'The Zone' Channel

Forums › Sky, Neon, Lightbox › 'The Zone' Channel

Oblivian

6944 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#148862 3-Jul-2014 09:53

It's no SyFy, but it might just do..

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11286180

We're fan-driven There is a huge community built around this content, a community which is inclusive and welcoming to anyone interested. We'll be active online and we want to interact with fans, both old and new, because we think The Zone is as much your channel as ours. We're going to be quick The Zone is committed to getting the biggest shows we can find to viewers, as fast as possible. I like to call it superfastifying. We may need to work on that name.

1 | 2

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#1079168 3-Jul-2014 09:58

"Streaming live on sky go."

No no no no.
Sky just does not get it. People do not want live streaming linear tv on the internet (except for live events like sport).
There is simply no excuse for putting the content into an on-demand service instead of linear schedule when putting over the internet.

Lenovo

Lenovo computer and accessories deals (affiliate link).

trig42

5604 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1079182 3-Jul-2014 10:18

At least they are not charging extra for it - basic subscribers will get the channel.

Skot323

32 posts

Geek

#1079205 3-Jul-2014 10:28

trig42: At least they are not charging extra for it - basic subscribers will get the channel.

There’s bound to be an annual price increase/adjustment before the release date of November

richms

26394 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#1079207 3-Jul-2014 10:28

Is it HD? If not then dont care.

Richard rich.ms

rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1079255 3-Jul-2014 11:19

Yes it seems another sd sky channel. Why are they so far out of touch with the way the world is going.

My gear 55" Samsung 4K SUHD LCD HDR , Denon AVR-4200W Reciever in 7.1.2 Surround , Denon 2 Channel Amp to power ceiling speakers , Combination of Polk Audio Fronts And Tannoy Surrounds plus 2 Cambridge Audio Ceiling Speakers Pioneer Downfiring Subwoofer , Oppo UDP-203 UHD Player , Roku Ultra , Apple TV 3

haydenmarsh

287 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1079286 3-Jul-2014 11:56

If it's HD (720p or 1080i) then i'll be impressed, probably would pay for it if need be.

nigelj

856 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1079291 3-Jul-2014 12:06

NonprayingMantis: "Streaming live on sky go."

No no no no.
Sky just does not get it. People do not want live streaming linear tv on the internet (except for live events like sport).
There is simply no excuse for putting the content into an on-demand service instead of linear schedule when putting over the internet.

Folks, the actual quote from NZ Herald in context is:

The Zone will be available to Sky customers as part of the Sky basic package and will stream live on the Sky Go app.

In other words, it's going to be exactly like UK TV.

As for HD/SD, well cynical me says you are shafted there as it is Sky and they never make the right choice. I'm sure they'd put Food TV in HD before they put Discovery in HD. But they have been talking changes so there may be hope for the Sky Go version, who knows (that is the non cynical me talking for a moment).

(edit: I wanted to highlight that quote, because for the casual observer to the thread, it sounded like you were saying that the channel was online only, but still scheduled programming only, which WOULD be very OUCH)

old3eyes

8995 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1079300 3-Jul-2014 12:24

trig42: At least they are not charging extra for it - basic subscribers will get the channel.

Bet there will be a $2 sub increase to cover it..

Regards,

Old3eyes

tangerz

604 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1079624 3-Jul-2014 20:14

old3eyes:
trig42: At least they are not charging extra for it - basic subscribers will get the channel.

Bet there will be a $2 sub increase to cover it..

Unlikely... ths years increase has already happpened last month. Basic package went up $1.15, Sport $0.23, Movies$0.23. An increase of around 1.5% which is basically in line with our inflation rate... nothing to see here...

The channel itself sounds great and I really hope it is in HD, though that's probably unlikely given it will be part of the basic package :(

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#1079661 3-Jul-2014 21:48

nigelj:
NonprayingMantis: "Streaming live on sky go."

No no no no.
Sky just does not get it. People do not want live streaming linear tv on the internet (except for live events like sport).
There is simply no excuse for putting the content into an on-demand service instead of linear schedule when putting over the internet.

Folks, the actual quote from NZ Herald in context is:

The Zone will be available to Sky customers as part of the Sky basic package and will stream live on the Sky Go app.

