VOD : Is exclusive and original content important to a pay tv platform now ?

[muppetman11]

With most of the OTT providers now investing heavily in original content is it becoming more and more important for the likes of VM , Sky and BT to offer content that sets their respective platforms apart ?

[tassiekev]

Sorry, can't answer your question with the options provided. I think it depends on how much choice of content there is, if its exclusive and/or original. It's a big, big question - as an example I subscribe to BT Sport but get AMC as well, I'm not exactly thrilled about the content from AMC but someone else in the family may be. I also subscribe to Sky, Netflix & Prime mainly because of the huge range of programming offered, picture & sound quality as well as reliability also influence my choice.

I left VM recently because I feel they have a number of problems: Tivo, Tivo software, very poor OD service, lack of 5.1 sound on a number of shows (which was there on my Sky box), poor EPG for setting recordings.

My point is that all these things would need fixing (from my perspective) before I'd even consider what choice they were offering in terms of programming - in other words, get the basics right first. I really don't think that increasing BB speed to 200Mbs over 150Mbs is going to make a difference to many people, especially when you read on here that folks are having trouble getting enough speed to watch something on iPlayer.

Sorry MM, I'm going to have choose Not Sure on this one because its a great big can of worms you've opened

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by tassiekev

Sorry, can't answer your question with the options provided. I think it depends on how much choice of content there is, if its exclusive and/or original. It's a big, big question - as an example I subscribe to BT Sport but get AMC as well, I'm not exactly thrilled about the content from AMC but someone else in the family may be. I also subscribe to Sky, Netflix & Prime mainly because of the huge range of programming offered, picture & sound quality as well as reliability also influence my choice.

I left VM recently because I feel they have a number of problems: Tivo, Tivo software, very poor OD service, lack of 5.1 sound on a number of shows (which was there on my Sky box), poor EPG for setting recordings.

My point is that all these things would need fixing (from my perspective) before I'd even consider what choice they were offering in terms of programming - in other words, get the basics right first. I really don't think that increasing BB speed to 200Mbs over 150Mbs is going to make a difference to many people, especially when you read on here that folks are having trouble getting enough speed to watch something on iPlayer.

Sorry MM, I'm going to have choose Not Sure on this one because its a great big can of worms you've opened

Not really you make some very valid points , for me personally I think original content and exclusives are important , I certainly wouldn't be still subscribing to Netflix if it still only had its back catalogue content. I stick with Sky because our household consumes a lot of content off of Sky Atlantic and as the home of HBO your always assured all its future programming will be shown.

My question could have been worded better , more is it an important part of a pay tvs offering , to me that answer is yes however I appreciate not everyone is the same.

[Joedm45]

The only problem with exclusive content from the main providers is that it is not that exclusive these days.

Until they find a way of stopping illegal downloads then it does not matter which provider has what channels as people will always know someone who can get hold of shows and distribute to friends and family should they wish.

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by Joedm45

The only problem with exclusive content from the main providers is that it is not that exclusive these days.

Until they find a way of stopping illegal downloads then it does not matter which provider has what channels as people will always know someone who can get hold of shows and distribute to friends and family should they wish.

If you are that way inclined surely the question would be why have pay tv at all ?

[denphone]

To be perfectly honest l am not sure it has as bigger impact as they seem to think it does for them and as many have said "There is more then one way to skin a cat"

Does it attract me to a different platform and the answer is no as there are many more things to weigh up then having one extra channel.