Join Freesat

We are pleased to say that our chat went ahead with Freesat as planned, so thank you to Helen at fireflycomms for arranging, and to Janet Morrow for giving us such a large allocation of time.

Janet Morrow works for Freesat in the capacity of communications. Janet is actually employed and works for the BBC, but has been seconded to Freesat part-time to assist in ensuring accurate information is available to the public domain. Whilst the information we can give is more ‘fact’ than ‘exclusive news’, it does at least settle a few debates and was a very worthwhile conversation. Janet spent as much time going through each question as we needed, going into more detail than asked at times so we very much appreciate it.

Rather than a Q&A, we’ll just give the information as points:

Hardware

The first DTR/PVR receivers should be available in the autumn of this year. Speculation of delays meaning an end of 2008 / early 2009 release are totally unfounded. Humax are the only manufacturer of the DTR/PVR receiver, Alba Group and Panasonic are not involved (very interesting).

No other company (including Pace) are signed up to manufacture Freesat boxes at this time, but naturally if any discussions are happening, they couldn’t be discussed at this time. The question over whether Humax and Alba Group have an exclusivity agreement is being found out for us.

Channels

There is no truth in software issues being the reason for delays in the launch of regional ITV channels or additional FTA channels. Freesat want to make it very clear that because this is the first batch of channels since launch, they are taking extra care to ensure that everything goes technically smooth, as obviously this is now a live product.

All ITV regions and additional FTA channels (including but not limited to, ITV2+1, Film Four+1, E4+1 and More4+1, Zone Horror, Zone Reality, Kix and BET as well as digital radio stations including Capital Radio, Virgin Radio and XFM) will be available late July 2008.

Freesat confirmed and openly wish to make clear that an EPG slot on Freesat is £30,000 per year for TV channels and £5,000 per year for Radio channels.

We asked whether empty channels such as 109 and 110 are pre-allocated, or whether it’s a first come first serve basis. Janet was unsure and will find out, but suspects they may be pre-allocated to ensure that specific genres are placed within certain channel ranges.

Freesat still believe that close to 200 channels will be available by the end of the year. They couldn’t comment on whether any FTA channels (other than those mentioned above) are signed up already, only that discussions are taking place.

It’s not Freesat’s intention to mirror Freeview’s channels in any way. They treat digital terrestrial and digital satellite as two very different platforms as different regulations and agreements are in place. They know that gaining existing subscription channels like Dave, UK History etc will be almost impossible due to the way in which they are funded.

Freesat’s official statement on channel FIVE being available on the platform is “definatly in 2008″. Whilst Freesat didn’t comment, FIVE has said that FIVER and FIVE US won’t be.

Freesat have no indication of if/when C4 HD will be available on the platform. Given that they’ve made it clear that FIVE will be on Freesat this year, it would suggest that C4 HD hasn’t been agreed, or won’t happen this year. They couldn’t comment on C4 HD’s existing Sky contract or the reasons why C4 HD have not created a duplicate channel in the same way as C4. They do however see C4 HD as an important addition to the Freesat platform, as the more HD content the better.

We really needed to speak to the broadcasters directly, but Freesat’s understanding of the further production of HD content from BBC HD and ITV HD is ongoing. BBC HD will have 300 hours of Olympics this summer, as well as Wimbledon. ITV HD have said they will start with major sporting events (i.e. Euro 2008), followed within 2008 by premium movies and premium dramas.

Alba Group’s lack of ‘add channel’ functionality is not the responsibility of Freesat, nor was it requested as part of Freesat’s original tech spec. They are however working closely with Alba Group to ensure that this is implemented within the next few weeks. Both parties are aware of the EU regulations to provide, and are working to resolve.

We asked when ITV HD will be available in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Freesat say soon, but must stress that the decision to incorporate ITV HD was given to all ITV companies, of which both NI and Scotland chose not to accept.

Whilst Freesat wouldn’t say never, they did say that ITV HD must remain an interactive service, not a full channel. The official statement given to Freesat by ITV was that regulations mean that ITV HD as an individual channel is not commercially viable. Freesat are going to find out more on this, as they were only provided a single line statement. Freesat are adamant that ITV HD has launched as an interactive service for this very reason, and not to offer Freesat a HD advantage over Sky to encourage its early day uptake.

General

Freesat will continue to allow Sky to use the word “freesat” in their promotions of their own free service. They do not believe that both platforms using the name will cause any confusion (this is a point we may need to blog separately about at a later date once Freesat has been in the market for 6 months or so).

Freesat do not see their service as overtaking or replacing Freeview, nor as a competitor to Sky; they see it as a choice for the general consumer.

No official figures on the uptake of Freesat are available. Any indications given on the web are pure guess work.

Freesat are not aware of an issue with emailing visitors to their old site who wanted updates on the release. We explained that there must be thousands who didn’t receive and only a handful that did. They are going to find out for us.

