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
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Saorview channels coming to UPC [Merged - all RTÉ Two HD on UPC queries here]

13»

Comments

  • #102
    jjj6894x
    Registered Users Posts: 29 ✭jjj6894x


    quick question -- will those who have a sky hd box be able to get rte?


  • #103
    liamcu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭liamcu


    UPC: Jason wrote: »
    Liam

    Once again, please call our technical support team. It is likely you have an error.

    All UPC customers that have a HD box installed will get RTE2 HD free of charge.

    Thanks

    Jason

    Jason,

    RTE2 HD reappeared on March 25 shortly after I received an automated text message from UPC telling me that my "service had been activated (?)." No other HD channel was available apart from RTE2 HD.

    I assumed it had something to do with resolving the technical issues of customers like me who have a HD box but don't have a HD subscription.

    I logged in to My UPC today and someone has added a HD subscription to my account without my consent! I have contacted Customer Care who were unable to tell me why it had been added and once again insisted that a HD subscription is necessary in order to view RTE2 HD. I referred to your posts here on the matter and was told by the person I spoke to that he had never heard of you.

    Clearly, incorrect information is being given out by someone. You have previously posted that RTE2 HD is available to subscribers without a HD subscription but who have a HD box. No one else in UPC, including Customer Care, seems to be aware of this.

    I now have the additional inconvenience of having to contact Billing to ensure that I am not charged for the HD subscription which was added without my consent.

    I doubt I am the only person affected in this way.

    Could you outline clearly what steps I need to take, and more importantly, who I need to speak to in order to resolve the matter?

    I am at my wits end with this.

    Liam


  • #104
    michaelduignan
    Registered Users Posts: 90 ✭✭michaelduignan


    liamcu wrote: »
    UPC: Jason wrote: »
    Liam

    Once again, please call our technical support team. It is likely you have an error.

    All UPC customers that have a HD box installed will get RTE2 HD free of charge.

    Thanks

    Jason

    Jason,

    RTE2 HD reappeared on March 25 shortly after I received an automated text message from UPC telling me that my "service had been activated (?)." No other HD channel was available apart from RTE2 HD.

    I assumed it had something to do with resolving the technical issues of customers like me who have a HD box but don't have a HD subscription.

    I logged in to My UPC today and someone has added a HD subscription to my account without my consent! I have contacted Customer Care who were unable to tell me why it had been added and once again insisted that a HD subscription is necessary in order to view RTE2 HD. I referred to your posts here on the matter and was told by the person I spoke to that he had never heard of you.

    Clearly, incorrect information is being given out by someone. You have previously posted that RTE2 HD is available to subscribers without a HD subscription but who have a HD box. No one else in UPC, including Customer Care, seems to be aware of this.

    I now have the additional inconvenience of having to contact Billing to ensure that I am not charged for the HD subscription which was added without my consent.

    I doubt I am the only person affected in this way.

    Could you outline clearly what steps I need to take, and more importantly, who I need to speak to in order to resolve the matter?

    I am at my wits end with this.

    Liam
    I can also confirm speaking to upc rep a few weeks ago, who tried to get me to take out a HD subscription, and when I quoted Jason, was told he was wrong.


  • #105
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Jason UPC

    It is unclear to me how UPC are providing RTE2HD at no extra cost to your subscribers.

    Surely existing customers with HD boxes who are not paying for HD subscription are being provided with the RTE2HD station without any further subscriptions involved. This would not seem to be the experience of the previous poster (liamcu). How many people are in the same position as Liam (i.e. charged incorrectly for a must carry channel).

    Also is there any chance of a clear and coherent answer as to the various categories people fall into and how they are being dealt with when enquiring about RTE2HD.

    Example. For People with SD boxes looking for a RTE2HD, I keep seeing a recommendation asking people to subscribe to multiroom at €5 a month (€60 per year) in order to avoid paying an apparent once cost of €45 for the HD box (which remains the property of UPC) which also seems to come with the proviso that this is an upgrade. Am I right in saying that SD box people who just pay the €45 upfront also have to pay some form of additional sub charge over the year in order to receive RTE2HD or they cant get the HD box ?

    The whole idea of the must carry rule is to ensure that Irish PSB channels are platform neutral and friendly. The apparent misinformation being given to UPC customers regarding receiving the new RTE2HD service on UPC is anything but friendly and startling to say the least.

