General Changes to Virgin TV (2021) - Page 132

Aguero9320 · 28-12-2021, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

If only that was the only example, Hugh. Look at all the TV channels that have closed in the last year with the associated programmes migrated to streamers.

Added to that, most originals are being shown on the streamers these days. TV channels are still accessible through Freeview and Now TV.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Virgin and Sky went the route of TalkTalk and BT in 10 years and becoming content aggregators. Freeview/Freesat channels via the Internet, with premium content like sports, movies and general entertainment going streaming-only.

OLD BOY · 28-12-2021, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguero9320

I wouldn’t be surprised if Virgin and Sky went the route of TalkTalk and BT in 10 years and becoming content aggregators. Freeview/Freesat channels via the Internet, with premium content like sports, movies and general entertainment going streaming-only.

Precisely. Everything is now clearly pointing to that happening.

Carth · 28-12-2021, 17:49

You'll always pay for Premium content, no matter how it's delivered.

The lowest TV packages from VM and Sky are probably just glorified Freeview but with a box that allows recording/add skipping.
Quite expensive over an 18 month contract considering the price of a 3rd party freeview recorder that will do the same.

What would happen if (bloody big if) freeview gained the contract for major sports and 'new' movies . . . it sure wouldn't be free, but would still be sent over 'normal' channels, not streamed.

You could then still pay out for your 'streamed' Netflix, Amazon, Britbox etc on top . .

Raider999 · 28-12-2021, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carth

You'll always pay for Premium content, no matter how it's delivered.

The lowest TV packages from VM and Sky are probably just glorified Freeview but with a box that allows recording/add skipping.
Quite expensive over an 18 month contract considering the price of a 3rd party freeview recorder that will do the same.

What would happen if (bloody big if) freeview gained the contract for major sports and 'new' movies . . . it sure wouldn't be free, but would still be sent over 'normal' channels, not streamed.

You could then still pay out for your 'streamed' Netflix, Amazon, Britbox etc on top . .

Nice idea, unfortunately nobody is going to pay hundreds of millions for sports rights and give them away on Freeview (how would they recover that money?) - if they did I would be forever grateful.

The best we can hope for is that the greedy sports such as EPL gave rights to 1 game a round to terrestrial channels - however again very unlikely to happen.

Carth · 28-12-2021, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider999

Nice idea, unfortunately nobody is going to pay hundreds of millions for sports rights and give them away on Freeview (how would they recover that money?) - if they did I would be forever grateful.

The best we can hope for is that the greedy sports such as EPL gave rights to 1 game a round to terrestrial channels - however again very unlikely to happen.

I didn't say it would be free on freeview, but that it wouldn't be free (premium channel) yet not streamed

but of course, it won't happen . . just as the greedy football authorities (and SKY) will never relinquish their grasp on anything that says "sod the fans"

Raider999 · 29-12-2021, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carth

I didn't say it would be free on freeview, but that it wouldn't be free (premium channel) yet not streamed

but of course, it won't happen . . just as the greedy football authorities (and SKY) will never relinquish their grasp on anything that says "sod the fans"

Not sure why you pick on Sky - BT Sports and Amazon Prime both have EPL rights alongside Sky, also i am sure you are well aware that all Premiership and European Cup Rugby Union is on BT along with all Australian based Cricket (Ashes tests and Big Bash League) and N Zealand based cricket (Tests and T20 league).

Sky have less and less overseas sports rights - getting to the stage where if I need to save money I would keep BT Sports and ditch Sky Sports.

Anyway it is the football authorities that are so greedy they won't take a cut in revenue by insisting one of the main EPL packages is on Terrestrial TV.

Legendkiller2k · 29-12-2021, 00:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aguero9320

I wouldn’t be surprised if Virgin and Sky went the route of TalkTalk and BT in 10 years and becoming content aggregators. Freeview/Freesat channels via the Internet, with premium content like sports, movies and general entertainment going streaming-only.

There are plans for talks for something like that with SKY.

However live tv viewing was up by 75% over Christmas compared to last Christmas.

OLD BOY · 29-12-2021, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hom3r

I've seen every season of NCIS up to 18, but Di$ney pulled Fox and has hidden it on their premium subscription service, something I cannot justify the cost.

It will be cheaper to wait to buy it on Blu-Ray.

You may be interested to know that series 18 commences on 5USA at 9pm on 3 January, so maybe you can see later series there in due course. It’s in SD only on Virgin Media, unfortunately.

Media Boy UK · 29-12-2021, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You may be interested to know that series 18 commences on 5USA at 9pm on 3 January, so maybe you can see later series there in due course. It’s in SD only on Virgin Media, unfortunately.

Last deal I know of was signed in last 2019 (some channels was given new EPG numbers in January 2020 with the launch of MTV Classic).

So I think we may see 5 USA HD and 5 STAR HD within the next 13months. (They are on Sky Glass right now).

cheekyangus · 29-12-2021, 14:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You may be interested to know that series 18 commences on 5USA at 9pm on 3 January, so maybe you can see later series there in due course. It’s in SD only on Virgin Media, unfortunately.

As I said earlier, 5USA Catch-up is HD, so long as you use VM's servers rather than the My5 App.

Also thanks for the heads up for FTA start date.

Mad Max · 29-12-2021, 14:24

Be nice if Virgin got apps for Disney and Apple TV.

OLD BOY · 29-12-2021, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Be nice if Virgin got apps for Disney and Apple TV.

I agree, and Discovery+ too. Disney+ should be showing up imminently, I believe.

TimeLord2018 · 29-12-2021, 14:57

Worth pointing it's the Apple TV+ app on Sky (so no access to your library) and Only PCM in 2.0 Stereo sound not the complete Apple TV app available elsewhere.

Rillington · 29-12-2021, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

But they are dire, Rillington, and virtually no-one watches them.

Given the tiny amount of local content on these channels, you might be just as informed watching the regional news programmes on BBC and ITV.

Indeed, and it is such a shame.

There used to be an excellent local channel in Manchester called Channel M which did local television properly but even that didn't survive. I guess people feel they don't need local TV and that regional TV is good enough for them.

That said, if the quality is poor then people aren't going to watch it anyway and I have to be honest and say I've never watched the local channel since it first went on air, and one reason is because it is not on Virgin Media.

Raider999 · 29-12-2021, 15:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

But they are dire, Rillington, and virtually no-one watches them.

Given the tiny amount of local content on these channels, you might be just as informed watching the regional news programmes on BBC and ITV.

As such, I would have thought they should be streamed not on linear channels - especially given the predicted demise of linear TV