Pointless channels on UPC

billy the squid · 17-01-2010 10:20pm #1

Having had the digital for over a month now there is some pointless crap on it.

BuzzTV premium rate psychics on it all the time

Smile TV: I am not sure what this channel is about. in the mornings there do be some really ancient superhero shows on, they are really really old.

DCTV: I can get indymedia on the internet, I don't like the idea of having to pay for it on my cable.

CCTV: all it shows is community notices, like the old LINK channel on Cable Link back in the 80s.

Countless Euronews in a multitude of languages.

Cula 4 and Den TV: these are on TG4 and RTE 2 respectively, another channel for each is not necessary.

two setanta sports: one is only necessary.

icdg · 17-01-2010 10:51pm

None of us know what the point of either Buzz TV or Smile TV is...

Nor do any of us know anyone who actually watches them. Their programming mix seems to consist of old Flash Gordon serials and Lucille Ball sitcoms, thats in between hours of Psychics Live and "adult chat" lines. I think it is generally agreed that they are a waste of space...

I'm more willing to tolerate DCTV since anything that bolsters indigenious Irish programming should be welcomed, they are making an effort and good luck to them. There can't be many watching in its particular EPG position though.

Presumably the duplicate Setanta Sports (and the duplicate RTÉ2 and TG4 feeds in the 600s) are not actually duplicate feeds but merely duplicate EPG entries?

As for Euronews, this is handy for any expats of the countries that want to catch up in news in their own langagues. I know one of my frustrations when going abroad is to try and find an English speaking channel (fortunately most European cities/hotels seem to have either BBC World, Sky News, or CNN-I in English on cable). It'd be nice if a selection of other foreign channels were included up in the 800s (TVE International, 3sat, and one of the RAI channels would be good picks).

Cupart · 18-01-2010 9:07am

icdg wrote: »

As for Euronews, this is handy for any expats of the countries that want to catch up in news in their own langagues. I know one of my frustrations when going abroad is to try and find an English speaking channel (fortunately most European cities/hotels seem to have either BBC World, Sky News, or CNN-I in English on cable). It'd be nice if a selection of other foreign channels were included up in the 800s (TVE International, 3sat, and one of the RAI channels would be good picks).

I totally agree on having more proper "foreign" channels instead of the multiple Euronews feeds. Arte (French/German soundtrack), France24, RTL's, RAI's, TV Polonia etc... This would make much more sense to non nationals.

Why not only have one Euronews feed with multiple soundtracks? There is an option to change soundtrack on most new UPC boxes I believe but is not used.

I would even like to see Cinemoi as an add on

paulm17781 · 18-01-2010 9:08am

The theory is that Smile & Buzz pay to be on UPC. What gets me is their EPG slots, which are above Comedy central Extra, ITV4 and Bravo. I've written to them to complain about them and told that (Buzz) is a computer games review channel! :eek: I wish they wouldn't insult our intelligence like that.

surf board · 18-01-2010 11:56am

Do they pay more to be in the 100's on the EPG? they are a complete waste. Agree that there are better channels that could have been moved/swapped in the EPG!

An Tarbh · 18-01-2010 1:51pm

Obviously not every channel is going to cater to everyone, but there is the simple option of not adding them to your favourites and that way it doesn't bother you. I've only got 43 channels on my favourites as opposed to over 100 that are available.

billy the squid · 18-01-2010 3:43pm

what gets me is why is CNN cost extra? would like to see more news and music channels on the basic pack. MTV stopped being a music channel 20 years ago.

who_me · 18-01-2010 6:33pm

I quite like the Euronews channels, great for practising when you're learning other languages. I'd love to have more foreign language channels!

It would be nice if you could get some money off by unsubscribing from individual channels. Of the 140 or so in total, I've probably only ever watched about half.

paulm17781 · 18-01-2010 11:08pm

who_me wrote: »

I quite like the Euronews channels, great for practising when you're learning other languages. I'd love to have more foreign language channels!

It's certainly not a bad service but it could be implemented better*. Perhaps as an "interactive" service where you could press red and choose the language.

*In my opinion.

zilog_jones · 19-01-2010 2:20pm

As Cupart you can select the audio language on the newer boxes, but I don't think you can on all the older STBs so I guess the multiple Euronewses are there for compatibility.