    I say this obviously from a consumers point of view.

    By the way,there are 2 recent related threads with much the same theme in this thread and this thread.


  • #106
    liamcu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭liamcu


    michaelduignan wrote: »
    liamcu wrote: »
    UPC: Jason wrote: »
    Liam

    Once again, please call our technical support team. It is likely you have an error.

    All UPC customers that have a HD box installed will get RTE2 HD free of charge.

    Thanks

    Jason

    Jason,

    RTE2 HD reappeared on March 25 shortly after I received an automated text message from UPC telling me that my "service had been activated (?)." No other HD channel was available apart from RTE2 HD.

    I assumed it had something to do with resolving the technical issues of customers like me who have a HD box but don't have a HD subscription.

    I logged in to My UPC today and someone has added a HD subscription to my account without my consent! I have contacted Customer Care who were unable to tell me why it had been added and once again insisted that a HD subscription is necessary in order to view RTE2 HD. I referred to your posts here on the matter and was told by the person I spoke to that he had never heard of you.

    Clearly, incorrect information is being given out by someone. You have previously posted that RTE2 HD is available to subscribers without a HD subscription but who have a HD box. No one else in UPC, including Customer Care, seems to be aware of this.

    I now have the additional inconvenience of having to contact Billing to ensure that I am not charged for the HD subscription which was added without my consent.

    I doubt I am the only person affected in this way.

    Could you outline clearly what steps I need to take, and more importantly, who I need to speak to in order to resolve the matter?

    I am at my wits end with this.

    Liam
    I can also confirm speaking to upc rep a few weeks ago, who tried to get me to take out a HD subscription, and when I quoted Jason, was told he was wrong.


    ***UPDATE***
    Following phone call to Customer Care a few hours ago. HD subscription has been removed. I still have RTE2 HD while the HD channels available with a HD subscription and the Digital Value tv subscription (BBC HD & BBC1 HD) are no longer available.

    Will wait and see if RTE2 HD continues to be available following the removal of the HD subscription added without my consent by UPC.


  • #107
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    liamcu wrote: »
    ***UPDATE***
    Following phone call to Customer Care a few hours ago. HD subscription has been removed. I still have RTE2 HD while the HD channels available with a HD subscription and the Digital Value tv subscription (BBC HD & BBC1 HD) are no longer available.

    Will wait and see if RTE2 HD continues to be available following the removal of the HD subscription added without my consent by UPC.

    Am I right in saying that the digital value+ is the basic package ?

    The list of channels on digital value+ also include setanta hd and bbc hd according to this.

    http://www.upc.ie/television/digitalvalueplus/


  • #108
    campo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭campo


    STB wrote: »
    Am I right in saying that the digital value+ is the basic package ?

    The list of channels on digital value+ also include setanta hd and bbc hd according to this.

    http://www.upc.ie/television/digitalvalueplus/


    Digital Value plus does not carry BBC HD and Setanta HD you need Digital Value HD for this, Digital Value plus is only the Value pack with a recordable box

    With regards RTE2HD and the free carry then the way I see it is UPC customers would eitheir need to have a HD subscription @ 5e per month where to would still recieve RTE2 HD if they cancelled there HD sub ( saving the 5e charge but paying a 10e downgrade fee ) but lose BBC and Setanta, or else they would need a HD ready box which they can order for multi room costing 5e per month and some UPC customer seem to already have one of these boxes and picks up RTE2 HD as part of their pack, if customer dont want to do this then they can buy a Saorview box but dont have to pay a subscription fee eitheir way you look at it you have to pay whether that is for a HD subscription via UPC, Multi Room via UPC or a Saorview box....no such thing as a free dinner


  • #109
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    campo wrote: »
    Digital Value plus does not carry BBC HD and Setanta HD you need Digital Value HD for this, Digital Value plus is only the Value pack with a recordable box

    Perhaps someone in UPC can change the website to say that as the channels listed under digital value+ package include 2 HD channels - BBCHD and Setanta HD.
    campo wrote: »
    With regards RTE2HD and the free carry then the way I see it is UPC customers would eitheir need to have a HD subscription @ 5e per month where to would still recieve RTE2 HD if they cancelled there HD sub ( saving the 5e charge but paying a 10e downgrade fee ) but lose BBC and Setanta, or else they would need a HD ready box which they can order for multi room costing 5e per month and some UPC customer seem to already have one of these boxes and picks up RTE2 HD as part of their pack, if customer dont want to do this then they can buy a Saorview box but dont have to pay a subscription fee eitheir way you look at it you have to pay whether that is for a HD subscription via UPC, Multi Room via UPC or a Saorview box....no such thing as a free dinner

    Yes well Campo I wonder if the regulator will see it that way. RTE2HD is offered on the basis of must carry as a free to air station without extra subscription being required by the consumer. In effect a FREE channel.

