Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Future of Saorview now that Virgin owns TV3 & UTV Ireland

Options
124

Comments

  • Options
    #92
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    A €3m bond does not cost €3m, it costs the price of an insurance policy that the company will be around to pay the rent. If the company is well backed with a good history, then it would be cheap.


  • Options
    #93
    galtee boy
    Registered Users Posts: 1,487 ✭✭✭galtee boy


    Somebody was worried that Virgin buying UTVI will have a detrimental effect on Saorview.



    http://www.independent.ie/business/media/saorview-concerns-flagged-over-tv3utv-merger-35095275.html


  • Options
    #94
    Mickey Mike
    Registered Users Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Mickey Mike


    galtee boy wrote: »
    Somebody was worried that Virgin buying UTVI will have a detrimental effect on Saorview.



    http://www.independent.ie/business/media/saorview-concerns-flagged-over-tv3utv-merger-35095275.html

    There is the fear VM could withdraw 3e and 3u (utvi) from Saorview in favour of pay tv platforms, This wouldn't surprise me one bit. TV3 of course must remain on DTT.


  • Options
    #95
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    galtee boy wrote: »
    Somebody was worried that Virgin buying UTVI will have a detrimental effect on Saorview.



    http://www.independent.ie/business/media/saorview-concerns-flagged-over-tv3utv-merger-35095275.html

    If UTVi closes it reduces the choice on saorview
    If virgin remove UTVI from saorview it reduces choice on saorview
    If Virgin continue to prevent HD versions of TV3 & UTVI it puts pressure on saorview and consumer choice between Fta and payTV
    If virgin continues to prevent IrishTV on Virgin or put that channel high up on its EPG is it not anti-competitive?


  • Options
    #96
    galtee boy
    Registered Users Posts: 1,487 ✭✭✭galtee boy


    The most popular programs that are currently on TV3 and UTVI and will continue on these channels or even continue on TV3 alone if Virgin close down UTVI, are and will continue to be in glorious HD on ITV via Freesat thank God, so Virgin can do what they like with them. It's a shame to say it, but Saorview as a platform is a lame duck, all that's saving it for me, is free access ( other than licence fee ) to RTE 1 & 2 in HD. We're even tempted to wait for Red Rock in HD on BBC1 ! It's just a pity they are so far behind , but they might catch up soon.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #97
    political analyst
    Registered Users Posts: 4,447 ✭✭✭political analyst


    Elmo wrote: »
    If UTVi closes it reduces the choice on saorview
    If virgin remove UTVI from saorview it reduces choice on saorview
    If Virgin continue to prevent HD versions of TV3 & UTVI it puts pressure on saorview and consumer choice between Fta and payTV
    If virgin continues to prevent IrishTV on Virgin or put that channel high up on its EPG is it not anti-competitive?
    Irish TV can make a complaint to the regulator.


  • Options
    #98
    political analyst
    Registered Users Posts: 4,447 ✭✭✭political analyst


    galtee boy wrote: »
    The most popular programs that are currently on TV3 and UTVI and will continue on these channels or even continue on TV3 alone if Virgin close down UTVI, are and will continue to be in glorious HD on ITV via Freesat thank God, so Virgin can do what they like with them. It's a shame to say it, but Saorview as a platform is a lame duck, all that's saving it for me, is free access ( other than licence fee ) to RTE 1 & 2 in HD. We're even tempted to wait for Red Rock in HD on BBC1 ! It's just a pity they are so far behind , but they might catch up soon.

    I'd advise against that because, if you watch Red Rock at the BBC pace you won't be able to catch an episode that you miss because the i-player isn't available outside the UK.


  • Options
    #99
    political analyst
    Registered Users Posts: 4,447 ✭✭✭political analyst


    Elmo wrote: »
    If UTVi closes it reduces the choice on saorview
    If virgin remove UTVI from saorview it reduces choice on saorview
    If Virgin continue to prevent HD versions of TV3 & UTVI it puts pressure on saorview and consumer choice between Fta and payTV
    If virgin continues to prevent IrishTV on Virgin or put that channel high up on its EPG is it not anti-competitive?
    If the regulator hadn't given the green light to the sale of UTV Ireland ITV would have closed it down and sold the programming rights to TV3 anyway.


  • Options
    #100
    galtee boy
    Registered Users Posts: 1,487 ✭✭✭galtee boy


    political analyst wrote: »
    I'd advise against that because, if you watch Red Rock at the BBC pace you won't be able to catch an episode that you miss because the i-player isn't available outside the UK.

