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DTT Commercial Multiplexes (was OneVision, Boxer etc...)

  • 20-04-2009 01:17PM
    #1
    paulm17781
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,858 ✭✭✭


    Well, it has happened.
    rte.ie wrote:


    The group which last year won a contract to provide digital terrestrial television (DTT) services in Ireland has pulled out of the project.

    The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland said Boxer - which includes Denis O'Brien's Communicorp and BT - had withdrawn its applications for the three multiplex contracts.

    Boxer blamed the economic downturn and 'challenges' in reaching a deal on transmission facilities with RTE Networks for its decision.

    The BCI said it would now ask the second place applicant in last year's competition - One Vision - whether it was interested in negotiating on the contracts. One Vision includes TV3, Setanta and Eircom.

    Read more about plans for DTT in Ireland here.

    BCI chairperson Conor Maguire said the commission was 'disappointed' but was committed to pursuing its digital policy objectives.

    Under legislation, the BCI was to licence commercial DTT for three multiplexes - or bundles of channels - while RTÉ was assigned a single DTT multiplex to ensure the continued availability of the four existing free-to-air services in Ireland - RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2, TG4 and TV3.

    RTÉ is to set up and run this DTT multiplex independently of BCI-licensed multiplexes in fulfilment of its public-service obligations.

    I didn't expect them to last long with their silly pricing model. Do you think there's any chance of a Freeview like service?


«134567…59

Comments

  • #2
    Spocker
    Moderators Posts: 6,951 ✭✭✭Spocker


    [ See http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055339462 ]


    From RTE
    RTE wrote:
    Boxer throws in towel on digital
    Monday, 20 April 2009 13:11

    The group which last year won a contract to provide digital terrestrial television (DTT) services in Ireland has pulled out of the project.

    The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland said Boxer - which includes Denis O'Brien's Communicorp and BT - had withdrawn its applications for the three multiplex contracts.

    Boxer blamed the economic downturn and 'challenges' in reaching a deal on transmission facilities with RTE Networks for its decision.

    The BCI said it would now ask the second place applicant in last year's competition - One Vision - whether it was interested in negotiating on the contracts. One Vision includes TV3, Setanta and Eircom.

    Read more about plans for DTT in Ireland here.

    BCI chairperson Conor Maguire said the commission was 'disappointed' but was committed to pursuing its digital policy objectives.

    Under legislation, the BCI was to licence commercial DTT for three multiplexes - or bundles of channels - while RTÉ was assigned a single DTT multiplex to ensure the continued availability of the four existing free-to-air services in Ireland - RTÉ 1, RTÉ 2, TG4 and TV3.

    RTÉ is to set up and run this DTT multiplex independently of BCI-licensed multiplexes in fulfilment of its public-service obligations.


  • #3
    mullingar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,338 ✭✭✭mullingar


    Lets face it, due to the long delays and post-poning, the large amount of FTA content available on satellite, etc

    Did anybody expect Boxer to actually go through with it?


  • #4
    mike65
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88,968 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    As a very casual observer I cannot see how any pay DTT package can gain traction in this market.


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


    On the BCI's website.

    http://www.bci.ie/news_information/press216.html


  • #6
    Bulmers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 638 ✭✭✭Bulmers


    STB wrote: »
    On the BCI's website.

    http://www.bci.ie/news_information/press216.html

    no major suprise really...


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  • #7
    STB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭STB


    No. Because the UK stations could not be offered for free as its programming is for a different country, ie the UK. It will only ever be oferred on a subbed basis by a commercial operator.


  • #8
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,461 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Re
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59901039&postcount=351


    We are not set back 8 years as pay TV was never going to be viable. We are still getting the existing Terrestrial as Digital, the new PSB mux.

    I doubt the #2 bidder will sign up.

