Sky digital in Smithfield market

PhilieQuinn

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone living in Smithfield market apartments has managed to get Sky digital installed?! The management company said they were going to give it to one block as a trial run and then give the rest of us the option if it went well. I'm about ready to throw my Smart vision box out the window. Anyone heard anything?

Cheers

?Cee?view

We should have a ceremonial burning of the crap Smart boxes! Most inappropriate name ever.

I'm in Block C and no sign of anything. I signed up on some online thing ages ago but just gave up on it.

"Smart" is beyond useless. Would definitely take Sky if available.

universe777

In Block A myself, Smart is sh1te! As of a couple of days ago half the channels are not working...
The picture quality is rubbish, MPEG2 as far as I know.
We signed up for that SKY digital thing too but heard nothing back.
Smart's channel line up is crap and expensive..
It's not fair that they have a monopoly on Smithfield Market, I don't want Smart.
What ever happened to anti-competition laws??

Smart, if you are reading this, give up, you are on your knees, sign over Smithfield Market to UPC/NTL or SKY, you just cannot supply digital tv, accept it!

?Cee?view

I raised the anti-competitive thing with them years ago. They said that anyone was free to compete in Smithfield Market if they were willing to invest in the infrastructure. Smart own all the cabling. It means that the developers got to sell the properties as being completely "cabled" without having to pay themselves to put in the cabling - Smart put it in.

Sky with the dishes on the roof that can serve multiple apartments seem to be the only hope.

PhilieQuinn

It's beyond a joke, I'm in block a myself. The management company told me they were going to let one block test the sky digital out and then roll it out to everyone else. Probably just fobbing me off. They told me 2 years ago they were getting setanta 1 and that never happened either. It's a disgrace, I can't imagine anyone could possibly be satisfied with the smart vision service.

universe777

well I have heard of people in this development that just don't have Smart, no television or just a small aerial for the 4 Irish channels so clearly a lot of people are not satisfied with it.

Is there a residents association for this development? If not there should be, strength in numbers, petition everyone in the development...
i.e.

Do you want to:

1. Keep 'Smart'
2. Get Sky
3. Get NTL

Just a suggestion...
I think any talk between individuals and the Management company or Sky is just that, they want big numbers and they need to be constantly harrassed until Smart is gone..

Failing all of the above, I propose a good old fashioned witch hunt & lynching, or mass burning of Smart boxes on the square, maybe on Halloween..

Dandelion6

universe777 wrote: »

well I have heard of people in this development that just don't have Smart, no television or just a small aerial for the 4 Irish channels so clearly a lot of people are not satisfied with it.

That's me, but mainly because I don't watch enough TV to justify the expense. I have Smart broadband though and it's rubbish - terrible speeds and the customer service is beyond a joke.

Is there a residents association for this development?

Well there's the management company for owners. Most of the owners are just landlords of course but some of us actually live here... we're due for another AGM soon and I'm sure this will come up, if not I'll bring it up. Not sure what good it'll do though since the issue of the crap broadband was brought up a couple years ago and we're still stuck with Smart

On the bright side Smart is being bought out so maybe the new owners will be an improvement...

universe777

Dandelion6 wrote: »

On the bright side Smart is being bought out so maybe the new owners will be an improvement...

It's still not clear what wil happen to them, I'd say they will just try to secure further investment in the company and keep it as is.
They have 90 or 100 days from a week or 2 ago to get some plans together.

Mikeyg1978

I was talking with the building management and they said they have been trying out an alternative service provider in one of the other blocks and once thats conlcuded and proven to be economically viable they will roll it out. But in my opinion this is just a load of bull**** and they have no intention of doing anything. I was thinking of installing a satelite dish on my balcony - either for freeview or sky. I know its prohibited by the complex rules but I'm on the fifth floor and I dont think anyone looks up that high and also I would like to see them try and take it down - the phrase "from my cold dead hands" comes to mind. Any thoughts on this? Really dont want to move out of smithfield but I think i've reached breaking point. By the way the competitions authority ruled on the exclusivity deals between TV service providers and developers and said there was no case of a monopoly situation - state rules in favour of developers, what a surprise!

