SD Should Virgin Media & Sky drop the +1 channels?

Onramp · 30-10-2016, 20:35

Since there are so many OTT and catchup services available now, wouldn't it make sense to retire some of the +1 services and make space for new broadcast channels?

This would probably apply more to VM than Sky since the availability of streaming services via their set top box could almost remove the need for "+1" channels entirely - assuming that the relevant content deals were arranged / apps installed.

Just throwing that out there...

BenMcr · 30-10-2016, 20:51

It's not up to Sky or Virgin whether the +1 channels exist or not, but the channel providers.

So as they exist I would expect that they're part of any overall channel carriage agreement I.e. If Virgin want a popular channel, they may also have to carry a lower rated channel or +1 from the same provider.

Horizon · 31-10-2016, 01:29

NOOOOOOO.

**Paul** · 31-10-2016, 01:50

No.

denphone · 31-10-2016, 05:45

No as they are very useful in juggling potential recording clashes for starters.

OLD BOY · 31-10-2016, 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onramp

Since there are so many OTT and catchup services available now, wouldn't it make sense to retire some of the +1 services and make space for new broadcast channels?

This would probably apply more to VM than Sky since the availability of streaming services via their set top box could almost remove the need for "+1" channels entirely - assuming that the relevant content deals were arranged / apps installed.

Just throwing that out there...

As far as I know, there isn't a space problem. That issue disappeared quite a while ago.

The +1 channels are still needed at the present time because they provide flexibility for recordings. Not all programmes are on catch up, and they are only there for a week on most players available on Virgin. The players that are available which retain programmes for longer are (with the exception of the BBC i-player) peppered with unskippable advertisements. It is hit and miss whether the programme you are looking for is on Netflix, Amazon or Now TV.

When the day arrives that we can playback any programme we like from the cloud or from a comprehensive archive service on a web site (which would have to be on subscription and/or pay per view), I might agree with you, assuming broadcast TV in its present form is still around at that time.

denphone · 31-10-2016, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

As far as I know, there isn't a space problem. That issue disappeared quite a while ago.

The +1 channels are still needed at the present time because they provide flexibility for recordings. Not all programmes are on catch up, and they are only there for a week on most players available on Virgin. The players that are available which retain programmes for longer are (with the exception of the BBC i-player) peppered with unskippable advertisements. It is hit and miss whether the programme you are looking for is on Netflix, Amazon or Now TV.

When the day arrives that we can playback any programme we like from the cloud or from a comprehensive archive service on a web site (which would have to be on subscription and/or pay per view), I might agree with you, assuming broadcast TV in its present form is still around at that time.

And even a streaming diehard like you knows it will be.

OLD BOY · 31-10-2016, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

And even a streaming diehard like you knows it will be.

I did say 'at that time', Den. If it takes a long while for the alternatives I mentioned to be available, the broadcast channels as we know them will have diminished in number or disappeared completely.

However, I am hoping that an archive solution of some kind will be in place sooner rather than later.

denphone · 31-10-2016, 09:46

As like a lot of things in general everyday life hope springs eternal OB.

Mr K · 31-10-2016, 13:08

They are quite useful when you see something whilst channel surfing, wish you had recorded it, and then spot there is a +1 channel.

OLD BOY · 31-10-2016, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr K

They are quite useful when you see something whilst channel surfing, wish you had recorded it, and then spot there is a +1 channel.

They are, but tough if you are surfing and like a programme that is half way through on a +1 channel!

I have always said the channel surfing is the most inefficient way of discovering programmes to watch. I stopped doing that years ago.

Turning your suggestions on will get you better results than channel surfing, but as some may recall, I set all the programmes I want to see in advance and just watch broadcast TV from my recordings. The result: many hours of my favourite programmes, all waiting for me whenever I'm ready. This is by far the intelligent way to watch broadcast TV.

RichardCoulter · 31-10-2016, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

No as they are very useful in juggling potential recording clashes for starters.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

As far as I know, there isn't a space problem. That issue disappeared quite a while ago.

The +1 channels are still needed at the present time because they provide flexibility for recordings. Not all programmes are on catch up, and they are only there for a week on most players available on Virgin. The players that are available which retain programmes for longer are (with the exception of the BBC i-player) peppered with unskippable advertisements. It is hit and miss whether the programme you are looking for is on Netflix, Amazon or Now TV.

When the day arrives that we can playback any programme we like from the cloud or from a comprehensive archive service on a web site (which would have to be on subscription and/or pay per view), I might agree with you, assuming broadcast TV in its present form is still around at that time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr K

They are quite useful when you see something whilst channel surfing, wish you had recorded it, and then spot there is a +1 channel.

I agree with all of this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

They are, but tough if you are surfing and like a programme that is half way through on a +1 channel!

I have always said the channel surfing is the most inefficient way of discovering programmes to watch. I stopped doing that years ago.

Turning your suggestions on will get you better results than channel surfing, but as some may recall, I set all the programmes I want to see in advance and just watch broadcast TV from my recordings. The result: many hours of my favourite programmes, all waiting for me whenever I'm ready. This is by far the intelligent way to watch broadcast TV.

That's one thing that I shall miss about the TiVo. Suggestions was a USP for me, which is why I haven't turned them off to try to get the box to work properly.

Onramp · 01-11-2016, 00:42

Interesting points, I hadn't really considered these. I suppose they will be around for a few more years yet then!

OLD BOY · 01-11-2016, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

I agree with all of this.

That's one thing that I shall miss about the TiVo. Suggestions was a USP for me, which is why I haven't turned them off to try to get the box to work properly.

Well, as you elope with Sky into the sunset, Richard, you may be missing other things about VM as well already. And all because you couldn't wait another few weeks for the V6. You could have still exited VM if you were not happy with the next price rise (not the end of your contract, as you keep saying).

You don't know what you've got til it's gone.

muppetman11 · 01-11-2016, 08:11

It could be argued it no longer pays to show loyalty , isn't it those who've been with their current provider the longest and generally accepted each pay rise who are paying the most.