Setanta Sports Ireland and Sky Digital

barnes2k

Anybody know the story with this?

Is Setanta Sports Ireland coming to sky and showing the saturday premiership games or is it just goin be on ntl?

Mossy Monk

last i heard was that it will be about a tenner a month for Sky subscribers

jaggiebunnet

Does anyone know if this is true? has anyone ordered it?

ebsa

The following article appeared in the Sunday Times on Aug 1.


NTL on attack as Setanta deal raises sporting stakes

THE battle for customers between the cable operator NTL and the satellite giant BSkyB, in which News International, owner of The Sunday Times, has a 35.4% stake, was cranked up a notch last week. NTL’s decision to bump Sky Sports 1 from its slot on its digital service in favour of the new Setanta Sport channel has not gone down well with Sky’s Irish management.
NTL has confirmed that Setanta, the Irish broadcaster, will be available to all its 340,000 subscribers from Saturday. On the basic service it will replace Nickelodeon but its 79,000 digital subscribers will find the station on channel 401 - currently the home of Sky’s premier sports channel. Sky Sports 1 will move to channel 402, with its sister channels also moving one place along the dial. This leaves Setanta in pole position on the remote control for trigger-happy couch potatoes.


On the face of it the deal between NTL and Setanta is a good one for both parties. The cable company gets an Irish sports channel and Setanta leapfrogs TV3 as the second force in the Irish broadcasting market. Setanta will broadcast 16 live Premiership games next season and has exclusive rights to Scottish Premierleague matches. Sky’s 318,000 digital subscribers, however, will have to shell out about 10 more a month if they want to tune to Setanta. Strike one to NTL.

VirtualNemesis

if you look through the sports channels on sky digital you will see the new setanta channel along witht e old ones. plus celtic and rangers tv channels too

kierancooke

just off the phone with setanta sport in dublin (01 474 8000) and was given the following information regarding setanta ireland being available on sky digital.
(1)it will become available on sky digital sometime between 30th aug and 4th sept but they are trying to have it available in time for the first old firm match.
(2)the channel will not be a bonus channel on sky and the initial subscription will be between 10-13 euro and as mossy had stated more likely to be 10 euro per month.
(3)the channel will only broadcast initially on a weekend basis until the new year and then they hope to broadcast on a weekly basis.
(4)the channel will be showing spl live,celtic league rugby and premiership live.
(5)if you subscribe to setanta sports ireland their may be a chance that sky will also include the nasn channel as part of the package although that seems far-fetched.

kieran

mickeyboymel

So will it be on a seperate channel to the SPL Live/Setanta Sport UK on 429 or will it channel share and only be viewable on an Irish Card?

LFCFan

ebsa wrote:

On the basic service it will replace Nickelodeon

Excellent. I have Sky and NTL basic and was deciding whether I should go for a mirror sub. No chance now. More Premiership footy

Drag00n79

it will become available on sky digital sometime between 30th aug and 4th sept but they are trying to have it available in time for the first old firm match

I must admit, Im not too impressed with Setanta's competence with their new sports channel. You'd imagine that they would have all broadcasting avenues well sorted out before the footy season starts at all.

jaggiebunnet

Fantastic news - please let them have it in time for the first old firm match !!!!

jaggiebunnet

Shamrok wrote:

I must admit, Im not too impressed with Setanta's competence with their new sports channel. You'd imagine that they would have all broadcasting avenues well sorted out before the footy season starts at all.

I totally agree - but hey, it's all to do with the fact that we get a second class service in Ireland.

barnes2k

dat seems ridiculious dat were goin be charged at all for the same service a local cable company gets for free!

It must be sky's doing...!!Like we dont pay enough!!

Ive sky sports and prem+ so i wont be subscribing to the Setanta

They only have crap SPL footie and 2 'fourth rate' Premiership matches a month..for a tenner Id rather 2 pints and a packet of crisps

byte

I can't imagine every analogue NTL subscribers (people with kids) is going to be happy with Setanta replacing Nick.

Round Cable

byte wrote:

I can't imagine every analogue NTL subscribers (people with kids) is going to be happy with Setanta replacing Nick.

Why? Nick/TMF is moving to the encrypted Sky Sports 1's place.

Agent Smith

more channels on ntl, about time!

Mossy Monk

byte wrote:

I can't imagine every analogue NTL subscribers (people with kids) is going to be happy with Setanta replacing Nick.

Nick is on 2 locations atm :mad:

celticfc

Mossy Monk wrote:

Nick is on 2 locations atm

It's only on the one new frequency now, Setanta has launched on the old Nickelodeon/TMF frequency this morning.