    With series link on the Freesat Pvr, missing an episode shouldn't occur, but I'm not really being serious about watching Red Rock on the BBC, it's too far behind at the moment. However, as regards the future of Saorview, I don't care if it had 25 channels, if they are not in HD, I'm out and I'll find the programme I want in HD somewhere else. Between RTE and the five UK terrestrials, all available free in HD, 90% of the best Irish/UK and US programmes are available. Sure you'll have the odd one or two good US programmes only on Sky, but that's what box sets as Christmas presents are for !


  • Options
    #101
    Mickey Mike
    Registered Users Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Mickey Mike


    And I'll be honest Saorview would have a lot to blame if its downgraded, also Comreg and the BAI for making things too strict. Its all about money.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #102
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    political analyst wrote: »
    If the regulator hadn't given the green light to the sale of UTV Ireland ITV would have closed it down and sold the programming rights to TV3 anyway.

    Indeed and I did advise the regulator on that fact, something the regulator failed to mention in their discovery document.

    They mention that they didn't think Virgin would "foreclose" on services to Saorview, that an assumption, its an assumption that Virgin won't close UTV Ireland. But what was more annoying was it seems in that document that Virgin hasn't already "foreclosed" on HD on Saorview or that Irish TV remains of Virgin media.

    Not only that the regulator does not consider the EPG important, if that is the case why not let Virgin and Sky move RTE and TV3 to the 900s or for that matter allow Virgin put Irish TV on 200.
    The most popular programs that are currently on TV3 and UTVI and will continue on these channels or even continue on TV3 alone if Virgin close down UTVI, are and will continue to be in glorious HD on ITV via Freesat thank God, so Virgin can do what they like with them. It's a shame to say it, but Saorview as a platform is a lame duck, all that's saving it for me, is free access ( other than licence fee ) to RTE 1 & 2 in HD. We're even tempted to wait for Red Rock in HD on BBC1 ! It's just a pity they are so far behind , but they might catch up soon.

    There is an idea out there that consumers who only want Saorview and have made that decision should be left out of TV3 channel in HD or that they should be able to rewatch shows on extra TV3 channels, in the same way that if ITV closed down any of its services that those shows would still be available other ITV channels.

    The Consumer Protection failed to look at the consumer and consumption of media, much of the document was relating to competition and economic factors.


  • Options
    #103
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    There is scope for a new broadcasting act to sort Saorview out. BAI and Comreg appear to have failed in this regard and new regulations are needed.

    Saorview should be the premier broadcasting platform, and should be in HD for the prime channels. The Gov dictates what sport has to be FTA, so they could invoke similar powers to enforce the use of Saorview and the use of HD.

    In other EU states, services like cable and satellite have to pass information to the TV licence collectors. Why is that not done here? In fact, could Sky and VM etc not collect the licence fee from subscribers?


  • Options
    #104
    political analyst
    Registered Users Posts: 4,447 ✭✭✭political analyst


    Sam Russell wrote: »
    There is scope for a new broadcasting act to sort Saorview out. BAI and Comreg appear to have failed in this regard and new regulations are needed.

    Saorview should be the premier broadcasting platform, and should be in HD for the prime channels. The Gov dictates what sport has to be FTA, so they could invoke similar powers to enforce the use of Saorview and the use of HD.

    In other EU states, services like cable and satellite have to pass information to the TV licence collectors. Why is that not done here? In fact, could Sky and VM etc not collect the licence fee from subscribers?
    I'm sure that the authorities can still get the details of licence-fee-dodging Sky and VM customers by other means, e.g. ESB records, electoral register.


  • Options
    #105
    political analyst
    Registered Users Posts: 4,447 ✭✭✭political analyst


    Elmo wrote: »
    Indeed and I did advise the regulator on that fact, something the regulator failed to mention in their discovery document.

    They mention that they didn't think Virgin would "foreclose" on services to Saorview, that an assumption, its an assumption that Virgin won't close UTV Ireland. But what was more annoying was it seems in that document that Virgin hasn't already "foreclosed" on HD on Saorview or that Irish TV remains of Virgin media.

    Not only that the regulator does not consider the EPG important, if that is the case why not let Virgin and Sky move RTE and TV3 to the 900s or for that matter allow Virgin put Irish TV on 200.



