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Sky or UPC Ireland - which one is better

  • 07-04-2009 9:55pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    Which one is better - Sky or UPC Ireland

    Thanks


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,160 ✭✭✭randomer


    Sky Plus is head and shoulders above the UPC DVR.

    Sky offer HD, UPC don't.

    Sky customer servers is also much better than UPC.

    I am bitter as I live in an apartment and cannot get sky!

    UPC broadband is very good though, especially the 20MB package.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    The picture quality on Sky is also much better than UPC. UPC is fine on a 21" CRT most of the time but any bigger than that and it's Sky all the way.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭Manc-Red


    I'm on Sky + HD having go rid of UPC 1 month ago.

    M8 its no comparison between the 2 - Sky is years ahead with its technology, picture quality on SD Channels are crystal compared to to the shabby output from UPC. Sky offer HD - Its amazing m8.

    Little things that mean so much to viewers like..... No picture breakup, No loss of service regularly, Nobody on the network viewing packages with pirate cards or equipment for years.

    I had nothing but problems with Cable here, am I know I'm not part of the minority when I say that either.

    Why have Mickey Mouse when ye can get Walt Disney.

    Hope that helps.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭Manc-Red


    Double post sorry.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭dublinbusdude


    I dont want to get a phone line into the bedroom as I live at home with my Mam


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭Manc-Red


    I paid €35 so that I didn't have to have one m8.

    Just tell them when your ordering it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,272 ✭✭✭✭Max Power1


    is this a serious question????

    SKY is head, shoulders, chest, waist, and legs over UPC any day of the week. no comparison.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,708 ✭✭✭Charlie-Bravo


    What do you have in the house at the moment? Do you have a dish on the house, an aerial on the roof or UPC/broadworks cable coming in through the wall?

    There is a 'free' option which could be considered but requires an initial installation cost. I have a FreeSat HD TV which can pick up 4 Irish digital TV channels through a normal aerial. It also picks up about 800 TV channels (approx 300 unencrypted) from Astra 2 satellite through a dish at the back of the house. See the sateillite forum for more info.

    If you are desperate for channels such as Setanta Ireland or 3e (Channel 6), you are best to head for UPC (Chours NTL) for the TV. You'll have to pay for this service of course.

    -. . ...- . .-. / --. --- -. -. .- / --. .. ...- . / -.-- --- ..- / ..- .--.



  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭Manc-Red


    Max Power1 wrote: »
    is this a serious question????

    SKY is head, shoulders, chest, waist, and legs over UPC any day of the week. no comparison.
    :D - Spot on Max


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭dublinbusdude


    Who is cheaper for all the Channels? UPC or Sky??? inc. Setanta Sports/MUTV



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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭Manc-Red


    There about the same - Think UPC is slightly cheaper but with SKY offering a hell of alot more channels.

    You'd want a hundred quid in your pocket per month for all those channels though if you get Sky Sports too


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭dublinbusdude


    Have basic UPC channels with them no dish outside the house


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,326 ✭✭✭lensman


    Manc-Red wrote: »
    Nobody on the network viewing packages with pirate cards or equipment for years.
    not quite correct I'm sorry to say but just like ntl/UPC,. Sky have been ripped off since day one (cardsharing)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,329 ✭✭✭Manc-Red


    lensman wrote: »
    not quite correct I'm sorry to say but just like ntl/UPC,. Sky have been ripped off since day one (cardsharing)

    Cardsharing has not been around since Sky started either I'm sorry to say.

    Everybody knew or know's somebody with a Pirate Dodgybox for cable - very small amounts of people know anything about cardsharing on Sat.

    Complete different ballgame.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,326 ✭✭✭lensman


    Manc-Red wrote: »
    Cardsharing has not been around since Sky started either I'm sorry to say.

    Everybody knew or know's somebody with a Pirate Dodgybox for cable - very small amounts of people know anything about cardsharing on Sat.

