Virgin have no real way of bringing your attention to the majority of new stuff, so unless you are constantly scanning the index you don't find something has arrived until half way through its viewing window, making the short term contracts all the more problematic.

And Netflix just have so much more content than Virgin. Virign will never I suspect compete, which is why, I guess, they are happy to add it to their service (and full credit to them for that )

I am not trying to knock Virgin here. Adding Netflix is great news and their openess to OTT is fantastic. But, other than the "minor" problem that Netflix will not currently be available without a Tivo, if Virgin adds Netflix to their packages I really can't see why they would also want the hassle of doing their own half-A***d job too!

If I am being honest, I have not watched any series on "on demand" - only the occasional program, but when I have watched, I have not had any problem.

Maybe I should try!

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by andy_m

If you think this is likely to be a serious issue, then surely it's evidence in favour of the suggestion that these services will be bundled free of charge in the higher TV packs?

I wouldn't say a serious issue hence my comment of 'element of risk' however I agree bundled would be appealing to many.

Originally Posted by andy_m

I'm not so sure. The way I see it is (and I'm guessing here) that the majority of people still choose Virgin for broadband first and end up with TV as part of the deal, rather than with Sky where they choose TV first and then take their broadband product. If that's correct, then it stands to reason that the vast majority of Virgin customers (and generalising here, but especially those with a TiVo that have arguably demonstrated a liking of tech by having got one) already have devices capable of accessing Netflix and the like. Couple that with the inertia that customers in this country are renowned for, and I think it unlikely that providing OTT apps will create any significant dent in Virgin's top tier subscriber base.

Fair point and one Mike Fries has stated in a recent debate on the future of pay tv with James Murdoch at Euro Summit 13.

He said Liberty “will never do content as well as James” and would play to the strength of its network.

http://www.digitaltveurope.net/10354...eurosummit-13/

Originally Posted by andy_m

BUT, isn't it great that I'll have these decisions to make. You can't fault Virgin for the choice they're trying to offer.

Agreed choice is always a great thing , Netflix certainly have some good exclusive original content.