UTV update

Tony · 10-11-2003 1:06pm #1

Hi Guys, cant get a hold of Ed Sawday (Sky) but I spoke to Seamus at Armstrongs who spoke with Ed last week and it seems Satmans information is correct in so far as there are definite plans to get UTV on before Christmas.

Before we get too excited I must point out that sky have said this kind of thing before, possibly in an attempt to drive sales so lets wait for the press release.

Perhaps somebody could e mail Orla Mc kibbin at UTV to see if her position has changed from previous emails.

Tony

Tony · 10-11-2003 1:12pm

Just got a call from Susan Geraughty who works for Sky Ireland who confirmed that there are positive developments and they confirm that they plan to have UTV on within 4 months but possibly sooner, there aim is to have it on before Christmas obviously to help sales but this may not be possible.

Tony

cupthehand · 10-11-2003 1:12pm

What....could that possibly be a very faint light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel......fingers, toes and a few other parts crossed that it is:D

Samson · 10-11-2003 1:13pm

Excuse my ignorance.
Is this likely to be UTV only, or will Channel 4 be part of the package?

If, of course, this turns out to be anything other than a marketing drive, as you say.

Tony · 10-11-2003 1:16pm

UTV only is my information

Originally posted by Samson
Excuse my ignorance.
Is this likely to be UTV only, or will Channel 4 be part of the package?

If, of course, this turns out to be anything other than a marketing drive, as you say.

ShaneOC · 10-11-2003 2:07pm

This is great news. All that's left now is Ch4, five and to get the rest of the BBCs onto the EPG.

Anyone for a campaign?

DaveH · 10-11-2003 2:41pm

Defo up for a campaign to get all the BBC channels on the EPG. But I hope this is not another false dawn with regard to UTV. Also any information on ITV2? Thats a channel my mother is asking a lot about lately. It would make sense for us to get UTV and ITV2. And another point I would like to make. Does anyone think we have a good chance of losing Granda Plus. I know ITV are trying to launch ITV GOLD, but are having problems because of Granda plus owning rights. So if Granda Plus becomes ITV Gold, what do people think the chances of us losing the channel are?

thrillseeker · 10-11-2003 2:44pm

Thanks to Satman for breaking this to the forum in the now closed thread.

Mossy Monk · 10-11-2003 2:52pm

Originally posted by DaveH
Does anyone think we have a good chance of losing Granda Plus. I know ITV are trying to launch ITV GOLD, but are having problems because of Granda plus owning rights. So if Granda Plus becomes ITV Gold, what do people think the chances of us losing the channel are?

very slim chance of anyone losing it seeing that Sky own half of it. it would seem that ITV have calmed down a bit about things seeing as the rugby and that football extra thing remain on the ITV News Channel in this country

LegacyUser · 10-11-2003 3:02pm

Methinks a few members owe satman an apology. And why wasn't he believed in the first place? Is it because we've heard it all before (about a UTV launch), or the fact that he didn't have 10,000 posts on this forum? Not everyone has access to the Net at work all day everyday.

Tony · 10-11-2003 3:26pm

An apology for what, asking him to name his sources? Please lets not go down this road or this thread will be closed too

Originally posted by Buckfast
Methinks a few members owe satman an apology. And why wasn't he believed in the first place? Is it because we've heard it all before (about a UTV launch), or the fact that he didn't have 10,000 posts on this forum? Not everyone has access to the Net at work all day everyday.

BrianD · 10-11-2003 3:48pm

What channel do you reckon UTV will be on the EPG? Will there not be a rights issue especially as TV3 have the rights for RoI for many programmes. Would TV3 not be fighting their corner as they are ultimately they are fighting for the same advertising euro as UTV?

Assuming that there is a rights issue, how have UTV been able to circumnavigate it on cable and MMDS?

ShaneOC · 10-11-2003 3:53pm

Cable and mmds legally are considered terrestrial overspill (or so we have been told before).

If I were to guess at an EPG number I would imagine 226 (as ITV have this slot for ITV2 in the UK). We could possibly get ITV2 on 227 if we are really good and ask Santa nicely... :rolleyes:

DMC · 10-11-2003 4:05pm

Very interesting, thank you for the 'tec work Tony.

