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E-mails and phoning Sky re: ROI subscribers like second class citizens.

  • 10-04-2002 2:08pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭


    I was talking to our Scottish friends over at Sky Customer Care last night. I asked about the lack of Series Links on Sky One. He was a bit surprised that they were not there. He went off and checked what programmes currently had series links. When he came back he said that there are series links on Sky One but only on the UK version. He then told me that series links were not available in the Republic. I explained to him that there are a number of channels that provide the series link over here, specifically the BBC channels and Disney. He seemed surprised at this information.

    I asked why there was such a difference between the UK version of Sky and ours. I was hoping that it was a simple oversight. He said that Sky consider the ROI and UK to be different platforms. While it is true that the EPG here is different to the UK's, I think Sky need to rethink this different platform philosophy.

    We have all read and supported the excellent campaign to get the UK terrestrials on our EPG. However we all realise that there are rights issues involved, while we may not agree with the arguements we can understand them.

    The thing that is worrying me is that when the basic functionality of the Sky digital system (that is not affected by rights or does not need a phone line) is introduced in the UK we are being forgotten about.

    There is one thing about Sky in Ireland that is better that our counterparts in the UK. That thing is that to call Sky is a free. There are lots of new members browsing the forums these days so if you don't want to be second class sky citizens give them a call and ask why can't we have a simple little feature like series link on their flagship channel. The number as always is 1800 535767.


«1

Comments

  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I agree with this 100%-in fact I think that this thread should be a sticky and a new campaign.
    It highlights the second class treatment we here in the ROI get from Sky.
    I have rang that 1800 number several times now regarding the series link and have got a different answer each time.
    I know series link is a small issue-BUT it is there on BBC one and Two and on the Sci-Fi channel and others, but unlike in the UK it is not available for Sky one in the ROI.
    It has been brought to the attention of Sky customer services many times about this problem and they have been found wanting:mad:
    they are doing absolutely nothing about it.
    Again they are taking our money and offering an insuperior service:mad:
    mm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,817 ✭✭✭Charles Slane


    I agree. If they can manage a way of giving us Sky News Active, surely it can't be that difficult to give us series links. Something tells me that it's pure laziness, and a bit of phoning and e-mailing could get them off their asses.

    Maybe this could be worked into the existing BBC campaign, as three stickies on the go might be a bit messy.

    Maybe we could change the title to "Campaign for equal treatment for Sky's Irish subscribers".

    Can such a thing be done, Ronan and Damian ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Three stickies sounds fine to me. I think that the terrestrials are important enough to warrent a thread of their own.

    This thread can be for pressuring Sky relating to issues that should not be contentious for anyone.

    Damo or Ronan, Can the title be changed to something like "Why are Sky keeping features from the Republic?"

    It cannot be technically difficult to set up the series link for Sky One here. All you have to do is set up a little function that every time a link is set up for Sky One UK it is automatically set up for the Irish version too. Any engineer worth their salt could do this in less than a day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    I was also talking to the technical person last night about the Sky+ issue. It has been confirmed that there is no technical reason why the functionality cannot be switched on over here. I asked could I subscribe to the Sky+ subscription paying the GB£10 a month from my credit card. He said that Sky need to sort out legal issues regarding the recording of TV broadcasts onto hard disks in Ireland.

    Has anyone ever heard of anything like this before?

    I have sent off emails to both the ODTR and the BCI. Is there anyone else who may be able to answer such a query?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 269 ✭✭jez


    Actually,would anyone out there have a list of all relevant e-mails and contact names for bodies that should be pressurised to get more channels on Sky Ireland. i.e. BBC,Sky,BCI etc...Then we could all start bombarding them. Maybe someone could come up with the preferred wording for communications.What do you think!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    All of the email addresses for the Channel providers are on the ICDG website http://icdg.tvfromireland.com/ There are also many individuals email addresses mentions throughout the sticky campaign thread.

    I used info@irtc.ie for BCI and Info@odtr.ie fror the ODTR. Have not received any response yet.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Originally posted by ShaneOC
    I was also talking to the technical person last night about the Sky+ issue. It has been confirmed that there is no technical reason why the functionality cannot be switched on over here. I asked could I subscribe to the Sky+ subscription paying the GB£10 a month from my credit card. He said that Sky need to sort out legal issues regarding the recording of TV broadcasts onto hard disks in Ireland.
    Has anyone ever heard of anything like this before?
    I have sent off emails to both the ODTR and the BCI. Is there anyone else who may be able to answer such a query?