PhilieQuinn

Hi, I was speaking to Sky this morning and the bloke on the phone said over 300 people had registered their interest in Smithfield market but only a few had it installed. I told him nobody knew we had the option of getting sky in yet and
he said it was no problem, I could order today and someone from Finlay's communication would come out and set it up. Then when I called back after lunch to order it, they said it wasn't available yet. I'm starting to think they're just taking the p*ss out of me. I'm waiting for Finlay's to call me back so I can find out if they've surveyed the place or set anyone up with Sky yet. Does anyone have the management company's number? I think it's a bloke called Gerry.

Dord

PhilieQuinn wrote: »

Hi, I was speaking to Sky this morning and the bloke on the phone said over 300 people had registered their interest in Smithfield market but only a few had it installed. I told him nobody knew we had the option of getting sky in yet and
he said it was no problem, I could order today and someone from Finlay's communication would come out and set it up. Then when I called back after lunch to order it, they said it wasn't available yet. I'm starting to think they're just taking the p*ss out of me. I'm waiting for Finlay's to call me back so I can find out if they've surveyed the place or set anyone up with Sky yet. Does anyone have the management company's number? I think it's a bloke called Gerry.

At least its a sign of something happening! I'm in Block B but haven't heard of anyone getting it yet here. Post up if you hear anything back from Finlays.

I don't have yer mans number but you can find it on the noticeboards around the buildings.

PhilieQuinn

Dord wrote: »

At least its a sign of something happening! I'm in Block B but haven't heard of anyone getting it yet here. Post up if you hear anything back from Finlays.

I don't have yer mans number but you can find it on the noticeboards around the buildings.

Will do!

Dandelion6

Apparently people have been quoted vastly different prices for installation - some of them utterly extortionate!

PhilieQuinn

Dandelion6 wrote: »

Apparently people have been quoted vastly different prices for installation - some of them utterly extortionate!

Is that for Smithfield market or just in general?

Dandelion6

Smithfield Market.

PhilieQuinn

Dandelion6 wrote: »

Smithfield Market.

Sky got back to me last night and said they haven't had it installed for anyone in Smithfield market yet coz they're waiting on Finlay's to do a survey and they don't know when that will get done. Disaster so it is.

PhilieQuinn

I spoke with the management bloke there this morning and he said they've given an alternative service to some of blocks D and E. He said it's a company called system one and they're an independent provider like Smart so it'd probably be more of the same sh*t. That option should be there in the next month. He said NTL will be looking at the place in the next week or two and they might be an option aswell. No word on Sky though.

Dord

PhilieQuinn wrote: »

I spoke with the management bloke there this morning and he said they've given an alternative service to some of blocks D and E. He said it's a company called system one and they're an independent provider like Smart so it'd probably be more of the same sh*t. That option should be there in the next month. He said NTL will be looking at the place in the next week or two and they might be an option aswell. No word on Sky though.

Cheers for the update. Just looked at the system one website and it looks like they do Sky & free to air installations on a large scale (whole buildings at a time rather than individual apartments).

NTL would be better than whats there at the moment either.

Ryback

It seems like the SystemOne installation should go ahead pretty soon. I'm in Block A and have been waiting to get rid of Smart for the past 3 years. I rang SystemOne yesterday to find out what the story was with installation and what kind of service they provide. They told me that the initial installations have gone well and they have a meeting with Wyse this week for the go ahead to hook up the other apartments.

They use a shared dish rather than any kind of IPTV thankfully. To get set up there is a one off fee €399 for equipment and installation. With this you get over 100 channels, I don't have a complete channel list at the moment. Apparently after this there is no more charges, although confusingly they also mentioned a €50 a year maintenance fee.

They are also an authorised Sky retailer so if you want Sky can set you up with a package as normal after installation. Of course you then have the Sky subscription charges on top of your €399 outlay.