In other words, it's going to be exactly like UK TV.

As for HD/SD, well cynical me says you are shafted there as it is Sky and they never make the right choice. I'm sure they'd put Food TV in HD before they put Discovery in HD. But they have been talking changes so there may be hope for the Sky Go version, who knows (that is the non cynical me talking for a moment).

(edit: I wanted to highlight that quote, because for the casual observer to the thread, it sounded like you were saying that the channel was online only, but still scheduled programming only, which WOULD be very OUCH)

no, that wasn't my point. my point was that putting linear scheduled programming online is the most 'old school' thinking there is. absolutely dumb.

DickDastardly

227 posts

Master Geek

#1081596 5-Jul-2014 20:19

If Sky can't even get other key channels (Prime, Discovery, UK TV, Living, Nat Geo etc) in HD, there is little chance The Zone will be. Sky NZ have just culled a few of there never watched shopping channels and squeezed this channel into the last remaining satellite capacity.....No - Sky NZ really need to move satellites before we see any increased HD content....

I don't want no sugar in it - thank you very much

richms

26394 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Subscriber

#1081602 5-Jul-2014 20:33

They could drop the duplicate SD and HD versions and get the SD stuff off dirty old MPEG2 and have room for heaps more channels. But that would mean writing off a whole lot of STB's that are still earning money for them so I dont think it will happen soon.

Richard rich.ms

nigelj

856 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1081616 5-Jul-2014 21:01

richms: They could drop the duplicate SD and HD versions and get the SD stuff off dirty old MPEG2 and have room for heaps more channels. But that would mean writing off a whole lot of STB's that are still earning money for them so I dont think it will happen soon.

Actually from what I've heard both Foxtel (I may be particularly mistaken on Foxtel) and Sky UK which most of the NZ hardware/software feels like it gets proved on as I understand now basically give out crippled (read: locked) versions of the MySKY-equiv decoders to everyone and simply unlock the PVR features/UI when people pony up for the STB fee.

In fact, looking at Sky UK's website now, that may not be the case anymore even, the current offer is even better and appears to be:

1x Sky+ Box (http://www.sky.com/products/kit/sky-plus-hd-box/) with built in wifi (I think I saw something about ~300-400GB) for free (based on the offer page http://www.sky.com/shop/) or 49 GBP (100 NZD) one-off upgrade fee to the 2TB Sky+ Box, both also 3D ready - they already have limited 3D broadcasts etc.
1x free HD & 3D Multiroom box (http://www.sky.com/products/kit/sky-hd-box/)

I think Sky would be able to earn more and justify extra charges etc if they had a looksie at what Uncle Murdoch was doing. (i.e. more attractive/simpler offering, less alienation)

(Side note, apparently Sky UK boxes are owned by the account holder, which results in the likes of.... http://www.skyprotect.com/ maybe not all bad here....)

DickDastardly

227 posts

Master Geek

#1081674 5-Jul-2014 23:44

nigelj:
richms: They could drop the duplicate SD and HD versions and get the SD stuff off dirty old MPEG2 and have room for heaps more channels. But that would mean writing off a whole lot of STB's that are still earning money for them so I dont think it will happen soon.

Actually from what I've heard both Foxtel (I may be particularly mistaken on Foxtel) and Sky UK which most of the NZ hardware/software feels like it gets proved on as I understand now basically give out crippled (read: locked) versions of the MySKY-equiv decoders to everyone and simply unlock the PVR features/UI when people pony up for the STB fee.

In fact, looking at Sky UK's website now, that may not be the case anymore even, the current offer is even better and appears to be:

1x Sky+ Box (http://www.sky.com/products/kit/sky-plus-hd-box/) with built in wifi (I think I saw something about ~300-400GB) for free (based on the offer page http://www.sky.com/shop/) or 49 GBP (100 NZD) one-off upgrade fee to the 2TB Sky+ Box, both also 3D ready - they already have limited 3D broadcasts etc.
1x free HD & 3D Multiroom box (http://www.sky.com/products/kit/sky-hd-box/)

I think Sky would be able to earn more and justify extra charges etc if they had a looksie at what Uncle Murdoch was doing. (i.e. more attractive/simpler offering, less alienation)

(Side note, apparently Sky UK boxes are owned by the account holder, which results in the likes of.... http://www.skyprotect.com/ maybe not all bad here....)

