Watching Spark Sport (including launch and pricing)

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1572 posts

Uber Geek

#2195611 11-Mar-2019 10:14

Whilst I am a little disappointed there is no Android App yet, there is Chromecast support:

"Chromecast to an internet enabled TV from a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer"

So that'll work for me and I suspect most people. I think we need to relax a little on the lack of Android App. If it were no Chromecast support then that would be terrible.

GV27

5897 posts

Uber Geek

#2195612 11-Mar-2019 10:16

tdgeek:

Should they have not released a public beta?

The beta will be for the web platform and Apple devices though. Presumably the Android versions will then need to go through the same thing, during the F1 season.

ockel

2031 posts

Uber Geek

#2195614 11-Mar-2019 10:17

tdgeek:

ockel:

tdgeek:

I get that but its not the full release, its a beta release, for the public to play with for free and give feedback, that's how I see it

Spark Sport intends to launch later this week in public beta on a limited range of devices and apps*.

“The internet streaming platform is very nearly ready to launch and from a viewer experience perspective is looking great – we are just finetuning the last few outstanding issues,

As to Apple, its easier to write Apple apps, as they have a consistent base level, whereas Android you have to cater for many variables, devices, versions and so on. Thats why iOS often seems to be first off the block. End of the day Android must not be ready

Should they have not released a public beta?

Do bear in mind that 1 year after F1TV launched there is still only a limited range of devices available - and some of the Apple devices are via Safari rather than a native app. AFAIK Apple TV is still not supported for F1TV - despite assurances that it would be available in 2018.

And remember that SparkSport is using F1TV's provider for its content. How hard can it be to use your own front end that integrates with an existing backend provided by the host streaming broadcaster???

No idea. SS states that Apple TV and others will be available shortly after release, I'd take that as months. ATV4 support would be awesome

As did F1TV. From last years coverage "F1 TV will initially launch on desktop. Apple, Android and Amazon Fire mobile and tablet devices will launch shortly thereafter. By summer, the service will also be available to fans on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV." That was northern hemisphere summer 2018 - ie mid year last year. Whats the availability like now that Season2019 is about to commence?

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ALTRON

577 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2195615 11-Mar-2019 10:18

If the video quality (bitrate) isn't at least on par with skynz sport broadcast quality then what is the point in the 1st place?

Even a non tech savvy person (with good home connection) watching will be able to tell the difference.

Time will tell I guess.

Shindig

1587 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2195619 11-Mar-2019 10:19

I think the approach is good as well, why release the whole service, in a non-beta status and then have multiple failures; it will turn people off using the service.

This way, the label of a beta, then sets expectations.

Its being handled well, this is a new service that would have taken alot of work to put in place.

The little things make the biggest difference.

smcc

205 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2195621 11-Mar-2019 10:20

tdgeek:

And remember that SparkSport is using F1TV's provider for its content. How hard can it be to use your own front end that integrates with an existing backend provided by the host streaming broadcaster???

Not my understanding I thought they were using Sky UK's broadcast feed. (the same feed Sky NZ used last year). Sky UK have a companion app that allows access to some the F1TV onboard and timing feeds also I believe.

tdgeek

29749 posts

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#2195623 11-Mar-2019 10:21

GV27:

tdgeek:

Should they have not released a public beta?

The beta will be for the web platform and Apple devices though. Presumably the Android versions will then need to go through the same thing, during the F1 season.

Another poster said they are already testing in house. Maybe I am being overly positive but they are testing it themselves, public was offered a free beta access, Android is not ready enough yet. I don't really see a conspiracy. Maybe they should have not offered beta access until everything is near ready and near perfect, in which case there is no need to offer it at all until fully ready.

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Benoire

2798 posts

Uber Geek

#2195624 11-Mar-2019 10:21

The issue then is that you require a laptop or desktop available to cast... what happens if its in use by others in the family etc. lack of android support in this day and age at launch is 'criminal' to me and speaks loudly (along with SS lack of F1 coverage directly) about care of the customer; or its simply not ready for full release but the PR would be bad so lets go beta when it should have been ready.

smcc

205 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2195661 11-Mar-2019 10:26

Shindig:

I think the approach is good as well, why release the whole service, in a non-beta status and then have multiple failures; it will turn people off using the service.