    Telling the subscribers that they should pick up a Saorview box is missing the point. Must Offer and Must Carry = MUST in both cases, most importantly must not result in any additional charges.

    http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2009/en/act/pub/0018/sec0077.html


  • #110
    campo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭campo


    STB wrote: »
    Perhaps someone in UPC can change the website to say that as the channels listed under digital value+ package include 2 HD channels - BBCHD and Setanta HD.



    Yes well Campo I wonder if the regulator will see it that way. RTE2HD is offered on the basis of must carry as a free to air station without extra subscription being required by the consumer. In effect a FREE channel.

    Telling the subscribers that they should pick up a Saorview box is missing the point. Must Offer and Must Carry = MUST in both cases.


    But you can look at it another way are UPC offering this channel.Yes
    Are they carring it...Yes
    Do you have to pay a subscription cost for this channel.No
    Do you need to pay for equipment for this channel.Yes

    So are Saorview offering this channel.Yes
    Are they carring it..Yes
    Do you have to pay a subscription.No
    Do you need to pay for equipment for this channel.Yes

    So basically it is the same thing


  • #111
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    campo wrote: »
    But you can look at it another way are UPC offering this channel.Yes
    Are they carring it...Yes
    Do you have to pay a subscription cost for this channel.No
    Do you need to pay for equipment for this channel.Yes


    First off, lets not confuse Saorview and a Pay operator like UPC. Existing UPC customers are paying for this service under a private agreement. These new channels are meant to be free (in as much sense as the word free can be, given that UPC encrypts everything).

    RTE2HD is a new digital only station approved by the Minister for Communication on 24 Feb 2011.

    Must carry = must carry at no additional cost.

    Why are people (with HD boxes already - posts above) being told that they have to sign up to a HD subscription charge to get this must carry station ? Surely their HD box decodes it.

    If people want the hardware to decode these must carry services alone why are they being tied into upgrades and why cant they acquire a HD box for this one service alone for a set fee. Its all very well seeing commentary that UPC dont sell boxes answers and the around the garden answers, but it is not answering the question and points to every opportunity to get people paying for HD subscriptions for proprietary boxes when all they have requested is the new must carry channel.

    From what I have read, no ongoing HD subscription = no proprietary HD Box = no RTE2HD.


  • Advertisement
  • #112
    campo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭campo


    Existing UPC Customer are not paying for this service if you had Digital Value HD 6 months ago then you are paying the same as you are now except you have one extra channel RTE2 HD so hence this is a FREE Channel if you were paying for it then your bill would have went up so as you say there was no additional cost.

    If people want the hardware to decode this channel of course they have to upgrade as they wont recieve it on a SD box they need a HD box whether that be a HD subscription or Multi room are you suggesting that UPC replace all there customers standard def box with a HD box free of charge so they recieve RTE2 HD , if this is the case what would be the point of Saorview you have to pay for a Saorview box anywhere between 60e and 130e why would UPC give a box for free...

    As you state the rules are they must carry it which they do, they must offer it which they do and it must be free which it is..but there is nothing there to say they have to provide the hardware for free same as Saorview hardware both of them cost

    Sorry just dont understand your point but maybe im missing something


  • #113
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    Campo this is not about UPC providing its existing customers with HD boxes for free. What I said in my previous post is that there should be a facility for someone who is a subscriber to update their boxes to HD boxes for a set fee without having to subscribe to HD subscription or multiroom or any ongoing HD services. I fully understand that UPC is not a charity. But I also fully understand that the box is provided as part of the service and always belongs to UPC. "If's" dont belong with basic services.

    Saorview boxes are a once off hardware cost of €60 (or nothing if they already have a capable IDTV). The box is yours to keep. There are no ongoing subscription costs.

