When TataSky is adding more HD channels

[docd]

Tata Sky's CC also seems to be deteriorating. I have a multi-TV connection, Tata sky HD+ and TS HD. When I got them to activate Star Premiere for me, I was watching my HD+ box in my living room. I didn't bother to check my HD connection which was in my bedroom. Today I decided to switch on my bedroom HD connection and to my surprise I got a message on Star Premiere saying that I have not subscribed to it! All this while the channel was showing on my HD+ box in my living room! I presume in a multi-TV connection both boxes get the same channels.
I immediately called up TS CC. As usual,the rep could not understand english. I told her that my second box was not showing Star Premiere inspite of my other connection showing it. She immediately said I will have to pay for it and I have to send them an SMS to activate it.Nothing would convince her that I had already paid and they just needed to start it from their end. Ultimately I asked her to call her senior and managed to get the message thru to him and they did the needful. I did get him to clarify that I didnt have to pay extra for my second box! For a while I wondered if this was a new stunt from TS to extort even more money from Multi-TV subscribers!hyeah:

 

[nSinghal]

From what I gather, the special thing about this channel is that it takes the most watched programs from different US broadcast channels and puts it into one channel. So the cost for negotiating content from different broadcasters makes the cost of the channel go up. I may be wrong, and if so please correct me.

Not really the most watched shows. About ten of the 26 shows are brand new so obviously they arent in any position to be the top shows yet. I'd say about half of the 26 shows are decently popular or highly anticipated (in case they are new). Other than agents of SHEILD, there's nothing I wouldn't expect on Indian telly even if SWPremier hadn't launched. It'd have taken a few months to show up here though.

Shows like mom, neighbours, dads, new girl, goldbergs (along with more) are something I probably wouldn't even have bothered with. So no, not really "premium" content for me personally atleast. The only thing that sets it apart is the minimal delay between US and Indian release.

I'm not into TV series. But they say we get to see the same program content the same day before US does. Is that true?

Nah. It's about 12 hours after US broadcast at best and upto a week later at worst. On average, you can assume you'll see the show within a couple of days after US.

 

[nSinghal]

For a while I wondered if this was a new stunt from TS to extort even more money from Multi-TV subscribers!hyeah:

Not a ploy to extort customers. You unfortunately found some dumb CC rep who didn't know what he was doing. If there's a change in the package, you have to make sure all your STBs are powered on. Otherwise the stb wont know there was a change. Next time it happens, just ask the CC to refresh your account or simply send this SMS to 56633...

SR <your subscriber id>

Ie, "SR" followed by your Sub ID. Just make sure to keep your stb on before you do it.

I did not subscribe to the HBO channels. I would have; but these channels were meant be in HD, but Airtel provided its demodulated SD version, that too cropped for 4:3 SD TV viewing. No point in giving extra money for such useless telecast. They should have at least kept the aspect ratio in 16:9 if not in HD. But they are so fond of showing black bars and stretched pictures to customers.

Wow. That is ridiculous! I thought airtel didn't have any issue as far as bandwidth is concerned (unlike tatasky). So why didn't they go for HD instead?

 

[dips0502]

Tata Sky's CC also seems to be deteriorating.

TataSky can easily be considered as one of the premium DTH providers, as far as the monthly costs to the subscribers are considered. One reason I was willing to bear the cost was its customer care. They used to be fairly decent. Of late speaking to their CC executives have become as good as speaking to the local auto walas.

Worst part is IVR says select one for english and the guy who picked the call only knows hindish.... .

It is a bloody pity that they are resorting to such low levels of customer service and the prices are as though we are asking for a European language customer service.

 

[rahuln]

If you haggle enough you will get the premiere hd as part of mega hd pack. May be speaking in hinglish will help. This is even for the customer subscribed after feb-13. Please don't ask my customer id.

 

[just4kix]

Going by the discussion here, there are some things that may be inferred:

- Tatasky started the special channel category in Feb, 13
- If you are a mega pack customer before this date, you may get the Star Premiere HD channel free but after a considerable haggling
- After four months from today or sooner you will have to pay

Rs. 60 pm is a lot of money for a single channel. I was initially happy that at last TS is getting a new HD channel but it seems that the joy is to be short lived. I may not care about this channel but this is a dangerous precedence. I am sure that same policy will be adopted for the two new HBO channels. My mega pack expires in Dec. I will decide what to do at that time. Must likely, I will switch. I am thankful that I did not go for the PVR/DVR and my decision to switch (if I do) will be easier.

 

[nSinghal]

Going by the discussion here, there are some things that may be inferred:

- Tatasky started the special channel category in Feb, 13
- If you are a mega pack customer before this date, you may get the Star Premiere HD channel free but after a considerable haggling
- After four months from today or sooner you will have to pay

Rs. 60 pm is a lot of money for a single channel. I was initially happy that at last TS is getting a new HD channel but it seems that the joy is to be short lived. I may not care about this channel but this is a dangerous precedence. I am sure that same policy will be adopted for the two new HBO channels. My mega pack expires in Dec. I will decide what to do at that time. Must likely, I will switch. I am thankful that I did not go for the PVR/DVR and my decision to switch (if I do) will be easier.