    Complete different ballgame.
    same ballgame with less players ie: (watching encrypted channels without paying the provider),..I do agree that cardsharing is relatively new but sky's analogue system was wide open from day one & for a few punts peats would sell you all you needed to become a pirate, cardsharing came about when sky went digital & started using the NDS encryption system, I was only making the point that if folk sign up for sky thinking that everyone else is paying as well they would be mistaken, it may not be as small as you think, as we type sky are in the process of issuing new cards with new security measures in order to combat the sharing guys,... anyway none of this matters in the great scheme of things as they say & I think I hear the plodding feet of the mod heading our way, we have moved onto a topic which makes them nervous:eek::eek:


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


    Neither is better if you just want the basic FTA british and Irish channels. Why pay for poor quality mpeg2 wattery quality content that is free anyway. You need one of these

    DTT/SAT Combo Boxes List 2009 (multipage.gif1 2)

    Isnt there a recession on ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 220 ✭✭beanok77


    I am wired for Ntl. Sky want to charge 112 installation for Sky plus and 49 for the box because I have no phone line. Sky would have to put a satelite up and drill through backwall. I have 2 NTl points in the house. NTL don't do HD but I won't be getting HD for at least a year. Got a price of NTL for one of their packs at 27 per month plus 5 for dvd r = 32. Sky would work aot around the same I think. Is NTL's version of Sky plus any use?

    Who do I go for?


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


    I currently have NTL, for about 4 years I was a strong supporter. I genuinely believe cable will be the future (until FTTH comes along). I have reached the point with UPC that I can not stand them anymore. Their DVR is second rate compared to SKY+ and their channel line up is more expensive with less channels and I don't think I need to get started on their "customer care". I have gotten so tired of UPCs second rate (compared to Sky) that I am in the process of getting communal dishes put in my apartment block for Sky. This will mean additional cabling running through the apartment. I would prefer to use UPC but I am sick of paying over the top for a second rate service. Get Sky.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,326 ✭✭✭lensman


    beanok77 wrote: »
    I am wired for Ntl. Sky want to charge 112 installation for Sky plus and 49 for the box because I have no phone line. Sky would have to put a satelite up and drill through backwall. I have 2 NTl points in the house. NTL don't do HD but I won't be getting HD for at least a year. Got a price of NTL for one of their packs at 27 per month plus 5 for dvd r = 32. Sky would work aot around the same I think. Is NTL's version of Sky plus any use?

    Who do I go for?
    go for the sky option, it may cost more to install but a far superior setup than what NTHELL/UPISSY have to offer, all they are doing is relaying a watered down pound shop version of what sky can offer,...sky also answer the phone if you call them,.;);) & remember UPC charge for UTV,C4,More4,film4,BBC1,2,3,4, ....these are all on the sky dish for free even if you unsubscribe from sky at a later stage.:D:D,..better comedy on Sky as well (FOX NEWS) ha ha ha


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,598 ✭✭✭Saint_Mel


    randomer wrote: »
    Sky customer servers is also much better than UPC.

    I reckon I am one of the only people who has found UPC customer service better than Sky!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,355 ✭✭✭dunworth1


    Saint_Mel wrote: »
    I reckon I am one of the only people who has found UPC customer service better than Sky!

    i am with you i find upc customer service much better than sky


    i know people that are swicthing from sky to upc to save money and get tv phone and broadband off them


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭Freddie59


    FWIW I have the DVR. Last Sunday I watched the first half of the Cardiff/Swansea game at home on NTL Digital (viewed on a 37" Toshiba) and the second half in my niece's house on Sky on a 40" Samsung.

    To be completely honest I couldn't see this staggering difference that people report. Both systems appeared to be of roughly the same quality on SD.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭dublinbusdude


    But do you need a phoneline for Sky?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Only for multiroom, if you're just getting one subscription you can opt out by paying a once off fee of €37.50.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭dublinbusdude


    I'm thinking of all the channels, how much to add in MUTV???


