New Channels on Videotron discussion thread

[hugh]

The purpose of this thread is to discuss potential and actual new channels on Videotron.

SunTV

The Commission approves the application by Videotron Ltd. to distribute, on a discretionary digital basis, the programming service of the distant Canadian station CKXT-TV (Sun TV) Toronto, on its Class 1 cable broadcasting distribution undertakings (BDUs) serving Montréal, Chicoutimi (Saguenay), Québec (Donnacona), Sherbrooke, Victoriaville and Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and its Class 2 cable BDU serving Saint-Félicien, Quebec.

Source: Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2006-427

[MaskedMala]

I've already written to Videotron asking for TCM (Turner Classic Movies), it's already being offered by Rogers and Star Choice. It's the best channel for classic and vintage movies, even some silents too. As usual I've received a reply telling me nothing

[sbn]

I had written a reply concerning this Sun TV announcement, but I've deleted it. No sense in discussing Vidéotron's choices for new channels anymore, the're simply idiotic and frustrating.

[lajohn27]

Originally Posted by MaskedMala

I've already written to Videotron asking for TCM (Turner Classic Movies), it's already being offered by Rogers and Star Choice. It's the best channel for classic and vintage movies, even some silents too. As usual I've received a reply telling me nothing

As a Rogers customer who has been bugging them monthly since the start of the year, I can assure you that as of this minute - the only system on which TCM Canada is available is Shaw Cable and Starchoice.

As of this morning at 8am - it wasn't on Rogers.

J

[jrmtl06]

Videotron also applied to the CRTC to have OMNI 1 from Toronto. They should be approved as ExpressVu & Star Choice offer this station already in Quebec.

As for the addition for SunTV for Videotron, it makes sense since it is owned by Quebecor Media. It is also the only way for people in Quebec to get the programming of the new My Network TV from FOX which is debuting in the States on September 5th. This makes me and other people happy.

Turner Movie Classics has been available for distribution by all cable or satellite company for years. It's been on Star CHoice/Shaw only for about a year or so. If Rogers doesn't feel the need to have it they must not have many request for it. And I know for a fact that Videotron didn't many request for it either. If only 5 persons ask for service, it's not going to happen and that is understandable.

If Videotron gets a lot a request for a channel, they will do everything possible to add it to their offerings, but the vast majority of their customers are French speaking and only part of French speaking people care for English channels.

There are other channel that are approved by the CRTC that are not available anywhere...like Oprah's Oxygen Network...you would think someone would have it.

The only channels I am wondering why are not available yet are FOX News and NFL Network. I am pretty sure they are not added yet for $ reasons. Videotron usually pays less for an English channel than Rogers or Shaw or any other company in an English market as we are in a French market.

the reason why they should pay less, the way most chanel cost cable and satellite providers are based on subscribers. As an example (these numbers are not reel numbers):

If Rogers has 1,000 customers for The Pet Network they will pay $1.00 a month per customers, but if they reach 10,000 they only pay $0.85 per month per customers. But for Rogers, to get 10,000 for the Pet Network is kinda easy with 4-5 million subcribers, almost 100% English speaking.

Videotron would want to pay $0.85 even if they have only 100 customers, because the potential English speaking subscribers base is much smaller. And that is what they have agreed to with most channel providers.

The reverse is also true, these ratio would be reverse for French channel. Rogers won't pay as much as Videotron for Canal Vie for example.

I am saying this because it is not easy to make FOX in California understand the particularity of the Quebec (French) market. If they don't want to adapt their fees to this market, it will take way too many subscribers for these American channels for Videotron not to loose any money with them. There are a lot of cost to get these channels. Not only what they pay to them, but all of the technical stuff is expensive.

Also, Videotron being the only major Canadian providers offering all of their channels 'a la carte', it is another negotiation problem, as you need to have that concept approved by contract. Some US channels won't accept that, as it limits subscribers in some way.