    Given Analogue Switch Off happens on October 24th this year, RTE2HD as a station will only be available as a HD station requiring HD hardware. It will not be broadcast simultaneously in SD. At that point will UPC customers loose RTE2HD altogether ?

    From what I can see existing customers with HD boxes without subscriptions seem to be getting conflicting information at the service desks.

    But maybe I am reading it wrong Campo :) This ain't an anti-UPC response by the way, I am sure the same issues will arise with Sky when they look for the must offer. Level playing pitches should be just that if the platforms are neutral.


  • #114
    Belfunk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 372 ✭✭Belfunk


    Is RTE 2 HD freezing for anyone else? Every other channel is fine in both SD & HD but RTE keeps freezing every 10 minutes or so for me.


  • #115
    jeckle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 652 ✭✭✭jeckle


    What baffles me about the UPC HD subscription is that HD subscribers on the Digital Value pack get 3 or 4 HD channels for €5 exra a month, those on the Digital Select Extra get 12 or 13 HD channels for €5 extra a month, & those on Digital Max get 1 or 2 more.

    But, given that the HD channels all have their own seperate epg numbers why doesn't everyone that pays extra for HD not get all the HD channels, despite their SD counterparts not being included in their basic subscription, considering that what you are actually paying for is the ability to decode HD? After all €5 is €5 and HD is HD.


  • #116
    Minstrel27
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,818 ✭✭✭Minstrel27


    jjj6894x wrote: »
    quick question -- will those who have a sky hd box be able to get rte?

    Not with a Sky HD box but RTÉ Two HD is freely available via an aerial


  • #117
    Mountjoy Mugger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,487 ✭✭✭Mountjoy Mugger


    jeckle wrote: »
    But, given that the HD channels all have their own seperate epg numbers why doesn't everyone that pays extra for HD not get all the HD channels, despite their SD counterparts not being included in their basic subscription, considering that what you are actually paying for is the ability to decode HD? After all €5 is €5 and HD is HD.


    Why should someone on HD get Nat Geo HD, Discovery HD Bio HD, etc, when you need a subscription to Digital Select extra of Max+ to see them iin SD?


  • #118
    campo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭campo


    jeckle wrote: »
    What baffles me about the UPC HD subscription is that HD subscribers on the Digital Value pack get 3 or 4 HD channels for €5 exra a month, those on the Digital Select Extra get 12 or 13 HD channels for €5 extra a month, & those on Digital Max get 1 or 2 more.

    But, given that the HD channels all have their own seperate epg numbers why doesn't everyone that pays extra for HD not get all the HD channels, despite their SD counterparts not being included in their basic subscription, considering that what you are actually paying for is the ability to decode HD? After all €5 is €5 and HD is HD.

    @STB y apologies I did not read your post right the 1st time I do agree that a existing UPC customer who does not have a HD capable box should be able to ring UPC and get it swapped for a HD cpable box for a FEE, And I am far from Pro UPC I am actually a Sky customer so I will not recieve Rte2HD but if I realy wanted it that bad I would get a Saorview box

    @Jeckle As stated above I am a Sky customer and I pay 15e a month for a HD subsription and I am on their basic pack so are you saying just because I have HD I should recieve Sports, Movies, National Geo, History etc.
    Does not work that way you only get the HD channels that you are paying for on your subscription with Sky and UPC and I think that is fair enough as if it was the other wat round it would not be fair on the customer who do not have HD or even worse has no chance of getting HD ( Might not have HD TV etc )


  • #119
    jeckle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 652 ✭✭✭jeckle


    Mountjoy Mugger wrote: »
    Why should someone on HD get Nat Geo HD, Discovery HD Bio HD, etc, when you need a subscription to Digital Select extra of Max+ to see them iin SD?
    Because they pay a €5 HD subscription. I wasn't suggesting they should have access to the SD channels.


  • #120
    Mountjoy Mugger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,487 ✭✭✭Mountjoy Mugger


    jeckle wrote: »
    Because they pay a €5 HD subscription. I wasn't suggesting they should have access to the SD channels.

    You'd be looking for Sky Sports HD next, because you'll be paying a €5 HD sub...

    Not the SD Sports, of course.

    Your logic is flawed.