You should definitely switch. If I wasn't so heavily invested in tatasky DVRs, I'd have switched by now. Definitely not going to continue with mega pack atleast. Also, if you do like tv shows, I think its worth it to try and get this channel for free as you still have a few months left. Atleast you'll know if its worth the price for you or not.

As far as the channel itself is concerned, I do see its value. Its nice to be able to watch the shows within days of their release. You can go to online discussion sites without worrying someone will post a spoiler. When I first started watching revenge on star world, its second season was already over in the US. Went to imdb to see if it was worth watching and turns out some idiot had posted a big spoiler as a discussion thread title. I scrolled back up as fast as I could but the damage was already done and it was always in the back of my mind that this specific thing was about to happen. Turns out the spoiler posted there happened in the very last episode of season two. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the series had turned a bit boring by that time so didn't really care that a part of story was already spoiled for me.

Having watched the few shows on the new channel, my problem is no longer the (very) limited content. Ofcourse I'd like to have as much as possible but this problem is grossly outweighed by my other problem, the stupid annoying ad breaks every 8 minutes. They're barely 40-100 seconds long and alright for some shows (like comedies) but annoying as hell if you're watching something serious. That's not a premium experience in my books. I can live with it if I wasn't paying this much for the channel but at this price, it's totally unacceptable.

Totally killed the mood everytime they showed up last night while watching Sleepy Hollow. Imagine watching a horror(ish) show where the headless horseman just chopped off a head in front of you and you appreciate how satisfying the scene felt (they showed it from the first person perspective of the guy whose head got chopped off fell to the ground) only to be blinded by the ugly bright red banner of SWPremier followed by ads for some stupid comedy series.

 

[techgadgets4379]

Finally, i was able to convince the help desk people to activate the star world premier HD channel. I got the channel as part of my mega pack until my next recharge i.e. Feb14.

 

[sud98]

Keeping in mind this opportunity, we thought of creating a Specials category early this year. Our customers who renewed since Feb 13 were informed at the time of renewal and our web sites and other communications also carried information about this.

Can you share his email id? I renewed it in Jan '13 and they are still refusing to include it.

 

[jbgude]

Ofcourse I'd like to have as much as possible but this problem is grossly outweighed by my other problem, the stupid annoying ad breaks every 8 minutes. They're barely 40-100 seconds long and alright for some shows (like comedies) but annoying as hell if you're watching something serious. That's not a premium experience in my books. I can live with it if I wasn't paying this much for the channel but at this price, it's totally unacceptable.

Totaly agree - actually I have yet to watch a single show on this channel: and what's with the additional information" Season 1 Eposode 2" or whatever - in this day of EPG - why in heck do we need this - the Star /FX & Discovery channels are the worst offenders also with the cross ads popping in the middle of the screen often obliterating the face of the actor/ characters. I guess in India it is the classic " Chalta hai" - attitude that allows them to get away with such gimmicks. Less said about TRAI the better- they do not even bother to reply/ acknowledge mails.

 

[anshulkwatra]

Gentlemen and Ladies,

Lot of believe that TS does not offer the best value for money (considering the number of HD channels and cost associated)...what are the real options available for somebody to switch?

I ask this question, as even I feel that at ~800 per month for 2 tvs (1HD + 1SD) it is expensive. I have some sports pack (paid monthly) and other add-ons including Star Premerie

any inputs...

Anshul

 

[shuv]

Had logged on to MY TS A/c today and initiated a "help chat".

The guy kept repeating that as per TS rules i have to pay for the new channel even though I have that annual thingy. He was pretty abrupt, rude even as if doing me a favor by replying. Every sentence was followed by "is there anything else?" He even stated that TS has provided me with a free new channel, & Channel. As if to say that there, we gave you a free channel. Now sod off.

 

[htfan17]

Had logged on to MY TS A/c today and initiated a "help chat".

The guy kept repeating that as per TS rules i have to pay for the new channel even though I have that annual thingy. He was pretty abrupt, rude even as if doing me a favor by replying. Every sentence was followed by "is there anything else?" He even stated that TS has provided me with a free new channel, & Channel. As if to say that there, we gave you a free channel. Now sod off.

Like call targets, they have chat targets to achive and ensure their commission. I dont blame him for repeating that question. Bigger problem is these guys do not have an iota of using their own common sense while talking to customer. they just say exactly as trained to say. it doesnt matter to them if the same BS is to be repeated 100 times. funniest part is if we twist the question a bit, they dont even know if its a question the answer we get is 'yes' !!. Then i have to tell him dude i am asking u !!

 

[docd]

Can you share his email id? I renewed it in Jan '13 and they are still refusing to include it.

Here you go:[email protected]
BTW I had renewed my Mega pack in Jan 13 yet they refused to give me the channel free.This inspite of writing to the CEO. You can try your luck.