Those are just 2 reasons, but there are others I am sure. Be sure that if a specify service or channel would bring in a lot of customers, it would be there, no matter what it takes. If it's not there, it's because it's not profitable and you cannot ask a company that is there to make profit (this is not a charity) to simply offer a service and loose money wth it.

[MaskedMala]

Sorry lajohn27, It was Shaw and not Rogers. nd thank you jrmtl06 for the explanations

[lajohn27]

Rogers had enough people request it to have a 'canned reply' saying that they were in negotions with TCM and hoped to be able to announce something soon.

And with today's announcement that Shaw will ALSO add American Movie Classics.. now I'm just genuinely annoyed. THe last 20 channels Rogers launched were foreign language money makers... nothing for the general population.

Screw it.. I AM going to grey market satellite now.

J

[marbourg]

Application by Videotron Ltd. and CF Cable TV Inc. (Videotron) to amend the licences of its Class 1 cable broadcasting distribution undertakings (BDUs) serving various locations in Quebec.
The licensee proposes to amend its licences to authorize these cable systems to distribute on a digital basis the audio programming services offered by Canada’s two satellite subscription radio undertakings.
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/eng/no...pb2006-112.htm

[mrbigben]

ok so I understand the basic facts to adding a channel to the line up. and its not like VDT would be the last bastien of non conformity here. Warner in NY doesnt have the nfl network, thats right the biggest cable provider for the city of New York doesnt get the channel. (prompting a $100m campaign by the NFL to have fans call in).

yet... they are the last major provider in canada not to offer it. Shaw, Rogers, XPV and Star Choice all do. and with the exploding popularity of football in quebec over the past 10 years...

even with the "steep" price they would be charged for it. who here, who wants it, would not pay 4$ for it? they could even attach it to the sunday ticket offer and sell it for more.

(lets not get into the fact that the ticket has less games this year since the NFLN will be broadcasting some and yet the price hasnt gone down)

I just want "total access" ppl, thats all

[hsantos]

Here's the 4 channels available with Express Vu...but not with Videotron:

Rush HD, is a no-limits adrenaline rush of the amazing and sometimes crazy things that people will do and should appeal to viewers who enjoy watching extreme sports.

Equator HD, brings some of the world's most intriguing places and people to its viewers with stories of remote cultures, remote geography and unique rituals and spectacles. This channel should appeal to viewers interested in exotic places and exotic animals.

Treasure HD, which launched in March, celebrates the rarely seen world of art, rare collectables and the inspired hunt by collectors for beautiful, interesting and unique treasures from around the globe and across history. The station explores diverse worlds of visual arts - from humble studios and modern galleries to the world's great museums and venerated institutes.

OasisHD, which also launched in March , provides new perspectives on nature and our place in it by immersing viewers in all that is wild, beautiful and exotic across the planet. OasisHD is commercial free.

Why Bell has them... but no Videotron?

[hsantos]

Omni1 and SUN TV

Omni1 will cost 30$/month...

SUN TV will be included in the MEGA Package....

Small details:
SUN TV (position 79), a newcomer in traditional TV in Canada, offers family entertainment with an offbeat touch that is sure to please everyone.

OMNI.1 (position 80) is the place for multicultural shows (more than 18 European, Latin and Carribean communities) aired in 15 different languages, and much more.

[hsantos]

Officialy starting October 4th.

Is there any other "surprises" on that day?

[bigoranget]

I have a feeling that these HD channels will be available starting this week

Z Télé
Canal D
VRAK.TV
Super Écran
Canal Vie
Historia
Series+

No confirmation from Videotron that I can see but seeing how Videotron is the largest system in Québec I can't see them not adding them.

[SyStEm[666]]

Official, just 4 new HD channel:

Ztele, canal D, canal vie and Super Écran HD...

Will be offer the 6 novembre and free if you have the regular channel

[Chioru]

Bleh ... no new English HD channels