Watching Spark Sport (including launch and pricing)

Forums › Online streaming services › Watching Spark Sport (including launch and pricing)

1 | ... | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | ... | 180

Networkn
32873 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15475

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2291898 7-Aug-2019 20:03

Jase2985:

but does he actually read and understand it, and recognize that its a problem

Spark Sport is already offering preview content and pre-season friendlies on-demand. Lowered frame rate or not, the Herald has found the video quality on a par with HDTV, with the movement of the ball (a bugbear with previous EPL streamers) easy to follow.

Doesn't seem like it, or he has some magical device unaffected by the recent change.

I think the viewpoint has been made clear at this point that most people aren't happy with the quality. We need to now let Spark have some time with that feedback to determine if it's enough of an issue for them to fix (if they can), or try their luck with running the RWC at 30fps.

Another 30 pages of the same feedback isn't likely to change much, even if it makes people feel better. It's wait and see.

richms

29107 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10222

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2291904 7-Aug-2019 20:13

Jase2985:

but does he actually read and understand it, and recognize that its a problem

And I am sure he also understands where the money for his pay comes from and doesn't want to anger them.

Richard rich.ms

Stevereds

16 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 4

#2291948 7-Aug-2019 22:38

I have just done a "Chat" with Spark Sport and here is the full text. I have removed the Rep's name as I think that is fair. Make of it what you will........I personally think it will be a big "fingers crossed" exercise and I am not hopeful in the slightest once the full weight of streaming hits Spark Sport......

The Rep says: "No the quality will be flawless HD :)" and "We definitely plan to change this back to 60." but then seems to retreat from these statements as the conversation develops.

(Rep name withheld): Hi Stephen, my name is (Rep name withheld), how may I help you?

Me: Hi (Rep name withheld), I read that Spark Sport are lowering the broadcast frame rate for the Rugby World Cup so I have been streaming the games you have on your site from the last World Cup. I am finding them actually unwatchable as the judder when there is fast movement is making me nauseous like motion sickness. Is this going to be the experience when the competition starts? I have already paid for the Rugby World Cup but I will be asking for a refund if this will be the quality it is broadcast in. It is certainly sharp enough but when the movement starts it is a juddery mess.

(Rep name withheld): Hey Stephen, great question!

(Rep name withheld): No the quality will be flawless HD :)

Me: The reports at the moment are saying the framerate has been decreased from 60fps to 30fps. This is fine for slow programs but is not good for sports. Can you please confirm the framerate will be 60fps

(Rep name withheld): You read the Herald article? Yes we did kick off with 60fps and have changed it down to 30fps to support a number of devices that don't work on 60. We definitely plan to change this back to 60.

Me: If you are definitely planning to have it stream at 60fps then that is great and it might be a good idea to post this information on the Geekzone site as you are not getting very good press there right now. https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=151&topicid=243611&page_no=120. Is the EPL that starts this weekend going to be broadcast in 60FPS?

(Rep name withheld): I am unsure when it will be switched back to 60 sorry

Me: Ok thanks for your feedback and I am just confirming with you that the Rugby World Cup will be broadcast in 60FPS. Is this DEFINITELY correct?

(Rep name withheld): I am unsure when it will be switched back so No I cannot confirm this will be broadcast in 60FPS

(Rep name withheld): But if I was to venture a guess I would yes, It would be a disaster otherwise

Me: You said "We definitely plan to change this back to 60." but it is no good if this changes to 60FPS after the World Cup! I assumed you were sure of this. Now it seems you are hedging your bets a bit.....and you are right it would be a disaster as we watch these big games on a large screen projector at home and the 30FPS is actually unwatchable on such a large screen. As I mentioned earlier how do I go about getting a refund if it looks like you are not going to be able to do 60FPS? Will you even offer a refund if that happens?

(Rep name withheld): I can arrange a refund for you if you like?

Me: Well as long as broadcast is 60FPS I do not want a refund as I am desperate to watch the Rugby World Cup! But I literally cannot watch it if it is at the lower framerate.....it just makes me feel sick. When do you think the 60FPS will be locked in?

(Rep name withheld): I am unsure when it will be switched back.

(Rep name withheld): We have not been given a date yet from any of our dev team

Me: Ok thanks for your help and I will keep an eye on this and hopefully it is all sorted out soon........please don't stuff this up....:-)

(Rep name withheld): No worries, take care :)

Batman

Mad Scientist
30014 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2291954 7-Aug-2019 23:02

I am none-the-wiser from the chat you had. Still no LG app.

arnies

554 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 103

ID Verified

#2292109 8-Aug-2019 09:19

Months ago when I asked Spark about the RWC they said it would be in 30fps.
This was before the perceived switch from 60 to 30 some people are seeing.

frednz

1467 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 429
Inactive user

#2292110 8-Aug-2019 09:19

Batman:
I am none-the-wiser from the chat you had. Still no LG app.

