Telewest vs Sky

Ok, I am utterly fed up of Sky, we've had sky plus for a few
years now and tonight the remote control broke.

After speaking some complete moron in mumbai for about 20
minutes we were still no where, I screamed at her to give
me a number for someone in the UK, which she did, but in
total, it's taken about an hour to get a new remote control
sent out to us. Add this to the long list of the stupid
box just randomly forgetting to record things for which I'm
sick of ringing up about and I'm ready for off!

Our contract is up at the end of February and I'm seriously
considering going to Telewest for the TV and Telephone, I
was just wondering if it's possible that they can be any
worse than sky?

Your thoughts greatly appreciated!
--
(\__/) Charlie Mitchell.
(='.'=) Smooth Christmas Radio NOW ONLINE!
(")_(") Tune in FREE at http://www.SmoothChristmasRadio.com

---

› See More: Telewest vs Sky

"Charlie Mitchell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Ok, I am utterly fed up of Sky, we've had sky plus for a few
> years now and tonight the remote control broke.
>
> After speaking some complete moron in mumbai for about 20
> minutes we were still no where, I screamed at her to give
> me a number for someone in the UK, which she did, but in
> total, it's taken about an hour to get a new remote control
> sent out to us. Add this to the long list of the stupid
> box just randomly forgetting to record things for which I'm
> sick of ringing up about and I'm ready for off!
>
> Our contract is up at the end of February and I'm seriously
> considering going to Telewest for the TV and Telephone, I
> was just wondering if it's possible that they can be any
> worse than sky?
>
> Your thoughts greatly appreciated!




my thoughts are....
this has sod all to do with mobile phones.



--
Gareth.
A french man who wanted a castle threw his cat into a pond.
http://www.audioscrobbler.com/user/dsbmusic/

Charlie Mitchell expressed precisely :
> Ok, I am utterly fed up of Sky, we've had sky plus for a few
> years now and tonight the remote control broke.
>
> After speaking some complete moron in mumbai for about 20
> minutes we were still no where, I screamed at her to give
> me a number for someone in the UK, which she did, but in
> total, it's taken about an hour to get a new remote control
> sent out to us. Add this to the long list of the stupid
> box just randomly forgetting to record things for which I'm
> sick of ringing up about and I'm ready for off!
>
> Our contract is up at the end of February and I'm seriously
> considering going to Telewest for the TV and Telephone, I
> was just wondering if it's possible that they can be any
> worse than sky?
>
> Your thoughts greatly appreciated!

Do you not have any shops nearby that could sell you a remote ~£10 -
Maplins, Curry's, Comet etc..?

Are you getting your replacement remote for free? If so, an hour's work
for it isn't too bad. If you'd screamed at me, the line would've gone
dead & you would've had to start over again.

TW DTV is not a patch on Sky.

TW phone is probably *the* most expensive you could choose in the UK,
unless you were purposefully looking for one that was more expensive.

the dog from that film you saw wrote:
> "Charlie Mitchell" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Ok, I am utterly fed up of Sky, we've had sky plus for a few
>> years now and tonight the remote control broke.
>>
>> After speaking some complete moron in mumbai for about 20
>> minutes we were still no where, I screamed at her to give
>> me a number for someone in the UK, which she did, but in
>> total, it's taken about an hour to get a new remote control
>> sent out to us. Add this to the long list of the stupid
>> box just randomly forgetting to record things for which I'm
>> sick of ringing up about and I'm ready for off!
>>
>> Our contract is up at the end of February and I'm seriously
>> considering going to Telewest for the TV and Telephone, I
>> was just wondering if it's possible that they can be any
>> worse than sky?
>>
>> Your thoughts greatly appreciated!
>
>
>
>
> my thoughts are....
> this has sod all to do with mobile phones.
>
>
>

Sorry mr perfect I posted in the wrong group.

I accept my flaming and apologise once again and hope that
in your quest of being perfect you never make a mistake.