 

[rahuln]

As I said before the Feb-13 is some random date. I got my mega pack post Feb-13 and I still got the channel activated for free. You need to push little harder.

Here you go:[email protected]
BTW I had renewed my Mega pack in Jan 13 yet they refused to give me the channel free.This inspite of writing to the CEO. You can try your luck.

 

[nSinghal]

Had an interesting convo with a tatasky rep today. Since my mega pack is about to expire in a few days, I got a call from them reminding me about it. Told him I'm not interested in mega pack anymore as they didn't keep their promise (price protection) and the pack itself was too expensive compared to other dth providers (which provide more HD and sd channels for same or lower price). The reply he gave me was just out of this world....

TS: "Sir, look when you go shopping, you can either get good quality branded clothes for a little higher price or you can get cheaper but lower quality stuff"

Me: "ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaha."
(Goes on laughing for 30 seconds or so before I'm able to compose my self and reply)...

Me: " Are you drunk or just plain stupid? How the hell is TS better than other services? I already have one Videocon HD connection at home and the quality of video is at par if not better than TS. And not to mention all the extra channels"

Poor guy went blank after that. Tried to make up some stat saying 38% of their new subscribers are from airtel implying TS is better than them. He'd already wasted 10 minutes of my time so I ended the convo telling him I'm switching to Videocon and asked him to call me back only after they have atleast the same channels as Videocon or more. So I guess I'll get a call back from them in about 5-8 years?

Not really switching yet though. Still stuck with TS. Dropping down to dhamaal pack with English GEC pack and HD access. Should still cost me less than 400 monthly. Compared to 530+ per month (that too if I recharge annually).

 

[jbgude]

I plan to write to TS -(despite being given the channel "Free" )and I would request all of us here and our friends, asking them to inform Star Channels Inc. that a premium /premier channel to me equals Ad free and a clean screen i.e. none of the Coming up next /followed by and other unnecessary information on the screen.
The Sound/speech censorship on some channels is beyond funny : Comedy Central should loose the 'Comedy' in their title -sadly for us, we have a TRAI who is clueless and a Govt that is even more so.

 

[musicbee]

Seeing what TS charges I'm thinking Netflix and Amazon Prime video make a better combo/package for the latest TV shows. ISP and b/w might be a limitation for some but at least Netflix and Amazon score when it comes to customer care.

I had to really fight and even get somewhat abusive to get Premier activated for free. I'd already paid Rs. 60 for the first month (for 1 connection) but after members here were getting it for free thought I'd also go all out to get it since I have a 3 packages with them... 1 of them a MultiTV connection and 2 of them Tata Sky+ HD DVR.

Despite the money I spend with them they have scant regard and even don't mind threats of taking your business elsewhere... not to mention the outsourced customer care is rude and illiterate (for the most part).

Thankfully I did get it activated for both of my packages but I'm not sure its worth the hassle and the exchange of abuses.

 

[kneo]

I am opting for not subscribing the new channel. This hits them the most. They surely would need critical mass to ensure profitability of carrying the signal on their network. They priced the Mega Pack considering the fact that they'd have to include any future channel additions for free. The only mistake they did was not elaborate on the Specials pack and what constitutes Special channels. They need to come out with clarity regarding the same. Before this channel was introduced, we subscribers felt that the Mega Pack was good value considering the price v/s offerings. Do I feel that I've been cheated? Yes. Do I feel that Mega Pack is not good value anymore and I should switch because they're not giving me access to a single HD channel? No.

I would be continuing with the Mega Pack but would not be opting for the additional subscription for Star Premier HD even though it looks like a good channel to have. As of now, it's not something that's bothering me much but I am concerned that this has set a bad precedence and going forward, they can categorize any channel into a Specials category to begin with. This can very well happen to Sports channel when there's some big sporting event (World Cups/Olympics/Champions Trophy, etc.).

 

[Dushie]

Seeing what TS charges I'm thinking Netflix and Amazon Prime video make a better combo/package for the latest TV shows. ISP and b/w might be a limitation for some but at least Netflix and Amazon score when it comes to customer care.

I had to really fight and even get somewhat abusive to get Premier activated for free. I'd already paid Rs. 60 for the first month (for 1 connection) but after members here were getting it for free thought I'd also go all out to get it since I have a 3 packages with them... 1 of them a MultiTV connection and 2 of them Tata Sky+ HD DVR.

Despite the money I spend with them they have scant regard and even don't mind threats of taking your business elsewhere... not to mention the outsourced customer care is rude and illiterate (for the most part).

Thankfully I did get it activated for both of my packages but I'm not sure its worth the hassle and the exchange of abuses.

i scaled down my TS package some time back, when they started increasing the Metro price from Rs 300 to now being Rs 340. Switched to netflix and i am happy watching the same. I don't mind the delay in watching the latest season as long as i have the ability to watch at my leisure. Got tried of downloading stuff to watch.