I think it was a very worthwhile chat and I think Spark should now come out with a press statement which says exactly how the RWC will be broadcast, because if it's in the lower definition, I will ask for a refund, as no doubt will hundreds of others.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

networkn

Networkn
32873 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15475

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2292112 8-Aug-2019 09:23

Not lower resolution, lower frame rate, there is a difference.

I wonder how many won't have a clue what Spark are on about until they view it. I wonder what their policy will be regarding refunds after the tournament starts and what people are going to do to watch all the games if they can't reasonably watch it on Spark Sports as a result of the 30fps?

I do think there is still a chance they will sort this out, but they are cutting it fine and it may delay other features.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30014 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2292121 8-Aug-2019 09:38

The FTA broadcast is at 50fps?

trig42

5889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2094

ID Verified

#2292123 8-Aug-2019 09:43

Does anyone know what RugbyPass stream in? 30 or 60fps?

I find RugbyPass quite watchable (but will be switching over to SkySportNow when it launches).

If Spark Sport looks as good or better than RugbyPass, I'll be OK. If it is juddery and jerky (and my wife notices it), I'll be asking for a refund.

Spark - One chance - please don't stuff it up. The 'mainstream' media would love you to cock this up, think of the clicks they'd generate.

I'm not confident based on others experiences here, but I'm happy to be proved wrong.

freaknout

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#2292126 8-Aug-2019 09:45

Just reading through, and excuse my ignorance, but can someone explain to me how the bitrate can remain the same at the same resolution when the FPS halves? Surely that’s just wrong?

For what’s it’s worth I imagine the change is down to ensuring quality of service once the demand ramps up. The World Cup is not far away and that will put considerable strain across the network. A downgrade now is going to impact a lot less people than the middle of the World Cup!

Can I also ask, that’s the best way to watch. I can use my iPad etc but will need to cast to the TV. Would it be better to buy an Apple TV or something to avoid the casting?

Thanks
J

ALTRON

579 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 60

#2292127 8-Aug-2019 09:46

Twitter account says there will be no 60fps for RWC2019

VERY disappointing.

Im not too sure that spark understands that there are a lot of passionate sports fans in NZ who want the best quality available.

Why did spark even buy the RWC in the first place if they were just going to produce the same thing as sky has done for decades.

relieved I didn't purchase the early bird tournament pass.

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

networkn

Networkn
32873 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 15475

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2292128 8-Aug-2019 09:49

ALTRON:

relieved I didn't purchase the early bird tournament pass.

Why? Wouldn't make any difference, you'd just request a refund, and get one.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30014 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2292130 8-Aug-2019 09:52

freaknout: Just reading through, and excuse my ignorance, but can someone explain to me how the bitrate can remain the same at the same resolution when the FPS halves? Surely that’s just wrong?

That's what I'm saying, something smells fishy.
I sincerely think the reason given (some devices can't support) is not the real reason, which is service reliability for all. Be it bandwidth or something else.

No offence to Spark, but that's what I think. I'm not a 6 year old kid.

evilonenz

/dev/urandom
291 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 152

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2292131 8-Aug-2019 09:52

If the information via twitter is 100% accurate, I will be requesting a refund ASAP.

I played around last night using the Smart TV app on my Samsung TV and casting, both of which have terrible judder on high speed ball movements (tested using some of the old content they've included with the RWC2019 pass). It actually made me feel motion sick at one point, which is horrible given I generally don't suffer from it!

Smokeping

Referral Links:

Quic - Use code R536299EPGOCN at checkout for free setup
Contact Energy - Use code FRTQDXB for $100 credit

tdgeek

30048 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9455

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2292133 8-Aug-2019 09:56

freaknout: Just reading through, and excuse my ignorance, but can someone explain to me how the bitrate can remain the same at the same resolution when the FPS halves? Surely that’s just wrong?

For what’s it’s worth I imagine the change is down to ensuring quality of service once the demand ramps up. The World Cup is not far away and that will put considerable strain across the network. A downgrade now is going to impact a lot less people than the middle of the World Cup!

Can I also ask, that’s the best way to watch. I can use my iPad etc but will need to cast to the TV. Would it be better to buy an Apple TV or something to avoid the casting?

Thanks
J

What I see, is the the image looks just as good as before. Sideways panning is juddery. If the race car or rugby player licked the ball towards the camera it would look fine, as there is minimal panning. Sideways the ball, or at leats the tennis ball in Wimbledon was on off on off.

I used to cast or Airplay from an iPad, that was fine albeit cumbersome. The ATV4 app makes it super easy. Some dont like the remote but I think its fine

1 | ... | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | ... | 180