    Well if a CDR can be marketed here...... and for that matter a DVD recorder(even though Whooa, are they expensive!)I would say this is another case plain and simple of Sky ignoring the ROI customer:mad:
    Hard ware rights issues my aunt sally:rolleyes:
    mm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Originally posted by madman


    Well if a CDR can be marketed here...... and for that matter a DVD recorder(even though Whooa, are they expensive!)I would say this is another case plain and simple of Sky ignoring the ROI customer:mad:
    Hard ware rights issues my aunt sally:rolleyes:
    mm

    Pretty much what I thought but I will see what the officials say before I go back to Sky.

    Please take my money Sky :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,817 ✭✭✭Charles Slane


    This is definitely worth pursuing, and fair play to Shane for bringing attention to it.

    Set your phone calls and e-mails to "stun" (for now).


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 269 ✭✭jez


    My fellow forum members

    This is the longest silence since I joined.
    Any sign of the Irish channels being available again!!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 269 ✭✭jez


    Forget the last post....Wrong thread..!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    My email about the legality of recording onto hard-disk has been passed onto the Department of Enterprise and Employment, specifically the Intellectual Property Unit. Hopefully they will let us know if there are any issues preventing the release of Sky+ (or Tivo) over here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    The issue of mirror subscriptions was just raised in another thread. With the introduction of the Irish channels on Sky now, I expect the ditching of Chorus/NTL to increase and the take up of Sky to greatly increase. There can be very few households in the country with just one tv so why can Sky not introduce the mirror subscription over here.

    Oh sorry I forgot. We are second class citizens. :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    It would be interesting to see what kind of interest there is in getting all of the services that are being withheld from us.

    Basically there are three things that I think we are missing at the moment.

    1) Series Links on Sky One.

    2) Availability of Sky+.

    3) Availability of mirror subscription.

    Would you be interested in these features?

    Have I missed anything?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I will be ringing Sky again in relation to the Sky one series link issue later today.
    As I've nearly had every answer under the sun to date,I will be referring the unfortunate operator to my relevant diary entries:mad:
    mm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Good luck. Try to have a wall handy as you will feel like banging your head against it. :rolleyes:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,626 ✭✭✭smoke.me.a.kipper


    Originally posted by ShaneOC

    1) Series Links on Sky One.

    2) Availability of Sky+.

    3) Availability of mirror subscription.

    Would you be interested in these features?

    id want series link on all channels that it's not available to us but it is to the uk.

    and the mirror sub. im not interested in sky+ tbh.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I spent 50 minutes onto Sky's helpline this evening:eek:
    I heard their full promo tape at least three times while in the answer queue:eek:

    They could not tell me why there was no series link options available in the Republic of Ireland.
    I was at pains to point out to the guy that I and others first brought this to Sky's attention months ago and to date nothing has been done about it.

    I had a tough time getting it through to the person on the other end that All Sky digital customers in ROI to my knowledge have this problem and that it's not just specefic to my digibox.

    Eventually the person on the other end concluded that this must be a problem within the EPG software distributed to ROI boxes.
    He promised me that something would be done about it and has logged his decision to go through the paperwork of handing the problem on to those higher up in the chain of command and further promised to get back to me on this.

    I also enquired about why we here in ROI do not have access to Big brother interactive this year.I was told that It was a channel four decision to exclude ROI from this feature.
    They are either mad or just don't like us.
    We should withdraw the Guinness from them:mad: :D :mad:
    mm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,102 ✭✭✭Genghis


    I was watching a series on UK Horizons, and it had series link. However, while I could press green, and it seemed to register, it never worked for the next episode.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    There is a letter in this months Sky magazine regarding the series links. The reply states that each channel are responsible for their own series links. It goes on to say that Sky are actively encouraging all channels to set up the series links. Why oh why will Sky not set up the series links for their main channel here in Ireland.

    Keep complaining.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,626 ✭✭✭smoke.me.a.kipper


    its not like they have to do anymore work. the series links are already there for the UK. they just have to enable them for us in the ROI.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Received the following from Sky...

    Thank you for your email about the series link facility.

    This function is available in the Republic, however, there is a technical
    problem at present on which Sky are currently working which we hope will be
    rectified in the near future.

