Discuss: An interesting week for media news

Nigel Barker wrote:

There is obviously an upper limit to the price of these cards. For
£150 you can get a year's sub to Sky, which leaves you with an FTV
card.

Not an option for the overseas viewers who I suspect are the main purchasers of
these cards on Ebay.

It is indeed an option for anyone who has the use of a UK address. In
my experience of many hundreds of overseas installations everyone who
wants UK TV has the use of such an address, or knows someone who does.
I also suspect that there are indeed many UK residents who use FTV
cards but they probably tend to find them more in car boot sales and
by word of mouth, being local. Even so, a quick look at the profile of
Ebay bidders reveals that many are indeed UK based.


Also it's possible that more people are now aware that official cards
will be available again soon for £20.

Possibly but I suspect that the demand for FTV cards for UK residents is
infinitesimal. Possibly more demand from ex-pats & other overseas viewers. Now
that the BBC are FTA I would guess that the demand for cards has fallen.

I disagree. Otherwise why would Sky be launching the new FTV cards?
They are only doing it because there is a demand, and Ofcom are
presumably only concerned about it because they have received many
complaints.

Are Sky launching FTV cards?

Yes. There will be two options: "free" box + card + 12 month phone
connection for £150 and just the card for about £20.

This is basically exactly what has been available for the last 5
years, with the continuation of the fee for the card that was
introduced late last year.

--
Digibox problem? : A reboot solves 90% of these.
The Sky Digital FAQ: http://tinyurl.com/yvnsy
How to get UK TV overseas: http://tinyurl.com/6p73
Fed up with logos / red buttons? : http://logofreetv.org/
BBC gone? : http://www.astra2d.co.uk/
----
Only the truth as I see it.
No monies return'd. ;-)