  • Advertisement
  • #121
    jeckle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 652 ✭✭✭jeckle


    campo wrote: »
    @Jeckle As stated above I am a Sky customer and I pay 15e a month for a HD subsription and I am on their basic pack so are you saying just because I have HD I should recieve Sports, Movies, National Geo, History etc.
    Does not work that way you only get the HD channels that you are paying for on your subscription with Sky and UPC and I think that is fair enough as if it was the other wat round it would not be fair on the customer who do not have HD or even worse has no chance of getting HD ( Might not have HD TV etc )
    I was referring to the UPC HD subscription, but yes, I would consider SkySports & SkyMovies as premium channels anyway, & even the Eurosport HD channels but not the likes of History, Biography, Nat Geo Wild HD etc.

    It doesn't affect me personnally, as I have a free digital max HD subscription so have never paid for HD, but it's just something that always baffled me, considering that the €5 subscription is basically for the pleasure of being able to receive HD channels.

    €5 a month is not free, so it's not free to receive RTE2 HD on UPC. It's €5 a month no matter what way you look at it!


  • #122
    campo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭campo


    jeckle wrote: »
    I was referring to the UPC HD subscription, but yes, I would consider SkySports & SkyMovies as premium channels anyway, & even the Eurosport HD channels but not the likes of History, Biography, Nat Geo Wild HD etc.

    It doesn't affect me personnally, as I have a free digital max HD subscription so have never paid for HD, but it's just something that always baffled me, considering that the €5 subscription is basically for the pleasure of being able to receive HD channels.

    €5 a month is not free, so it's not free to receive RTE2 HD on UPC. It's €5 a month no matter what way you look at it!


    RTE2 HD is free on UPC because as customers who have a HD subscription are not paying anything extra on their bill since RTE2 HD was added hence it is a free channel, If it was not free then the bill would have went up with RTE2 HD was added

    Basically put prioir to launch of RTE2 HD a UPC Customer with Max HD were paying 40e a month now that it has been launched and added to the pack they are still paying the same 40e per month ( excluding VAT changes )


  • #123
    jeckle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 652 ✭✭✭jeckle


    Mountjoy Mugger wrote: »
    You'd be looking for Sky Sports HD next, because you'll be paying a €5 HD sub...

    Not the SD Sports, of course.

    Your logic is flawed.
    I won't be looking for anything. I never claimed that I was looking for anything, so please don't put words in my mouth! I'm perfectly happy with what I have - I was expressing my opinion on how I feel about the UPC HD subscription - I wasn't referring to the premium sky channels, maybe I didn't make that clear in my original post, so my bad.

    You may feel my logic is flawed - that's up to you.

    And, no I won't be paying a €5 sub...now that would be illogical!


  • #124
    jeckle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 652 ✭✭✭jeckle


    campo wrote: »
    RTE2 HD is free on UPC because as customers who have a HD subscription are not paying anything extra on their bill since RTE2 HD was added hence it is a free channel, If it was not free then the bill would have went up with RTE2 HD was added
    Yes, you've already said all this & I do understand the point you're making. You are referring to existing customers. But I don't think that you understand the point that I am making. Maybe I'm not expressing it properly.
    campo wrote:
    Basically put prioir to launch of RTE2 HD a UPC Customer with Max HD were paying 40e a month now that it has been launched and added to the pack they are still paying the same 40e per month ( excluding VAT changes )
    OK, well look at it this way. Let's just say someone rings UPC & asks for the free (as you put it) RTE2 HD channel. They will be told that in order to get this free (as you put it) channel they will have to pay €5 a month extra. Free means free - not €5 a month, so the reality is that it is not free. It's only free if you are already paying €5 a month!

    Also, some UPC customers have no HD subscription but yet have HD boxes & can receive RTE2 HD free, so how is this fair to, or logical for people who have been more longterm customers. I personally don't think that loyalty should be penalized, which is what seems to be happening with regard to paying or not paying for RTE2 HD.


  • #125
    campo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,364 ✭✭✭campo


    jeckle wrote: »
    Yes, you've already said all this & I do understand the point you're making. You are referring to existing customers. But I don't think that you understand the point that I am making. Maybe I'm not expressing it properly.


    OK, well look at it this way. Let's just say someone rings UPC & asks for the free (as you put it) RTE2 HD channel. They will be told that in order to get this free (as you put it) channel they will have to pay €5 a month extra. Free means free - not €5 a month, so the reality is that it is not free. It's only free if you are already paying €5 a month!