There are flyers for SystemOne at reception in Block A, for info you can call them on 087-9772460

Seems like good news but for people renting , like myself, it's hard to stomach a €399 fee when you could be out the door in 6 months and the next guy waltzes in to find his apartment already hooked up.

PhilieQuinn

Ryback wrote: »

It seems like the SystemOne installation should go ahead pretty soon. I'm in Block A and have been waiting to get rid of Smart for the past 3 years. I rang SystemOne yesterday to find out what the story was with installation and what kind of service they provide. They told me that the initial installations have gone well and they have a meeting with Wyse this week for the go ahead to hook up the other apartments.

They use a shared dish rather than any kind of IPTV thankfully. To get set up there is a one off fee €399 for equipment and installation. With this you get over 100 channels, I don't have a complete channel list at the moment. Apparently after this there is no more charges, although confusingly they also mentioned a €50 a year maintenance fee.

They are also an authorised Sky retailer so if you want Sky can set you up with a package as normal after installation. Of course you then have the Sky subscription charges on top of your €399 outlay.

There are flyers for SystemOne at reception in Block A, for info you can call them on 087-9772460

Seems like good news but for people renting , like myself, it's hard to stomach a €399 fee when you could be out the door in 6 months and the next guy waltzes in to find his apartment already hooked up.

Cheers for that. Gave them a call there. The 399 includes the 50euro maintenance fee which isn't bad. Doesn't sound as if they have hd or espn and setanta 1 though. Please god ntl or sky will get a move on.

Ryback

They can do HD and all the others but you'll have to sign up with a Sky package and the subscription fee that entails

PhilieQuinn

Ryback wrote: »

They can do HD and all the others but you'll have to sign up with a Sky package and the subscription fee that entails

Really? Right, I'm signing up to that so. Really not bothered about the money if it means I can get the hd and the channels. 4 years of Smart is enough.

Ryback

Has anyone heard any updates on this, would hope NTL would come in too to provide an alternate broadband provider now that Smart has capped their unlimited service at 170Gb

cablegeye

PhilieQuinn wrote: »

Cheers for that. Gave them a call there. The 399 includes the 50euro maintenance fee which isn't bad. Doesn't sound as if they have hd or espn and setanta 1 though. Please god ntl or sky will get a move on.

this sounds like a free to air set up, probably better to see if management comany could ask sky to take another look, a friend of mine said they have a fibre optical system now that could possibly overcome the previous issues with the size of the site and cable distances etc the other system does sound expensive for free to air only

DjTaz

Ive just moved in there myself and was wondering what the situation is now with NTL ?
Anyone know ?

I was hoping to get an Eircom Phoneline to order DSL myself as i work for a business ISP and they will pay for any connection i want as long as its on a standard phoneline, and then wanted to get an NTL Tv connection if it was available , though if someone can suggest alternatives it would be great.

DjTaz

Just a quick update on this - i was on to Eircom today and until the end of the week they have a special offer with no charge for install and they can do block A in smithfield anyway no problems.

So basically i get a new line in for nothing , pay the line rental on it per month, and for anyone interested (i work for a business isp so doesnt bother me) they are giving a months free broadband with the offer as well.

http://www.eircom.ie/cgi-bin/bvsm/bveircom/bladerunner/showContent.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0618251778.1266959033@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadejjkffeedcefeceiedffndffj.0&cid=NewPstnFindOutMorePg&site=Res

now next i have to find out about decent TV in the area.

PhilieQuinn

Still no closer to getting my HD. This is breaking my heart. Has anyone managed to get hooked up to that system one thing?

DjTaz

PhilieQuinn wrote: »

Still no closer to getting my HD. This is breaking my heart. Has anyone managed to get hooked up to that system one thing?

http://www.systemone.ie/products.html

Might give them a call later and see what they say

DjTaz

I just spoke to them on the phone and seemingly there are a lot in smithfield looking for something in there and they are looking at doing 2 of the blocks as a test and have been speaking to the management company.
They will ring me back in a bit with more info on it all and ill post it up.