Andy Mc

Setanta Cup launched

The FAI and the IFA today announced an All Ireland Club tournament, scheduled to be played for the first time in April 2005.
A sponsorship deal has been done with Setanta Sports for four years, which will also include television coverage of the games.
The tournament will consist of three teams each from the South and the North of Ireland. Teams will be played in two groups of three with each team playing four games, two home and two away. The winners of each group will play each other in the final, although it has not yet been confirmed whether that will be a one-off game or a two-legged affair.
Qualification for the competition will take the same format as qualification for European competition. The winners and runners up as well as the premier cup competition winners will qualify from each jurisdiction. In the event that the cup winners also occupy the top two league places, the third placed team will qualify.
Each group will have a split of two from one country and one from the other.
Setanta Sports will have cameras at all thirteen games with a minimum of ten to be screened live.
Details of the sponsorship package over four years are that €1.6 million is coming in for the competition and €1.3 million of that will form prize money. The exact breakdown of the prize money has not been finalized and could change from year to year but there will be sufficient incentive for all competing teams.
The competition will initially be played in April but the FAI's CEO Fran Rooney stated that this could change for subsequent years and that playing around November could help build the atmosphere under floodlights.
On the question of security Rooney stated "there are no concerns over security" after checking with both the gardai and the IFA.
Niall Cogley, Setanta's Chief Executive confirmed that the games will be shown on the new Setanta Sports channel. The channel is subscription based and is part of all NTL customer's packages. He also said that they were "close to finalizing a deal with Sky Digital", and are in discussions with Chrous.
As former head of RTE Sport, Niall Cogley faced some questioning over that channels lack of interest in the domestic game. He refuted the claim that RTE were against visiting certain venues and said it was more likely they would steer away from venues that would have been less likely to have good attendances. When asked about the possibility of Setanta covering either of the two domestic leagues he answered "we're already talking to the FAI", but wouldn't be drawn on how far the discussions had advanced.
Shelbourne's Ollie Byrne raised the issue that a number of clubs feel games should be an event and built up and hyped as such by the broadcaster. Fran Rooney's response to that was that he had the same concerns and that it was a crucial area of this deal.

finnpark

I just heard that Setanta will be showing the Setanta Cross border Cup between 3 teams fom eircom league and 3 teams from Irish League. Starts in April. Was announced at press conference 2 hours ago. They are showing at least 10 matches live. Should be interesting. By the way Shels-Split live on telly 2nite at 7pm.

Brian017

What channel?

finnpark

Brian017 wrote:

What channel?

Network 2.

6.50pm. 7pm kick-off. almost sold out, will be sold out by kick off.

Brian017

Didn't think it was on.

dwayneburke

ccan anyone tell me if setanta i.e. the channel showing celtic V Newcastle is free on NTL analogue or is this a sub channel???

finnpark

Its free. No need to subscribe.

Andy Mc

Dear Correspondents,

Thank you for your interest and your patience as we try to work our way through the many tasks associated with launching a new channel. I am attaching a document that, I believe will answer the questions that we can answer at this stage of the process.

Yes we are showing the Aberdeen match this week-end. The subscription in Northern Ireland is expected to be the same as for the SPL in Scotland - £12.99. The business model in the Republic is different and that is one of the issues delaying the conclusion of the deals. I don’t know if pay-per-view will be available on NTL Digital, it’s a different business than mine I’m afraid, but you may not feel the need to worry about that when you see the amount offered on our new channel.

Precise Premiership fixtures after August are still being worked out.

Sorry not to respond individually but I hope you understand.

With thanks and kind regards,

Niall Cogley

Setanta Sports


About Setanta Sports- the home of the Setanta Cup


Setanta Sports is Ireland’s newest television channel and the first channel to be dedicated to sport in the country. The channel will have a uniquely Irish feel broadcasting specific sporting events that will appeal to an Irish audience, north and South of the border.

Today saw the announcement of details of “The Setanta Cup” featuring the top teams from the the two Football Associations in Ireland which will be shown exclusively on Setanta Sports starting in April 2005 when 13 games will be broadcast, 10 of which will be live. This event will be typical of the kind of sporting action that will be broadcast on the channel.

Setanta Sports will be available to 340,000 ntl customers as part of the basic package. For analogue customers it will be located on the channel currently shared between Nickelodeon and The Music Factory. NTL Digital Customers in the Republic will receive Setanta Sports on EPG channel 401.

Setanta is currently at an advanced stage of negotiations with both Sky and Chorus with a view to broadcasting the channel and hopes to be in a position to announce details in the coming days. The agreement with Sky Digital will enable viewers in all parts of Ireland to subscribe to the channel. It is anticipated that the service will be carried on channel 429 in the Republic and in Northern Ireland. Subscription rates and numbers to ring will be published on Setanta.com as soon as the respective agreements will allow.