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Saint_Mel wrote: »
    I reckon I am one of the only people who has found UPC customer service better than Sky!

    I was on hold for an hour last week when I phoned UPC.

    I've used both and Sky gets my vote.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,598 ✭✭✭Saint_Mel


    I was on hold for an hour last week when I phoned UPC.

    I've used both and Sky gets my vote.

    I was on hold for around an hour with Sky before ... and then they "accidently" hung up on me so I had to ring again, and be on hold for another 45 minutes or so.

    Cant say that has happened to me with UPC so far. Never been on hold for more than a few minutes.


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 12,062 Mod ✭✭✭✭icdg


    Guys, no discussing hacking systems please.

    Re the above question, its one that comes up time and time again. On paper Sky is certainly the stronger proposition. Far more channels, a better DVR service, HD available (for a price), a full pay-per-view service, and a better EPG.

    UPC does have its strenghts though. While it doesn't have Five, the other UK terrestrials are all on the EPG - no having to manually tune in ITV, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News etc. And they're all in a logical order with prominent EPG slots wheras those that do have EPG slots are much further down the EPG on Sky. It's got Setanta Ireland as part of the basic pack not premium. Its got (in most places) the analogue cable service still, useful for those who have DVD recorders or (is there anyone still out there) VHS. There's also a pretty good broadband package available too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,766 ✭✭✭Infoanon


    Should also mention that UPC also don't have ITV2,3 or 4 , or eg Eurosport 2/Bravo2/Living 2 etc

    Also it does not have interactive - a pain if you like your sports as you are missing out on a lot of additional coverage of motor sports/football/tennis etc etc on BBC

    UPC's primary strength is its Broadband service.

    Cost wise on average Sky is €42 cheaper on eg basic+sports/movie packages and thats before adding in the UPC €5 DVR charge - although you must pay €49 or €24.50 depending on the offer upfront.

    Customer service - UPCs lack of is legendary and yes I have spent an hour on the phone to them as well


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,382 ✭✭✭✭greendom


    As Harry Hill would say

    There's only one way to find out...... FIGHT!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 204 ✭✭dave-higgz


    greendom wrote: »
    As Harry Hill would say

    There's only one way to find out...... FIGHT!

    Too bad u can't record Harry Hill on UTV with Sky :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,382 ✭✭✭✭greendom


    dave-higgz wrote: »
    Too bad u can't record Harry Hill on UTV with Sky :D

    :D True, its probably the worst thing about Sky - presumably with NTL you can record UTV ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭Ranicand


    Saint_Mel wrote: »
    I reckon I am one of the only people who has found UPC customer service better than Sky!

    Sky has a better TV product that's it otherwise I hate them.

    Sky have twice messed up my bills in the past.

    Getting anything sorted is a nightmare been routed to India and mindless Zombies in Scotland.

    UPC have all the channels I ever watched on SKY their DVR boxes are fine they don't have loads of bells and whistles but they do the job.

    The bit rate could do with an increase however I think this will happen when the analogue is switched off.

    I like UPC for a few reasons Broadband phone and TV in a bundle is great.
    UTV BBC3 and 4 in the EPG.

    When NTL had the network and those awful Pace boxes with the purple EPG the picture use to skip and freeze all over the place.

    When you have a problem with SKY you must pay a 100 euro call our charge and if your box is gone you will get a refurbished box.
    With UPC call outs are free and they will replace boxes for free if needed.
    Sky have that Anytime tv that works of some Sky Plus boxes only the hard disk went in my box and Sky replaced it with a Box that could not run that feature on top of that the controls on the front of the box did not work either.

    Sky and UPC are not the same Sky is Digital TV only and yes they have the better TV product UPC is Broadband and phone also.

    UPC offer triple play Digital TV Broadband and Phone.

    The Broadband part is what does it for me the Eircom lines in my area are almost useless for broadband.