Ryback

I talked to the management guy for Smithfield Market and he said that Sky, NTL and SystemOne had surveyed the place and they are reviewing the reports.
Apparently they should have more info in the next couple of weeks

PhilieQuinn

I've spoken to System one asking for an update. They called the management company for me and then called me back. Apparently they have the equipment and are ready to go and set up in every block but they can't do it without the go ahead from the management company. Gerry Mulvey from the mgmnt company reckons some committee has to agree on it before it can be put in.

Who are these committee people? Can we call to their houses and force them to get sh*t sorted????

Sorry, 4 years of this, it's killing me slowly

DjTaz

PhilieQuinn wrote: »

I've spoken to System one asking for an update. They called the management company for me and then called me back. Apparently they have the equipment and are ready to go and set up in every block but they can't do it without the go ahead from the management company. Gerry Mulvey from the mgmnt company reckons some committee has to agree on it before it can be put in.

Who are these committee people? Can we call to their houses and force them to get sh*t sorted????

Sorry, 4 years of this, it's killing me slowly

Maybe a petition in through every door in the place to ring Gerry about this in the next few days might change their minds ?
If he was getting constant calls from everyone im sure it would go to the top of the priority list.

That being said , if he is on commission from smart then he might be slow to want to change anything so that may be where the delay is - i have no proof of that and its just a theory , but one would never know

Ryback

When I spoke to Gerry last it seemed like they were weighing up survey reports from Sky, UPC and SystemOne. I guess that's why SystemOne doesn't have the go ahead yet. No idea why this process has to take so long. I would hope they go with UPC so I can get rid of Smart completely

DjTaz

Ryback wrote: »

When I spoke to Gerry last it seemed like they were weighing up survey reports from Sky, UPC and SystemOne. I guess that's why SystemOne doesn't have the go ahead yet. No idea why this process has to take so long. I would hope they go with UPC so I can get rid of Smart completely

Money makes the world go round , but sometimes makes it freeze for up to 4 years as well.

PhilieQuinn

I'd be all on for some sort of petition thing, anything to get whoever makes the decisions get a move on

Mikey_G

Can I suggest a communal burning of all Smart STB's and dodgy remotes whenever the new system is installed? To think that after four years we are finally on the verge of evicting these cretins - a joyous day indeed.! Although I do want a provider with a HD option - my 42" Pani needs to stretch its legs!

ponygirl

Hello,

Anyone got any updates on this? We just moved in to Smithfield Market and the thought of getting stuck with Smart for a year's contract is killing me...

Cheers

DjTaz

I think the only way to get something done here is to go to a radio station or newspaper about the monoply that is being forced on the smithfield market community.

Theres no reason to not make this decision to allow others in unless brown envelopes are chaging hands or someone has something to gain from the lack of choice in the buildings.

We probably need a meeting as a community to discuss all of this and get something signed by everyone showing how many want change.

Mikey_G

Just fired off a letter to building management. Will update when i get a response. Talked to sky and they said they completed a survey and were just waiting on the green light. DO NOT sign a contact with Smart.

ponygirl

Thanks for the update. I'll do the same.
Love living here so far, but this will get old fast!

DjTaz

ponygirl wrote: »

Thanks for the update. I'll do the same.
Love living here so far, but this will get old fast!

Yeah its a nice spot - theres always the cinema downstairs or chartbusters over the way to keep you occupied for now

Ryback

I talked to the manager of the complex last week and he said the managing committee were meeting at the end of last week to make a decision on who to let in.
Apparently he's been getting a number of calls about this and is trying to push them to make a decision. I've heard all this before though, so I'll take it with a grain of salt. It might be worthwhile giving him a call to see what the situation is and see how long you might be waiting without TV

Insert name here

Hey, was just on to Sky re Block B. The guy says that 15ppl have "indicated their interest", and will be contacted if/when sky get into the block.

