Drop ESPN programming from XL package?

[Chad]

Originally Posted by Taf

I don't like sports, so I don't watch sports, therefore going to SKY for TV was a no-no as I would not like to be subsiding sports.

Now it appears I am subsiding sports via VM/ESPN instead of being given an opt-out that could save me money.....

I don't like music, so don't watch music channels however as MTV Base, MTV Dance, MTV Hits, MTV HD, Kerrang, Smash Hits, The Box and MTV Classic are part of the XL package then I am subsidising music. Also I forgot to add music on demand. I bet more money goes to music channels annually than goes to ESPN?

The subsidising argument can be used for pretty much anything on the XL package that you don't like. Think how unhappy customers who are on XL but don't have a HD TV must be subsidising all of the HD channels in their package that they never watch. These are the customers who are really getting it in the neck Tough turnips to them though, bring on the HD!!!

[OLDGOLD]

Originally Posted by Chad

I don't like music, so don't watch music channels however as MTV Base, MTV Dance, MTV Hits, MTV HD, Kerrang, Smash Hits, The Box and MTV Classic are part of the XL package then I am subsidising music. Also I forgot to add music on demand. I bet more money goes to music channels annually than goes to ESPN?

The subsidising argument can be used for pretty much anything on the XL package that you don't like. Think how unhappy customers who are on XL but don't have a HD TV must be subsidising all of the HD channels in their package that they never watch. These are the customers who are really getting it in the neck Tough turnips to them though, bring on the HD!!!

Out of all the channels on XL pack (165?), I only ever watch 15, maybe 20 at most. Some of them probably only for one particular program. But most are channels only available on XL pack, but I'm not going to go asking VM to make up dozens of different packs so I can find one where I only pay for the 15 or 20 channels I want.

[devilincarnate]

I would just like to say that i would like ESPN to stay in the XL TV pack as that is one of the best selling points ( I do not think that the advertise this enough outside their own site ).
In regards to been able to pick your own TV channels all I have to say is " Ones mans trash is another mans treasure " so if you do not like the channels in the packages you know what to doe ( MOVE PROVIDER ).

[HDFootyMan]

Originally Posted by Big-Ted

.
From what I have seen posted over the years Sky Sports take-up on Virgin is very low compared to take-up on Sky platform.

65,000 Sky premium HD customers on VM. Dunno what is it on Sky.

Originally Posted by Big-Ted

Hopefully ESPN will decide that 1 million XL tv viewers @ whatever per month is worth it asI doubt they would get much more if at all from unique subs.

I read somewhere VM are paying ESPN 20p per XL customer.

[Chad]

Originally Posted by HDFootyMan

I read somewhere VM are paying ESPN 20p per XL customer.

WOW if that is true what a bargain! If Virgin drop ESPN from the XL package they might be able to secure something like BBC Alba with all that spare cash that'll be floating about

[Lew]

Originally Posted by HDFootyMan

65,000 Sky premium HD customers on VM.

Not all of those will be Sky Sports viewers though.

[chris123]

keep it,i love sport esp.football.hopefully ESPN will compete with sky when the premier league rights come up.i will expect to pay extra then,but at the moment i enjoy ESPN in HD.we should not talk about removing channels,but adding them!i never watch the music channels,and i have a hard core of about 10-15 channels that i watch on a regular basis.many of the channels on XL i would not pay extra for,but i dont want them removed.i have access to the childrens channels but my girls have grown up but they are available for the grandkids when they visit.but i would not pay extra for those either. in effect each to his (or her) own choices. lets get more choice not less,even if you dont use it!!!

[AndyTSJ]

Originally Posted by Digital Fanatic

Major mistake if ESPN was removed.. our customers tell us it's one of the reasons they sub to VM and the XL pack.

Should we now start removing Sky Arts1 & 2, just because not everyone wants it?

It's the only reason I got Virgin to be honest. The only channel I really watch as well. But you do need to get ESPN America HD.

[squealy]

Originally Posted by Chad

The subsidising argument can be used for pretty much anything on the XL package that you don't like. Think how unhappy customers who are on XL but don't have a HD TV must be subsidising all of the HD channels in their package that they never watch. These are the customers who are really getting it in the neck

I'm not unhappy. Life's too short to be unhappy. Enjoy your HD goodness, on me.

PS I can't tell the difference anyway.

[Chad]

Originally Posted by squealy

I'm not unhappy. Life's too short to be unhappy. Enjoy your HD goodness, on me.

PS I can't tell the difference anyway.

Your clearly still buzzing on the back of the cup win

[Madmartigan]

ESPN channels probably get the most use from me. It's great to have NBA coverage and it's got me into various other sports and leagues - huge selling point having ESPN within XL package. I would like to see ESPN America HD added to the roster, even if it mean an extra pound or two if it couldn't be added into the XL pack.

As previously mentioned i think we'll only have it in XL until the next premiership rights auction as I expect ESPN to make some big moves then and expand their number of channels.

[pep4uk]

would anyone know what channel itv2 hd is on please i cant find it at all on vm

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by pep4uk

would anyone know what channel itv2 hd is on please i cant find it at all on vm

It isn't on cable.

[pep4uk]

lol that explains why i cant find it
ty for the reply.

[greyposter]

Not available