    It would be nice if UPC could get HD running sooner rather then later however.

    I know two other people who have had very bad experiences with Sky customer service.
    I also know people who are happy with Sky.
    In my personal experience Sky treat their customers like dirt and I would never go near them again.

    One last thing for multi room Sky charge 15euro per room UPC charge 8.50 I doubt there are many people with only one TV these days.


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


    Thanks Ranicand, there's actually quite a lot to consider in there, more than is usually posted.

    What do you mean by
    Ranicand wrote:
    Sky and UPC are not the same Sky is Digital TV

    So is UPC.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭Ranicand


    paulm17781 wrote: »
    Thanks Ranicand, there's actually quite a lot to consider in there, more than is usually posted.

    What do you mean by



    So is UPC.

    No what I meant is Sky is Digital TV only.

    UPC can throw Broadband and phone into the package.


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


    Ranicand wrote: »
    No what I meant is Sky is Digital TV only.

    UPC can throw Broadband and phone into the package.

    Ah, gotcha! :o:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 135 ✭✭Glitterangel76


    Ranicand wrote: »
    Sky has a better TV product that's it otherwise I hate them.

    Sky have twice messed up my bills in the past.

    Getting anything sorted is a nightmare been routed to India and mindless Zombies in Scotland.

    UPC have all the channels I ever watched on SKY their DVR boxes are fine they don't have loads of bells and whistles but they do the job.

    The bit rate could do with an increase however I think this will happen when the analogue is switched off.

    I like UPC for a few reasons Broadband phone and TV in a bundle is great.
    UTV BBC3 and 4 in the EPG.

    When NTL had the network and those awful Pace boxes with the purple EPG the picture use to skip and freeze all over the place.

    When you have a problem with SKY you must pay a 100 euro call our charge and if your box is gone you will get a refurbished box.
    With UPC call outs are free and they will replace boxes for free if needed.
    Sky have that Anytime tv that works of some Sky Plus boxes only the hard disk went in my box and Sky replaced it with a Box that could not run that feature on top of that the controls on the front of the box did not work either.

    Sky and UPC are not the same Sky is Digital TV only and yes they have the better TV product UPC is Broadband and phone also.

    UPC offer triple play Digital TV Broadband and Phone.

    The Broadband part is what does it for me the Eircom lines in my area are almost useless for broadband.

    It would be nice if UPC could get HD running sooner rather then later however.

    I know two other people who have had very bad experiences with Sky customer service.
    I also know people who are happy with Sky.
    In my personal experience Sky treat their customers like dirt and I would never go near them again.

    One last thing for multi room Sky charge 15euro per room UPC charge 8.50 I doubt there are many people with only one TV these days.
    I've heard they want too..but Sky won't sell them any HD channels...and RTE aren't interested in creating the programmes for the HD..recession etc... So I guess they could bring out HD Digi Plus boxes...but what difference would it make if there are no channels?


  • Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional North East Moderators Posts: 10,877 Mod ✭✭✭✭PauloMN


    dunworth1 wrote: »
    i know people that are swicthing from sky to upc to save money and get tv phone and broadband off them

    That is the key point. Technically, Sky is better. No doubt about it.

    BUT if you don't want HD (I'll get HD when it becomes standard fare, not forking out Sky money for it thanks), if you don't want to pay Sky money for multi-room, and if you can drop an Eircom line (and perhaps an ISP) with a package from UPC instead, then UPC makes sense financially.

    I dropped Sky and Eircom, got broadband Max, full digital pack, sports, movies, Setanta and the phone line from UPC, and I've absolutely no regrets. I reckon I save €50 to €60 per month on how I was getting my digital TV, broadband and phone before, and I now have 20Mb broadband.

    I also find the existing analogue signal useful as a basic multi-room, and I still have my Sky dish which I have a cheap Lidl receiver on for free BBC etc. elsewhere.