    There is an idea out there that consumers who only want Saorview and have made that decision should be left out of TV3 channel in HD or that they should be able to rewatch shows on extra TV3 channels, in the same way that if ITV closed down any of its services that those shows would still be available other ITV channels.

    The Consumer Protection failed to look at the consumer and consumption of media, much of the document was relating to competition and economic factors.

    Maybe Virgin and Sky assume that Irish customers expect the main Irish terrestrial channels at the top of the EPG just like it is expected that BBC 1 and 2, ITV and Channels 4 and 5 are at the top of the EPG in the UK.


  • Options
    #106
    former total
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,536 ✭✭✭former total


    Sam Russell wrote: »
    There is scope for a new broadcasting act to sort Saorview out. BAI and Comreg appear to have failed in this regard and new regulations are needed.

    Saorview should be the premier broadcasting platform, and should be in HD for the prime channels. The Gov dictates what sport has to be FTA, so they could invoke similar powers to enforce the use of Saorview and the use of HD.

    In other EU states, services like cable and satellite have to pass information to the TV licence collectors. Why is that not done here? In fact, could Sky and VM etc not collect the licence fee from subscribers?

    Not sure what the licence fee has to do with this, but:
    1) If you use Sky and VM's data, then how do you monitor the Saorview and Freesat people?
    2) Why on earth would Sky and VM volunteer to be tax collectors?

    Saorview can never be the premier broadcasting platform in Ireland, because it only carries a fraction of the content that people want. That's the root of all this. No amendment to the broadcasting act is going to change that.


  • Options
    #107
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    political analyst wrote: »
    Maybe Virgin and Sky assume that Irish customers expect the main Irish terrestrial channels at the top of the EPG just like it is expected that BBC 1 and 2, ITV and Channels 4 and 5 are at the top of the EPG in the UK.

    Perhaps but why did TV3 get 3e on 105 on Sky and why did they ask the BAI to move it on Saorview? Why where Channel 6 always disputing they position on Sky?


  • Options
    #108
    h7nlrp2v0g5u48
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,544 ✭✭✭h7nlrp2v0g5u48


    former total wrote: »
    Not sure what the licence fee has to do with this, but:
    1) If you use Sky and VM's data, then how do you monitor the Saorview and Freesat people?
    2) Why on earth would Sky and VM volunteer to be tax collectors?

    Saorview can never be the premier broadcasting platform in Ireland, because it only carries a fraction of the content that people want. That's the root of all this. No amendment to the broadcasting act is going to change that.
    I totally agree for Saorview to become anywhere near Sky and Virgin more choice with good content. I'm talking maybe 15 to possibly 20 channels with maybe some sort of sport channel, music channel and a irish movie channel. Revamp RTE NERS NOW and add a few extra radio stations. I'm sure RTE could add couple of more specialist radio stations even if the commercial stations don't don't want to join the platform.


  • Options
    #109
    Gerry Wicklow
    Registered Users Posts: 4,540 ✭✭✭Gerry Wicklow


    Sam Russell wrote: »
    .....
    In other EU states, services like cable and satellite have to pass information to the TV licence collectors. Why is that not done here? In fact, could Sky and VM etc not collect the licence fee from subscribers?
    I seem to remember back in the '70s, when we first got a colour set, the retailer notified the authorities of the upgrade.


  • Options
    #110
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    Gerry Wicklow wrote: »
    I seem to remember back in the '70s, when we first got a colour set, the retailer notified the authorities of the upgrade.

    The retailer is supposed to notify An Post's Licensing division of all TV receiver details.


  • Options
    #111
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    former total wrote: »
    Not sure what the licence fee has to do with this, but:
    1) If you use Sky and VM's data, then how do you monitor the Saorview and Freesat people?
    2) Why on earth would Sky and VM volunteer to be tax collectors?

    Saorview can never be the premier broadcasting platform in Ireland, because it only carries a fraction of the content that people want. That's the root of all this. No amendment to the broadcasting act is going to change that.

    The licence fee funds RTE and RTE are short of funds. Everyone subscribing to Sky and VM and other platforms are required to have a TV licence - many do not. The current estimate of non-payers is about 15%.

    Sky and VM already collect VAT, so it is not more difficult to collect the licence fee. [Insurance companies collect a levy].

    If the broadcasting act was modified to make Saorview a single service that must be taken in total by other platforms (must offer/must take) rather than a per channel arangement as currently. So if Sky want RTE 1, they must take all Saorview channels including RTE NN, TG4, TV3 etc. and IrishTV if it ever arrives. It could also insist on platforms paying for content of Saorview.

