General : Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 2

[Dave42]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Well, you say that, Dave, but since getting access to SA stuff via Now TV and my Roku stick, I have been gorging on the programmes from that channel which I have been missing. They include Fortitude, Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, True Detective and more besides and I can assure you that these are excellent programmes.

Although we all have different viewing habits, there can be no denying that there are good quality dramas on there.

As for whether or not SA will ever come to VM, I would say that the only way that is now likely to happen is if Now TV appears on the Tivo box. This overcomes the problem Virgin has with the cost of providing the channel and gives its customers the option for them to pay to receive it.

---------- Post added at 12:51 ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 ----------


ITV Encore is only showing repeated material for the most part at the moment, although a new series of The Americans is currently airing.

Next year, we should see original dramas introduced to that channel and I think we should reserve judgement until that time.

When that happens, the exclusivity period with Sky should be ending.

never happen OB mate sky own now tv and VM has all main sky channels
except SA would be much easier for sky to let VM have SA linear channel but that wont happen they don't want anyone at all to have it

[RichardCoulter]

A possible sign that AMC is on it's way to cable.

Apparently, it's being transmitted on the Eutelsat satellite at 10 degrees east and is encrypted with B.I.S.S. under the label 'MGM ME'.

By inserting keys, it has been possible to circumvent the encryption and identify the channel being shown.

This satellite is used for professional transmissions, such as to cable operators, as opposed to Direct To Home (DTH) use like Astra 28° East.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by Dave42

never happen OB mate sky own now tv and VM has all main sky channels
except SA would be much easier for sky to let VM have SA linear channel but that wont happen they don't want anyone at all to have it

So Sky would be getting money from VM to carry its channels, and VM subscribers pay over again to subscribe directly to Now TV!

What's not to like from Sky's point of view?

[theone2k10]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

A possible sign that AMC is on it's way to cable.

Apparently, it's being transmitted on the Eutelsat satellite at 10 degrees east and is encrypted with B.I.S.S. under the label 'MGM ME'.

By inserting keys, it has been possible to circumvent the encryption and identify the channel being shown.

This satellite is used for professional transmissions, such as to cable operators, as opposed to Direct To Home (DTH) use like Astra 28° East.

That's for SKY mate i think.
AMC is already on the SKY platform but only for BTsport customers.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by theone2k10

That's for SKY mate i think.
AMC is already on the SKY platform but only for BTsport customers.

It's also been suggested that it's used by the former UPC (now Virgin Media) part of Southern Island for their cable service.

[Dave42]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

So Sky would be getting money from VM to carry its channels, and VM subscribers pay over again to subscribe directly to Now TV!

What's not to like from Sky's point of view?

as said VM already got all main sky channels except SA why would they get them again with now tv if VM ever did get SA which they wont it be the linear channel not now tv

[theone2k10]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

It's also been suggested that it's used by the former UPC (now Virgin Media) part of Southern Island for their cable service.

Didn't know that.
However it could be MGM middle East which i believe was rebranded to AMC a few months back.

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Yes, I agree. I've said on several occasions that VM need to provide as many streaming services as possible - a combination of subscription and pay per view services, which would bolster their TV offer. I am convinced that this would be truly popular and would stop most of the gripes about lack of popular channels.

Sadly, time is slipping away, and soon there will be new services available elsewhere which will eclipse Virgin's TV packages.

Please explain how this would work for VM in a business sense , I'm genuinely interested.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Please explain how this would work for VM in a business sense , I'm genuinely interested.

It would be their USP. I have no doubt that people would think they were getting a pretty good deal from Virgin if they offered this. I remember being wowed by the streaming services on my Smart TV a few months ago when I bought it, and then even more so with my Roku.

---------- Post added at 11:52 ---------- Previous post was at 11:48 ----------

Originally Posted by Dave42

as said VM already got all main sky channels except SA why would they get them again with now tv if VM ever did get SA which they wont it be the linear channel not now tv

Well, Dave, I and many others have had to purchase Roku sticks or use their gaming consoles to pick up Now TV and they are prepared, as I am, to pay for it.

VM would protect their position by ensuring that only those subscribing to the XL pack would be able to get Now TV streaming services on their Tivos.

This has the win-win effect of those wanting Sky Atlantic being able to do so without leaving Virgin and the rest of their subscribers who don't want to pay more for SA not having to pay for it.

It's not ideal in terms of cost for the likes of me, but it suits my purposes, as it would for many others, until such time as Sky become more reasonable or are forced by regulation to share their acquired content with other platforms.

[muppetman11]

A USP that would probably see them losing money with people downgrading their pay tv package , it's a pipe dream at best.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by muppetman11

A USP that would probably see them losing money with people downgrading their pay tv package , it's a pipe dream at best.

No, MM, there would be no loss to Virgin! As I said, VM could make it a stipulation that certain streaming services could only be accessed by subscribers to the XL pack (and if they are actually making money from Sky Movies and Sky Sports, to those too).

Considering that other providers are able to make Now TV available for a one off charge, following which subscribers can pay Now TV the monthly subscription, I really don't see why you think that Virgin would be at a financial disadvantage. On the contrary, they would be likely to gain more subscribers by offering this.

[muppetman11]

So a customer has to spend £30+ just to add a streaming service doesn't that kind of defeat the whole object. Sorry but none of what your saying makes sense.

[DaMac]

But on the other side, people who want Nowtv but don't want 200 XL tv channels can slready do that too by ditching VM and getting a streaming solution... Many many people like the convienience of one box, one bill.

[muppetman11]

And your point is ?

[vincerooney]

I see Virgin media are advertising how you don't pay extra for HD. True but they don't seem to mention you need to be in the top tier to get those channels...