Sky buys Virgin Media channels

[admin_exported]

In a deal which will change the UK broadcast landscape, Sky has paid £160 million for Virgin Media's television channels. As part of the deal, Virgin Media's cable service will get access to some of Sky’s HD channels.

Sky will pocket VMtv - consisting of Living, Livingit, Challenge, Challenge Jackpot, Bravo, Bravo 2 and Virgin1. As part of the deal 'basic' Sky HD channels will now be available for the first time to Virgin Media's cable subscribers.

 

[Andy Clough]

Yes, as we previously reported here.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Andy,feel free to delete this thread.

 

[Dermondo]

What if any benefits will this have for Sky+HD customers, I wonder.

 

[Dave_]

Dermondo:What if any benefits will this have for Sky+HD customers, I wonder.None. But it will save Sky £30m a year.

 

[Dermondo]

Happy days for sky then

 

[margetti]

Any word on when Virgin customers will see Sky HD channels? And if there'll be any extra charges to do so? Am a bit surprised at the move - always thought Sky HD (especially the sports channels) was their USP.

 

[ukdavej]

I must confess to being a little suprised at this when I first heard about it. However, the more I thought about it, the more I think I see the sense for both parties.

The VMTV portfolio is very attractive to SKY and will further their aspiration for world domination at a TV level. At first I couldn't really see what was in it for VM, however, when I think back as to how many customers they lost when SKY took it's basic channel ball home last time it's a no brainer for VM. Add to that the ability to show SKY HD channels - sports and films, again, it's a win win for VM. If I read it correctly, VM customers will be able to access these services through "On demand" which basically means it will be a "Pay per View" service for VM customers

 

[Andy Clough]

Not sure exactly how it will work yet, but yes, I assume Virgin customers (like me) will have to pay for the extra Sky HD channels. But at least we'll now have access to them without having to get Sky/satellite installed.

Haven't been given a date yet for Sky HD channels on Virgin, assume later this year once the deal has been through regulatory hurdles.

 

[ukdavej]

Andy Clough:

Not sure exactly how it will work yet, but yes, I assume Virgin customers (like me) will have to pay for the extra Sky HD channels. But at least we'll now have access to them without having to get Sky/satellite installed.

Indeedy doody. I guess the only thing to do now is wait.

The only other thing to consider is exactly how VM will make this available through on demand. Currently, all the on demand stuff is accessed on a single item basis. Therefore, you go through the menus, find what you want and it tells you whether it is available free of charge or what the charge would be to view it. Once selected, enter PIN which is always required if it's changeable and off you go. If this format is continued, this would mean that VM customers will be able to access programmes on a single broadcast basis, sort of like a pay as you go thing. Therefore, one could cherry pick HD movies or HD sports broadcasts without the need for a monthly subscription - result

- I bet it won't work like that though.

 

[AVLee]

rocky66:

consisting of Living, Livingit, Challenge, Challenge Jackpot, Bravo, Bravo 2 and Virgin1.

hopefully this means that sky might get Living HD at some point. My missus would be a very happy lady seeing all those ugly size zero models in HD.

sickens me