TNT Sports via app / EPG

[Lewis+Burgess]

I get the separation between TNT Sports via Discovery+ and Sky Q/+. But it seems slightly daft that Stream/Glass subscribers who have Discovery+ with TNT Sports via other means (e.g. EE mobile add-ons) are not further integrated with the EPG on a streaming platform. It's of course possible to watch via the app, but a little more cumbersome.

Makes more sense when it's delivered via DSAT, but less so when via the internet.

No doubt a rights issue/upsell and perhaps even uniformity been the Sky products. Obviously there is a cost for being listed in the EPG and carried via Sky's platform, but it seems like a missed opportunity to make a streaming platform absolutely killer - both from Sky and Discovery. The app is technically better with the sports timeline, but keeping it simple would be so much more convinient.

Seems like unnecessary bumps in the road from Sky and various apps, with far, far better integration possible than is currently in place.

A lot of missed potential!

[mikealanr]

@Lewis+Burgess 

You have already answered the question. It makes no sense for Sky to allow people who have subscribed to TNT via another provider access it via their EPG. That wouldn't be good business. So Sky want you to want it on the EPG and Sky Go which are the benefits of subscribing via Sky and means Sky get a a slice of the money too.

If you want to watch via an app you can do that via discovery plus. EETV and Virgin don't allow access to the EPG unless subbed via them either..

MikeAlanR

[Lewis+Burgess]

It wasn't really a question, more of a comment on whether it's about providing customers with the best experience. TNT have my money either way, but the current approach from Sky and multiple providers, is about their own silo's, metrics and the bare minimum of integrations to claim a unified approach. It doesn't mean the best for customers in the slightest. Just an opinion that the current way is a bit lackluster.

[mikealanr]

Hi @Lewis+Burgess 

Sky (and any business for that matter) number one concern is to make money for its shareholders. A business wouldn't exist otherwise. Customer service is a priority but will always be secondary.

The fact is TNT have your money but Sky don't for TNT sports hence why you are limited to the app. The only way to get them on the EPG is subscribe via Sky.

MikeAlanR

[Lewis+Burgess]

Thanks. I think you are rather missing my point, but I understand it's about money over experience 😉 

[MarkGoldsmith]

I think technically it would be more complicated on the streaming platform to allow access to the TNT Sports channels when the subscription isn't bought via Sky ( and therefore part of your Sky account).

Via the satellite platform ( which is a more open platform) you had the viewing card which dictated what encrypted channels could be watched, that mechanism doesn't exist with the streaming platform which is all tied into your Sky account. If it was technologically possible it would require addtiional integration of several other third parties who "sell" access to TNT sports, which would add development and support costs from each of the parties involved ( most likely therefore not even being worth the financial investment that would need to be made).