The channel was originally scheduled to launch in September 2004 but will have some bonus coverage with pre-launch programming during the month of August beginning with two matches in the SPL this coming week-end (Aug 7th and 8th) and including live coverage of certain matches in the English and Scottish Premier Leagues*. These fixtures are currently posted on the ntl channel which will carry Setanta Sports and they include exclusive live coverage of Liverpool v Man City on August 21st, Chelsea v Southampton on the 28th and the Old Firm fixture on Sunday August 29th.

From September, Setanta Sports will begin broadcasting a full week-end service (0800-2400) adding over 60 Celtic League Games to the schedule. The channel will broadcast at least 15 live Premier League fixtures from England and 48 SPL matches per season. Further content will be announced over the coming months.

From January 2005, Setanta Sports will extend its broadcast hours to include programming from Monday – Sunday inclusive.


* The Saturday 3pm English Premier League matches will not be available outside the Republic of Ireland.

Mossy Monk

at least 15 premiership games?

does that mean they will be taking some of RTÉ's live games :mad: :mad:

celticfc

Mossy Monk wrote:

does that mean they will be taking some of RTÉ's live games :mad: :mad:

I severely doubt RTÉ would give up any of theirs.

midget lord

rte and setanta bought a block of games together for live showing during next season. I know they are showing the liverpool city game on the 21st so its all good.

adiman

Have RTE announced what live Premiership matches they are showing?

Drag00n79

No, they haven't yet, but there will be a live match on 14th August.
It should be one from:
Norwich — Palace
Man City — Fulham
Villa — Southampton
Bolton — Charlton

This is because no broadcaster is currently scheduled to show either of the following live that day:
Portsmouth — Birmingham
Blackburn — WBA

As stated above Setanta are showing live matches on the following two Saturdays. Not a chance of RTÉ showing fewer than 15 live Prem matches this season.

Aquos76

Setanta have a game advertised for 3pm so I dont think that RTE will be showing on one on this date. Unless of course setanta hve some sort of delayed coverage deal aswell. They are advertising a game for the first 3 Saturdays of the season. RTE may not kicking off there coverage until after the olympics and if I am not mistaken there are football (gaa) matches down for decision on the 14th also, which NET2 will be showing

Drag00n79

Fair point. Don't have Setanta anyway, but just disappointed nothing on RTÉ til 11th September at the earliest.

jrd

Been on hols so apologies if this has been answered. Has Niall Cogley responded to anyone who wrote to say that the launch of this channel with just NTL onboard is quite outrageous. What about us in Chorus-land ???????? I have heard nothing at all. And what would a regulator say for charging us Sky customers and giving it free 3 miles down the road. Highly suspect. And that it could potentially be free on Sky scares the life out of Setanta as all the Scots will just get ROI cards leaving Setanta penniless.

suitably pi$$sed off
Jolly

adiman

Cheers for the reply Shamrok

one further query, is Setanta going to be PPV for these matches or monthly subscription?

BrianD

Has Niall Cogley responded to anyone who wrote to say that the launch of this channel with just NTL onboard is quite outrageous. What about us in Chorus-land ????????

What's outrageous about it? Have you written to Chorus and asked them to provide Setanta Sport in as part of their package? Chorus is your provider you should show your interest as a consumer. Perhaps Chorus feel there is a lack of customer demand ... perhaps they are still in negotiations.

And what would a regulator say for charging us Sky customers and giving it free 3 miles down the road. Highly suspect.

The regulator would say damn all as Sky Digital have consistently refused to be regulated in this country. Just because a channel is free on one platform does not mean it is going to be free on another.

And that it could potentially be free on Sky scares the life out of Setanta as all the Scots will just get ROI cards leaving Setanta penniless.

I am sure a few will get their mits on a ROI card but I doubt if its going to be a problem.

My View:
Ntl being very progressive in finding something to slow down the leeching of their customers to Sky digital.
Chorus-well to be honest, from my experience of them and from reading critisism from posters on the cable forum, It wouldnt surprise me if they were so inept as to not to know about this channel or as likely not have the funds to provide it as part of a standard package.

celticfc

celticfc wrote:

I severely doubt RTÉ would give up any of theirs.

Yesterday's evening herald which I have heer in front of me has a piece stating that they will show the matches on alternate saturdays and both of them will have the pick of whats on offer on the day, so they won't have a clash over this.

Widescreen

Folks,

Just checked with Chorus Limerick. They will be launching Setanta Sports prior to the end of August. It will be on their DIGITAL service ONLY.It will be included in the basic package at 27.50 per month by direct debit.

Looks like its over to Sky now. Surely they will have to follow suit otherwise some customers may decide the footy on Setanta will do them?!?!?!

kierancooke

taken from setanta website this morning.is setanta ireland going to be available this week on sky digital or is this the schedule for ntl.