Tony · 10-11-2003 4:43pm

Originally posted by DMC
Very interesting, thank you for the 'tec work Tony.

In fairness it was Satman who broke the news Damo I just followed it up to check its accuracy.

Tony

Mossy Monk · 10-11-2003 5:10pm

Originally posted by Buckfast
Methinks a few members owe satman an apology

if he gave names of those who told him. we have had many people coming on with unnamed sources in the past and it got very tiresome

DMC · 10-11-2003 5:29pm

I know, Tony, but as Satman didnt follow up with sources, you did. As I said, well done for the 'tec work, with a nod to Satman for breaking it.

Tony · 10-11-2003 5:44pm

Thanks Damo, can i put my URL back on now:D (just kidding)

Tony

donhughberto · 10-11-2003 5:58pm

UTV , thats made my day, thanks lads!

sceptre · 10-11-2003 6:06pm

Originally posted by Buckfast
Is it because we've heard it all before (about a UTV launch), or the fact that he didn't have 10,000 posts on this forum?

First one I reckon.

Charles Slane · 10-11-2003 6:23pm

Yes, this is good news - so thanks to Satman for breaking it and to Tony for following it up.

Of course I would have preferred any other ITV region than UTV - but how likely was that ? (You really can't please anyone, can you ?)

Although having said that, I wonder will they just remove the encryption for UTV or will all the other regions be available on "Other Channels". That would be a nice little bonus.

And it would be great to get ITV2. (Ah Letterman ......)

As I said before - Ho ho ho !!

mike2084 · 10-11-2003 7:54pm

Sorry to be the Party Pooper here but I would be really surprised if UTV turned up on an Irish Card any time soon. If I was a bookie I'd happily take a few bets on this.

bishop brennan · 10-11-2003 8:37pm

Has anyone been in contact with UTV about this yet? It would be interesting to know their position. If it is true and we were to get CHANNEL 4 at a later date as well chorus are finished!

byte · 10-11-2003 9:23pm

Good work with the research Tony. I have emailed UTV to see what they say...

Tony · 10-11-2003 9:42pm

A reasonable opinion Michael given sky's track record on this issue and the people who are handling it at sky.

Good man byte thanks for the help

Tony

Originally posted by Michael Walsh
Sorry to be the Party Pooper here but I would be really surprised if UTV turned up on an Irish Card any time soon. If I was a bookie I'd happily take a few bets on this.

Aquos76 · 10-11-2003 9:58pm

I was another who made remarks about what Satman claimed on Saturday, but as was pointed out by Tony and Mossy, if sources had have been named in the first place that it would not have turned in to a slagging match and yes the thread would still be open.

However lets just wait and see what happens in the coming weeks before we get to excited. Fair play to satman for posting in the first place, maybe in future you could if possible name sources to back up your story, because if it was not for Tony, who checked out your scoop then we would still be none the wiser. Also notice the way Tony did'nt have any hesitation naming his sources.

Fingers crossed this may be the start of the UK channels coming over here.

PacMan · 10-11-2003 10:08pm

Great News... if indeed true. I hope so !

Can anyone post the contact e-mail for UTV.
Thanks

Koyaanisqatsi · 10-11-2003 10:36pm

Nice one Satman, even if you were a bit harshly treated on the other thread by the Thought Police.

Well done and keep up the good work.;)

EKRIUQ · 10-11-2003 10:45pm

Satman is still a clown in my opinion, He was winding up the more established posters on this thread and he had the smell of a sky worker, and I was at TOYS FOR BIG BOYS and the people on the sky+ stand didn't know of anything definate about UTV coming on stream only the usual crap of yes there is talk of it coming soon.

Koyaanisqatsi · 10-11-2003 11:36pm

Originally posted by TIPPTOP
Satman is still a clown in my opinion,

This forum has been called a lot of things throughout the years, but one thing its not is a court of law.
It used to be a place to get an Irish rub on Satellite technology.
Closing perfectly good threads and calling Satman a clown as well as other abuse has turned this forum into a sick parody of what it used to be (And could be again).
:mad:

donhughberto · 10-11-2003 11:39pm

the more established posters on this thread thats very harsh, the guy stuck to his guns when ambushed and fair play even if sources did not materalise!

This forum is mainly speculation anyway! Lets see the press release first and then talk!