I agree that Buzz and Smile are a complete waste of space, they're certainly on my Favourites list anyway

big dar · 19-01-2010 6:46pm

If buzz and smile pay to be broadcast then surely it can only help improve upc with more revenue to give us better channels. In short more crap = more quality

Infoanon · 19-01-2010 10:22pm

big dar wrote: »

If buzz and smile pay to be broadcast then surely it can only help improve upc with more revenue to give us better channels. In short more crap = more quality

Will the new broadcasting authority of Ireland have any powers over UPC.

My view is that where Buzz and Smile are located on the EPG - entertainment and in between main stream channels - is a disgrace.

who is this · 20-01-2010 2:04am

Two things: like the Euronews in multiple languages, but yes, would much prefer them in one channel slot.

They MUST be able to write a software upgrade for the old boxes to let them handle that - it's a standardised feature of DVB-C, so even if the software on the crappy Pace boxes doesn't support it, the hardward must! Even if it doesn't they could just do it, and so only people with new boxes get the multiple languages: people with newer boxes are the only ones who get interactive on Euronews as well.

Second: I have a theory that the simulcast of RTÉ Two and TG4 of children's shows is to allow parents to lock the main channels, but leave their children's block of programming open. Though I don't know any parent who bothers to lock any channels. Though there might be no logical reason at all: they could certainly do with explaining the intended use of them.

Mossy Monk · 20-01-2010 8:32am

icdg wrote: »

As for Euronews, this is handy for any expats of the countries that want to catch up in news in their own langagues.

An EPG slot for each language though is hardly necessary.

Cupart · 20-01-2010 9:12am

who is this wrote: »

.... I have a theory that the simulcast of RTÉ Two and TG4 of children's shows is to allow parents to lock the main channels, but leave their children's block of programming open. Though I don't know any parent who bothers to lock any channels. Though there might be no logical reason at all: they could certainly do with explaining the intended use of them.

I can't really follow the thinking behind this (from UPC) if that's the case. There are loads of children’s channels available on Digital (also including kids channel number one - I believe - Disney), so my guess is that UPC adds cr@p channels as a PR stunt so they can advertise with more channels than they actually have.

With regards to Sentanta Ireland. Both channels (or rather the same channel) broadcasts on two different multiplexes so taking up space... Why?

Is there really a space issue on UPC's net? It seems like Virgin Media in the UK basically pull down everything possible from 28.2E bar a few channels and adding a few non sat channels...

I'm not a cable geek, so I'm not 100 sure how it works, but being a closed network one would think that almost any frequency (within the boundaries of DVB-C protocol) would be allowed to be piped?

Please some one enlighten me

Elmo · 20-01-2010 1:03pm

RTÉ and TG4 have a contract with UPC to provide The Den and Cula 4 on 601 and 602 (respectively). Both companies feel that it is important that their children's output (and channels to be fair) are located close to the other children's channels, this is so children have access to their programming from both companies plus the other kids channels. I think it makes scence from their point of view. However The Den and Cula 4 on UPC should run repeats when they are not on either TG4 or RTE 2.

The OP mentions DCTV and CCTT (community channels on 802) yet does mention not 100/999 info channel or 107 City Channel. IMO I would rather see DCTV/CCTV on 107 rather than city channel.

Euronews: for some strange reason Euronews wants separate channels for each language rather than using digital technology to change the voice over language. IMO UPC should just remove Euronews completely if this is the case. Magnet did it for this reason AFAIK.

Buzz TV and Smile TV should be moved to the 800s. Smile seems to be a chat service not really sure. UPC get paid for these channels (I assume) hence why they are so generous with them. But a complaint can be made to the BAI as stated already they control the EPG.

(also including kids channel number one - I believe - Disney)

Number 1 channel for children is The Den/RTE Two.

zilog_jones · 20-01-2010 4:01pm

Cupart wrote: »

I'm not a cable geek, so I'm not 100 sure how it works, but being a closed network one would think that almost any frequency (within the boundaries of DVB-C protocol) would be allowed to be piped?

VHF Band I and possibly other frequencies are taken up by cable broadband, and they still use Band II for analogue FM radio - I'm not sure if cable STB tuners are generally capable of using Band II anyway.

