SKY launches FAN PASS 2.0 with new content, pricing plans and improved technology

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2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1368093 17-Aug-2015 17:09

kharris: I am using getflix on my Apple TV in order to get Netflix from other regions. I have the getflix DNS set on all my apple devices. Phone, iPad, and 2 Apple TVs.

I found that trying to use sky fan pass with the DNS set meant shuddering and a pretty crap picture. There is no way to see the resolution in the app so I couldn't tell you. I could use AirPlay for a while and then it would freeze altogether.

If I changed the DNS on the Apple TV and my phone to the ISPs DNS then it worked much better. However I don't want to have to change that every time and there is no DNS switcher app I can find for iOS.

Has anyone else had a similar issue. I do not have this issue with any other streaming service.

I feel if we are required to pay premium prices for fanpass and don't mind doing so if the service is also premium.

When I tried the same thing at a non peek time it was flawless with the getflix DNS set.
I will not use the service if I have to change DNS setting all the time. As mentioned this only seems to be an issue with fanpass.

I had a bit of stuttering and quality loss after 9pm, and I was airplaying to my Apple TV from an iPad which had Unotelly DNS settings. I didn't even stop to think that it might be a DNS issue.

This is why I have only some devices set to geo-unblock (AppleTV and an old iPad). I have a little $200 Windows 8.1 Box (a Minix Neo Z64) connected to my TV which I keep on Spark's DNS and use to watch local TV on demand and Lightbox. I must try running that tonight and see how it looks.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

noroad

949 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#1368094 17-Aug-2015 17:13

kharris: I am using getflix on my Apple TV in order to get Netflix from other regions. I have the getflix DNS set on all my apple devices. Phone, iPad, and 2 Apple TVs.

When I tried the same thing at a non peek time it was flawless with the getflix DNS set.
I will not use the service if I have to change DNS setting all the time. As mentioned this only seems to be an issue with fanpass.

To be fair to Sky, you seem to be the one changing your DNS to non-standard (non local to your ISP) ones so its a bit on the nose to complain about out the streaming quality when you are removing their ability to optimally deliver the service to you. I would suggest the getflix (I assume that's an unblock-us type service) does not know about the fanpass service and this is what causes your issue. Plenty of assumptions there on my part though.

rlevis

347 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1368095 17-Aug-2015 17:14

HD broadcasts in NZ are 50fps, in the US are 60fps. I would like to know what fps is used for Fan Pass, Netflix, etc. Netflix is probably blu-ray movie 24fps, Fan Pass 25fps?

The reason it likely looks stuttery on a laptop is the refresh rate of the video card, which are usually set to 60hz by default. I use an HTPC for normal TV viewing and I have the refresh rate of the video card at 50hz. At 60hz it looks terrible.

A 25fps on 50hz refresh rate also works fine, particularly if you have a 100 or 200hz TV.

Devices like iPad likely switch the refresh rate to match the frame rate of the content being streamed, so will appear smooth regardless.

It's a bit of a mine field.

JarrodM

969 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1368099 17-Aug-2015 17:20

What I would like to see on apps (also for PLP) is an option to select the bitrate. NFL and NHL two other neulion products have this ability

tdgeek

29746 posts

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#1368115 17-Aug-2015 17:32

rlevis: HD broadcasts in NZ are 50fps, in the US are 60fps. I would like to know what fps is used for Fan Pass, Netflix, etc. Netflix is probably blu-ray movie 24fps, Fan Pass 25fps?

The reason it likely looks stuttery on a laptop is the refresh rate of the video card, which are usually set to 60hz by default. I use an HTPC for normal TV viewing and I have the refresh rate of the video card at 50hz. At 60hz it looks terrible.

A 25fps on 50hz refresh rate also works fine, particularly if you have a 100 or 200hz TV.

Devices like iPad likely switch the refresh rate to match the frame rate of the content being streamed, so will appear smooth regardless.

It's a bit of a mine field.

Very good point. It makes no sense that our powerfull laptops cannot deliver a smooth video with no micro lags. My iPad Air is smooth as silk, and while its a lower power CPU, its still delivering 2048 x 1536 pixels, it doesn't matter what the screen size is. My laptop is 2880x1800, a few tads higher, and its silky smooth on video, played from its iown SSD, attached USB stick, or wifi from my WDTV Live. KLightbox streamiomng wjhen i tested it, had a greta image, smooth apart from what appears more like a regular dropped frame. Annoying as, my brain is attracted to seeking it

Now, back in the day, there was a rule about managing frame rate on the videocard, can't recall the detail now, it was re syncing to a monitor refresh rate I think. If you left that on, you halve the fps, over 30. Turn it off, you dont get that issue, caused by locking to the Hz, or Hz multiplier. Along those lines anyhows. Can anyone think how a laptop may act in a limiting way based on TV refresh rate, or is there a sync option in todays Video drivers. My Mac with its "abundance" of settings.... won't I'm sure

DarkCypher

80 posts

Master Geek

#1368149 17-Aug-2015 19:04

I so hate Flash such an inferior piece of crap. HTML5 would be much better.

tdgeek

29746 posts

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#1368153 17-Aug-2015 19:20

Re the Popup channels, I just scrolled through till the end of the weekend. Filler in the week is surfing and athletics. V8 Supercars, AMS Motocross and Nascar is on the Popups. Highlights are on the SkySport channels 1-4. Hmm

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michelangelonz

115 posts

Master Geek

#1368845 18-Aug-2015 21:04

Streamed Netball and Rugby over the weekend and the quality was good for the most part.I set my DNS at my local home server using a local DNS sever that way I can set DNS forwarders for specific sites. So streaming Fanpass wasnt effected.

Bit pricey but overall experience wasnt to bad Ill just sign up when therd is somthing I want to watch.

rlevis

347 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1368967 19-Aug-2015 01:27

Speaking of geo unblocking, someone may want to start a new thread on this subject, but I heard something on the news about a $25,000 fine for using services which bypass geo blocking, or maybe it was only if it is used to prevent paying GST being charged for online digital purchases.

pugsy33

63 posts

Master Geek

#1371087 20-Aug-2015 20:12

I had the very same experience kharris

Ruined it for me really

networkn

Networkn
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#1371741 21-Aug-2015 17:05

My googleFu is failing me, anyone know the Email of the CEO of Sky John Fellet?

grant_k

3539 posts

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#1371833 21-Aug-2015 21:05

I've just been watching the Formula 1 on Sky Sport 4 for the past half hour or so. Both 540p and 720p are working perfectly without any buffering or freezing. 9pm is about the worst time to try and stream video so far as consumer-grade internet connections are concerned. My week's free trial ends at about midday tomorrow, but based on what I've seen, I'll definitely be back for more at some time in the future.

allstarnz

1719 posts

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#1371900 22-Aug-2015 03:53

That pricing isn't too dissimilar to Sky Sports UK with Now TV. Of course the market is a bit more fragmented here, with you really needing BT Sports and Sky to see most main stream stuff. Also Premiere and Europsport to see everything

http://www.nowtv.com/sports

£11 per week, or £32/month.

JarrodM

969 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1371931 22-Aug-2015 09:01

FYI I was able to use the fanpassweek code again on the same account I already used it on

Finch

2851 posts

Uber Geek

#1375462 27-Aug-2015 23:54

Has anybody tried this on a ADSL connection? Sadly where I live I cannot get anything better, until 2019 supposedly, unless I move :)

What was your experience?

Thanks.

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