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BT Sports Channel (Part 2)
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1andrew1
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by bottleofbest:
“But they could do extra's like red button and other interactive features.”

Agreed. What they want to avoid is people thinking watching view a Sky box is a second-rate service, I don't want to subscribe to BT YouView as well so I won't bother swapping my broadband. They can do extras though.

Originally Posted by bottleofbest:
“ People won't switch for a lesser product. This means they simply must use Youview and cease BTVision. Youview is the superior product and has a lot more scope than BT Vision. Not only that, but new development costs are shared amongst the other developers. I.e TalkTalk, Alan Sugar etc.”

It's not so much the content but the technology. BT TV simply doesn't have enough of the channels that viewers want at the moment to be comparable to TalkTalk, Sky or Virgin. To do so it will have to get access to the Sky entertainment and all Sky Sports channels. But to secure these channels from Sky it would probably have to accept that in return, Sky can wholesale its channels. That's in BT TV's narrow interests but not in BT's broader interests at the moment as it is seeking to build up its broadband base.
steveh31
29-03-2014
If Michael Owen says "As I Say" one more time i will scream.
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by 1andrew1:
“Agreed. What they want to avoid is people thinking watching view a Sky box is a second-rate service, I don't want to subscribe to BT YouView as well so I won't bother swapping my broadband. They can do extras though.

It's not so much the content but the technology. BT TV simply doesn't have enough of the channels that viewers want at the moment to be comparable to TalkTalk, Sky or Virgin. To do so it will have to get access to the Sky entertainment and all Sky Sports channels. But to secure these channels from Sky it would probably have to accept that in return, Sky can wholesale its channels. That's in BT TV's narrow interests but not in BT's broader interests at the moment as it is seeking to build up its broadband base.”

I agree with you completely. What I meant is they have more scope/possibilities with you view. Plus vision is largely complained about and is a poor third rate service, whereas you view is quite celebrated.

I agree about the channels
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
Good to see less use of the manager cam!
Stereophonic83
29-03-2014
Disappointed BT haven't went with commentary combination of Darke/Fletcher at any point during the season; Fletcher was after all a co-comm on Five Live.

I also think the continued rotation of Darke and Fletcher has been detrimental to their coverage. Don't get me wrong Fletcher is a good commentator but Darke has missed out on some of the 'bigger' games this season. You wouldn't get Sky having Tyler missing out on big game because he'd done the same slot the week before.

I don't think people abusing Owen on social media is right way to go about things but think BT need to reevaluate his position in the summer, I don't know anybody who rates him and the two occasions when BT have brought in Andy Gray has only served to highlight Owen's inadequacies. If BT are aiming to become the number 1 broadcaster of PL in this country then they really need to do better than Owen as co-commentator. I know Neville didn't set the heather on fire when he first joined Sky but he was at least contributing in the MNF studio as well as cutting his teeth behind the mic.
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
So we're nearly a whole season in guy's; what does everyone think of BT's coverage as a whole? Have they impressed, have they left you underwhelmed? Have they just done better than you expected?

I personally think they've done well seeing as they're a brand new broadcaster. Granted, they still have a lot to learn and tweak, but I would have no problem in securing the top picks come December and being the main broadcaster of epl.
steveh31
29-03-2014
Interesting Jake Humphrey criticising the fans for the plane banner yet Jeff Stelling said straight after the match that fans are entitled to their opinion on the manager (he was inferring more to West Ham's Sam than Moyes).

If fans choose to protest surely that's their right.
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
Just differing opinions.
Jonny_Bentley1
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by bottleofbest:
“So we're nearly a whole season in guy's; what does everyone think of BT's coverage as a whole? Have they impressed, have they left you underwhelmed? Have they just done better than you expected?

I personally think they've done well seeing as they're a brand new broadcaster. Granted, they still have a lot to learn and tweak, but I would have no problem in securing the top picks come December and being the main broadcaster of epl.”

