Irish TV carriage on Saorview approved

The Cush

The SBP reports today the Irish TV channel was given ministerial approval last week to launch on Saorview. Carriage fee €1m, which is the approx. SD tariff.

Expected to be available by Sept on LCN 7, the position currently occupied by RTÉjr.

STB.

When I read that I asked myself who was funding this. Then I read the story of where the finances came from.

I don't get it though. A station that was launched with the diaspora in mind as a terrestrial station ? The content is very niche.

All the best, but you would wonder about its viability if they have to pay €1m pa in carriage for dvb-t alone.

mackersdublin

The picture quality on satellite is very low, hopefully Saorview won't be taking that feed

Atlantic Dawn

€1 million per annum, that's nearly €20k a week, the adverts alone will hardly come close to covering that. Will they be subject to rules requiring them to have a certain output of news throughout the day causing them additional expense?

I don't know why someone doesn't launch a music channel on it with premium rate text for song requests and comments, surely it would clean up if the mix was right.

JDxtra

This is a relatively niche station. Can't see the business model working with those high carriage costs.

The Cush

Ministerial Decision and Order, signed by the Minister last week

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Legislation/Broadcasting-Act-2009-(Section-130(1)(a)(iv)-Designation)-Order-2016.aspx

The Cush

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

I don't know why someone doesn't launch a music channel on it with premium rate text for song requests and comments, surely it would clean up if the mix was right.

It must be designated by the Minister as having the character of a public service to be carried on one of the public service muxes.

JamesyBelfast

The Cush wrote: »

Expected to be available by Sept on LCN 7, the position currently occupied by RTÉjr.

Where's RTÉ Jr going? Is it closing?

The Cush

JamesyBelfast wrote: »

Where's RTÉ Jr going? Is it closing?

LCN 8 most likely. Moved down the epg to make way for a general entertainment channel.

JamesyBelfast

I think this is very good news.
Saorview is great IMO. Just wish (like everyone else) that the likes of TV3 and TG4 would go HD on it.

Digifriendly

JamesyBelfast wrote: »

I think this is very good news.
Saorview is great IMO. Just wish (like everyone else) that the likes of TV3 and TG4 would go HD on it.

How is Saorview great with so few channels (compare it to Freeview) and only RTE Radio stations on it, no commercial stations unlike Freeview? I know you may say I'm not comparing like with like but Saorview has all these 'empty' channels taking up space and in addition as you point out 2 of the main channels are not in HD and we're living in 2016!

JamesyBelfast

Digifriendly wrote: »

How is Saorview great with so few channels (compare it to Freeview) and only RTE Radio stations on it, no commercial stations unlike Freeview? I know you may say I'm not comparing like with like but Saorview has all these 'empty' channels taking up space and in addition as you point out 2 of the main channels are not in HD and we're living in 2016!

Just me maybe - but I have both Freeview and Saorview - and indeed Freeview is full of channels - but 90% of those I never ever go near.

Obviously Freeview is way ahead - but Saorview isn't bad at all IMO.

Up here, it's great to get RTE channels in HD FTA and I quite like the News Now channel and some stuff on TV3 and TG4. Also love having RTE1+1.

The Cush

JamesyBelfast wrote: »

Just me maybe - but I have both Freeview and Saorview - and indeed Freeview is full of channels - but 90% of those I never ever go near.

Saorview combined with Freeview is the most user friendly setup and wish I had that option, all channels available with one remote and easily distributable around the house on a single cable.

Digifriendly

The Cush wrote: »

Saorview combined with Freeview is the most user friendly setup and wish I had that option, all channels available with one remote and easily distributable around the house on a single cable.

I tend to agree. If I had Saorview only I would feel deprived but both together is excellent. I have to admit that I watch RTE News Now quite a bit and I've always thought that RTE News output is on the whole excellent and compared to BBC more objective. I still think they should have HD asap on 4 main channels and more radio stations available e.g. Newstalk.

theoneeyedman

JDxtra wrote: »

This is a relatively niche station. Can't see the business model working with those high carriage costs.

