The Big Sky Shake-up

Charles Slane

Sky has today confirmed a reshuffle of its electronic programme guide (EPG), including new channel slots for MTV and Syfy, along with a high definition 'channel swap' system aimed at increasing HD usage.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/news/a298620/sky-announces-major-epg-reshuffle.html

anotherlostie

Anyone think this will lead to further speculation that they will up the per pack prices to automatically give HD channels to everyone and remove the €15 charge? I remember this was talked about some stage last year but never came about. Or is that just wishful thinking?

Kensington

Doubt it. The HD charge is pulling in a substantial amount of revenue at the moment and steadily rising month on month.

anotherlostie

Kensington wrote: »

Doubt it. The HD charge is pulling in a substantial amount of revenue at the moment and steadily rising month on month.

Yes but if instead of getting €15 from each HD subscriber who make up about 1/3* of all subscribers, they got €6 in revenue from increased subs for 100% of subscribers, they'd increase their revenue by 20%. All packs would go up presumably including movies and sports (and then in 6 months they would start advertising that HD channels were free:D). I guess the financial downside is that they would have to give everyone a HD box if they were charging everyone for the channels and I'm sure the bean counters in Sky have assessed the models in far greater detail than I.

*http://corporate.sky.com/about_sky/key_facts_and_figures.htm

Kensington

Upping prices across the board risks loosing you customers who aren't prepared to pay the increased prices.

As long as people are prepared to pay extra for HD, clearly they are, sky will continue to charge for it.

If they do eventually decide to drop it, I could see them making it free for subscribers who take sports or movies but remain as is for non-premium subs, at least for a while. They did this originally with the sky+ charge.

JDxtra

It’s a step in the right direction, but the EPG will still be a mess.

Having the +1 channels dotted all over the guide looks terrible. Either group them all together, or ensure they are next to the main channel. If a channel has the same content across its SD and HD channels then it should only get one EPG slot. If you have HD, you simply get the HD version. Having poor quality channels in between groups of premium channels (e.g. Nollywood Movies on 329!) also looks terrible.

One thought I have would to allow each channel to retain its current channel number in the Sky guide (think of it as a shortcut to the channel). However, the default ordering for the channels in the guide would not be based on channel number. Instead, channels could be ordered as they would ideally appear – e.g. all the Sky Movie channels together and all the +1’s and variants beside their main channel. Rather than setting up favourites it would also be nice to be able to “deselect” or “hide” channels you don’t want in the EPG, but I can’t see that happening.

mackersdublin

All the info on the new EPG is on this....

http://corporate.sky.com/media/press_releases/2011/New_Sky_EPG.htm

JDxtra

There's no denying that it's stronger lineup now at the top of the EPG. Shame "Living Loves", "Sky 2" and "Sky Livingit" survived the cull.

It would be a really strong lineup if we had the extra ITVs and BBCs in our guide, but that's another story.

Cantona's Collars

Already been discussed here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056110678

No need for 2 threads.

JohnDigital

It's going to be horrible for people who have a HD box but a standard sub if they intend just to default all HD boxes to the new EPG. That means that people on a SD sub will have to go delving deep into high EPG numbers to find the stations they are paying for.

Cantona's Collars

JohnDigital wrote: »

It's going to be horrible for people who have a HD box but a standard sub if they intend just to default all HD boxes to the new EPG. That means that people on a SD sub will have to go delving deep into high EPG numbers to find the stations they are paying for.

Won't affect anyone with an SD sub and HD box-The reshuffle is for HD subscribers only. E.g SkyoneHD swaps to channel 106 from 170.
Just makes it easier for HD subscribers to got through the dedicated HD channels.

Charles Slane

Is there an Irish variant of LivingHD and Comedy Central HD (ie the HD versions but with Irish ads)?

If not it would hardly make sense for them to switch the SD and HD channels on the Irish EPG.

Has there been any information about this happening on the Irish EPG?

JDxtra

Charles Slane wrote: »

Is there an Irish variant of LivingHD and Comedy Central HD (ie the HD versions but with Irish ads)?