    If you have deep pockets, or if you don't require a package that includes broadband and a phone line, Sky may suit you better. If you want one provider for your TV, phone and broadband, UPC have no competition, literally none.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,355 ✭✭✭dunworth1


    PauloMN wrote: »
    That is the key point. Technically, Sky is better. No doubt about it.

    BUT if you don't want HD (I'll get HD when it becomes standard fare, not forking out Sky money for it thanks), if you don't want to pay Sky money for multi-room, and if you can drop an Eircom line (and perhaps an ISP) with a package from UPC instead, then UPC makes sense financially.

    I dropped Sky and Eircom, got broadband Max, full digital pack, sports, movies, Setanta and the phone line from UPC, and I've absolutely no regrets. I reckon I save €50 to €60 per month on how I was getting my digital TV, broadband and phone before, and I now have 20Mb broadband.

    I also find the existing analogue signal useful as a basic multi-room, and I still have my Sky dish which I have a cheap Lidl receiver on for free BBC etc. elsewhere.

    If you have deep pockets, or if you don't require a package that includes broadband and a phone line, Sky may suit you better. If you want one provider for your TV, phone and broadband, UPC have no competition, literally none.

    and in the times we are in more and more people will be switching


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


    I had gone very against UPC and am getting Sky dishes put into my apartment block, this thread has made me reconsider getting Sky though. It seems to be not without it's faults, though a better TV product by far.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭Ranicand


    paulm17781 wrote: »
    I had gone very against UPC and am getting Sky dishes put into my apartment block, this thread has made me reconsider getting Sky though. It seems to be not without it's faults, though a better TV product by far.

    Nothing in this world is perfect.

    After reading all the above you should decide what is important to you and make your choice based on that.

    For pay TV UPC and Sky are the only two choices we have.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    At least with Sky if you cancel later you still have all the main UK channels free. UPC has "included" channels, but no free Digital TV at all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,766 ✭✭✭Infoanon


    Ranicand wrote: »
    When you have a problem with SKY you must pay a 100 euro call our charge and if your box is gone you will get a refurbished box.

    One of the fundamental differences is that you own the Skybox - obviously its covered by the standard sales of goods act legislation but you have to pay for repairs outside of the legislation.

    BUT as Watty has highlighted - because you own it you can continue to use it (apart from the sky+ recording aspect) after you stop subscribing

    With UPC its a rental contract - you hand back the equipment at the end of the rental and you have nothing.

    So apart from TV Vs TV & Broadband,HD Vs SD,Interactive Vs Zilch, there is also the Rent Vs Buy arguement


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73 ✭✭BrokenSpiral


    Op - Definately get SKY.

    While SKY may have it's faults on occasion, the quality is head and shoulders above UPC!

    Also, you have heard horror stories about people's experiences with UPC (formerly NTL) and their customer service alone should be enough of a reason to buy from someone else!

    Do yourself a favour and Get SKY HD in!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,056 ✭✭✭maggy_thatcher


    We have both at the moment -- Sky for TV, UPC for broadband. We used to have UPC TV, but after they replaced our box with the new user interface it was the final straw -- it has to be the most user-unfriendly system I'd ever come across. For TV services, Sky has:

    1 - Proper dual recording (i.e. record 2 programs, watch a pre-recorded one or one that you are currently recording). UPC lets you record 1 program (assuming you pay extra), and has a "partial" second record as long as you (1) are there to hit record when it starts, and (2) don't watch anything else.
    2 - Series Link -- set up something to record, and it'll automatically add the rest of the episodes. UPC have been promising this for ever, but still no sign of it
    3 - Much better picture quality (imho). We only have Sky+, not SkyHD, but it's still substantially better than anything that came out of UPC.
    4 - Sky AnyTime -- there's often something worth watching on there, and when there is, it's (almost) always ad-free
    5 - Sky Player -- I haven't tried to use this yet (it's Windows only, and I don't have a Windows licence), but it does look interesting
    6 - Sky Interactive -- Handy for BBC and Sky1