This way, the label of a beta, then sets expectations.

Its being handled well, this is a new service that would have taken alot of work to put in place.

Not when Take into account their previous statements regarding availability. They could have been a lot more transparent. I think many will be disappointed that the service is not as ready as it should have been and the fact that many of the previously touted devices will not be supported. Leaving until the week of a key event is a bit poor IMO.

tdgeek

29749 posts

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#2195662 11-Mar-2019 10:26

ockel:

As did F1TV. From last years coverage "F1 TV will initially launch on desktop. Apple, Android and Amazon Fire mobile and tablet devices will launch shortly thereafter. By summer, the service will also be available to fans on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Apple TV." That was northern hemisphere summer 2018 - ie mid year last year. Whats the availability like now that Season2019 is about to commence?

I don't know, tell me

BTW, this is Spark Sport not F1. F1 is one part of coverage. The same issues apply to the other sports, so there is no point in making this an F1 issue. Perhaps it should have been held back till SS was fully ready

Chrisclarke

196 posts

Master Geek

#2195665 11-Mar-2019 10:27

Just received from Spark:

With the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2019 just around the corner we’ve had lots of questions from fans about when you’ll be able to sign up to Spark Sport. To make sure everyone will be able to watch this event, we’ve made some changes to how you’ll be able to watch.

Spark Sport will be live later this week, but we appreciate this won’t give you much time to get set up. So, in addition to being able to watch all of the races on Spark Sport you’ll also be able to watch the practice sessions live on TVNZ OnDemand and the qualifying and Grand Prix race live on TVNZ DUKE.

tdgeek

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#2195666 11-Mar-2019 10:28

smcc:

tdgeek:

And remember that SparkSport is using F1TV's provider for its content. How hard can it be to use your own front end that integrates with an existing backend provided by the host streaming broadcaster???

Not my understanding I thought they were using Sky UK's broadcast feed. (the same feed Sky NZ used last year). Sky UK have a companion app that allows access to some the F1TV onboard and timing feeds also I believe.

Note, I didn't say that @Ockel made that comment

langi27

676 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2195667 11-Mar-2019 10:28

Disappointing about lack of android but not really a show stopper. Streaming it on TVNZ app via my Mi Box will be the same user experience as streaming it on Spark Sports if it eventually arrives.

Is it just me or is Spark is doing all the heavy lifting, spending all the money and TVNZ is taking the cream and benefiting from the end product without lifting a finger?

If they are in bed together why not integrate Sparksports channels (behind a paywall) into the TVNZ's platform and distribution network. TVNZ has a reliable enough platform and its supported by all devices on day 1 of launch.

Benoire

2798 posts

Uber Geek

#2195668 11-Mar-2019 10:28

tdgeek:

BTW, this is Spark Sport not F1. F1 is one part of coverage. The same issues apply to the other sports, so there is no point in making this an F1 issue. Perhaps it should have been held back till SS was fully ready

Or that SS should have been ready earlier before the events that they have the rights for started, novel idea I appreciate but it does appear that SS is using the other sports for testing purposes and don't actually care.

tdgeek

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#2195670 11-Mar-2019 10:31

smcc:

Shindig:

I think the approach is good as well, why release the whole service, in a non-beta status and then have multiple failures; it will turn people off using the service.

This way, the label of a beta, then sets expectations.

Its being handled well, this is a new service that would have taken alot of work to put in place.

Not when Take into account their previous statements regarding availability. They could have been a lot more transparent. I think many will be disappointed that the service is not as ready as it should have been and the fact that many of the previously touted devices will not be supported. Leaving until the week of a key event is a bit poor IMO.

Can no one read?

Its NOT being released, its being made available for free beta access. As they always stated it will be ready early 2019. When its released as a full payable version thats different. Its Spark Sport not Spark F1

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