Tony · 10-11-2003 11:42pm

Really, and you using terms like "thought Police" helps

Originally posted by Koyaanisqatsi
This forum has been called a lot of things throughout the years, but one thing its not is a court of law.
It used to be a place to get an Irish rub on Satellite technology.
Closing perfectly good threads and calling Satman a clown as well as other abuse has turned this forum into a sick parody of what it used to be (And could be again).
:mad:

byte · 11-11-2003 12:52am

Originally posted by PacMan

Can anyone post the contact e-mail for UTV.
Thanks

I just used info@u.tv though I used to use info@utvplc.com too.

DMC · 11-11-2003 7:46am

FFS lads, less of the personal insults or there will be bannage, "regulars" or not.

Keep it on topic, or posts will be edited or removed.

Rizzo the Rat · 11-11-2003 9:01am

Hi Guys,
I contacted ITV in London, UTV in Norn Iron and BSKYB regarding this whole issue over the past few days.
Here are there replys:
1) ITV
Thank you for your recent enquiry concerning the availability of ITV1 in Southern Ireland via Digital Satellite.

ITV is a UK broadcaster, which is why our transmissions are only available to those in the UTV broadcast region of Northern Ireland. We do not have the satellite Irish programme rights, which would allow us to make the service available to viewers in Southern Ireland via Sky Digital.

UTV as an independent broadcaster are looking into the possibility of providing their service throughout Ireland on satellite, but there are a number of issues involved, so they are unable to elaborate any further at this stage.

Kind Regards,

ITV Duty Office

2)BSKYB

Thank you for your e-mail about ITV and Channel 4 in the Republic of Ireland.

Unfortunately, no further information is available at present regarding the launch of these channels via the Sky digital platform in ROI.

However, please be assured that Sky is always willing to discuss carriage and, in fact, are already discussing carriage with terrestrial broadcasters on availability and access to these channels for our customers in the Republic of Ireland. However, distribution of these channels is subject to commercial negotiation and the willingness of other broadcasters to be distributed on Sky.

I hope this clarifies our position.

Kind regards

Margaret MacKay
Viewer Relations

3) UTV

Thank you for your recent e-mail enquiring why UTV is not available on Sky Digital in the Republic of Ireland.

This decision was taken by the ITV network without our agreement. Obviously, we are very disappointed that this has happened.

We, like Sky, very much want UTV to be available for satellite viewers in the Republic.

Despite this ITV decision, we will continue to work with them to make UTV available on satellite as quickly as possible, so viewers throughout Ireland can enjoy the same choice of viewing on satellite that they currently enjoy via cable and terrestrial TV.

We appreciate when viewers take the time to let us know their views, as your comments are very important to us.

Yours sincerely

Nicola Bothwell

Press & PR Officer

UTV

Ormeau Road

Belfast

BT7 1EB

Tel: 028 9026 2187

Fax: 028 9026 2219

Email: nbothwell@utvplc.com

So folks make of all that what you will !!!!!!!!!!!!! UTV by Christmas??? I am still unconvinced and none the wiser

dmeehan · 11-11-2003 9:42am

it looks like it boils down to ITV in London, UTV and BSkyB both seem to want UTV on ROI cards

Dec4 · 11-11-2003 9:51am

Call me an old (?) cynic but is this whole episode a last gasp attempt by Sky to get UTV on board? If UTV ( without doubt the worst ITV region of all ) comes on family pack will Sky attempt to up sub again as per BBC1&2? They know that if they don't get it sorted soon they risk losing any possible increase when ITV regions go FTA in Autumn 2004. BTW what rebate did we get on family pack when BBC went FTA??

dmeehan · 11-11-2003 10:42am

rebate = €0.00

EKRIUQ · 11-11-2003 11:00am

I got the exact same emails from the exact same bodies 2 years ago when UTV was taken off add channels except the UTV one was signed by Orla McGibbon,

Sorry folks but I'm unconvinced that UTV will be here before christmas possible in the future when ITV goes fta like the bbc

Rizzo the Rat · 11-11-2003 12:19pm

Hi Guys
I just got another email from BSKYB

Thank you for your email.

Sky's aim is to encourage all UK based and Irish terrestrial channels on to digital satellite and, as you are aware BBC1 and BBC2 is now available to Sky customers in the Republic of Ireland.

