The Foxtel Footy Channel

[daisycutter 28,567]

Rhett

I agree with Diesel. I have no interest whatever in the raft of Foxtel packages. I want to pay for individual channels (ie Footy). The way Foxtel is currently marketed I either pay for a pile of stuff I don't want or I get nothing (and pay you nothing). Please tell your marketing gurus that that model is not the wave of the future.

and me too

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,214]

I doubt that any provider in the history of pay television has ever offered users the option of taking a single channel... the logistics involved would be ridiculously complicated when you consider how many channels there are and the number of permutations you could end up with if the viewing public had carte blanche. For simplicity's sake, they need to operate from a basic service than can be built upon.

I would say the cost of individual channels would probably mean you ended up paying an equivalent amount or thereabouts.

[andyc3068 3]

Hi Rhett,

Good on you for answering questions. I've had the Xbox 360 subscription in the past. Will the AFL channel be available through xbox and will it show live games or just replays?

Thanks

[daisycutter 28,567]

I doubt that any provider in the history of pay television has ever offered users the option of taking a single channel... the logistics involved would be ridiculously complicated when you consider how many channels there are and the number of permutations you could end up with if the viewing public had carte blanche. For simplicity's sake, they need to operate from a basic service that can then be built upon.

not that complicated at all hardtack - haven't you heard of computers?

the reasons are not ones of complexity - merely commercial monopoly and greed

as diesel said why should I pay for something i don't want especially when it is the majority of the cost?

[45HG 1,539]

I've heard that you have the packages because essentially paying for a channel you may not want subsidises the cost of someone getting another channel that they would like and vice versa.

Selecting individual channels would, I assume, vastly increase the cost.

[rbartlett 3]

Andyc3068 - It's a good question - and at the moment, no full prices/content have been announced. However this AFL link probably begins to answer your question.

http://www.afl.com.au/2012%20broadcast%20information/tabid/18527/default.aspx

Once I receive further information I will post it.

Rhett Bartlett

Opinions are mine

FOXTEL Employee

@rhettrospective

[hardtack 10,127]

not that complicated at all hardtack - haven't you heard of computers?

the reasons are not ones of complexity - merely commercial monopoly and greed

as diesel said why should I pay for something i don't want especially when it is the majority of the cost?

Yes, to an extent it is about commercial monopolies and greed... but do not for one minute believe that just because something is computerised it suddenly becomes simple. I work for the world's leading database software provider and believe me, they can sometimes make the most simple looking processes ridiculously convoluted and complicated.

As alluded to by big_red, the costs of being able to create your own programming schedule by selecting individual channels, would end up costing as much, if not more, than the standard packages they already have in place.

[andyc3068 3]

Thanks for the link Rhett. Looks like it will be good news

[sue 8,440]

I've heard that you have the packages because essentially paying for a channel you may not want subsidises the cost of someone getting another channel that they would like and vice versa.

Selecting individual channels would, I assume, vastly increase the cost.

If you are right then it will be the death knell of Pay TV. On the internet I can download (and pay for) a single music track, I don't have to buy an album. And that is for an album of a performer I actually like. On PayTV it is like having to download an album of tracks from performers you don't like just to get one track of a performer you do.

Of course you can expect to pay more per channel if you only select one or a few - depends on what their real set-up costs are compared to what they charge for installation. But at the moment Foxtel doesn't give you that choice!

Wouldn't the fact that I had the equipment installed and a good experience for one channel, make it easier for Foxtel to sell me more.

[hardtack 10,127]

Regardless of what any of us think about the programming options/packages/pricing on Foxtel, I get the feeling that Rhett isn't in any position to influence Foxtel's policy on such matters.

[daisycutter 28,567]

Yes, to an extent it is about commercial monopolies and greed... but do not for one minute believe that just because something is computerised it suddenly becomes simple. I work for the world's leading database software provider and believe me, they can sometimes make the most simple looking processes ridiculously convoluted and complicated.

As alluded to by big_red, the costs of being able to create your own programming schedule by selecting individual channels, would end up costing as much, if not more, than the standard packages they already have in place.

looks like I'll be missing out on Foxtel-AFL then

and Foxtel will be missing out on some easy money - c'est la vie

and offering a single only package like Foxtel Sports would not stress the worlds leading db software provider I'm sure (at least 35 years IT technical experience tells me)

nobody's asking for individual channel selection, just the ability to select an existing package without the base and probably for a 6mth contract and at a reasonable price

FFS this is the 21st century!

