Satellite dying? - Future-proof suggestion

[ZyloKai]

First and foremost, I do understand that I am speaking to other customers in this forum. My hope is that, by chance, someone from Sky will see this and consider my suggestion.

If satellite is truly dying, why should Sky need to fork out money to produce Sky Stream boxes and give them for free to customers in 2028 when their contract with SES is finished? This is similar to a free upgrade from Sky+HD to Sky Q when Sky+HD boxes became obsolete. They could create a Sky Stream App on Sky Q to prepare for the transition in 2028, if Sky is closing its satellite services.

Not only that, customers would have some use and knowledge of Sky Stream (from the Sky Q app) when the change is inevitable, giving customers some knowledge of how to use it beforehand. This would be especially useful for those who are not tech savvy.

If Sky were smart, they could use this to show HD channels (where there is an SD equivalent)  and change the HD pack to the Sky Stream pack where customers could see only HD channels.  They could also add stream only channels that are on the likes of Freeview. 

[MarkGoldsmith]

Sky Stream boxes are produced on a mass scale quite cheaply, likely more cost effective production for Sky then the Sky + or Sky W boxes ever were.

Even if Sky did waive some or all of the £40 fee to encourage Sky + or Q customers from moving over to Stream, they financially wouldn't be losing out as much , particularly considering your suggestion which would require additional infrastructure and development costs.

One thing it remember is that the Strewn puck is essentially the standard now that Comcast are rolling out globally in all their subsidiaries, so creating something custom for the small satellite market they own globally would be more expensive in the long run.

[TimmyBGood]

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@ZyloKai wrote:

This is similar to a free upgrade from Sky+HD to Sky Q when Sky+HD boxes became obsolete. 

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Getting Q in its 2016 launch year certainly wasn't 'free': the 'installation and activation fee' was unpleasantly expensive (I think I was initially quoted £249 for the 'Q Silver' bundle of the UHD 2TB plus one Mini) although the headline cost typically reduced if additional subscription service (Cinema or Sports) was included.

Extra Costs

If you decide to opt for Sky Q, you won’t just be paying for your monthly contract.

Installing the next-generation Sky set-up in your home isn’t free. Customers opting for the basic Sky Q bundle will face a one-time £249 fee, dubbed Smart Features. This is on-top of the £50 installation cost.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/641041/Sky-Q-Buyers-Guide-Silver-Box-Price-S... 

[Chrisee]

@ZyloKai its an interesting idea but given Sky have not said anything public about the future of satellite broadcasting it is somewhat premature. I have my doubts such an app could be run on a Q box as the Stream platform uses very different technology and hardware. 

For anyone interested in the future of TV distribution may find this Ofcom report interesting https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/future-of-tv-distribution#:~:text=T....

although a lot of it is about DTT later sections discuss satellite and the future of Freesat. 

Once Sky stop selling Q which is likely to be at least 3 years before a major reduction in satellite channels we may learn more. My guess is sometime in 2025. 

[nigea99]

hi @ZyloKai 

I understand where you are coming from but as the others have said the cost of production of SKY Stream boxes is quite (if not very) cheap .

They are a multinational product with a UK flavour of the software

I don't think the cost of trying to shoehorn Stream type access for live channels onto what is in tech terms a quite  old product now,  which wasn't designed for it just wouldn't be worth it

[Padam_Padam]

Comcast will never spend time and money developing an app for an obsolete satellite PVR, designed by the previous Sky administration. 

Their sole focus is on their own hardware. The Stream puck and the streaming platform infrastructure is entirely their baby. Sky Q is dead to them. 

[TimmyBGood]

@Padam_Padam 

Turns out taking M&A advice from a cab driver and the sales rep at a shopping centre stall might not be ideal ; )

https://news.sky.com/story/how-a-cabbie-convinced-comcasts-boss-to-reach-for-the-sky 

Can't think why though: they are usually so reliable as information sources...

[Padam_Padam]

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@TimmyBGood wrote:

@Padam_Padam 

Turns out taking M&A advice from a cab driver and the sales rep at a shopping centre stall might not be ideal ; )

https://news.sky.com/story/how-a-cabbie-convinced-comcasts-boss-to-reach-for-the-sky 

Can't think why though: they are usually so reliable as information sources...

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Hilarious! What a story!

[nolte]

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@TimmyBGood wrote:

@Padam_Padam 

Turns out taking M&A advice from a cab driver and the sales rep at a shopping centre stall might not be ideal ; )

https://news.sky.com/story/how-a-cabbie-convinced-comcasts-boss-to-reach-for-the-sky 

Can't think why though: they are usually so reliable as information sources...

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It's the Joe Kennedy quote about the shoeshine boys giving stock tips, which was why he sold them in early 1929