Nope, there's only one of each. Not even Sky 1 have an Irish HD version.

http://www.lyngsat.com/hd/28east.html

Charles Slane

So the HD swap wouldn't make much sense for some of the channels? Maybe they won't do it in Ireland so.

Dave_Dublin

Charles Slane wrote: »

. . . Maybe they won't do it in Ireland so.

Somebody on the Digital Spy forums claims to have seen the final "official" line-up and says that the Sky-branded channels are swapping in Ireland but the others are not : i.e. Com~Central / SyFy / Universal

I think this is ridiculous - yes, I understand that ad revenue is important but I've NEVER watched the (Irish) SD versions of these channels as, in many cases but not all, the HD version was in existence BEFORE the Irish variant was . . .

--- The person also says that FX is not swapping for Ireland but, correct me if I'm wrong, does FX even have an Irish version ???

JDxtra

Haven't been tracking the chatter on the DS forums, but on Sky's own forums they have confirmed this:

Most of the changes will be the same for ROI apart from Universal, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and E4 channels which are also not swapping.
Thanks

Robert
Sky Knowledge Advisor

http://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Sky-HD-Sky-3D/New-Sky-EPG-line-up-from-1st-February/td-p/29459

Owenw

Are they leaving the HD sub-menu in the EPG?

I almost instinctively go to this section first, then Page Down through the HD-originated programmes.

Also is Sky Atlantic HD being grouped with the movie channels?
The channel branding would suggest this to me.

JDxtra

Owenw wrote: »

Are they leaving the HD sub-menu in the EPG?

.

No.

Owenw wrote: »

Also is Sky Atlantic HD being grouped with the movie channels?
The channel branding would suggest this to me.

No. Entertainment section.

greendom

So just for clarity - for the plebs (like me) with an SD sub and box there will be no change...?

Crackity Jones

JDxtra wrote: »

No.

Re the HD subtab - according to the infomercial on Sky Anytime they are retaining this. I also find it quite handy.

Dave_Dublin

greendom wrote: »

So just for clarity - for the plebs (like me) with an SD sub and box there will be no change...?

Right - no change, your SD channels will still be on 106 / 401 / 501 etc...

Comedy Central / Universal / SyFy / MTV will move for you as they are moving for everybody although the HD versions of the first 2 aren't swapping for us in Ireland . . .

greendom

Owenw wrote: »

Are they leaving the HD sub-menu in the EPG?

Also is Sky Atlantic HD being grouped with the movie channels?
The channel branding would suggest this to me.

The ads are showing it to be CH 108

JDxtra

Crackity Jones wrote: »

Re the HD subtab - according to the infomercial on Sky Anytime they are retaining this. I also find it quite handy.

Correct. The posters question was ambiguous - we read different meanings into his use if the word leaving!

Declan Carey

Just to confirm, Sky Sports HD will move to 401-405?

Charles Slane

I probably should have titled the thread The Big Sky Mix Up! Looks like the Irish channel line-up will end up looking less and less like the UK one. Some HD channels swapping with their SD counterparts and some not...

The Sky channels will swap? But does that make sense for Sky's Irish advertisers? Maybe in terms of the number of SD satellite and cable viewers, but what HD subscribers would choose to watch Sky News in SD on channel 517 (or whatever it will be) just to see the Irish ads? So as more Sky subscribers switch to HD, the Irish advertisers wll lose more viewers.

Am I seeing this right or am I missing something?

dahat

Slightly off topic but any sign of C4 hd coming?
Also i seem to have lost ITV HD in my other channels option,any one else lost it too?

Dave_Dublin

Charles Slane wrote: »

I probably should have titled the thread The Big Sky Mix Up! Looks like the Irish channel line-up will end up looking less and less like the UK one. Some HD channels swapping with their SD counterparts and some not...