    The only advantage I see with UPC for TV is that the "info" button will tell you about whatever program you've selected on the quick-browse viewer, rather than what program you're watching that Sky does (I believe they've fixed this in SkyHD).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,960 ✭✭✭Ranicand


    We have both at the moment -- Sky for TV, UPC for broadband. We used to have UPC TV, but after they replaced our box with the new user interface it was the final straw -- it has to be the most user-unfriendly system I'd ever come across. For TV services, Sky has:

    1 - Proper dual recording (i.e. record 2 programs, watch a pre-recorded one or one that you are currently recording). UPC lets you record 1 program (assuming you pay extra), and has a "partial" second record as long as you (1) are there to hit record when it starts, and (2) don't watch anything else.
    2 - Series Link -- set up something to record, and it'll automatically add the rest of the episodes. UPC have been promising this for ever, but still no sign of it
    3 - Much better picture quality (imho). We only have Sky+, not SkyHD, but it's still substantially better than anything that came out of UPC.
    4 - Sky AnyTime -- there's often something worth watching on there, and when there is, it's (almost) always ad-free
    5 - Sky Player -- I haven't tried to use this yet (it's Windows only, and I don't have a Windows licence), but it does look interesting
    6 - Sky Interactive -- Handy for BBC and Sky1

    The only advantage I see with UPC for TV is that the "info" button will tell you about whatever program you've selected on the quick-browse viewer, rather than what program you're watching that Sky does (I believe they've fixed this in SkyHD).

    This is not a debate I agree Sky has the better TV product.

    As for all the features listed above they do nothing for me and the UPC EPG is user friendly enough for me.

    As regards picture quality your right Sky has a higher bit rate.

    Also while the features above do nothing for me I concede there are people who would use and enjoy those features.

    My point was that UPC offer a good DVR with a good EPG not as good as Sky but good and while the picture could do with extra bandwidth it's not a million miles behind.

    If going for TV only Sky is the product however if you want Phone and Broadband in the same package UPC are the clear winner on price.

    As regards picture quality I would give UPC a 5 and Sky a 6 I however enjoy movies on Blu Ray which I would give a 10.


    UPC vs Sky on TV only Sky wins.

    UPC vs Eircom plus Sky and whatever Broadband UPC wins.

    As regards customer service I think Sky is the loser I have found the waits on the phone longer and they are rude.

    As regards UPC customer service their clueless too but not rude.

    UPC broadband and phone are the draw for me and their digital tv does the job.

    By cutting out Sky and Eircom I save 50 plus euro a month.

    If money was no object I would go with Eircom for phone Sky for TV and UPC for Broadband.

    We are in a recession and the tipple play pack from UPC is a winner for me best Broadband Phone same as Eircom except for a power cut and good digital tv not great but good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,056 ✭✭✭maggy_thatcher


    Ranicand wrote: »
    If going for TV only Sky is the product however if you want Phone and Broadband in the same package UPC are the clear winner on price.

    Not that much of a winner, really --
    • For TV - UPC charge between €25 and €38.50 depending on your channel selection (I'm including the additional charge for DVR functionality) for the non-premium channels. Sky charges between €20.50 and €30.50 for their equivalent. Premium channels are roughly the same price.
    • For Internet - Pick your desired UPC package - UPC charge a €6 surcharge if you don't have TV with them, which means if you pick the cheapest sky option it'll cost you €26.50 (so slightly more than the cheapest UPC option), and for the most expensive, €36.50 (slightly less than the most expensive UPC option).
    • For Phone - I'd go with Skype - if you need an inbound number, pay €50/year, then there are plenty of cheap options available. The only real problem with Sky in this area is if you need Multiroom, which requires a standard land-line. This is a design flaw with Sky's system, and hopefully one day they'll correct it.
    So really - unless you need Multi-Room, price isn't really the reason to pick UPC. As for your customer service woes - we've heard both sides with that -- UPC have nasty "downgrade" charges that I've never heard Sky ever have, which strikes me as particularly miserable customer service!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭Freddie59


