September 19, 2009

Living HD

Word from a friend at VM I was talking to this week is that Living HD will not be with us until some point in October. Not sure why there's the delay - possibly it will arrive with one or two other additional HD channels (ITV1 HD the most likely addition).
Carriage negotiations with Sky over Living HD continue and, despite the war of words that's flared up again over the Ofcom report, it has also been reported that the relationship between Virgin and Sky "is better than it has ever been". Okay, so the two companies start from a particularly low point but I'm still hopefuly that there's a "Living HD for Sky 1 HD" trade in the offing.

23 comments:

Dan said...

I can't see Sky giving VM subscribers Sky1HD! Do you call LivingHD for Sky1HD a fair trade?? I certainly don't.

Personally, I think Sky should be scared of the threat VM pose -- now that they're taking HD seriously. If Sky give VM subscribers access to 24, Lost, House and Stargate in HD... well, there's *almost* no real reason to get SkyHD if you're in a cable area, imo.

Nialli said...

It may not appeal to everyone, but Living is one of the most popular pay channels and often has a higher audience than Sky1 - more popular than FX et al. It may appeal to women more than men, but Sky won't like missing out on an HD channel.

Richardr said...

"If Sky give VM subscribers access to 24, Lost, House and Stargate in HD... well, there's *almost* no real reason to get SkyHD if you're in a cable area, imo."

Sport?

Unknown said...

According to this thread here: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11/33643934-coming-soon-to-virgin-tv-2009-a.html - Living HD will launch on September 30th and ITV +1 in October.

Mark said...

Does no one here realise that, just like Virgin's other channels, Living HD wouldn't be able to survive as a cable exclusive? Remember, it's only a tiny minority of viewers who have access to HD and the majority of those have Sky HD boxes!
I would expect Virgin to launch the channel exclusively on cable, but to very soon make it available on Sky's platform.
I certainly don't see this arrangement being part of any "swap" deal. Virgin will actually have to pay Sky to carry Living HD on it's EPG. The current "negotiations" will be to ascertain exactly how much they pay. I'm certain, however, that Virgin will be pushing for a better deal because the channel will further enhance Sky's HD offering, but hardly to the extent that Sky might offer Virgin customers access to Sky1 HD.

Media Boy UK said...

I am going to move the launch of Living HD from September to before 2010 on Cable Forum later today.

Mark said...

Well that sounds like negotiations with Sky are stalling and Virgin aren't prepared to launch. As I said above, Virgin need viewers to attract advertisers to the channel. I can't see Virgin using the channel as a "loss leader" simply to attract more customers to it's own HD service-more income can surely be made by including the million plus Sky HD customers.
I guess that means the title of this blog goes back to being called "Coming Soon"?

Square eyes said...

As Nialli said earlier, the Living channel is one of the most popular channels on the digital service. Who cares about Lost in HD along with 24, House and even Stargate, these are not everyones cup of tea.

This makes for a great time to have digital tv, having had Sky TV since 1986 when they started, and now Virgin TV for the last couple of years, I can't wait for the next development.

Sky have been the school yard bully for years, and as we all know bullies hate it when someone hits back. Well sky's time is up, and other providers are going to get a chance, well done OFCOM!!!

lee said...

I applaud and share Square Eyes' enthusiasm, but lets not congratutlate Ofcom until we get Sky Sports, Sky1 and Movies in HD too! (or until next year, when, if the Tories get in, we'll lose any chance when the dismantle Ofcom).

Anth B said...

off topic but Top Gear is in HD on 15th November on BBC HD Blog!!! cracking news

Mark said...

Congratulating OFCOM for making decisions before they even make them is a little too eager!
There isn't even a published time scale for when their investigation will be complete.
Sky isn't likely to just mildly accept any judgement which they feel impinges on their business.
I'll reserve my own opinion of any OFCOM action until they actually take some!

Square eyes said...

Mark, SKY had until the 19th Oct to appeal the finding of the OFCOM report from 26th June.

Now Virgin, OFCOM & SKY are currently in talk over a new pricing structure - so looks like some decisions have been already made

Nialli said...

Now planned for Oct 6 launch

Mark said...

I can't understand why you keep updating the supposed date of this launch? I understand you want to appear knowledgeable about Virgin Media activities, but It doesn't give your blog much credence if you keep changing the date every time the deadline approaches. Why not just post "coming soon", just as Virgin does?

lee said...

Crikey Mark!

All I take it as, that "to the best of my knowledge, and my sources, the current information is...."

If Nialli didn't share his info (bearing in mind he's never stated 100% bullet-proof facts from his sources) then I guess we wouldn't see much point to the blog at all (rumour-mill or not!)

Mark said...

Placeholder on the television is now saying October 6th for launch, so in this instance the blog seems to be correct.
My earlier point was that updating the dates continually just gives the impression that the blog is relying solely on rumours generated by sites like Cableforum and Digital Spy.

lee said...

I do see your point, but the internet generally is fuelled by rumours and gossip - it's just that sometimes they turn out to be true!!

:)

Nialli said...

The reason for the regular updates on the Living HD launch is that a lot of folk have emailed the blog regarding its launch. I talked to a couple of guys who work at Virgin TV and they initially said October, then gave me the October 6th date (it was moved a few times) but asked me not to publish until this week, which I respected - I think I posted the actual date on Wednesday.
I don't understand Mark's problem with this blog - if anyone doesn't like it, don't visit. The blog's been around a couple of years now, it's a blog not a run-for-profit site or authorised news channel.
Somedays I don't know why I bother, and I'm sure Media Boy feels the same...

Martin said...

Now then Mr Nialli.... don't go getting filled with self doubt. Keep the faith, keep the blog!

In it's context (a personal blog) it's amazing how much is accurate news reporting. Besides, I LIKE SPECULATION. It's positive and hopeful, but not deluded. Plus, WITHOUT YOU I WOULD HAVE NEVER WATCHED THE WIRE! Need I say more.

Dazz285 said...

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/a179061/living-hd-launch-date-confirmed.html

October 6th start date

Afront said...

Press release at:

http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=205406&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1335485&highlight=

Mark said...

Where did I say i have any problem with the blog? My criticism was aimed solely at the posting and updating of dates.
I think most of the people who visit here also visit the popular websites devoted to cable and satellite TV. I can't be the only one, surely, who gets tired of reading some internet poster's speculation repeated elsewhere as fact? I visit this blog because, for the most part, the blogger resists the temptation of posting such nonsense.
However, I can certainly tell that criticism is not welcome here and I'll attempt to curb such comments in the future.

ordinaryguy said...

hi anyone know anything on living HD on sky ,when is the big day if there is to be one