    Also, some UPC customers have no HD subscription but yet have HD boxes & can receive RTE2 HD free, so how is this fair to, or logical for people who have been more longterm customers. I personally don't think that loyalty should be penalized, which is what seems to be happening with regard to paying or not paying for RTE2 HD.


    Got your point now and I agree that if a existing or new customer rings UPC and ask for this free channel then for a set fee they should be able to swap their existing standard box to a HD capable box with no extra montly subscription just the once off swap out fee


  • #126
    Virgin Media: Jason
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,796 ✭✭✭Virgin Media: Jason


    michaelduignan

    I can confirm once again that what I stated regarding RTE2 HD being available to any and all UPC customers that have a HD box from UPC is correct.

    If there is any confusion over this, apologies, there really shouldn't be it is really straightforward

    In summary:

    "RTE2 HD is now being carried on the UPC network (Channel 135), and can be received free of charge and without a HD subscription by any current UPC Digital TV subscriber who has an existing HD box in their home".


    Regards

    Jason


    michaelduignan wrote: »
    I can also confirm speaking to upc rep a few weeks ago, who tried to get me to take out a HD subscription, and when I quoted Jason, was told he was wrong.


  • Advertisement
  • #127
    liamcu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭liamcu


    STB wrote: »
    Am I right in saying that the digital value+ is the basic package ?

    The list of channels on digital value+ also include setanta hd and bbc hd according to this.

    http://www.upc.ie/television/digitalvalueplus/

    Those HD channels are only available with a HD subscription. You do not need a HD subscription to received RTE2 HD, once you have a HD box. The only reason I have a HD box is because I subscribed to HD for over a year and subsequently cancelled the HD subscription.


  • #128
    liamcu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭liamcu


    UPC: Jason wrote: »
    michaelduignan

    I can confirm once again that what I stated regarding RTE2 HD being available to any and all UPC customers that have a HD box from UPC is correct.

    If there is any confusion over this, apologies, there really shouldn't be it is really straightforward

    In summary:

    "RTE2 HD is now being carried on the UPC network (Channel 135), and can be received free of charge and without a HD subscription by any current UPC Digital TV subscriber who has an existing HD box in their home".


    Regards

    Jason


    Jason,

    That's all very well but Customer Care staff are ignorant of the fact and continue to insist that customers take out a HD subscription. In my case, a HD subscription was added without my consent.

    This has not been communicated correctly to Customer Care staff and is causing unnecessary inconvenience and expenses for customers.

    Liam


  • #129
    BrianD
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,221 ✭✭✭BrianD


    STB wrote: »

    Given Analogue Switch Off happens on October 24th this year, RTE2HD as a station will only be available as a HD station requiring HD hardware. It will not be broadcast simultaneously in SD. At that point will UPC customers loose RTE2HD altogether ?l.

    Simple. They transmit it in SD to customers with SD boxes. RTE just make a SD feed available to UPC, Sky and whoever else wants it. Alternatively, UPC downscale it and just play it out in SD format.

    Just like the "in stereo (where available)" in the past.


  • #130
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,853 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    I tried to explain that before. To do it again...

    The reason there is only one version of RTÉ Two on Saorview, namely RTÉ Two HD, is that ALL Saorview certified STBs are capable of recieving an MPEG4 HD signal. For SD TVs, the STB is connected via SCART, which provides an SD picture. Therefore there is no need for a seperate RTÉ Two SD for SD viewers.

    On Sky and UPC, however, only HD STBs are capable of recieving a HD signal. Standard boxes don't even see HD channels. Therefore, in order to serve both SD and HD viewers, UPC (and perhaps in the future Sky) has to provide both RTÉ Two (SD) (on Channel 102) and RTÉ Two HD (on Channel 135).

    The previous poster appears to believe that RTÉ have taken a decision that only owners of HD sets will be allowed view RTÉ Two once ASO takes place. That is not true. The only reason there is only one version of RTÉ Two (a HD version) on Saorview is that there is no need for a seperate SD version in order for SD viewers of Saorview to be served. But there is need for a seperate SD version in order for SD viewers of UPC and Sky to be served. That's why after October, not only will you continue to have RTÉ Two (SD) on UPC and Sky, but you'll almost certainly still have an analogue version of RTÉ Two available on analogue cable, notwithstanding the fact that there will be no analogue version of RTÉ Two available terrestrially.