Infoanon · 20-01-2010 7:04pm

Elmo wrote: »

RTÉ and TG4 have a contract with UPC to provide The Den and Cula 4 on 601 and 602 (respectively). Both companies feel that it is important that their children's output (and channels to be fair) are located close to the other children's channels, this is so children have access to their programming from both companies plus the other kids channels. I think it makes scence from their point of view.

Applying that logic then we should have a 'RTE News' in the 200's for when the news programmes, 'RTE Sports' in the 400's when the Sports programmes are on etc etc

There is no reason for there to be a 'second' channel for RTE&TG4 childrens programmes

Elmo · 20-01-2010 7:25pm

Infoanon wrote: »

Applying that logic then we should have a 'RTE News' in the 200's for when the news programmes, 'RTE Sports' in the 400's when the Sports programmes are on etc etc

There is no reason for there to be a 'second' channel for RTE&TG4 childrens programmes

Well I think RTÉ News Now should be on 601. But they would need to sort out a schedule.

Unlike their news and sports services both RTÉ and TG4 have dedicated hours to Children's TV. And it isn't really for you as is it for children. I personally think it is a good idea as kids will end up watching all of the 600 channels, it gives RTÉ and TG4 a chance to compete with far richer companies.

UPC could turn around tomorrow and put CBBC before BBC 3 and CBeebies before BBC 4 so that they can save space.

fryup · 20-01-2010 8:13pm

pointless channels - Buzz, ETWN (vatican), E!, MGM movies, Bravo, Sky 2 & 3, Virgin, Scifi and all MTV channels.

dunworth1 · 20-01-2010 9:51pm

fryup wrote: »

pointless channels - Buzz, ETWN (vatican), E!, MGM movies, Bravo, Sky 2 & 3, Virgin, Scifi and all MTV channels.

MGM movies has some good films on it sometimes

virgin has American series's

Scifi is a excellent channel movies new series etc..

icdg · 20-01-2010 11:48pm

Elmo wrote: »

RTÉ and TG4 have a contract with UPC to provide The Den and Cula 4 on 601 and 602 (respectively). Both companies feel that it is important that their children's output (and channels to be fair) are located close to the other children's channels, this is so children have access to their programming from both companies plus the other kids channels. I think it makes scence from their point of view. However The Den and Cula 4 on UPC should run repeats when they are not on either TG4 or RTE 2.

It is all about that digital TV behaviour known as "channel flicking". Lets be honest, we all do that. Kids however unlike adults, will generally keep to the "kids" section of the the EPG. Therefore having The Den in the kids section makes a lot of sense for RTÉ as kids will flick to it while flicking through the other kids channels. Wheras they would have to delibertely dial *102 to get it on RTÉ Two which they might not bother to.

The Den might have a claim to being a channel, it runs from 07:00 - 17:35 which is longer than TCC's hours back in the 1990s. Cula 4 has no such claim to being "a channel". Checking today's schedule, it aired for 3 hours at breakfast time and another 2 in the afternoon which is a segment at best, not a channel.

zilog_jones · 21-01-2010 1:23am

dunworth1 wrote: »

virgin has American series's

Yeah like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Must admit I watched Hackers for the laugh over the weekend.

Scifi is a excellent channel movies...

Quality movies like Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus?

dunworth1 · 22-01-2010 10:00pm

zilog_jones wrote: »

Yeah like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Must admit I watched Hackers for the laugh over the weekend.

Quality movies like Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus?

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air is pretty good a lot better then most of the crap that they have now.

i do admit that's a crap film alright but not every movie can be good. there is are some very good films on sci-fi though

fryup · 22-01-2010 10:11pm

dunworth1 wrote: »

MGM movies has some good films on it sometimes

Scifi is a excellent channel movies new series etc..

i never knew mgm made so many crap movies:cool: its a waste of space channel and should be dropped, as for SciFi the only good thing about them is the odd naughty movie thay show late at night;)

alibi is another crap channel wall to wall murder she wrote and taggart

Elmo · 22-01-2010 10:29pm

icdg wrote: »

The Den might have a claim to being a channel, it runs from 07:00 - 17:35 which is longer than TCC's hours back in the 1990s. Cula 4 has no such claim to being "a channel". Checking today's schedule, it aired for 3 hours at breakfast time and another 2 in the afternoon which is a segment at best, not a channel.

Pointless channels on UPC

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