    One Vision includes
    TV3: Little if any extra cash. Not even doing full analogue coverage, won't pay RTENL for all the sites at the minute. ITV parents problems due to downturn
    Setanta: Problems with pay TV and finance. Are they up for sale?
    and
    Eircom: Mhahahaha.. About to run out of cash and be asset stripped. Nearly 5.1Billon debt if pension short fall included.


  • #9
    slegs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,058 ✭✭✭slegs


    This is good news i think at least we haven't been put through the pain of a failed start up. I think the RTE consortium would be the only ones who could make this work considering RTE own RTENL and therefore the infrastructure costs wont be as high for them. Or another suggestion as snaps mentioned on another thread - use the pay muxes for premium Sky/setanta sports type content only. A combination of free PSB DTT, FTA Satellite and PAY Sky Sports DTT may interest some people as it may be cheaper than having to pay Sky for their bundles just to get Sky Sports.


  • #10
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,461 ✭✭✭✭watty


    We will only have a freeview, but with Irish Channels. Only four to start with.

    Terrestrial Pay TV, nor Terrestrial Free TV *INCLUDING* UK tv isn't viable.


  • #11
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,545 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    I'm not surprised at all.

    I don't think onevision (the number 2 bidder) will take it either.

    Look at the companies involved:

    - Seatanta - Rumour has it are in difficulty at the moment as they have lost the rights to the upcoming Premier League matches, subs aren't great and they are having difficulty in the current climate raising money. Pretty much thier whole business plan is shot to hell, can't see them interested in it as this time.

    - Eircom - Are in a complete mess at the moment, with rumours of being sold off, massive debt, etc.

    - TV3 - Might be interested, but probably wouldn't bother if they could just get all their channels FTA

    I really don't see onevision taking this up.

    The third bidders RTE and UPC might be much more interested.

    RTE - Has already bought most of the transmission equipment, so might as well continue.

    UPC - Might look at this to replace MMDS and perhaps sell a combined DTT/cable box, to allow them switch off analogue cable and free up space for more digital TV channels and broadband on cable.

    On the other hand, perhaps all the bidders will fall through and RTE can then rightfully point out that they have already bought the transmission equipment and the government allow them to auction off space to any channel who wants it (TV3 E3, Channel 4, etc), but unencrypted, like Freeview. Pretty much what whould have been done in the first place and pretty much the only way DTT is going to be successful in Ireland.

    Fingers crossed.


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  • #12
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,461 ✭✭✭✭watty


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59901048&postcount=352

    I always have said that a limited content PayTV (such as possible with DTT) can never compete with Satellite Pay Tv or Cable.

    The BBC, ITV, C4, Five can't be economically viable as "free" on Terrestrial, and can't be viable as a Pay TV pack as they are free on Satellite, and pay TV needs about 200 channels to compete with the 70%+ that have Sky/UPC already. Most of the rest will never sign to payTV.


    We will definitely have the PSB free much with RTE1, RTE2, TV3 and TG4 this year.

    Perhaps orachtas TV.

    In maybe 4 or 5 years the other Muxes can be used for HD simulcast.

    Which channel do people want next though?
    * An RTE kids/education channel
    * RTE News 24?
    * RTE 3 (likely repeats and US rubbish, or simulcast of RTE International?)
    * TV3's 2nd channel of low budget US repeats?
    * Something imaginative from TG4?
    * An Irish Film channel?

    No doubt it will take OneVision, the RTE/UPC and BCI a while to realise the reality of the situation.


  • #13
    mike65
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88,968 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    frrom 22-07-2008,
    barnicles wrote: »
    IMO Boxer is doomed. Doomed I say:D

    Now that what I call forsight! :pac:


  • #14
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,461 ✭✭✭✭watty


    channelsurfer wrote: »
    I predict it is doomed, but I am open to correction if any wiser scholar can convince me otherwise.

    From 22-07-2008 :) 2nd post on the thread.


    (But some of us claimed no future to it back in 1999!)