I think they've done well as you say being new to the business.
Here are a few things I'm going to discuss:
Chat Shows
I like the selection of magazine shows they have. Des Kelly is a good host of Life's a Pitch which is quite an entertaining football char show.
BTSP is a promising morning sports show which probably doesn't get the recognition because more people watch the well known Sky Sports rival Soccer AM. It is a light hearted talk show with a variety of good guests although it may be perhaps a little long at 2 1/2 hours.

Foreign Football
The European Football Show is first class and is hosted by the perfect person. It's panelists are quick witted and knowledgeable journalists for their respective nations and sets up nicely either a game from Ligue 1/Serie A.
Meanwhile, Paul Dempsey and a variety of pundits who do the Saturday night foreign football are perfectly adequate and provide a second solid set up, if an inferior one to James Richardson's team.

PL Football
Darke/Fletcher provide excellent commentary (Darke is slightly better) however Michael Owen - although I don't think he's awful - is the weakest link in the commentary set-up. Humphrey was a little wooden at the start of the season but had grown into his role now. David James was also a slow starter but provides better analysis now. Owen Hargreaves is equally good along with Steve McMannaman (who appears to be the more present pundit). Even Neil Warnock slots in well. David Ginola is probably the weakest member of the crew but has a charm and wit, making him likable.

Rugby coverage
I'm not a big fan of rugby but from what I hear it sounds rather good. I have seen bits of Rugby Tonight and think that's an excellently crafted show.
coopermanyorks
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by bottleofbest:
“So we're nearly a whole season in guy's; what does everyone think of BT's coverage as a whole? Have they impressed, have they left you underwhelmed? Have they just done better than you expected?

I personally think they've done well seeing as they're a brand new broadcaster. Granted, they still have a lot to learn and tweak, but I would have no problem in securing the top picks come December and being the main broadcaster of epl.”


I watched the Man Utd V Villa game today , and I endured some of the programme before , Bt Sports Panel ,it was hosted by Helen Skelton and Graeme Swann this programme was pants and the presenters amateurish
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
Life's a pitch is light hearted fun.
Btsp is long. I don't think helen Skelton is really right for the job. Some of thr guests have been good though. Gordon Strachan was on earlier with Lizzie Yarnold for example.
I enioy the vspo as well the two Danny's are a good addition.


There are things that can be improved on definitely. I hope they sort out the dog's on screen and make them transparent by the start of the next season. Every one seems in agreement regarding this issue.

Punditry isn't bad at all considering for a lot of them it's their first full time punditry gig.
I think the rugby punditry is excellent.

I think the studio pitch needs to be used more.

Overall I prefer the family orientated style to the professional polished style of sky sports. It's nice to have a choice.
Jonny_Bentley1
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by coopermanyorks:
“I watched the Man Utd V Villa game today , and I endured some of the programme before , Bt Sports Panel ,it was hosted by Helen Skelton and Graeme Swann this programme was pants and the presenters amateurish”

It's usually by Tim Lovejoy and Matt Dawson but even so, it's not a show that's supposed to take itself to seriously. Helen Skelton is a decent makeshift presenter as well, you just need to get used to her. I've seen bits of Soccer AM and to be honest, that's not a particularly polished programme and its really just a bit of fun to begin the weekend.

Once you get used to its format its a decent alternative to Soccer AM.
casinoman13
29-03-2014
I also think BT have done really well in their first season.

I liked the way they occasionally presented from grounds towards the back end of this season and although I didn't like the box picture at first it did grow on me particularly as it was been used less then at the start.

I still think they will learn a lot from this season so I am expecting better coverage next season.

As far as presenters go's im still not impressed with Michael Owen and even today he just seems to state the obvious all the time where as someone like Andy Gray would go into more detail, again he hopefully will improve next season.

I would still like them to get another regular pundit, Ray Wilkins would fit in excellently.