    Thank you for your interest in Sky.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 61 ✭✭TinMan


    Finally, they are admitting fault with this :mad:

    Lets hope it doesn't take them a couple of months to solve!

    Kinda a waste of time now seen as all the "series" are coming to an end on Sky One for the summer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,604 ✭✭✭irishgeo


    I have sent emails to SKY on the following matters:
    1. SKY Active launch date.
    2. SKY + and Mirror Sub any further info.
    3. ITV and Channel 4. (I mentioned the NTL ad in the email)

    Read receipts are on and any replys will be posted here.

    I will also phone them tomorrow as well i will aso be phoning channel 4, nevada telecom and the BBC.

    Any updates will be posted.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 221 ✭✭DrizztIE


    Nice one, another question: How come Ireland can't enter the competitions on the internet?, on [URL=http://]www.sky.com/rewards[/URL] so anyway gotta go, and when the release date for Ireland's SKY + is coming out? Here will be the first place I'll look.

    Cyah and thanks for your time and patients......
    [CCM] Drizzt_IE


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    We can enter the Sky rewards competition on the internet here. I have entered and am sure that Sky will fix it for me to win a nice big prize following on from all my lovely emails, letters and phone calls to them. :cool:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,726 ✭✭✭✭DMC


    Merge time...

    2 campaigning Sky Digital threads merged into one (so as we are not covering old ground)

    Damien.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,604 ✭✭✭irishgeo


    well no rpelys yet and didnt have time to ring anyone today sorry guys.

    Didnt see the other thread either damoDMC.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 728 ✭✭✭robert muldoon


    Thanks for the effort


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  • Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 19,157 Mod ✭✭✭✭byte
    byte


    Originally posted by DrizztIE
    Nice one, another question: How come Ireland can't enter the competitions on the internet?, on [URL=http://]www.sky.com/rewards[/URL]

    Works for me. I entered loadsa Rewards compos but still waiting on big parcel from SDS or postie!:rolleyes:

    Someday...;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,604 ✭✭✭irishgeo


    OK lads a rather fast reply from SKY on the following emails:
    1. ITV and Channel 4- Looks like the NTL add has worked ans they say the channels will be on in the coming months.The email reply is posted below
    Dear Kevin

    Thank you for your email about the availability of Channel 4 and ITV in the
    ROI.

    Sky will continue discussions with all terrestrial broadcasters interested
    in broadcasting their services in Republic of Ireland. In the case of UTV
    and Channel 4, it is hoped that the channel will join Sky's platform in the
    coming months following completion of all outstanding issues including the
    issue of programming rights.

    Thank you for your continued interest in Sky.

    Kind regards

    Margaret Tannock
    Viewer Relations


    Original Message
    From: Kevin Mc Neela [ mailto:kjmcn@oceanfree.net
    <mailto:kjmcn@oceanfree.net> ]
    Sent: 10 June 2002 00:47
    To: viewerr@bskyb.com; skydigital@sky.com
    Subject: ITV and Channel 4 in Ireland


    Is there any further information on when ITV and Channel 4 will be launching
    in Ireland?

    It would complete the package in Ireland and bring the sky package into line
    with cable companies in packages in Ireland.

    I would like to draw your attention to and advertisement currently running
    on Irish radio which is two neighbours talking about a neighbour who has got
    SKY. They say look at the ugly dish on the side of the house and they "DON'T
    EVEN GET CHANNEL 4 OR ITV".

    Looking forward to your reply.

    2.The second reply on the SKY + issue- Its not looking good here with no details at all on this.Reply post below.
    Dear Kevin

    Thank you for your e-mail about Sky+.

    Unfortunately, Sky has no information at this time on the launch of Sky+ in
    Ireland.

    I regret that I am unable to help you further, but would like to thank you
    for your interest in Sky.

    Kind regards

    Dianne Main
    Viewer Relations



    Original Message
    From: Kevin Mc Neela [mailto:kjmcn@oceanfree.net]
    Sent: 10 June 2002 00:42
    To: skydigital@sky.com; viewerr@bskyb.com
    Subject: Sky Plus and Mirror Subscription


    When can we expect to see the launch of Sky + in Ireland?
    Will the mirror subscription launch at the same time?

    On the 3rd email no reply at all on Sky Active. Wheter that is good or bad i dont know.