    Not that much of a winner, really --
    • For TV - UPC charge between €25 and €38.50 depending on your channel selection (I'm including the additional charge for DVR functionality) for the non-premium channels. Sky charges between €20.50 and €30.50 for their equivalent. Premium channels are roughly the same price.
    • For Internet - Pick your desired UPC package - UPC charge a €6 surcharge if you don't have TV with them, which means if you pick the cheapest sky option it'll cost you €26.50 (so slightly more than the cheapest UPC option), and for the most expensive, €36.50 (slightly less than the most expensive UPC option).
    • For Phone - I'd go with Skype - if you need an inbound number, pay €50/year, then there are plenty of cheap options available. The only real problem with Sky in this area is if you need Multiroom, which requires a standard land-line. This is a design flaw with Sky's system, and hopefully one day they'll correct it.
    So really - unless you need Multi-Room, price isn't really the reason to pick UPC. As for your customer service woes - we've heard both sides with that -- UPC have nasty "downgrade" charges that I've never heard Sky ever have, which strikes me as particularly miserable customer service!

    All very fine. But you're obviously technologically saveé. You know your way around things like Skype etc. But for the normal user, who just wants to watch TV/pick up the phone/light internet browsing, tell me where you can get basic analogue TV, 50 Digital channels, 1 Meg Broadband, and unlimited landline calls for €50 per month in Ireland?:confused:

    You also forgot to mention that Sky are nearly twice the price for Multiroom viewing (€15 per month versus UPC's €8.50 per month).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,056 ✭✭✭maggy_thatcher


    Freddie59 wrote: »
    All very fine. But you're obviously technologically saveé. You know your way around things like Skype etc. But for the normal user, who just wants to watch TV/pick up the phone/light internet browsing, tell me where you can get basic analogue TV, 50 Digital channels, 1 Meg Broadband, and unlimited landline calls for €50 per month in Ireland?:confused:
    Basic analogue TV -- rooftop aeriel -- €0/month (after initial install)
    50 Digital channels -- FreeSat -- €0/month (after initial install)
    1 meg broadband + unlimited landline calls -- UTV Clicksilver lite - €46.45/month (€31.46 for first 3 months). I'm sure there are other options (that's unlimited local, national and UK calls).

    Also - the UPC €49/month option doesn't give you unlimited landline calls - that's an extra €5/month (for evenings) or €10/month (for all day).
    Freddie59 wrote: »
    You also forgot to mention that Sky are nearly twice the price for Multiroom viewing (€15 per month versus UPC's €8.50 per month).
    I didn't forget, I explicitly excluded Multiroom -- and said that if you wanted Multiroom, Sky wasn't for you (because of the telephone issue) that's why I didn't mention the price difference.

    I'm not saying Sky is for everyone, I'm not saying UPC is for nobody - just that UPC isn't necessarily the cheaper option, depending on what you need.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭Freddie59


    I'm not saying Sky is for everyone, I'm not saying UPC is for nobody - just that UPC isn't necessarily the cheaper option, depending on what you need.

    That's my point. And a lot of the channels in the basic digital from UPC are subscription only on Sky (Living TV for example). Worth remembering.

    UPC breakdown as follows:

    18 analogue channels/50 digital channels : €20 per month (for BOTH services)

    1 Meg BB and phone: €24 per month (inlcuding the phone rental)

    Unlimited local and National calls to landlines 24/7 €10 per month.

    So yes, I'm out by a whole FIVER a month!:rolleyes:

    As I said, tell me where else you can get that in ROI at the moment. And where can I get 18 analogue channels including Sky One, MTV, Discovery, etc for free from a rooftop aerial?:confused::confused:

    And I'm almost certain that there is an offer at the moment for the above for €49 per month.:eek:


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