Jake Humphrey well is Jake, you either like him or dislike him but one thing for sure with him he is mega loyal to BT and gives it the full publicity.

I quite like Neil Warnock as he always speaks his mind but cant get used to David Ginola, can be very smug at times.
David James is ok at times but I agree Steve Macnannaman seems to be top for this season but like I say get Ray Wilkins and it will look even better.

As far as Ian Darke goes well he has done really well and I don't think many a bad word has been said about him anywhere.
Like many im not sure why he didn't get more of the bigger games but nevertheless he and Fletcher did well enough and getting Fletcher was a big move by BT anyway.
As Darke didn't get more of the bigger games this season then I doubt that will change next season either.

As for next season I would also like BT to use Jim Beglin occasionally for live Prem games/F A Cup games and off course Andy Gray when ever possible.
I doubt Michael Owen is going anywhere but I really think he would be far more suited in the studio.

Finally the use of Mark Halsey in the commentary box was very poor and glad it stopped but cant see why they cant have a referee occasionally in the studio.
cosmo crumb
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by casinoman13:
“I doubt Michael Owen is going anywhere but I really think he would be far more suited in the studio. ”

Only if that studio has all the cameras turned off and maybe the electricity as well just to be on the safe side, he should be as far away from any sort of TV role as possible, he is appalling
Jonny_Bentley1
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by casinoman13:
“As far as Ian Darke goes well he has done really well and I don't think many a bad word has been said about him anywhere.
Like many im not sure why he didn't get more of the bigger games but nevertheless he and Fletcher did well enough and getting Fletcher was a big move by BT anyway.
As Darke didn't get more of the bigger games this season then I doubt that will change next season either. ”

I have to disagree, Ian Darke has had many of BT's big games this season:
Liverpool v Stoke (First fame of the season)
Tottenham v Chelsea (First "BIG" game of BT's Season (London derby))
Tottenham v Man United (A top four challenging Spurs versus the champions)
Man City v Arsenal (Arguably BT's most entertaining spectacle between 2 title challengers)
Man City v Liverpool (Another 2 title challengers on Boxing Day)
Tottenham v Man City (One of 2 big midweek January games with BT)
Arsenal v Man United (Two huge fan bases in midweek clash)
Chelsea v Arsenal (The huge London title challenging derby)

Where as Fletcher's big games have been:
Fulham v Arsenal (His 'first' PL game with BT)
Man United v Palace (BT's first 'first pick')
Man City v Everton (An in form Everton against an expensive City set up)
Everton v Liverpool x 2 (Merseyside derbies between 2 top four challengers)
Man United v Newcastle (An in form Newcastle team against a stuttering United)
Man United v Tottenham (The big New Years Day clash)
Liverpool v Arsenal (His biggest game between two title contenders)
Chelsea v Everton (A title challenger versus a top four contender)

Therefore I feel it's actually Darke who's had the majority of the 'big clashes' when you look at it. Fletcher's biggest games include Liverpool v Arsenal and the Merseyside derby.
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by Jonny_Bentley1:
“I have to disagree, Ian Darke has had many of BT's big games this season:
Liverpool v Stoke (First fame of the season)
Tottenham v Chelsea (First "BIG" game of BT's Season (London derby))
Tottenham v Man United (A top four challenging Spurs versus the champions)
Man City v Arsenal (Arguably BT's most entertaining spectacle between 2 title challengers)
Man City v Liverpool (Another 2 title challengers on Boxing Day)
Tottenham v Man City (One of 2 big midweek January games with BT)
Arsenal v Man United (Two huge fan bases in midweek clash)
Chelsea v Arsenal (The huge London title challenging derby)

Where as Fletcher's big games have been:
Fulham v Arsenal (His 'first' PL game with BT)
Man United v Palace (BT's first 'first pick')
Man City v Everton (An in form Everton against an expensive City set up)
Everton v Liverpool x 2 (Merseyside derbies between 2 top four challengers)
Man United v Newcastle (An in form Newcastle team against a stuttering United)
Man United v Tottenham (The big New Years Day clash)
Liverpool v Arsenal (His biggest game between two title contenders)
Chelsea v Everton (A title challenger versus a top four contender)

Therefore I feel it's actually Darke who's had the majority of the 'big clashes' when you look at it. Fletcher's biggest games include Liverpool v Arsenal and the Merseyside derby.”

