Sky upgrades to high definition

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amigo

161 posts

Master Geek

#17025 8-Nov-2007 16:12

Finally some more definiate information about the future of Sky and HD.

http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/tech/98797DBD856D488DCC25738A006947EA

I've held off getting a MySky box, as I figured that a higher spec HD one would be required before too long. Sky have always said that the MySky was just a "one-off" cost, but I wonder if they'll charge another upgrade cost for those with the old boxes. Or will they automatically upgrade an old box if you play a premium HD subscription. Will be interessting to see.

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534 posts

Ultimate Geek

#94301 8-Nov-2007 17:11

If their only HD offering is via an updated MySky unit then Sky are going to have to offer a pretty reasonable deal as most of the take up would obviously be from existing MySky customers.

I have a feeling the other area where they may have to get more flexible soon is providing more than one video stream option ie more than one mpeg decoder as people get used to instant access from internet/home networks etc

rugrat

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#94321 8-Nov-2007 19:07

My TV has only a DVI connection so doubt it will support HDCP, so means I'll have to fork out a $1000 plus to watch it, even though I have a TV capable of 720p - works fine through VGA connection with computer.

I will probably only bother if I can get something that won't copy protect the free view signal, as the signal isn't sabataged from transmission point. If I can find something to do that then it probably will be bye, bye sky.

Spong

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#94369 8-Nov-2007 22:49

Rather than buying a new TV, you could consider buying an HDFury (HDMI to VGA convertor). It supports HDCP and has received a lot of good press overseas. Cost is around US$130. I'm thinking of getting one for my HDMI deficient Panasonic Plasma. Also, some believe that SKY and Freeview will allow HD over component or at least over HDMI without enforcing HDCP if the overseas experience in the UK and USA is anything to go by. Here's hoping.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

rugrat

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#94377 8-Nov-2007 23:56

HDfury looks great, thanks. I'll go that way if it's needed.

maverick

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WorldxChange

#94389 9-Nov-2007 08:45

Can't wait, every time I go to the States I drool over the HD there...HD Sport is fantastic, My Plasmas has a couple of HD feed just waiting to be used

,

Bring it on Sky, I will be a Trial customer , so this is what it's like to be a customer waiting for new services

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cyril7

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#94394 9-Nov-2007 09:09

This whole issue of lack of HDCP support on earlier TVs has been discussed in depth before, but at this time and at least for the forseable future (2012 is a rumoured date) it appears that broadcasters worldwide (including NewsCorp operations such as SkyUK, SkyItalia) are not switching the ICT flag. One assume Sky NZ will do the same.

This means that the new Sky HD box should output 1080i or 720p as broadcast from the analog component outputs for the first few years of its introduction. You still require a HDCP handshake to get anything out of the HDMI port.

Cyril

allstarnz

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#94417 9-Nov-2007 10:32

that article is very vague.

there is no actual mention of on MySky boxes, nor a proper launch date. I assume it's mid 2008 for all services regardless of the format (non MySky v Sky)

Good news to see they're finally making some progress about this, it's long overdue.

As for the VOD, they really need to come up with some sort of third party, as I imagine the data files would really eat up data caps in next to no time.

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lchiu7

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#94423 9-Nov-2007 10:52

allstarnz: that article is very vague.

there is no actual mention of on MySky boxes, nor a proper launch date. I assume it's mid 2008 for all services regardless of the format (non MySky v Sky)

Good news to see they're finally making some progress about this, it's long overdue.

As for the VOD, they really need to come up with some sort of third party, as I imagine the data files would really eat up data caps in next to no time.

Direct TV in the US has just launced a VOD service but as you might imagine, it's via broadband

http://www.directstartv.com/direct-tv-blog/directv-rolls-out-vod-p81.html

As you say it will need much better negotiation regarding broadband data plans for this to work here. Perhaps going back to the days when local and international traffic was charged differently and/or Sky works a deal with a local ISP to somehow differentiate and charge less for (or subsidise) VOD traffic.

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BrettFoss

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#95128 14-Nov-2007 12:09

I understand the main driver to push HD is to protect copyright. The likes of Paramount and Universal don't want us recording and burning to disc their movies. The HD capability allows for encryption technology that stops you recording Sky Movies or Box Office. Most NZer's struggle to justify the cost of Sky subscription let alone getting forced into $ki's of expence for HDMI capable box. Sky would commit corporate suicide!

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#95132 14-Nov-2007 12:36

BrettFoss:
I understand the main driver to push HD is to protect copyright. The likes of Paramount and Universal don't want us recording and burning to disc their movies. The HD capability allows for encryption technology that stops you recording Sky Movies or Box Office. Most NZer's struggle to justify the cost of Sky subscription let alone getting forced into $ki's of expence for HDMI capable box. Sky would commit corporate suicide!

Why? You don't pay for your box or ever own so customer won't have to pay to upgrade.

Virtually nobody around the world is enabling the HDCP flag anyway, it will be very interesting to see if Sky (and Freeview with their DVB-T HD broadcasts) do go down this track.

bazzer

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#95135 14-Nov-2007 13:16

You don't think Sky will charge an "installation fee" or whatever they call it to upgrade from SD box to HD box? Almost guaranteed they will, I'd have thought. Then charge extra per month for the HD channels I guess.

old3eyes

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#95137 14-Nov-2007 13:18

sbiddle:

Why? You don't pay for your box or ever own so customer won't have to pay to upgrade.
.

I'll believe that when i see it. "Want to upgrade to HD. It will coast you $xxx plus an additional $xx per month"

Regards,

Old3eyes

cyril7

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#95139 14-Nov-2007 13:34

My memory is a bit rusty, but was there not a media release a few months back indicating that the HD PVR would be around half the cost of the SD MySky, so that means a new PVR sub is around $300. What they charge for an upgrade for current MySky subs and any extra monthly costs for HD is anyones guess.

Cyril

Spong

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#95140 14-Nov-2007 13:40

I'm pretty sure they stated that MySky2 would be approx $100 less than the current MySky. Not certain though.

Tivo upgrades to operate with the new OzTivo EPG, support and service. Over 400 performed here so far. See: www.hillcrest.net.nz

bazzer

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#95141 14-Nov-2007 14:06

cyril7: My memory is a bit rusty, but was there not a media release a few months back indicating that the HD PVR would be around half the cost of the SD MySky, so that means a new PVR sub is around $300. What they charge for an upgrade for current MySky subs and any extra monthly costs for HD is anyones guess.

If that's the case then I'll be very interested when it finally arrives. $600 for the SD box is too much IMO, but it is pretty tempting. However, I wouldn't want to spend that money and then be stuck with the SD box or an upgrade charge to the HD model, so I'm holding off. $300 for the HD box is worth holding out for I think.

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