The Sky channels will swap? But does that make sense for Sky's Irish advertisers? Maybe in terms of the number of SD satellite and cable viewers, but what HD subscribers would choose to watch Sky News in SD on channel 517 (or whatever it will be) just to see the Irish ads? So as more Sky subscribers switch to HD, the Irish advertisers wll lose more viewers.

Am I seeing this right or am I missing something?

I know - it seems silly to me.

Sky are favouring their CUSTOMERS and not their advertisers as their own HD channels are swapping with their (Irish) SD counterparts.

I have NEVER watched Universal's Irish variant (née Hallmark) because the HD version was in existence BEFORE the Irish variant . . .

Do they really think I'll be watching it now just because it'll be on 113 ???

--- NO : I'll still be watching Universal HD on 220 !

Owenw

JDxtra wrote: »

Correct. The posters question was ambiguous - we read different meanings into his use if the word leaving!

I thought I was quite clear actually!

me wrote:

Are they leaving the HD sub-menu in the EPG?

Back on topic:

I'd imagine advertising revenue is dropping, so Sky has to rely more on subscribers to premium packages. They have timed the launch of Sky Atlantic to perfection, right in the middle of a recession when people are looking around for non-essentials to cut. Pushing HD channels will encourage people to stick with the HD fees for a little longer.

Petetheroadie

What package is sky Atlantic HD going into?

JDxtra

Petetheroadie wrote: »

What package is sky Atlantic HD going into?

I believe it is for all subscribers initially (6 months) and then the variety pack after that.

JDxtra

The confirmed EPG lineup for the entertainment section in Ireland:

101 RTE1
102 RTE2
103 TV3
104 TG4
105 3e
106 Sky 1 HD
107 Sky Living HD
108 Sky Atlantic HD
109 Watch
110 GOLD
111 Dave
112 Comedy Central
113 Universal
114 Syfy HD
121 Sky Living+1
122 Sky Livingit
123 Sky Livingit+1
124 FX HD
125 Challenge
126 MTV
127 ComedyCtrl+1
128 ComedyCtralX
129 Sky2
130 Sky Living Loves
132 alibi
133 GOLD+1
134 S4C
135 Channel 4
136 Channel 4+1
137 E4
138 E4+1
139 More4
141 BBC1 NI
142 BBC2 NI
143 BBC HD
144 DMAX
145 DMAX+1
146 CBS Reality
147 CBS Reality +1
148 CBS Action
149 CBS Drama
150 Universal+1
151 E! Entertainment
152 Sky3
153 Sky3+1
154 QUEST
155 Watch+1
156 Bio
157 Film24
158 Dave ja vu
159 ComedyCtlX+1
160 MTV+1
164 Challenge+1
165 FX+
166 Information TV
167 QUEST+1
170 Sky 1
172 Sky Living
173 Sky Atlantic
183 Current TV
184 BEN
187 AIT Int'l
188 True Ent
189 Info TV+1
190 Open Access 3
191 BET
193 FX
195 propeller
198 BET+1
199 OHTV
200 Controversial tv
201 Showcase
203 Showcase 2
204 HiTV
205 Syfy+1
206 DMAX+2
209 alibi+1
211 Bio HD
212 Sumo TV
214 Syfy
215 E4 HD
217 Sky 3D
218 Vox Africa
219 My Channel
220 Universal HD
221 OBE
222 Comedy Central HD

Source: skyguide.sky.com/ireland

BArra

there will still be the HD tab button in the EPG i presume to bunch all the HD chans together?

i mean some of the HD chans are spaced quite....far apart

adox

BArra wrote: »

there will still be the HD tab button in the EPG i presume to bunch all the HD chans together?

i mean some of the HD chans are spaced quite....far apart

Yeah that tab will be there.

Thera actually a short film on anytime at the moment which explains about the changes.

Deedsie

Getting Sky installed in a couple of weeks, not getting the HD package though. Will these HD channels be taking up the more desirable channel locations on the basic package? Will 106 be Sky 1 or Sky 1 HD on the basic package?