DUNNO about the finances, but it will get a fair following from older viewers I'd say. The current diet of celebrity bull**** on other channels has left a lot of them behind. Good luck to them if they can make it work.

Atlantic Dawn

All I want is TV3 and TG4 in HD and I couldn't give a damn what happens the system after that.

steveon

All I can say is well done to all involved they are showing its possible for them to do it then whats stopping others. So there content isn't great but surely the higher there viewership the higher the price they can conquer from advertisements will be...and the better there programming and video quality will become

Their channel is a lot better at times than a lot of the rubbish on Rte as well and the county programming is certainly very popular with many of the older viewers I put the channel in for on satellite at present...

Im amazed Liberty Global hasnt pushed TV3 on Saorview into HD as they have the money to pay any fees and now a rumor of them wanted to buy UTV Ireland is rife maybe they will push both into HD for viewers..

JamesyBelfast

The Cush wrote: »

Saorview combined with Freeview is the most user friendly setup and wish I had that option, all channels available with one remote and easily distributable around the house on a single cable.

You are right. It is perfect - and I know most people in Belfast have NO IDEA what on earth Saorview is or how easy it is to get it.

Just please TV3 go HD.

decor58

It would be great to have TV3 and TG4 in HD, but you haven't remember freeview/freesat has about 60 channels with only ITV1, C4, C5 and 4 BBC channels plus some news channels in HD and C5 only went HD recently. TV3 looses out in our house because we are more inclined to switch to ITV to watch in HD as do many others I am sure, it's up to TV3 to up their game or be forced to go HD with TG4. Saorview is a good service, plenty of room to improve but how many channels would a UK region with a comparable size population support.

ei9go

We never watch anything on Saorview other than RTE simply because they are not in HD.

Anything they have will usually be available on ITV in HD

mikeecho

On one hand it's great that we're getting more saorview content.

But on the other hand it's disappointing that we're getting poor quality content.

Irish tv is not something that I would ever watch on FreeSat.

Euronews, or a music channel would be much preferred.

lertsnim

A channel for the diaspora on Saorview. That makes loads of sense.

h7nlrp2v0g5u48

I'v noticed the last couple of weeks irish tv have added some new content. I wonder is this because they maybe joing Saorview and want to increase their viewership overall?

DamnLeech

Raylee Embarrassed Oceanographer wrote: »

I'v noticed the last couple of weeks irish tv have added some new content. I wonder is this because they maybe joing Saorview and want to increase their viewership overall?

I wish it would come it would add so much more variety to saorview there is so much trash like tv3 3e and that UTV Ireland now owed by virgin.

Saorview would be amazing with channel 4

mikeecho

DamnLeech wrote: »

I wish it would come it would add so much more variety to saorview there is so much trash like tv3 3e and that UTV Ireland now owed by virgin.

Saorview would be amazing with channel 4

http://www.irishtv.ie/schedule

ehhh.. no

lertsnim

DamnLeech wrote: »

I wish it would come it would add so much more variety to saorview

Have you see Irish TV?

mikeecho

lertsnim wrote: »

Have you see Irish TV?

i've seen it briefly...................... unfortunately

DamnLeech

mikeecho wrote: »

i've seen it briefly...................... unfortunately

It's not that bad still it would be a addition to saorview.
Why do people hate it so much?

h7nlrp2v0g5u48

DamnLeech wrote: »

It's not that bad still it would be a addition to saorview.
Why do people hate it so much?

Although it wouln'd be my choice of channel it's better than watching a test card. Also there are alot of people that don't or c'ant afford pay tv. So for those people I think it is a good addition to Saorview.

Jakey Rolling

I'd imagine that being on Saorview will improve their prospects of generating advertising revenue, the ads I've seen on it previously were akin to the home made ones you used to get in the cinema for local businesses!

former total

I'd be surprised if it ever launches but if it does, it will add zero to Saorview.