    That's the last explaination I'm giving.

    Merging the threads and moving the posts in the threads that were hijacked to talk about this subject to this thread. No more seperate threads or raising the subject of RTÉ Two HD on other threads please.


  • #131
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    BrianD wrote: »
    Simple. They transmit it in SD to customers with SD boxes. RTE just make a SD feed available to UPC, Sky and whoever else wants it. Alternatively, UPC downscale it and just play it out in SD format.

    Just like the "in stereo (where available)" in the past.

    Simple ?

    RTE wont be providing any Standard Definition verision of RTE2HD in the same way that they wont be providing the analogue version of RTE2 after 24 October 2012 or a mirrored SD RTE2 on the Saorview Service, I would imagine, unless the tail starts wagging the dog. RTE wouldn't have bothered with launching and branding a HD ONLY Station in the first instance if that were the case.

    As regards your suggestion of UPC re-encoding this with the RTE2HD Dog on screen after the ASO date, surely that would belittle the HD service RTE are providing especially during HD sports broadcasts and especially given it is a PSB channel with specific HD branding. I think its time to ask RTE what the T&C's of the must offer/carry for this station is exactly and the channels availability on must carry after October 2012 and whether they are bothered that it may not being presented in its native form (as it is terrestrially broadcast) or perhaps not even available to all UPC customers.

    We may find that the station is HD ONLY and must be presented in that form regardless of the platform (I am a little surprised it would be requested under must offer if this is the case).

    I have read the responses and I must say that it has been like pulling teeth. And the responses have been that people who have HD boxes (as a result of having HD in the past, yet have cancelled) will be the only people who will be able to receive this particular station WITHOUT additional subscription charges.

    The silence is deafening on those that wish to pay a set fee for a new box reception (like an OTC Saorview Box) for the purposes of receiving RTE2HD without continued subscription of €5 a month.

    I take ICDGs point that those scarting Saorview boxes are in effect degrading the signal to Standard Definition but that is an option on the Saorview box (the cost of the box is the same). It also allows people to view via HDMI. There are no subscription charges associated with reception of RTE2HD with a Saorview Box. Is this true of ALL UPC supplied boxes.

    The reverse of this arguement is also true though ICDG. People if offered access to UPC HD boxes at a reasonable rate without further subscription costs could equally watch the SD content being provided by UPC over HDMI with the addition of watching RTE2HD in HD. But that seems not to be the case without additional subscription charges.

    It begs the question why SD only boxes are even being supplied by Cable Companies in this day and age.


  • Advertisement
  • #132
    BrianD
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,221 ✭✭✭BrianD


    STB wrote: »
    Simple ?

    RTE wont be providing any Standard Definition verision of RTE2HD in the same way that they wont be providing the analogue version of RTE2 after 24 October 2012 or a mirrored SD RTE2 on the Saorview Service, I would imagine, unless the tail starts wagging the dog. RTE wouldn't have bothered with launching and branding a HD ONLY Station in the first instance if that were the case.

    As regards your suggestion of UPC re-encoding this with the RTE2HD Dog on screen after the ASO date, surely that would belittle the HD service RTE are providing especially during HD sports broadcasts and especially given it is a PSB channel with specific HD branding. I think its time to ask RTE what the T&C's of the must offer/carry for this station is exactly and the channels availability on must carry after October 2012 and whether they are bothered that it may not being presented in its native form (as it is terrestrially broadcast) or perhaps not even available to all UPC customers.

    We may find that the station is HD ONLY and must be presented in that form regardless of the platform (I am a little surprised it would be requested under must offer if this is the case).

    I have read the responses and I must say that it has been like pulling teeth. And the responses have been that people who have HD boxes (as a result of having HD in the past, yet have cancelled) will be the only people who will be able to receive this particular station WITHOUT additional subscription charges.

    The silence is deafening on those that wish to pay a set fee for a new box reception (like an OTC Saorview Box) for the purposes of receiving RTE2HD without continued subscription of €5 a month.

    I take ICDGs point that those scarting Saorview boxes are in effect degrading the signal to Standard Definition but that is an option on the Saorview box (the cost of the box is the same). It also allows people to view via HDMI. There are no subscription charges associated with reception of RTE2HD with a Saorview Box. Is this true of ALL UPC supplied boxes.

