New exclusive channel coming soon?

Chad · 01-03-2014, 11:30

Just received a leaflet from Virgin Media dated March 2014 comparing their services to SKY. Found something really interesting in the small print in regards to SKY channels. This could just be a mistake by Virgin Media or they could be revealing a new channel coming to the SKY platform.

In the small print it states "SKY Atlantic, SKY 3D or America HD not included with Virgin Media". What is America HD?

Could this be the name of their long rumored SKY Bravo channel? I took part in a survey group last year in regards to a proposed new channel aimed at a male audience featuring high octane America programming, sports and fitness.

Interesting.......

denphone · 01-03-2014, 11:33

Well one can't rely on a leopard to really change its spots can one.

Chad · 01-03-2014, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

Well one can't rely on a leopard to really change its spots can one.

Nope

muppetman11 · 01-03-2014, 12:22

Could it be for shows from the USA

Any chance of a pic ?

Chad · 01-03-2014, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Could it be for shows from the USA

Any chance of a pic ?

I'm charging the battery on my camera just now. Give me an hour and I'll post pictures for you.

For those who may have received the same booklet as me, it's in small print at the bottom of page 17.

---------- Post added at 13:00 ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 ----------

Here is the booklet:

And here is the part about America HD:

muppetman11 · 01-03-2014, 13:12

The only past channel I can think of was of course ESPN America HD which was carried by Sky but not VM. Could it be an error ?

Chad · 01-03-2014, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppetman11

The only past channel I can think of was of course ESPN America HD which was carried by Sky but not VM. Could it be an error ?

It's a real possibility. Virgin are somewhat notorious for errors on their website, and leaflets, when it comes to channels they carry.

denphone · 01-03-2014, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

It's a real possibility. Virgin are somewhat notorious for errors on their website, and leaflets, when it comes to channels they carry.

Surely you would think it would go through quality control where everything is checked and double checked before it is printed.

Chad · 01-03-2014, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

Surely you would think it would go through quality control where everything is checked and double checked before it is printed.

Totally agree, especially when ESPN America HD closed just over 7 months ago. It could be a simple error by Virgin Media or something is on the horizon.

As posted above I've been aware for maybe 8 or 9 months now that SKY have been considering a hybrid entertainment channel aimed at males featuring predominantly American adrenaline shows and sport / fitness. Would America HD be a suitable name for the channel? Would be better suited than SKY Bravo.

If there is anything happening, I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Maybe one of our Virgin Media insiders could shed light on this? After-all, it is their booklet.

denphone · 01-03-2014, 14:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

Totally agree, especially when ESPN America HD closed just over 7 months ago. It could be a simple error by Virgin Media or something is on the horizon.

As posted above I've been aware for maybe 8 or 9 months now that SKY have been considering a hybrid entertainment channel aimed at males featuring predominantly American adrenaline shows and sport / fitness. Would America HD be a suitable name for the channel? Would be better suited than SKY Bravo.

If there is anything happening, I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. Maybe one of our Virgin Media insiders could shed light on this? After-all, it is their booklet.

Yes if there is something on the horizon l don't think it will take long before the information wriggles out from one of the legendary revered insiders.

Chad · 01-03-2014, 15:43

I wonder if it could be a version of BBC America HD? The reason I say this as only a few weeks ago SKY canvassed some customers on their views and opinions o the BBC's new world wide channel BBC Brit. I found it really odd that SKY where interested in this new channel by the BBC which would not be broadcasting here in the UK.

BBC America have some original content which SKY would certainly like on their platform, especially with SKY aiming to be the home of drama in 2014 / 2015. Shows like Copper, Orphan Black and Intruders. Other up coming dramas include The Game and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Big things are expected of motoring show Mud, Sweat & Gears on BBC America.

BBC America seems to be mainly padded out with episodes of Top Gear, Doctor Who, Star Trek and Ramsays Kitchen Nightmares USA. There also tends to be films with a British connection. I'm sure SKY and the BBC could work on a version of the channel for the British TV market which includes all the original BBC America commissioned shows minus Top Gear, Doctor Who etc....

Probably nothing more than me putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 however not totally out of the realms of possibility. Fleming was a SKY / BBC America joint production and SKY have finally kissed and made up with the BBC in regards to transmission payments. SKY got ITV Encore as an exclusive as a result of dropping the transmission fee from ITV. Who knows, maybe they've agreed a similar deal with the BBC to smooth the way for access to BBC America content?