    I might give them a ring tomorrow.i was in the pub all day today watching ireland and celebrating.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 728 ✭✭✭robert muldoon


    I would have thought that Sky+ was closer to getting here than UTV & channel 4 however maybe we will wake up one morning ands it will all happen, by the way , does anybody have the contact nr of Sky (Irl) where the new Managing Director for ROI is based or the addresse, we must keep trying


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Still no sign of Sky+ or series links on Sky One.

    There is a thread on digital spy speculating that widescreen broadcasts will begin on Sky One in the not too distant future. I wonder if it will only be Sky One UK :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,340 ✭✭✭✭Tony


    Originally posted by robert muldoon
    I would have thought that Sky+ was closer to getting here than UTV & channel 4 however maybe we will wake up one morning ands it will all happen, by the way , does anybody have the contact nr of Sky (Irl) where the new Managing Director for ROI is based or the addresse, we must keep trying

    From Susan Geraghty

    "Hi Tony,
    No official launch date as yet, but we are hopeful it will be this year."


    Tony

    Desktop PC Boards discount code on https://www.satellite.ie/ is boards.ie



  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Originally posted by Tony


    From Susan Geraghty

    "Hi Tony,
    No official launch date as yet, but we are hopeful it will be this year."


    Tony

    Just a quick translation of the phrase "we are hopeful" :I think it appears in page 786 of the Sky customer services operator 's manual.
    Susan being in management of sorts will have had to get it off by heart.
    Anyhow:
    It means, "we're busy right now,switching on cards and processing direct debits,are you from Ireland,thats nice"

    mm


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Originally posted by Tony


    From Susan Geraghty

    "Hi Tony,
    No official launch date as yet, but we are hopeful it will be this year."


    Tony

    For Christ's sake, what the hell is taking so long? This was meant to be available early this year, then towards the end of June and now sometime this year !!!

    What is the delay on this? Are they waiting until the Euro slips against sterling again?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    In reply to Shane in another thread who asked as follows:
    ___________________________________________________
    Originally posted by madman
    regarding gadgets-I've just sold my Dvd player as I'm getting a multiregion dvd recorder so Sky you might be losing me as a subscriber....I don't want your Sky plus anymore ,I'm not waiting any longer for that - you can keep it
    mm

    Oh drool. Do you mind telling us how much such a gizmo costs?

    __________________________________________________
    The cost of this is around a 1000 euro, Shane, for a panasonic.
    Am getting €300 for my player, so costing €700 for the upgrade.

    features:
    Plays pre-recorded all region DVD's & CD's

    Will make discs that will play in most existing DVD players (DVD-R)

    Chasing Playback - Watch a programme from the beginning, even while it is being recorded

    Simultaneous Record & Play - Watch a previously recorded programme, while another is being recorded

    Time Slip Roller - Plays back desired scenes while recording continues

    Digital output

    Plays NTSC discs as PAL60/NTSC

    Basically most of the good features of the Sky plus box without the wait or dependence on Sky :)
    mm


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 28,128 ✭✭✭✭Mossy Monk


    :eek: :eek:
    now i know what is top of the list to Santa Claus this Christmas. i want one of those really badly


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 426 ✭✭DaveH


    Hi, going to make two statements here. First of all to Madman, I know open region DVD players sound great, but now a days DVD's are being written so that if the DVD player is open region and the DVD is Region 2, the DVD makes the player a Region 2 player. So that could be a problem.
    I do have a Sky Digital question. Granda Breeze, anyone know why we dont recieve this channel + what is it? Its listed in the document sky sent me as a channel recieved in Ireland and its is also listed on channel 996 as EPG no. 136(I think). Why dont we have this channel.
    Cheers
    Dave


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,726 ✭✭✭✭DMC


    Granada Breeze died some months ago, DaveH.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 728 ✭✭✭robert muldoon


    Surely the advantages of Sky + is that you can record directly from the EPG,how do you do this with this DVD recorder Madman?
    By the way, My local satellite dealer tells me it will now be sept for Sky + in ROI, no promises though


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Originally posted by robert muldoon
    Surely the advantages of Sky + is that you can record directly from the EPG,how do you do this with this DVD recorder Madman?
    Obviously, you can't :(
    But lots of other lovely features there-the fact that you can record something from Sky for instance for playback in someone elses DVD player.
    Also the Sky plus recording storage is limited to the size of it's hard drive-a big disadvantage as you can't keep your recording for very long:(
    Whereas, the DVD recorder is only limited in that way by the amount of disks you are prepared to buy-ie endless :)
    mm