[Steamin Demon 370]

Note for Foxtel ppl:

I wont be subscribing until I can get the Footy Channel ONLY! I don't have to buy the whole menu at my local eatery and pay TV should be no different! Otherwise guess I will not watching not much footy on the TV this year with 7 being habitually crap!

Would you subscribe if the FOX FOOTY channel alone was $50 a month?

Edited January 9, 2012 by Steamin Demon

[Bossdog 2,002]

Foxtel's packages for the basic plan + footy channel I would consider fairly cheap.

It depends how much you want to watch your team every week (When you are not at the "G" of course)

[hardtack 10,127]

...

and offering a single only package like Foxtel Sports would not stress the worlds leading db software provider I'm sure (at least 35 years IT technical experience tells me)

nobody's asking for individual channel selection, just the ability to select an existing package without the base and probably for a 6mth contract and at a reasonable price

I actually wasn't suggesting that there was any connection between Foxtel and the db software provider... was just stating that sometimes what might be considered simple, isn't always so.

It is possible to purchase the basic raft of programs for $45pm and get the Sports channels on top of that for $16 extra per month (I doubt it would be much cheaper if you could get individual channels).

Also, I may be wrong, but as far as I am aware (and from memory after talking with Foxtel reps), it should be possible to deactivate the sports channels for as long as you like, so you would only pay the extra while you have it activated, presumably for the duration of the footy season.

Edited January 9, 2012 by hardtack

[rolly 149]

no wait on the gold coast for foxtel at the moment..24hour turn-around for installation.

can't wait for the season to begin!

[daisycutter 28,567]

I actually wasn't suggesting that there was any connection between Foxtel and the db software provider... was just stating that sometimes what might be considered simple, isn't always so.

I didn't say there was a connection, just that I don't think [Oracle?] would have even the slightest problem handling such a simple requirement

It is possible to purchase the basic raft of programs for $45pm and get the Sports channels on top of that for $16 extra per month (I doubt it would be much cheaper if you could get individual channels).

Also, I may be wrong, but as far as I am aware (and from memory after talking with Foxtel reps), it should be possible to deactivate the sports channels for as long as you like, so you would only pay the extra while you have it activated, presumably for the duration of the footy season.

You are missing the point entirely. Ah well forget it. My loss and Foxtel's loss

Internet TV will ultimately offer better choices

[Arrow 1,257]

Understand where you and sue are coming from but at the end of the day their business plan clearly suggests they see better opportunities in making people get full packages. Yes it may remove people from you from the package, but I can guarantee constantly heading to a friends every weekend to catch games or hearing about how much better the coverage is will probably see you signing up for the basic package + sport this time in 4 months.

[sue 8,440]

Understand where you and sue are coming from but at the end of the day their business plan clearly suggests they see better opportunities in making people get full packages. Yes it may remove people from you from the package, but I can guarantee constantly heading to a friends every weekend to catch games or hearing about how much better the coverage is will probably see you signing up for the basic package + sport this time in 4 months.

Yep, that's their business plan. But it is dated. I will be very amused if Optus wins the court case.

In the meantime I will pop along to my local club and watch Foxtel for $0 usually with a group of supporters of each side which makes it a bit more like going to the footy than watching at home anyway. (I'd go to the match but sadly I don't live in melb.)

[Arrow 1,257]

Yep, that's their business plan. But it is dated. I will be very amused if Optus wins the court case.

In the meantime I will pop along to my local club and watch Foxtel for $0 usually with a group of supporters of each side which makes it a bit more like going to the footy than watching at home anyway. (I'd go to the match but sadly I don't live in melb.)

Absolutely. Wholeheartedly agree with the atmosphere comment, I just found id go to the pub was a few beers and a Parma and be spending more in 2 weeks than getting foxtel for the month!

However at the end of the day it isn't for everyone and I understand your point I'm just mentioning I can't see it happening for a while.

I'm moderately sure Austar does a more flexible package than Foxtel an theyll be showing foxfooty. Maybe look up their website it's also cheaper too!

[diesel 420]

Rhett

I agree with Diesel. I have no interest whatever in the raft of Foxtel packages. I want to pay for individual channels (ie Footy). The way Foxtel is currently marketed I either pay for a pile of stuff I don't want or I get nothing (and pay you nothing). Please tell your marketing gurus that that model is not the wave of the future.

Spot on Sue!

I have no idea why so many others think differently i.e. you get this & this etc. etc. or "it only costs" per week/per month, whatever! Fox habitually fail to address this issue? Perhaps it's because pay TV had a captive market using this model in other countries for decades before it came to Australia?

In 2012 we have technology which can deliver pay per view, we have the internet, we have 3G/4G communications. I am a fan of ABC's iview and have watched games on Bigpond (albeit on delay). Foxtel already employs all these innovations so this whole tiered pay TV concept belongs to another era.