DamnLeech

former total wrote: »

I'd be surprised if it ever launches but if it does, it will add zero to Saorview.

How would you make saorview better?

former total

DamnLeech wrote: »

How would you make saorview better?

I'd move it to a country with sufficient population to make commercial FTA tv a viable proposition.

Admittedly, there would be a downside in that none of us would get to watch it but there'd be some killer stuff on it.

In the meantime, I guess we accept it for what it is.

lertsnim

DamnLeech wrote: »

How would you make saorview better?

Better resolution for non HD channels would be a start.

DamnLeech

lertsnim wrote: »

Better resolution for non HD channels would be a start.

It's possible TG4 HD might launch on saorview, tv3 HD on the other hand NEVER
TV3 is just greedy

Gerry Wicklow

DamnLeech wrote: »

How would you make saorview better?

By getting rid of the bureaucrats who strangled it from birth by placing all kinds of ridiculous restrictions on it to promote competition and fairness. Result, the competition does the barest minimum it can to get it's licence. Meanwhile RTÉ, "for fairness", is expected to run two channels without advertising revenue.

ShaneOC

DamnLeech wrote: »

How would you make saorview better?

Couple of things I would do.

Saorview should encourage / insist all channels to broadcast in HD (1080 x 1920) where possible. Not even RTE broadcast at this quality on Saorview. The cost of carriage should be the same for HD and SD. Charging on bit-rate has driven the broadcast quality down to very poor levels.

RTE should look at introducing an RTE 3 channel. They have the rights to a good number of quality (well maybe not quality - but popular) US shows that are shown at crazy hours or if on primetime they can get bumped for football on an all too regular frequency.

There are a number of UK FTA (either on FreeView or FreeSat) that have Irish opt out advertising versions on Sky. For example there are Irish versions of all (or most) of the Channel 4 family of channels. I think Dave also has Irish adverts. Saorview should do a deal with these type of channels to get them onto the platform. Even one commercial MUX would be a huge improvement and it would also allow commercial radio to be available on Saorview. The cost of carriage on the commercial MUX should be made as attractive as possible. Once content begins to appear the platform would instantly become more attractive to consumers and broadcasters alike.

Gerry Wicklow

ShaneOC wrote: »

.........

• RTE should look at introducing an RTE 3 channel. They have the rights to a good number of quality (well maybe not quality - but popular) US shows that are shown at crazy hours or if on primetime they can get bumped for football on an all too regular frequency.

• .................

RTÉ wanted to but TV3 called foul.

DamnLeech

ShaneOC wrote: »

Couple of things I would do.

Saorview should encourage / insist all channels to broadcast in HD (1080 x 1920) where possible. Not even RTE broadcast at this quality on Saorview. The cost of carriage should be the same for HD and SD. Charging on bit-rate has driven the broadcast quality down to very poor levels.

RTE should look at introducing an RTE 3 channel. They have the rights to a good number of quality (well maybe not quality - but popular) US shows that are shown at crazy hours or if on primetime they can get bumped for football on an all too regular frequency.

There are a number of UK FTA (either on FreeView or FreeSat) that have Irish opt out advertising versions on Sky. For example there are Irish versions of all (or most) of the Channel 4 family of channels. I think Dave also has Irish adverts. Saorview should do a deal with these type of channels to get them onto the platform. Even one commercial MUX would be a huge improvement and it would also allow commercial radio to be available on Saorview. The cost of carriage on the commercial MUX should be made as attractive as possible. Once content begins to appear the platform would instantly become more attractive to consumers and broadcasters alike.

Channel 4 is great channel and should be on saorview, you are right about the tv show rights if they made another channel That would be great and they also have right to show champions league.

h7nlrp2v0g5u48

Has Saorview or irish tv actually said that the channel will launch this Saorview or is it just wishful thinking on a lot of our behalves?

DamnLeech

Raylee Embarrassed Oceanographer wrote: »

Has Saorview or irish tv actually said that the channel will launch this Saorview or is it just wishful thinking on a lot of our behalves?