May I further explain that ITV have decided to encrypt all of the ITV1 regional franchise services so that it will no longer be possible for viewers in the Republic of Ireland to manually tune them in via the other channels option. If you require further clarification regarding this issue, may I suggest that you contact the ITV1 digital helpdesk on telephone number 08705 70 4466.

I am happy to advise that RTE has launched its three channels and that talks with others are continuing.

I trust this information has been helpful. Should you require any further assistance, please contact our customer service team on 1 800 535 767. Alternatively you may email us at the above address.

Kind regards
Alexis Doherty
Customer Admin

Well there you have it I am about to buy a FTV card in the UK anyway shortly. BTW I know this is probably covered in the FTV card thread but once you get your card from the UK and stick it in your set top box do you have to call SKY to get it activated or does it happen automatically??
cheers

Satman · 11-11-2003 12:43pm

Hello all,

"Happy are those who have not seen but yet believe!"

Busy @ work at present , just got an e-mail from a buddy about the NEW UTV thread . Will keep my thoughts to myself until later .

Satman

Doodah7 · 11-11-2003 12:44pm

May I further explain that ITV have decided to encrypt all of the ITV1 regional franchise services so that it will no longer be possible for viewers in the Republic of Ireland to manually tune them in via the other channels option. If you require further clarification regarding this issue, may I suggest that you contact the ITV1 digital helpdesk on telephone number 08705 70 4466.

It seems to me that this is a very old standard email that Sky have been using for the past year and a half and has to be taken with a pinch of salt...

Here's hoping although I could live without UTV if I had Channel 4 instead...

Tony · 11-11-2003 12:57pm

You are right the ITV encryption took place ages ago, all the email replies we have seen so far on this thread are copies of old ones. I'm hoping byte will have better luck with Orla Mc Kibbin. I agree with your ch 4 sentiments but I think the market in general would favour UTV

Tony

Originally posted by tallpaul
It seems to me that this is a very old standard email that Sky have been using for the past year and a half and has to be taken with a pinch of salt...

Here's hoping although I could live without UTV if I had Channel 4 instead...

lowlands · 11-11-2003 6:20pm

UTV carries the ITV F1 season, unfortunately Murray has retired, but coverage still beats RTE hands down. Currently F1 is the only reason i still have the NTL box

I don't mind before Christmas, but please let it be before March 7 (Melbourne GP)

Charles Slane · 11-11-2003 8:33pm

Would UTV's arrival on Sky Digital increase or decrease the likelihood of Channel 4 appearing ?

I'd imagine they deal with the same advertisers, so there may be some pressure from them.

bishop brennan · 11-11-2003 8:37pm

Has anyone heard any more info on this ? I've e-mailed UTV but no reply yet. And has satman any more to divulge? (THE PLOT THICKENS!)

Tony · 11-11-2003 9:04pm

I would think so Charles

Originally posted by Charles Slane
Would UTV's arrival on Sky Digital increase or decrease the likelihood of Channel 4 appearing ?

I'd imagine they deal with the same advertisers, so there may be some pressure from them.

byte · 11-11-2003 9:17pm

I have had no luck either, I'm afraid. All I got was a delivery report:

Your message

To: info@u.tv
Subject: UTV in ROI
Sent: 10/11/2003 21:23

was read on 11/11/2003 08:02.

So it was read/received at 8 this morning! As I had not got Orlas email addy, I marked the email for the attention of Orla. Hopefully tomorrow.... :rolleyes:

Charles Slane · 11-11-2003 11:24pm

Originally posted by byte
I have had no luck either, I'm afraid. All I got was a delivery report

It's more than I got. But then I used the old info@utvplc.com address. I thought I used to have Orla's address, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

eirebhoy · 12-11-2003 12:44am

If you can't find Orla McKibbin's e-mail address you can ring her on the following number: 0044 2890 262188.

irishdeej · 12-11-2003 9:56am

This is the 3rd November that I read on this board, that we were to have UTV by Christmas. Is it a ploy by $ky Ireland to up their customer base each end of year, so that, they receive their Christmas bonuses? I be very surprised if we receive it this year. Saying that, it would be a nice surprise.

UTV update

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