August 2004 Setanta Ireland TV Schedule
Date Category Teams Time Satellite
Saturday
14 August Soccer Aston Villa v Southampton ... More Info 15:00 TBA
Sunday
15 August SPL Dundee United v Dundee ... More Info 14:00 TBA
Saturday
21 August Soccer Liverpool v ManCity ... More Info 15:00 TBA
Sunday
22 August SPL Inverness CT v Celtic ... More Info 14:00 TBA
Saturday
28 August Soccer Chelsea v Southampton ... More Info 15:00 TBA
Sunday
29 August SPL Celtic v Rangers ... More Info 13:00 TBA

kieran

Tony

Earthman wrote:

My View:
Ntl being very progressive in finding something to slow down the leeching of their customers to Sky digital.
Chorus-well to be honest, from my experience of them and from reading critisism from posters on the cable forum, It wouldnt surprise me if they were so inept as to not to know about this channel or as likely not have the funds to provide it as part of a standard package.

I agree 100% , great to see NTL responding in a competitive manner, we need more of this to keep service providers on their toes.

Tony

Widescreen

I think Sky are going to have to find someway of getting Setanta Sports into their Family pack fairly quickly otherwise I am going back to Chorus. I will then be able to get Skysports, Prem Plus and Setanta plus free equipment repairs etc. for the same or less than I pay Sky. That has to be a good deal?!?!?! Can everyone start bombarding Sky about this. It definately makes sense to me. I can then relax and watch the Saturday afternoon premiership matches....

channelsurfer

very clever of chorus to keep it to digital only.. cos it will encourage you to switch to digital. but they could not have put it on analogue mmds anyways as there is no spare capacity. but they could have put it on the analogue cable system if they wanted too in some of the regions that can take another channel..
guess I will just have to wait until 2008/10 maybe before they bring me digital cable becuause digitl mmds in a town with cable does not appeal to em.

mickeyboymel

EPG listings on Sky show Premiership Live on Sat at 3pm on 429:

Available to customers in the Republic of Ireland only.Live and exclusive coverage as Aston Villa take on Southampton in the English FA Premier League

This is exactly the same as the UK listings on my FTV box also.

steviem

Do yiou think this will be only for those who have subscribed to SPL live or will Setanta be kind and generous enough to show it free as a taster for what you could get if you subscribed to them via Sky.

Drag00n79

I sent an email to Setanta last Friday asking them three questions:
When will Setanta Sports Ireland be available to Irish subscribers to Sky Digital?
Will it be part of the basic set up like it is on NTL?
Are there any negotiations taking place with Chorus carrying this channel?

Yesterday, I got this reply:
Thank you for your query.
Setanta Sports Ireland will be available to Sky digital viewers from its launch on Saturday, September 4. There will be a cost. It will be in addition to your normal SKY subscription. The exact amount has not been decided yet.

Negotiations are continuing with Chorus about making it available on their digital service. If it happens, and we hope that it will, it too will come at a price. There will be a charge for it in addition to your Chorus digital subscription.
Regards,
Maurice Reidy

Andy Mc

This really makes good business sense after they have already shown one old firm derby and 3 premiership games including Liverpool v Man City. This company never ceases to surprise me. My guess is around launch time RTE will be due to show a few games on Sat at 3pm so it may be worth delaying subsciption until they will actually show a decent match on sky.
As for the coverage from what I have heard from other people and from what we do see on the PPV channel and the new channels on a FTA basis, they are amateurs. Even if I do subscibe I will do it only for the pictures and still tune into radio 5 live.
On a long term basis, based on their short term performance I cannot see Setanta being around too long. The project they have undertaken does not seem viable and the management of the company appears very poor. Hopefully when the inevitable crash does happen a more capable and professional company may step in maybe Sky Ireland.

Andy Mc

steviem

but still, why show a game this saturday. who will get to see it????

ravenhead

Even better news - anyone outside of NTL with CHORUS will be able to get it!!

steviem

Even better news - anyone outside of NTL with CHORUS will be able to get it!!

But will sky digi viewers see it...

Widescreen

I have rang Setanta over the past couple of days. Tel No. 08702 506970 or
08702 506980. No one in Setanta new they were showing any premiership football. They told me to ring Sky! at 08702 404040. I told the girl in Sky that the EPG on Saturday showed Villa v Soton. She said that was impossible as all Setanta showed was Scottish footie and Sky had all the premiership matches!! Looks like the staff don't know whats going on. Anyone else want to ring the numbers and see if you can get more info than I got?!?!?!At the end of the day, they have a channel and we want to watch it!!

If the price is right of course.

steviem

Try ringing th eDublin office on 01 474 8000. They may have a better idea of whats happening. Unfortunately i can't ring from work. Anyone like to phone and post their answer.