My circumstances mean I don't watch much TV and sure don't need 24 weather, mind numbing re-runs or Fashion TV piped into my abode. I would however watch a fair bit of their footy channel, so Foxtel.....put up!! Surely a small return on your investment is better than none you'll otherwise be getting from me?

[daisycutter 28,567]

Spot on Sue!

I have no idea why so many others think differently i.e. you get this & this etc. etc. or "it only costs" per week/per month, whatever! Fox habitually fail to address this issue? Perhaps it's because pay TV had a captive market using this model in other countries for decades before it came to Australia?

In 2012 we have technology which can deliver pay per view, we have the internet, we have 3G/4G communications. I am a fan of ABC's iview and have watched games on Bigpond (albeit on delay). Foxtel already employs all these innovations so this whole tiered pay TV concept belongs to another era.

My circumstances mean I don't watch much TV and sure don't need 24 weather, mind numbing re-runs or Fashion TV piped into my abode. I would however watch a fair bit of their footy channel, so Foxtel.....put up!! Surely a small return on your investment is better than none you'll otherwise be getting from me?

and spot-on Diesel

summed it up nicely

[McQueen 17,864]

I'm happy to pay the extra for the time being. My missus has told me my Birthday gifts are accounted for the next ten years (hopefully inflation will help me out a little and cut in half).

$50 for all games and a 24 hr footy channel means a lot and is reasonable value in my opinion. Being in WA, I have to watch Friday night footy from 8.30pm (the game is already finished), listen to and read news reports that are heavily biased towards Freo and WCE and be subjected to local radio stations cutting from the MFC Vs ? game at 3 qtr time to go live to Subi.

I've put up with this for 5 years since returning to Aus and it has worn very thin.

I can't wait to watch the boys play live, record the game without ad breaks, and access the latest AFL news 24 hrs a day (web aside). The Missus however, doesn't share my enthusiasm.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,214]

If you are right then it will be the death knell of Pay TV. On the internet I can download (and pay for) a single music track, I don't have to buy an album. And that is for an album of a performer I actually like. On PayTV it is like having to download an album of tracks from performers you don't like just to get one track of a performer you do.

Of course you can expect to pay more per channel if you only select one or a few - depends on what their real set-up costs are compared to what they charge for installation. But at the moment Foxtel doesn't give you that choice!

Wouldn't the fact that I had the equipment installed and a good experience for one channel, make it easier for Foxtel to sell me more.

Its not about set up costs its about what FOXTEL would have to buy the channel for from the distributor if it is potentially going to 80-90% less people. Its also about how much less advertising revenue they could obtain from advertisers when there is less opportunity for people to be watching a channel. This is without considering other complexities like managing and marketing individual channel options for 200+ channel service. Higher channel costs and less advertising revenue would mean you would likely end up paying a similar price for the handpicked package that you want.

[Lil_red_fire_engine 10,214]

Spot on Sue!

I have no idea why so many others think differently i.e. you get this & this etc. etc. or "it only costs" per week/per month, whatever! Fox habitually fail to address this issue? Perhaps it's because pay TV had a captive market using this model in other countries for decades before it came to Australia?

In 2012 we have technology which can deliver pay per view, we have the internet, we have 3G/4G communications. I am a fan of ABC's iview and have watched games on Bigpond (albeit on delay). Foxtel already employs all these innovations so this whole tiered pay TV concept belongs to another era.

My circumstances mean I don't watch much TV and sure don't need 24 weather, mind numbing re-runs or Fashion TV piped into my abode. I would however watch a fair bit of their footy channel, so Foxtel.....put up!! Surely a small return on your investment is better than none you'll otherwise be getting from me?

Looking at what is charged for other events ie: Boxing lets assume a PPV match is charged at $20. So watching one match per round would cost you $80 per month. Rather than access to 36 matches per month plus footy shows plus plus a whole bunch of other channels you could choose to watch (or not) for under $70 per month.

Edited January 9, 2012 by big_red_fire_engine

[daisycutter 28,567]

Its not about set up costs its about what FOXTEL would have to buy the channel for from the distributor if it is potentially going to 80-90% less people. Its also about how much less advertising revenue they could obtain from advertisers when there is less opportunity for people to be watching a channel. This is without considering other complexities like managing and marketing individual channel options for 200+ channel service. Higher channel costs and less advertising revenue would mean you would likely end up paying a similar price for the handpicked package that you want.

yadda yadda yadda

btw Fox AFL is supposed to be ad free isn't it?