  • #15
    thecornerboy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 204 ✭✭thecornerboy


    bk wrote: »
    - Seatanta - Rumour has it are in difficulty at the moment as they have lost the rights to the upcoming Premier League matches, subs aren't great and they are having difficulty in the current climate raising money. Pretty much thier whole business plan is shot to hell, can't see them interested in it as this time.

    Setanta are hanging in there ok, they need one or two things to break their way but in the short and mid term they're going to be around. They might be interested.


  • #16
    keith99
    Closed Accounts Posts: 56 ✭✭keith99


    I hope who ever takes over from Boxer, check to realities

    I got freesat, euro satellite dish and a outdoor tv aerial, so most of the sport on setanta and sky I can watch for free

    I think 10 fta dtt channels is what we need and for the UK tv channels just get freesat

    Watty thanks again for your view, did boxer do any research before they bid
    watty wrote: »
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59901048&postcount=352

    I always have said that a limited content PayTV (such as possible with DTT) can never compete with Satellite Pay Tv or Cable.

    The BBC, ITV, C4, Five can't be economically viable as "free" on Terrestrial, and can't be viable as a Pay TV pack as they are free on Satellite, and pay TV needs about 200 channels to compete with the 70%+ that have Sky/UPC already. Most of the rest will never sign to payTV.


    We will definitely have the PSB free much with RTE1, RTE2, TV3 and TG4 this year.

    Perhaps orachtas TV.

    In maybe 4 or 5 years the other Muxes can be used for HD simulcast.

    Which channel do people want next though?
    * An RTE kids/education channel
    * RTE News 24?
    * RTE 3 (likely repeats and US rubbish, or simulcast of RTE International?)
    * TV3's 2nd channel of low budget US repeats?
    * Something imaginative from TG4?
    * An Irish Film channel?

    No doubt it will take OneVision, the RTE/UPC and BCI a while to realise the reality of the situation.


  • #17
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    And why is the title thread renamed? Why not a new thread?

    Ahhhhhrrrrggggg.

    FFS. :mad:

    TV ****ING 3

    The BCI should just throw in the towel. This needs to happen now.

    Onevision will take this up, TV3 own 22% of Setanta. But then Eircom is also in trouble.!!!! Eir ****ING com ahhhhhhrrrrrrggghhhhh.

    Stupid stupid. Ahhhhhhhrrrrrgggghhhhhh


  • #18
    mjsmyth
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭mjsmyth


    Unlike many people I know, I would be perfectly happy with just the 4 we have at the moment.

    I do feel though, that they need to up their game a bit. TG4, for me at least, is still the most impressive channel. It is not perfect, but it is a damn fine channel.

    RTE, when they do something well, they do it very very well. When they do it bad.... Well.....

    TV3.. TV3 is a strange one. I don't think they know what market they are after... There are some good import shows on the channel, but in the main I feel it is the worst of the Irish channels. It also doesn't feel Irish (strange thing to say about a tv channel but..).

    So, rather than any of those 3 expanding their repertoire of channels, I would rather that they concentrate on areas they know that they fall down in and improve those areas.

    But... if we are going to get new channels, then this is what I think. I would love some form of Irish Film Channel, though I don't know how many Irish films there are out there. would we get sick of the repeats?? Perhaps some form of Irish Film, Music and Arts channel instead?? Perhaps a joint venture between RTE, TG4 and the Irish Film Board?? Between the 3 channels, they have a lot of output that could be used.

    I can't see a place for a purely 24/7 RTE News Channel. Perhaps it needs to be mixed with EuroNews and maybe some additional sports from Setanta Sports News perhaps?

    I guess that my view for the future of DTT is collaboration. Ireland is a small market and money is tight. Perhaps new partners need to be found to open up new ventures.

    Anyhow... thats just my thoughts.

    mj


  • #19
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 16,231 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    It may be a good time to re-read the OneVision BCI DTT Application.