Another burning question we and many of you wanted to know was what advertising is in place, or will be in place to promote Freesat to the masses. The answer in no uncertain terms was not very much. However, Janet did explain the reasons why. Freesat have a very small marketing budget which doesn’t allow them enough funds to promote the service in its own right via television media. They are promoting on radio and in national press, but are relying on associated companies like retailers etc to put the brand name across. Freesat made particular mention to Panasonic and their efforts to promote not only their new plasma’s, but the Freesat service associated with them. Its Freesat’s intention with the small budget they have to focus on areas where Freeview (terrestrial digital) signal is not available, which is why recent promotions in Wales have taken place, including 10% discounts at Comet etc. Anglia is next for promotional work. ITV television advertising is too expensive, and BBC is unable to promote the Freesat brand due to their unbiased policy. Whilst BBC mention Freesat as part of their recent BBC HD advertisement campaign, they must also mention all other available platforms fairly. Freesat wanted to make clear that Sky’s recent Sky+ campaign likely cost more to advertise than Freesat’s entire annual budget…for everything.

Whilst no breaking news, at least a few points have been clarified which should ease doubts and concerns. Janet was keen to point out that they are working hard to develop the service, and whilst it seems like a long time, it’s only been 6 weeks since launch and its very early days.

Again, we’d like to thank Janet for the time spent talking to us.

Could we just ask that if you mention any of the above on other sites, forums etc that you make reference to joinfreesat.co.uk, so the appropriate recognition is given. Thanks.

Not quite an official annoucement but its beleived that Channel 4 will be available on the freesat platform (FTA) from launch.

Originally we beleived that Channel 4 would have to wait until their existing contract with Sky ends in October, but it seems that they might have found a solution to this (no idea how!).

According to avid satellite programming fans, Channel 4 has appeared on the Astra2D satellite beam, which is a great indicator of almost being ready to launch, and the timing would seem highly coincidental with the freesat launch. Astra2D by the way is the beam used for FTA channels such as BBC and ITV.

We don’t have confirmed reports on whether the rest of the Channel 4 channels (E4, More4 etc) will be available too, as their present contract with Sky is for subscription availability, not FTV like Channel 4. It is beleived though that slots for these channels are appearing on the Astra2D beam also.

No news on Five as yet, although its suggested that they are pushing for launch too. Great news.

With the obvious impact freesat might have on Sky’s customer intake, how will Sky respond? freesat is expected to offer not only the range of free channels (which will be available on Sky anyway!) but also the attractive options of a PVR with no charges. At present, Sky’s Sky+ service is FREE, but ONLY if you are an existing subscriber, packaging starting from £16 per month. If you don’t subscribe to Sky, you can get the Sky+ functionality, but at a cost of £10 per month.

You might think its a simple decision of Sky dropping the charge and allowing non-subscription customers use of the Sky+ service, especially considering that more Sky units always means the potential for more Sky subscribers in the future. However, what needs to be taken into account is the fact that Sky have hundreds of thousands of existing subscribers on the minimum £16 per month package. This might be because they enjoy just one range of channels, but most likely because they wish to utilise the Sky+ PVR service, as it simply is amazing technology. The risk to Sky is that dropping the charge might encourage customers to Sky, but at the same time might risk a drop in subscribtion customers deciding they no longer need to subscribe!

There’s been no official word from the Sky camp yet, as they usually do allow time for rival services to launch and monitor how they get on, but unofficial word has it that its been raised but changes won’t happy for a few months, even at all this year.

Tricky predicament ahead we think.

The battle for free satellite tv is hotting up, but with what we know, how do things stand? Fair enough its hard to put both platforms to battle before one has even launched, but lets give it a go anyway

Working on the assumption that freesat are launching a standard receiver only (to begin with), they are going to have to compete with Sky’s existing £150 deal (BBC are presently claiming a £180 price tag) . freesat 0 Sky 1.

The freesat service is likely to have a much more reliable receivers, made from household brands like Humax. Not only will they function better, but they will probably look better too. freesat 1 Sky 1.

The freesat EPG (the channel listings and programme guide) is said to be very flexible, allowing you to tailored to suit your channel preferences, order, region etc. The Sky EPG is fixed and not very user friendly. freesat 2 Sky 1.

C4, C4+1, Five, Five Life, Five US, Sky Three and Setanta Sports News are all FTV channels at present, which means freesat won’t be able to access them. Fair enough the last few aren’t that important to most, but C4 and Five will be. freesat 2 Sky 2.

E4, E4+1, More4 and More4+1 presently remain subscription only channels, which means they can only be gained through a subscription to Sky, starting at £16 per month. As we are focusing on the available ‘free’ channels, whether that be FTA or FTV, we’ll not give Sky a point for that, as it costs to see channels which should be free anyway in my opinion. freesat 2 Sky 2.

So there we have, a draw!

(I’ll throw PVR and HD receivers into the mixing bowl once I have more details on whether they’ll be available from launch!)

As freesat is a joint-venture between BBC and ITV, naturally it means that their channels will be available on the new service, but what about C4 and Five? Despite what some think, there’s no such rivalry between the networks to prevent them signing up, nothing of the sort, the reason is that they are both presently tied into individual agreements with Sky, as the only available provider of their service via satellite television.

So will C4 and Five be available from launch? It doesn’t seem likely! Our sources tell us that the existing C4 contract, which includes C4, C4+1, C4 HD, E4, E4+1, More4 and More4+1 means they are tied up in contract until Autumn this year. Five, Five Life, Five US and the pending Five HD are in agreement with Sky until early 2009.

So what affect would that have on freesats launch? I’m still questioning whether the freesat launch will happen before atleast C4 get out of their contract! C4 have hinted at leaving the contract early, but can you imagine the implications of this, plus the cost to breach agreement that keeps Sky firmly in control of the satellite market. I can’t see freesat taking off with only 3 of the power 5 channels, can you?