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Originally posted by DaveH
    Hi, going to make two statements here. First of all to Madman, I know open region DVD players sound great, but now a days DVD's are being written so that if the DVD player is open region and the DVD is Region 2, the DVD makes the player a Region 2 player. So that could be a problem.
    Dave
    I think you are talking about "region coding enhanced" (RCE) dvd's.
    Only very few region one DVD disks have been recorded in this way-so far.
    Already, the ever adapting industry is way ahead of that development.
    Most players now that have been modified for multi region and some that are hackable can play these RCE disks.
    In my case for instance(a modded player, as is the recorder I am buying) when you get an RCE region 1 disk, all you do is stick in a non RCE region 1 disk and without turning off the player take out that disk and insert the RCE one and it plays fine.

    I hope I am not going too off topic , by pointing these things out.
    My angle on this ,really is to point out a possibble alternative to Sky plus.
    While it's not recording directly off an EPG and is quite expensive-it does have most of the nice sky plus features.
    Mind you after two or three years of , say a €15 a month extra sub, Sky plus would also be getting as expensive.
    mm


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,726 ✭✭✭✭DMC


    I'll cross post this here... from the FAI/Sky thread on the Broadcasting board.....
    Originally posted by ShaneOC
    Slightly off thread, but what the hell...

    Last night I sent a message to "The Last Word" saying that if Sky were trying to attract more subscribers in Ireland that they should ensure that their services offered here are on a par with those in the UK. I am sending them a detailed email asking them to contact Sky and find out why Sky refuse to provide the same level of service over here as they do in the UK.

    Keep your ears peeled.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭carrolls


    The other big advantage of Sky+ over a DVD recorder is you can record one EPG channel while watching another.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,092 ✭✭✭ShaneOC


    Originally posted by DamoDMC
    I'll cross post this here... from the FAI/Sky thread on the Broadcasting board.....

    Good man Damo. I was going to post that here as well but then I decided to go home instead. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,726 ✭✭✭✭DMC


    Good choice, there's no beds here :D


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I got the following from Sky in the past week.

    From: Liv Corres Internet Staff <SkyDigital@bskyb.com>

    Date: Thu Jul 18 16:11:49 2002
    To: "'********">
    Subject: RE: Sky plus

    Dear ******

    Thank you for contacting us about Sky+ availability to our Eire subscribers.

    The launch of this service is intended for winter 2002 however at this time
    I cannot advise an exact date. Once the service is available please be
    assured details will be communicated through the customer information
    channels 998 and 999 and the customer magazine.

    Your interest in Sky is greatly appreciated and should you wish to contact
    us in the future please do not hesitate to contact the above email address.

    Yours sincerely


    Sina Mulcahy
    Customer Care Department

    ___________________________________________________

    On another note, I got my dvd recorder this week, it's a pioneer dvr7000 and is an amazing pice of kit:)
    There is a menu with thumbnail pictures of whats on each recording-you just click on what you want to see.
    The quality of the recording is as good as broadcast, with brilliant slow motion, theres no rewinding and when you record, it starts from the first available space.
    I could have went for the panasonic e20 with the time slip, but I guess, I kinda do want Sky plus when it comes out.
    Looks like the winter now :(
    mm


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 28,128 ✭✭✭✭Mossy Monk


    Originally posted by madman
    The launch of this service is intended for winter 2002

    and then it will probably be Summer 2003 and so on. i assume the dual subscription will be available at the same time :mad:

    well done on the new toy madman. how much?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Originally posted by Mossy Monk


    and then it will probably be Summer 2003 and so on. i assume the dual subscription will be available at the same time :mad:

    well done on the new toy madman. how much?

    It's available on the web for stg£999 multi region at www.upgradeheaven.co.uk -so I guess it's one 7up tonight for me when I'm out and for the next while:eek:
    The panasonic is about 799 or so but with less gimickery.
    One thing I like about this is it's edit function-it does them seamlessly-you can make DVD's and then get them to play chapters in whatever order you want:)
    It will be summer 2003 before I'll afford Sky plus now:D but this will keep me going:)


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