Sky Atlantic on Virgin Media

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by ahardie

Have you read the thread Old Boy? Sky have started up this channel to be an exclusive. They could have put the programmes on existing channels but have started a new channel because they can keep it to themselves. They have been quite open about it. You are directing your anger at the wrong company. Not that directing at Sky will do any good. The more customers of rival platforms they annoy the happier they will be.

My understanding is that Sky were not withholding the channel, just making it a tad expensive. However, my annoyance is really with the regulator. As I've said before a few times, I don't mind Sky grabbing programmes exclusively for their channels, but to make the channels themselves exclusive is wrong. If they want exclusive channels, they should buy programmes on a non-exclusive basis. Why should all the good programmes be hogged by the highest bidder? Where's the competition in that?

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Masque

We have to pay for premium content if we want it.

I have been a customer for over 16 years and have tried SKY for 4 months a bad experience while still a cable customer and will never go back.



---------- Post added at 21:36 ---------- Previous post was at 21:34 ----------


I was referring to the older programmes in your post not any new stuff as that is the reason many will want it, but really why not just have new content on a new channel.

Even your CEO who is a breath of fresh air in my opinion accepts it would be a great addition to VM (I assume if they can get it on the right terms), there really is no need to appear so biased. Non whatsoever. You do VM no favours.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by mersey70

Even your CEO who is a breath of fresh air in my opinion accepts it would be a great addition to VM (I assume if they can get it on the right terms), there really is no need to appear so biased. Non whatsoever.

Not at all biased as I have said quite a few times if you feel that SKY give you the television you want then go with them but you feel that you get a better broadband package with Virginmedia then keep that as you can have your cake and eat it.

I was stung by SKY and got rid because they failed to provide me with service which is reason enough to ditch them.

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Masque

Not at all biased as I have said quite a few times if you feel that SKY give you the television you want then go with them but you feel that you get a better broadband package with Virginmedia then keep that as you can have cake and eat it.

I was stung by SKY and got rid because they failed to provide me with service which is reason enough to ditch them.

I was stung by VM when I joined, I was told I would have CLI and that all catch up that I enjoyed on BT previously was available, both counts were wrong at the time. To their credit they compensated me though.

It dosen't mean they are all bad though but what that has to do with Sky Atlantic and the programmes on offer is anyones guess.

To suggest Sky Atlantic is a premium replacement for Channel One is utterly ludicrous as proven by the earlier posts and what is on offer. Channel One has probably been closed because it's rubbish, it was only created to fill a void in the basics spat and i'm amazed it lasted this long. They are totally different offerings.

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

My understanding is that Sky were not withholding the channel, just making it a tad expensive. However, my annoyance is really with the regulator. As I've said before a few times, I don't mind Sky grabbing programmes exclusively for their channels, but to make the channels themselves exclusive is wrong. If they want exclusive channels, they should buy programmes on a non-exclusive basis. Why should all the good programmes be hogged by the highest bidder? Where's the competition in that?

I don't think there is any evidence Old Boy that Sky want us to have the channel, at any price. I have posted this elsewhere in the thread but they say in a press release

"Sky Atlantic HD is a key part of our strategy to help further grow the content gap between what you can get with Sky, and what you can get elsewhere."

That sounds pretty unambiguous to me. Of course VM will try and get the channel but there is absolutely no evidence that Sky want to play ball. Quite the opposite.

[Tezcatlipoca]

Originally Posted by Masque

I was referring to the older programmes in your post not any new stuff as that is the reason many will want it, but really why not just have new content on a new channel.

Well, you did say "Mainly repeats so just a replacement for Channel One but with a premium price"... yet none of the ones in the post you quoted were on Channel 1, plus Atlantic doesn't have a premium price, plus it's hardly "just a replacement for Channel 1" given that it's going to show far more than just X Files repeats, Trek repeats, & new episodes of Chuck. Atlantic has a lot more new content than Channel 1...and a lot more quality content (new & old).

Just new content on a new channel? I guess there simply isn't enough content. Just check the listings. New (& old) quality content during primetime, with Channel 1 style stuff (Trek, TXF, etc.) padding out the daytime. Sky could have just had it on in the evenings only, with just the quality stuff, but presumably decided it was a better use of the slot to have it during the day too so the old Channel 1 stuff can still be shown. I suppose in a way it's kind of Channel 1 during the day & Sky Atlantic in the evening/night, as the *real* Sky Atlantic shows are the stuff from HBO etc., which would never be on in the daytime.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by Matt D

Well, you did say "Mainly repeats so just a replacement for Channel One but with a premium price"... yet none of the ones in the post you quoted were on Channel 1, plus Atlantic doesn't have a premium price, plus it's hardly "just a replacement for Channel 1" given that it's going to show far more than just X Files repeats, Trek repeats, & new episodes of Chuck. Atlantic has a lot more new content than Channel 1...and a lot more quality content (new & old).