You see...this is the kind of thing that really annoys me and coming from the UK and experiencing the FAR superior Sky service i have actual experience of this.

We in NZ are begging/pleading/crying out/desperate for one or two more HD channels here in NZ....

However, In the UK, Sky are offering over 50 HD channels, an 3D channel and an amazing EPG with on demand service.

Yes we are only a county of 4 million or so people and yes, Sky have a relative monopoly on pay per viewing - but it goes to show how effective competition is. In the UK there is Virgin Media offering HD cable TV with internet that downloads at 100mb, Sky are feeling threatened and actually thinking about improving their service.

The most significant thing that should affect us in NZ is that Vodafone expand their TV service, directly challenging Sky's stranglehold on the market.

More and more of us are getting cable in our areas, and if Vodafone ramp up their TV offering, Sky will naturally pick up their game and start listening to their customers. I actually think its only a matter of time until Sky aren't sitting so happy on the top of the pay per view market and instead offer its customers a quality HD and catch up service.

Remember the Sky promises.....new channels...new services....? Really? Come on Sky NZ either get bought out by Foxtel or let Mr Murdoch in the UK provide us with a quality service...

I don't want no sugar in it - thank you very much

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#1081677 6-Jul-2014 00:01

DickDastardly:
nigelj:
richms: They could drop the duplicate SD and HD versions and get the SD stuff off dirty old MPEG2 and have room for heaps more channels. But that would mean writing off a whole lot of STB's that are still earning money for them so I dont think it will happen soon.

Actually from what I've heard both Foxtel (I may be particularly mistaken on Foxtel) and Sky UK which most of the NZ hardware/software feels like it gets proved on as I understand now basically give out crippled (read: locked) versions of the MySKY-equiv decoders to everyone and simply unlock the PVR features/UI when people pony up for the STB fee.

In fact, looking at Sky UK's website now, that may not be the case anymore even, the current offer is even better and appears to be:

1x Sky+ Box (http://www.sky.com/products/kit/sky-plus-hd-box/) with built in wifi (I think I saw something about ~300-400GB) for free (based on the offer page http://www.sky.com/shop/) or 49 GBP (100 NZD) one-off upgrade fee to the 2TB Sky+ Box, both also 3D ready - they already have limited 3D broadcasts etc.
1x free HD & 3D Multiroom box (http://www.sky.com/products/kit/sky-hd-box/)

I think Sky would be able to earn more and justify extra charges etc if they had a looksie at what Uncle Murdoch was doing. (i.e. more attractive/simpler offering, less alienation)

(Side note, apparently Sky UK boxes are owned by the account holder, which results in the likes of.... http://www.skyprotect.com/ maybe not all bad here....)

You see...this is the kind of thing that really annoys me and coming from the UK and experiencing the FAR superior Sky service i have actual experience of this.

We in NZ are begging/pleading/crying out/desperate for one or two more HD channels here in NZ....

However, In the UK, Sky are offering over 50 HD channels, an 3D channel and an amazing EPG with on demand service.

Yes we are only a county of 4 million or so people and yes, Sky have a relative monopoly on pay per viewing - but it goes to show how effective competition is. In the UK there is Virgin Media offering HD cable TV with internet that downloads at 100mb, Sky are feeling threatened and actually thinking about improving their service.

The most significant thing that should affect us in NZ is that Vodafone expand their TV service, directly challenging Sky's stranglehold on the market.

More and more of us are getting cable in our areas, and if Vodafone ramp up their TV offering, Sky will naturally pick up their game and start listening to their customers. I actually think its only a matter of time until Sky aren't sitting so happy on the top of the pay per view market and instead offer its customers a quality HD and catch up service.

Remember the Sky promises.....new channels...new services....? Really? Come on Sky NZ either get bought out by Foxtel or let Mr Murdoch in the UK provide us with a quality service...

you do know that Vodafone's TV service is just rebranded Sky, right? other than one or two meaningless niche things, all the content is identical. The reason for that is that Vodafone are buying it from Sky.

1 | 2