RichardCoulter
Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2012
- Messages
- 215
- Reaction score
- 49
- Points
- 28
- Age
- 59
- My Satellite Setup
- TV with built in Freeview/ Virgin Media TiVo V6 box
- My Location
- UK
From what I've gleaned from various sources, I think that the most likely scenario is for the SD versions of the UKTV channels currently on Freeview to become available on Freesat as they will go FTA.
It could be that all of the SD versions of the UKTV bouquet go FTA and onto Freesat.
I don't think it's at all likely that the HD variants will go FTA too though.
My main reasons for thinking that this is a real possibility are:
- Reputable sources in the industry have hinted as strongly as they can to me and to others without actually confirming the change.
- UKTV have recently begun technical changes to move their channels to a transponder more tightly focussed on they UK. Their current transponder is encrypted, so it doesn't matter if it spills into Europe for rights reasons.
- Sky are currently reviewing the value of having various channels in the 'Sub Club'; it's widely suspected that this is because of the increased cost of their football rights.
In the past Current TV and Motors TV have been kicked out of it, Current TV closed and Motors TV became free again.
More recently, PSB was kicked out and became FTA and at the same time joined Freesat. Bliss(mas) was abruptly closed a few days ago just after rebranding for Christmas. There are rumours that a further two music Channels are to be kicked out that will either close or become FTA (and join Freesat??)
- UKTV is jointly owned by BBC Worldwide and the BBC in turn are committed to FTA and have a stake in Freesat and Scripps who traditionally only deal in FTA channels eg The Travel Channel.
I think that if this does come to fruition, that it would be the best boost ever for Freesat- which would delight the BBC.
The only channels worth having that Freeview currently has would then be on Freesat, Freesat would have the best FTA offering as it would have everything* that Freeview has to offer and more.
* In the main I think that there would only be 4Music and Quest that most people would need to return to Freeview for. Are there any others?
With Netflix, Freesat PVR's and Freetime VOD I think it could really take off
[/QUOTE]
It could be that all of the SD versions of the UKTV bouquet go FTA and onto Freesat.
I don't think it's at all likely that the HD variants will go FTA too though.
My main reasons for thinking that this is a real possibility are:
- Reputable sources in the industry have hinted as strongly as they can to me and to others without actually confirming the change.
- UKTV have recently begun technical changes to move their channels to a transponder more tightly focussed on they UK. Their current transponder is encrypted, so it doesn't matter if it spills into Europe for rights reasons.
- Sky are currently reviewing the value of having various channels in the 'Sub Club'; it's widely suspected that this is because of the increased cost of their football rights.
In the past Current TV and Motors TV have been kicked out of it, Current TV closed and Motors TV became free again.
More recently, PSB was kicked out and became FTA and at the same time joined Freesat. Bliss(mas) was abruptly closed a few days ago just after rebranding for Christmas. There are rumours that a further two music Channels are to be kicked out that will either close or become FTA (and join Freesat??)
- UKTV is jointly owned by BBC Worldwide and the BBC in turn are committed to FTA and have a stake in Freesat and Scripps who traditionally only deal in FTA channels eg The Travel Channel.
I think that if this does come to fruition, that it would be the best boost ever for Freesat- which would delight the BBC.
The only channels worth having that Freeview currently has would then be on Freesat, Freesat would have the best FTA offering as it would have everything* that Freeview has to offer and more.
* In the main I think that there would only be 4Music and Quest that most people would need to return to Freeview for. Are there any others?
With Netflix, Freesat PVR's and Freetime VOD I think it could really take off
[/QUOTE]
