Post by KeithPost by Mike HenryPost by KeithI did actually say it was advert related, but I was right to
say that the
Sky DodgyBox is crap and is not able to user assign 103 or
any other
channel
Post by Mike HenryPost by Keithfor that matter.
The fact that it can't do those things is the result of a
deliberate
policy. You seemed to be implying it was down to poor design,
a careless
omission; a lack of understanding of what functionality the
viewers might
want.
Actually Sky understand exactly what the viewers want and go
out of their
way not to provide it - such as the continuing lack of "switch to/from
last channel viewed" on the basic Digibox, the single most
egregiously
missing feature, still not added well over a decade later.
They also
understand what they and the broadcasters want, and that's a
nicely locked
down platform where you can't re-order or re-number channels.
Look at it from whatever angle you like. I look at things and
make a
decision as to whether they are any good for me. If Sky want
to lock down
the system, thats fine. I don't however have to use the system and neither
does anyone else if they choose not to. There are many flexible alternatives
if people go out and buy them. You are quite correct in your
response and
that is exactly why I have dumped Sky and their crappy (as far
as I am
concerned) system. From Skys perspective, its good to be
control freaks,
from my perspective its a poorly designed system that offers no flexibity
(maybe on purpose) and I prefer a more flexible system where I
can decide
which channels go where. I suppose its a good enough reason
for not having
a Sky Digibox anymore.
You have missed one salient point. People who contribute to this
NG know what (TV technical) life is about but overlook the fact
that most Sky users are essentially simple souls. Given the
number of such souls it makes good sense for Sky to have a
relatively simple system that is the same wherever it operates
and that is installed to the same standard (!!) and in the same
style thus making life easier for their support people.
It would be interesting to see, when given the option of Freesat
from Sky or (Freeview-type) Freesat how many opt for the former.
At least you get 24/7 free support from Sky - where to you go
when you have a problem with your Humax or Grundig Freesat box at
23:30 on Christmas Eve?
--
Woody
harrogate three at ntlworld dot com