    Currently, RTE subsidises TV3, 3E and UTV, as it would cost them less if they were not on Saorview as they could return to one mux at a lower transmission cost.

    It is the rules laid down by Comreg re transmission charges that is killing Saorview. 2RN are not allowed to set their own fees as any normal commercial company can. They should be ably to insist that SD is 720 by 576 as they have the capacity and it would cost little extra under current rules. They however are not allowed to dictate anything (except messing up the signal for their own (secret) reasons.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #112
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 90,746 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Elmo wrote: »
    The retailer is supposed to notify An Post's Licensing division of all TV receiver details.
    Wasn't that stopped along time ago, along no longer getting cable , satellite and other providers to rat out their customers ?


    Anyway once we move to the magic cure-all broadcasting charge it'll be moot. And cheaper.


  • Options
    #113
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    Not sure where to put this but the minister has made a decision on RTE's proposal to launch a new service called Oireachtas TV, indeed the minister points out that the new service adds to the current 2 TV channels RTE run! (what a load of rubbish)

    http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/SiteCollectionDocuments/Broadcasting%20Policy%20Division/Consents%20for%20New%20Services/Oireachtas%20TV/Results%20of%20Minister%27s%20Consideration.pdf

    Feb 22 - June 16 (just 5 months).


  • Options
    #114
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Elmo wrote: »
    Not sure where to put this but the minister has made a decision on RTE's proposal to launch a new service called Oireachtas TV, indeed the minister points out that the new service adds to the current 2 TV channels RTE run! (what a load of rubbish)

    http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/SiteCollectionDocuments/Broadcasting%20Policy%20Division/Consents%20for%20New%20Services/Oireachtas%20TV/Results%20of%20Minister%27s%20Consideration.pdf

    Feb 22 - June 16 (just 5 months).
    It will appear on the EPG at position No. 9, next to RTE News Now.

    It might surprise them to know the RTE NN is at 21 and OTV is at 22.

    So RTE now has three channels without advertising.

    They do not like RTE in the Oireachtas. :rolleyes:


  • Options
    #115
    Mickey Mike
    Registered Users Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Mickey Mike


    I read 17 pages of rubbish, didn't understand a quarter of what they were saying. No word about HD services, its a flop of a service and a flop of a Minister, all those wealthy lads must have pay TV.


  • Options
    #116
    The Cush
    Registered Users Posts: 15,485 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Elmo wrote: »
    Not sure where to put this but the minister has made a decision on RTE's proposal to launch a new service called Oireachtas TV, ...

    Feb 22 - June 16 (just 5 months).

    Feb 24, 2015 - Jun 17, 2016

    I posted a link to the documents in the last active thread on this.

    The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission gave approval for the signing of a contract with RTÉ to allow Oireachtas TV to be broadcast on the Saorview at its meeting in July


  • Options
    #117
    Elmo
    Registered Users Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    The Cush wrote: »
    Feb 24, 2015 - Jun 17, 2016

    I posted a link to the documents in the last active thread on this.

    The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission gave approval for the signing of a contract with RTÉ to allow Oireachtas TV to be broadcast on the Saorview at its meeting in July

    Sorry missed it entirely. You'd think they had a choice.


  • Options
    #118
    Mickey Mike
    Registered Users Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Mickey Mike


    Deal is done and dusted, I wish TV3 all the best with the 3 channels going forward (whatever we might say) I only hope they will upgrade their picture quality on saorview for large screen tvs, the same applies TG4.


  • Options
    #119
    former total
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,536 ✭✭✭former total


    It looks like they are closing UTV Ireland.

    Meh, no loss, let's be honest


  • Options
    #120
    Gonzo
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 16,719 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gonzo


    former total wrote: »
    It looks like they are closing UTV Ireland.

    Meh, no loss, let's be honest

    Am I the only one who squealed in excitement when ownership of UTV Ireland transferred to ITV and all the possibilities that might bring, then moaned in pain when they sold it all to TV3/Virgin/Liberty and the shoebox budget associated with it, yep may as well just close it down and stick the soaps on TV3.


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #121
    Mickey Mike
    Registered Users Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Mickey Mike


    UTV Ireland to be rebranded B3 from January, so the channel will be kept on air for a least a while anyway, shutters are been pulled down on the studios with everything moved to Ballymount.


Advertisement