    The reverse of this arguement is also true though ICDG. People if offered access to UPC HD boxes at a reasonable rate without further subscription costs could equally watch the SD content being provided by UPC over HDMI with the addition of watching RTE2HD in HD. But that seems not to be the case without additional subscription charges.

    It begs the question why SD only boxes are even being supplied by Cable Companies in this day and age.

    It is as simple as I said. Come changeover, there will be only be one version of RTE2 which may originate as as HD channel but can be distributed as HD, SD or good old fashioned analogue.

    It's up to UPC and Sky to decide if access to their HD service is at a premium or not. HD channels are seen as a premium product but I doubt it will be for long. I would imagine that in a year or two all boxes will be HD.


  • #133
    mollser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,134 ✭✭✭mollser


    How come RTE News Now never appeared? Actually find that the most useful of the Saorview additional channels - have it on a lot!


  • #134
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,640 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    mollser wrote: »
    How come RTE News Now never appeared? Actually find that the most useful of the Saorview additional channels - have it on a lot!

    Coming in June, see post #1.


  • #135
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    The Cush wrote: »
    Coming in June, see post #1.

    When you say Summer in Post one, do you really mean August 31st? ;)


  • #136
    Sam Russell
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,864 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    Why don't UPC just add the Saorview mux as a channel in the late twenties or low thirties and allow the viewer to watch it as they currently watch analogue channels, via their TV tuner ( or Saorview box) and it ceases to be an issue? DVT -T1 signals will go down the cable just as well as DVB-C does.


  • #137
    Sponge Bob
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 25,234 ✭✭✭✭Sponge Bob


    Jason, My mammy in law has three analogue TVs in her house in Galway. One has a digital UPC unit scarted into it on a subscription.

    She watches analogue channels only on the other two. Recently she had to retune as they sort of dissappeared on her for a while. UPC did something to its analogue channel ordering in Galway.

    Couple of Qs.

    *Will there be any further changes to the analogue channels in Galway.
    *Will she continue to receive analogue channels from UPC after October 2012
    *When will UPC finally shut down their analogue services in Galway??

    TIA


  • #138
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    *Will she continue to receive analogue channels from UPC after October 2012
    *When will UPC finally shut down their analogue services in Galway??

    UPC don't have to turn off their analogue TV and they have made no statement so far to suggest they are turning analogue off.

    Analogue Switch Off only refers to Terrestrial TV.


  • #139
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,853 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Sponge Bob wrote: »
    Jason, My mammy in law has three analogue TVs in her house in Galway. One has a digital UPC unit scarted into it on a subscription.

    She watches analogue channels only on the other two. Recently she had to retune as they sort of dissappeared on her for a while. UPC did something to its analogue channel ordering in Galway.

    Couple of Qs.

    *Will there be any further changes to the analogue channels in Galway.
    *Will she continue to receive analogue channels from UPC after October 2012
    *When will UPC finally shut down their analogue services in Galway??

    TIA

    You might be interested in this post Jason made last week.

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=77720696&postcount=82

    Analogue switch off on UPC has only happened in Cork, and while there doesn't seem to be any plans to close the analogue service elsewhere yet (and I can imagine there would be some resistance to doing it in Dublin in particular), UPC are removing five channels from their analogue line up in Galway (and as far as I'm aware, only Galway). The Irish, UK terrestrials, Sky One, Sky News, 3e, and Setanta Ireland will continue though.

    There was a particular local reason it was done in Cork - the analogue service was encrypted there so everyone needed STBs anyway. Thus it was easier to migrate everyone to digital.


  • #140
    ted1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,650 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    Is anybody elses RTE HD a bit slow, every now and then the picture stops or goes blocky, it doesn't happen on any of the other HD channels.


  • #141
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,853 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Merged.


  • Advertisement
  • #142
    icdg
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,853 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Unstickied.


  • #143
    Infoanon
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,705 ✭✭✭Infoanon


    UPC are running promos on their website implying that you can get RTE2HD for just €5 per month by adding the HD package.

    This is clearly misleading as RTE 2HD is available without a HD Sub (and legally must be available).


  • #144
    mackersdublin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,460 ✭✭✭mackersdublin


    Correct

    A friend of mine is paying €25.40 for the Value Pack, and gets RTE Two HD with his HD Box, but doesn't receive BBC & Setanta in HD


Advertisement