Owenw

Deedsie wrote: »

Getting Sky installed in a couple of weeks, not getting the HD package though. Will these HD channels be taking up the more desirable channel locations on the basic package? Will 106 be Sky 1 or Sky 1 HD on the basic package?

Sky 1.

AFAIK these changes only affect the EPG on HD boxes.

Deedsie

Owenw wrote: »

Sky 1.

AFAIK these changes only affect the EPG on HD boxes.

We are getting a free Sky + HD box installed. Just not getting the hd package!

JDxtra

Deedsie wrote: »

We are getting a free Sky + HD box installed. Just not getting the hd package!

Sky 1 will be on 106 if you don't have the HD pack (even on HD boxes).

JDxtra

BArra wrote: »

there will still be the HD tab button in the EPG i presume to bunch all the HD chans together?

Yes, it will look like this...

106 Sky 1 HD
107 Sky Living HD
108 Sky Atlantic HD
114 Syfy HD
124 FX HD
143 BBC HD
211 Bio. HD
215 E4 HD
220 Universal HD
222 Comedy Central HD
243 Sky Arts 1 HD
245 Sky Arts 2 HD
249 Good Food HD
271 Luxury Life HD
301 Sky PremiereHD
303 Sky Showcase HD
304 Sky Comedy HD
305 Sky Action HD
306 Sky Family HD
307 Sky Thriller HD
308 Sky DramaRom HD
309 Sky ScFi/HorHD
310 Sky MdnGrtsHD
311 Sky Movies Classics HD
312 Sky Indie HD
345 MGM HD
358 MTVN HD
401 Sky Sports HD1
402 Sky Sports HD2
403 Sky Sports HD3
404 Sky Sports HD4
405 Sky Sports News HD
412 Eurosport HD
417 ESPN HD
430 ESPN America HD
452 Rush HD
501 Sky News HD
526 Nat Geo HD
528 Nat Geo Wild HD
529 History HD
532 Eden HD
536 Discovery HD
555 Crime HD
607 Disney XD HD
622 Disney Cine HD
632 Nickelodeon HD
752 SBO 1 HD
753 SBO 2 HD

seanw7

Where the F*** did ITV HD go... Utd Match is on at 5:15 Grrrrrrrrrr....

JDxtra

seanw7 wrote: »

Where the F*** did ITV HD go... Utd Match is on at 5:15 Grrrrrrrrrr....

It was never on the Irish EPG.

seanw7

JDxtra wrote: »

It was never on the Irish EPG.

Oh i got it back .....

10832
H
22000
5/6

Now time for Tea !!!

John mac

who cares what number a channel is on?

if i want discovery i press 3 buttons if i want bbchd i press 3 buttons... 521, 143,

does it really matter or am the only person who remembers the numbers for the most watched channels??

watty

Up to 50 channels on blue/purple button "next" and on Favorites EPG.

The numbers are not important.

OPENROAD

seanw7 wrote: »

Oh i got it back .....

10832
H
22000
5/6

Now time for Tea !!!

Do you have the code for ITV1 +1

byte

Try the Sticky thread maybe?

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055520627

dahat

JDxtra wrote: »

It was never on the Irish EPG.

it was for a limited time..

Charles Slane

http://www.sky.com/helpcentre/tv/channel-changes/timeline-of-changes/#

Timeline of the changes on Tuesday.

enfant terrible

dahat wrote: »

it was for a limited time..

When?

ThisRegard

When does Sky Atlantic appear on the EPG ? Was up early this morning and flicked on the t.v. for a bit and while the channel reorganisation is done there's no sign of this channel, I would have though there'd be a placeholer with the usual message of programs start at ....... or whatever.

gtg60

ThisRegard wrote: »

When does Sky Atlantic appear on the EPG ? Was up early this morning and flicked on the t.v. for a bit and while the channel reorganisation is done there's no sign of this channel, I would have though there'd be a placeholer with the usual message of programs start at ....... or whatever.

Yeah, just noticed the same thing. I wonder how this'll work, will there be another channel download later? Seems an odd way to do it...

mad muffin

What happened to E4 HD and Comedy Central HD?