Woaaah you have a great memory!
Jonny_Bentley1
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by bottleofbest:
“Woaaah you have a great memory!”

Hahahaha.
I just remember the goals (or lack of them) and the way they were commented on. I certainly remember Darke's coverage of Spurs v Man United due to his reaction at the Sandro goal to out Spurs 2-1 ahead - cracking live commentary.
Jonny_Bentley1
29-03-2014
Do we have any suggestions for the Man United v Villa average viewing figures?
I'll go for 630,000 as I feel it was a big game given the pressure Moyes has been under recently.
Turnbull2000
29-03-2014
My Mam has finally had enough of Michael Owen. She's cancelling BT on Monday! Whenever I've been over and there's a BT match on, he has been awful to listen to mind. What he says. His tone of voice. It's all wrong!
bottleofbest
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by Turnbull2000:
“My Mam has finally had enough of Michael Owen. She's cancelling BT on Monday! Whenever I've been over and there's a BT match on, he has been awful to listen to mind. What he says. His tone of voice. It's all wrong!”

Each to their own I guess. Cancelling a whole service because of one commentator is a bit extreme imo.
casinoman13
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by Jonny_Bentley1:
“Do we have any suggestions for the Man United v Villa average viewing figures?
I'll go for 630,000 as I feel it was a big game given the pressure Moyes has been under recently.”

Man Utd will always be a viewer puller no matter what form they are in so that figure would be pretty close.

One slight disappointment from BT during they final games is the fact they decided not to choose a relegation fixture and focus pretty much on well I suppose 4th place.

Teams fighting for their lives this time of season can equally produce a entertaining game.
derek500
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by casinoman13:
“Man Utd will always be a viewer puller, no matter what form they are in so that figure would be pretty close”

Bet ITV are praying for a 5th place for their final year of Europa League coverage.
Jonny_Bentley1
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by casinoman13:
“Man Utd will always be a viewer puller no matter what form they are in so that figure would be pretty close.

One slight disappointment from BT during they final games is the fact they decided not to choose a relegation fixture and focus pretty much on well I suppose 4th place.

Teams fighting for their lives this time of season can equally produce a entertaining game.”

Yeh true but to be fair, would Sunderland v West Ham or Crystal Palace v Cardiff for example really pull in 500-600,000 viewers on average? More likely, because there isn't a big team being shown only around 300-400,000 and BT need to make their one game a week count.

Although, on another note, I for one would want BT to see out the Premier League season with a game on the final day of the season. With Sky obviously opting for the drama at the top of the division, I would then like to see BT show a crucial game at the bottom end. It may not pull in as many viewers with the game clashing with Sky's however it would be fitting for another broadcaster to also show some coverage of the PL on its final week.


Just on the point about Man U finishing fifth, how does the Europa League actually work. To my mind, it was 5th place, the winner of the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup winners. If the cup winners were already in the CL, I thought the place was given to the people who finish 6th and 7th in the league.
casinoman13
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by derek500:
“Bet ITV are praying for a 5th place for their final year of Europa League coverage.”

Your not kidding matey, Clive will be treating it as if Utd were in the Champion's League
casinoman13
29-03-2014
Originally Posted by Turnbull2000:
“My Mam has finally had enough of Michael Owen. She's cancelling BT on Monday! Whenever I've been over and there's a BT match on, he has been awful to listen to mind. What he says. His tone of voice. It's all wrong!”

You are kidding? Just because of Michael Owen? No way surely.
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