PS I havent moved into the block yet, didnt think this sorta thing would be an issue, hows long has it been goin on??

ponygirl

So, my findings/observations to date:
1. Life is very different without TV. You feel out of the loop and slightly clueless. You read more, watch actual movies, drink more (yep Dice bar is fun) and phone people more in a thinly veiled attempt to alleviate boredom... All interesting phenomena but enough is enough... Those psuedo intellectual neoliberal types who advocate this as a lifestyle choice are like Zzzzzzz
2. Sorry. See what happens when a person has to find their own entertainment? Nd Mr Ponyboy has left me for ESPN/UFC land tonight. Took what was left of my dignity not to follow him to machotown
3. Whilst I do believe DjTaz may well be on to something re complex management (ahem) I don't think this will change unless it starts to hit the actual committee financially. Majority of committee are landlords who count on said management to keep block running smoothly (Cosy eh?). Only chance of them making waves will be if they sense that they will lose €€€ via lost or lowered rents OR if both committee and agents get so much lobbying from as many of us as possible that it becomes wearysome not to change.
4. I haven't been on to SystemOne but both Sky and UPC sales people were familiar with the issue and seemed eager to get involved/do business. I made sure they had all relevant (public) contact details ;-) All I can think of is to support / join them in being as annoying and persistent as possible.
5. Phew. That is all.
6. P.S. Dogtooth is a very disturbing movie...

Mikey_G

Hi guys, just received a reply from the Property Manager yesterday regards current situation. Not very enlightening I'm afraid:

"I have identified 3 complimentary TV services for this development; SKY, UPC & SystemOne. These companies have surveyed the development & are waiting on a response. I have passed all information on to the board of management for a decision".

I'm sure if they do make a decision it will be based on cost and not whats best for the residents but we live in hope!
Ponygirl, i agree "no TV and no beer maker Homer something something.. Go crazy? Dont mind if do!" Although if u have internet broadband you can use bittorrent software to download any TV program you want. If it wasn't for the fact I enjoy watching live sport I wouldn't even need a TV package. And yes Dogtooth is a very disturbing film although strangely engrossing.
Stay sane!

jenty

Gerry from the mgmt company has been saying the same thing since january..it is up to the board to decide and he should have news soon..

Nothing has been decided yet and it is increasingly frustrating . I was going to sign up to Smart but they are double the price of Sky for less channels and an installation fee of 80e!!

The SKY dish is on the roof of the complex according to Sky and it just needs to be activated.

It is a bit ridiculous for a large complex to have an inadequate TV provider :mad:

Dord

I'm not holding my breath for it to happen and honestly I've become to enjoy life without a TV. I get more done.

Insert name here

Im just off the phone to Gerry. He bascially said that he's within a week of an answer from the board of management. He says that a descision will be made for either NTL, Sky or System One. I asked if it would be possible that the board might choose none, and continue to only provide a service from Smart. He said that this cannot happen, as Com Reg (Commission for Communications Regulation) have been in touch with regard to anti-competition etc etc. He added that he hoped that the board would in fact choose two new providers, so as to offer a real choice for tenents.

I asked about the rumour that Sky already have a dish up on the roof, and he said that there is a dish, however it has been there for a long time, and belonged to Thomas Reids pub. If Sky get into the block, this wont be the dish they use.

Ryback

There was a load of Sky guys in Block A this morning, they're putting up a dish in the complex. They said it would be ready in about 3 weeks. Tried to get onto Gerry to see if he has any further info regarding UPC, as he said he hoped to get 2 of Sky, UPC and SystemOne in, but I haven't been able to get hold of him.

At least it's looking like we'll have an alternative to Smart at last.

Mikey_G

Good news folks - looks like sky have been awarded the contract. I saw one of the Sky technicians in Block A today and had a chat with him - they are hoping to have all the equipment in place within the next 3 weeks. The hour of Smarts demise grows ever closer! :-)

ponygirl

Thanks for all the updates, that's good news.
Funny thing though, now I've gotten used to live without TV I'm not sure I want it back. Love havng the extra time to read and go to the movies and meet real people!