  • #20
    mike65
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88,968 ✭✭✭✭mike65


    The Irish "freeview" future is the er UK "freeview" future ie 150-200 euro of FTA gear?


  • #21
    DMC
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,732 ✭✭✭✭DMC


    As Delboy would say, plume de ma tante. I'm just glad it hasn't take a full year for this to occur, unlike It'sTV and previous abortive attempts that have taken longer.

    I think the BCI are mad to think that the beauty contests runners up will pick up the pieces. I don't think any of the consortia are going to go back with the exact same plan as before.
    Elmo wrote: »
    And why is the title thread renamed? Why not a new thread?

    Ahhhhhrrrrggggg.

    FFS. :mad:

    As a record of history, this works well.


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  • #22
    gtg60
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,759 ✭✭✭gtg60


    Aargh, it's 170 pages long!

    Interestingly on page 44...
    Based on the analysis above we can draw key conclusions on the four areas assessed:
    The economy is expected to remain healthy overall


  • #23
    Scottish paddy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 89 ✭✭Scottish paddy


    This should have been run by RTÉ from the start. Look at what happened in the UK ........anyone remember ON Digital from ITV?............the BBC ended up rescuing DTT in the UK with Freeview.


  • #24
    paulm17781
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,858 ✭✭✭paulm17781


    UPC were bidding and it may well be in their interest to do so, a great way to replace MMDS which I believe Comreg want the spectrum...


  • #25
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,545 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    thecornerboy wrote: »
    Setanta are hanging in there ok, they need one or two things to break their way but in the short and mid term they're going to be around. They might be interested.

    Fair enough, but will they want the distraction, when they have much bigger fish to fry, like their survival?


  • #26
    tretle
    Closed Accounts Posts: 59 ✭✭tretle


    Good riddens, now all that needs to be done is for the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to take over from the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland and the whole idea behind trying to make money from this infrastructure needs to be reviewed.
    The contract that they offered boxer was a 12 year one, am I the only one who finds that a bit too long. In Britain its a 4 year contract, I think thats a much better approach because at the end of the four years if the content is not up to scratch they can offer the space to another channel, also instead of trying to sell off 3 muxe's they should just charge tv broadcasters fee to broadcast on free to air in ireland for a four year contract(on a channel per channel basis, not a bundling of 3 muxes).
    So happy boxer failed :D Made my day :D


  • #27
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 23,545 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    mrdtv wrote: »
    I was very amused by the hostile reactions to my forecast last week that Boxer was DOA. As expected Boxer pulled out today. As night follows day. The expectations of the Irish Government, RTENL, BCI et al were completely unrealistic. None of the other parties will follow Boxer into the morass.

    From who did you get hostile reactions? Most long time, regular posters here have been predicting the failure of commercial DTT here in Ireland pretty much since the idea was first floated years ago and in particular most have been predicting the failure of Boxer over the last few months.


  • #28
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    DMC wrote: »
    As a record of history, this works well.

    The FFS and Arrrghhhhrrr was aimed at Boxer and the BCI. not the title change that was the more coheriant part of my previous post.

    I would like to thank all of the posters on the thread who saw this a doomed, and I suggest we all send a link to Conor McGuire (The Head of the BCI) with the Subject WE TOLD YOU SO.


  • #29
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    tretle wrote: »
    So happy boxer failed :D Made my day :D

    I amn't that happy we got so close to actually getting DTT (whatever the form) and the BAI and the BCI will be the same old, same old, only difference they will regulate RTÉ and TG4 and have a complains division taking over the work of the BCC.

    I was hoping that boxer would fail after being on the air for 3 years and then have to go FTA :) would have been much better.


  • #30
    Elmo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,641 ✭✭✭✭Elmo


    Mossy Monk wrote: »
    epic_fail.jpg


    Did we all know they wouldn't even try to fly?


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  • #31
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,461 ✭✭✭✭watty


    For those confused, I merged threads and then demerged them


This discussion has been closed.
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