I just read this on this forum can anyone post any links?
To any PROOF?

h7nlrp2v0g5u48

DamnLeech wrote: »

I just read this on this forum can anyone post any links?
To any PROOF?

I'm tne same. I emailed irish tv yesterday and all they said was thank you for your email and watching irish tv. Not looking good going by that reply..

ShaneOC

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

RTÉ wanted to but TV3 called foul.

Other than the name "RTÉ 3" I'm not sure what TV3 could be complaining about.

Dreaming of thew day when we see the following TV line up on Saorview

RTÉ One HD
RTÉ Two HD
TV3 HD
TG4 HD
3e HD
UTV Ireland HD
Irish TV HD
RTÉ Three HD
RTÉ Jnr HD
Channel 4 HD
E4 HD
More 4 HD
4 Seven HD
Film 4 HD
Dave HD
RTÉ One +1 HD
RTÉ News Now HD
Oireachtas TV HD

DamnLeech

ShaneOC wrote: »

Other than the name "RTÉ 3" I'm not sure what TV3 could be complaining about.

Dreaming of thew day when we see the following TV line up on Saorview

RTÉ One HD
RTÉ Two HD
TV3 HD
TG4 HD
3e HD
UTV Ireland HD
Irish TV HD
RTÉ Three HD
RTÉ Jnr HD
Channel 4 HD
E4 HD
More 4 HD
4 Seven HD
Film 4 HD
Dave HD
RTÉ One +1 HD
RTÉ News Now HD
Oireachtas TV HD

Oh that looks amazing
If they use 4 multiplexes with DVB-T2 they might fit them all

twinklerunner

ShaneOC wrote: »

Other than the name "RTÉ 3" I'm not sure what TV3 could be complaining about.

Dreaming of thew day when we see the following TV line up on Saorview

RTÉ One HD
RTÉ Two HD
TV3 HD
TG4 HD
3e HD
UTV Ireland HD
Irish TV HD
RTÉ Three HD
RTÉ Jnr HD
Channel 4 HD
E4 HD
More 4 HD
4 Seven HD
Film 4 HD
Dave HD
RTÉ One +1 HD
RTÉ News Now HD
Oireachtas TV HD

BBC channels would be welcome too, but won't happen. What about Sky News & Pick?

former total

DamnLeech wrote: »

Channel 4 is great channel and should be on saorview, you are right about the tv show rights if they made another channel That would be great and they also have right to show champions league.

???

I'm sorry but people have completely unrealistic ideas of what is possible for Saorview.

DamnLeech

twinklerunner wrote: »

BBC channels would be welcome too, but won't happen. What about Sky News & Pick?

BBC Channels are very unlikely to come

medoc

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

RTÉ wanted to but TV3 called foul.

They sure did. But now would it be possible seeing as TV3 group under Virgin ownership are looking for permission to buy UTV Ireland, for RTÉ to make a bid for its RTÉ 3 as proposed. Could RTÉ "call foul" on the UTV Ireland takeover and maybe get some concessions.

mikeecho

Late Night Poker HD
Late Night Poker+1
Shopping Channel 1
Shopping Channel 1 +1
Shopping Channel 2
Shopping Channel 2 +1
Shopping Channel 3
Shopping Channel 3 +1
Bang Babes 1
Bang Babes 2
Bang Babes 3

DamnLeech

mikeecho wrote: »

Late Night Poker HD
Late Night Poker+1
Shopping Channel 1
Shopping Channel 1 +1
Shopping Channel 2
Shopping Channel 2 +1
Shopping Channel 3
Shopping Channel 3 +1
Bang Babes 1
Bang Babes 2
Bang Babes 3

Don't forget Bang Babes Red Button
They need to fix series link as well

mikeecho

DamnLeech wrote: »

Don't forget Bang Babes Red Button

i dont they'll be allowed show a red button in ireland.. let alone a brown button