As I will not get to see it I am not overly bothered as most programmes I watch are either on FX or one of the other channels, I probably should have been clearer as some of the programmes you mentioned have been cancelled and are therefore repeats like the Wire and some of the other older content you mentioned.

Also if SKY Atlantic were to be available on Virginmedia but as a subscription channel I would not pay for it as I do not feel the content warrants a subscription.

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Masque

As I will not get to see it I am not overly bothered as most programmes I watch are either on FX or one of the other channels, I probably should have been clearer as some of the programmes you mentioned have been cancelled and are therefore repeats like the Wire and some of the other older content you mentioned.

Also if SKY Atlantic were to be available on Virginmedia but as a subscription channel I would not pay for it as I do not feel the content warrants a subscription.

Is there any suggestion whatsoever it would be a add on premium channel though, from August it only costs £1 more on Sky if you don't already have the Variety Pack but you get a shed load of other channels in that pack too.

It's a basic pay channel like Sky 1, indeed it's in the same pack (as is VM's G.O.L.D). I would guess it would be in XL on VM, just a guess though.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by mersey70

Is there any suggestion whatsoever it would be a add on channel though, from August it only costs £1 more on Sky if you don't already have the Variety Pack but you get a shed load of other channels in that pack too.

It's a basic pay channel like Sky 1, indeed it's in the same pack. I would guess it would be in XL on VM, just a guess though.

I remember when they stopped SKY one on Virginmedia and would only have SKY Atlantic as an ordinary channel in my package which is the top TV one on Virginmedia I would only pay for the movie or sports channels on top of my present package.

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Masque

I remember when they stopped SKY one on Virginmedia and would only have SKY Atlantic as an ordinary channel in my package which is the top TV one on Virginmedia I would only pay for the movie or sports channels on top of my present package.

I'm sorry I don't understand your post.

If you mean Atlantic possibly being in XL I was merely speculating, maybe it wouldnt be who knows as Sky 1 isn't, that would be upto VM.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by mersey70

I'm sorry I don't understand your post.

If you mean Atlantic possibly being in XL I was merely speculating, maybe it wouldnt be who knows as Sky 1 isn't, that would be upto VM.

I would only watch SKY Atlantic if it was included for free in my package the same as SKY One is at present I would not pay extra for the privilege of watching it.

[harryxb]

I think it was mentioned earlier , there is a lot of complaining about Skys actions here on a Virginmedia forum.

I have to say that is the problem. Everything Sky does has an effect here on Virgin, they seem to be able to play with virginmedia and their customers whenever they like. The grand puppet masters! I just wish Virginmedia had a big win coming , something spectacular to really annoy skys customers perhaps.

I am confident that Atlantic will be sorted one day . I just wonder what will happen once other companies crack the fast broadband issue (Which they will I am sure) I wonder what Virginmedia will have left to compete with Sky. If it is not going to be the TV content, not going to be the price , not going to be free hardware and maybe not the internet then what future Virginmedia? Watch out for Sky then , then they will be ruthless.

Come on Virginmedia.... annoy some sky customers

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Masque

I would only watch SKY Atlantic if it was included for free in my package the same as SKY One is at present I would not pay extra for the privilege of watching it.

Nor would I.

[Sasha222]

Originally Posted by harryxb

I think it was mentioned earlier , there is a lot of complaining about Skys actions here on a Virginmedia forum.

I have to say that is the problem. Everything Sky does has an effect here on Virgin, they seem to be able to play with virginmedia and their customers whenever they like. The grand puppet masters! I just wish Virginmedia had a big win coming , something spectacular to really annoy skys customers perhaps.

I am confident that Atlantic will be sorted one day . I just wonder what will happen once other companies crack the fast broadband issue (Which they will I am sure) I wonder what Virginmedia will have left to compete with Sky. If it is not going to be the TV content, not going to be the price , not going to be free hardware and maybe not the internet then what future Virginmedia? Watch out for Sky then , then they will be ruthless.

Come on Virginmedia.... annoy some sky customers

Why would you want Sky customers to be annoyed? Were not running the show were just Sky customers. If your that annoyed at Virgin Media why dont you change over to Sky. What's stopping you?

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by defirish

Why would you want Sky customers to be annoyed? Were not running the show were just Sky customers. If your that annoyed at Virgin Media why dont you change over to Sky. What's stopping you?

Not that I am suggesting the poster is but for some odd reason there are people on here who are neither VM staff or stock holders and they just seem to have the view that Sky is evil due to Murdoch's involvement and VM are angels when they probably have no idea who actually owns Virgin Media. The last time I looked at their corporate site it showed it was predominantly owned by a load of US hedge funds and financial institutions, maybe like those ones who have caused us all the odd problem these days. I think some poeple think 'cuddly' Sir Richard owns it who we don't see much of now as Virgin only hold about 6% don't they?

They are both big greedy corporate organisations after a buck, end of. As are BT.