****.

--
(\__/) Charlie Mitchell.
(='.'=) Smooth Christmas Radio NOW ONLINE!
(")_(") Tune in FREE at http://www.SmoothChristmasRadio.com

Thus spaketh Charlie Mitchell:
> Ok, I am utterly fed up of Sky, we've had sky plus for a few
> years now and tonight the remote control broke.
>
> After speaking some complete moron in mumbai for about 20
> minutes we were still no where, I screamed at her to give
> me a number for someone in the UK, which she did, but in
> total, it's taken about an hour to get a new remote control
> sent out to us. Add this to the long list of the stupid
> box just randomly forgetting to record things for which I'm
> sick of ringing up about and I'm ready for off!
>
> Our contract is up at the end of February and I'm seriously
> considering going to Telewest for the TV and Telephone, I
> was just wondering if it's possible that they can be any
> worse than sky?
>
> Your thoughts greatly appreciated!

One good thing about TW is you don't own your own box, so for as long as
you are with them they will come out and fix / replace the box / remote
etc.

There are no other good things about them, their standard boxes are next
to useless, so slow (even what they call their later boxes) and don't
have full EPG just a useless clunky if you are lucky up to 24 hour EPG.

The TV Drive has a full EPG, but is still a slow clunky to use box and
is full of problems, you may be lucky for a handful of programmes to
record, jerky pictures, channels disappearing.

TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels, and
TW still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.

The signal from the Astra and Eutelsat satellites are extremely
reliable, not known any problems in all the years they have been in use,
cable are losing channels here and there everyday.

Sky problems are with the boxes (mostly the Sky+ boxes) the software on
them, for some people they have quite a few problems, whereas others
never have a problem. I've never had a problem with my standard Sky
system.

TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey software,
problems in their distribution.

I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due to
very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple of
times, and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW cable box
for 15 months and have lost count the number of times channels have
disappeared, channels suffer from bad pixalation.

If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.


--
60 day free DVD rental: www.southeastbirmingham.co.uk/dvd
Mobile Offers: www.southeastbirmingham.co.uk/payg
Items for sale: www.dodgy-dealer.co.uk

> There are no other good things about them, their standard boxes are next
> to useless, so slow (even what they call their later boxes) and don't
> have full EPG just a useless clunky if you are lucky up to 24 hour EPG.
>
> The TV Drive has a full EPG, but is still a slow clunky to use box and
> is full of problems, you may be lucky for a handful of programmes to
> record, jerky pictures, channels disappearing.
>
> TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels, and
> TW still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.
>
> The signal from the Astra and Eutelsat satellites are extremely
> reliable, not known any problems in all the years they have been in use,
> cable are losing channels here and there everyday.
>
> Sky problems are with the boxes (mostly the Sky+ boxes) the software on
> them, for some people they have quite a few problems, whereas others
> never have a problem. I've never had a problem with my standard Sky
> system.
>
> TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey software,
> problems in their distribution.
>
> I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due to
> very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple of
> times, and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW cable box
> for 15 months and have lost count the number of times channels have
> disappeared, channels suffer from bad pixalation.
>
> If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.
>
>

Thanks very much for your thoughts! I'm almost tempted to
get rid of both sky boxes and put up with freeview and save
£50 a month that I pay out for sky and multiroom.


--
(\__/) Charlie Mitchell.
(='.'=) Smooth Christmas Radio NOW ONLINE!
(")_(") Tune in FREE at http://www.SmoothChristmasRadio.com

In article <[email protected]>, Charlie
Mitchell <[email protected]> writes
>
>> There are no other good things about them, their standard boxes are
>>next to useless, so slow (even what they call their later boxes) and
>>don't have full EPG just a useless clunky if you are lucky up to 24
>>hour EPG.
>> The TV Drive has a full EPG, but is still a slow clunky to use box
>>and is full of problems, you may be lucky for a handful of programmes
>>to record, jerky pictures, channels disappearing.
>> TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels,
>>and TW still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.
>> The signal from the Astra and Eutelsat satellites are extremely
>>reliable, not known any problems in all the years they have been in
>>use, cable are losing channels here and there everyday.
>> Sky problems are with the boxes (mostly the Sky+ boxes) the software
>>on them, for some people they have quite a few problems, whereas
>>others never have a problem. I've never had a problem with my
>>standard Sky system.
>> TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey
>>software, problems in their distribution.
>> I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due
>>to very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple of
>>times, and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW cable
>>box for 15 months and have lost count the number of times channels
>>have disappeared, channels suffer from bad pixalation.
>> If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.

>Thanks very much for your thoughts! I'm almost tempted to
>get rid of both sky boxes and put up with freeview and save
>£50 a month that I pay out for sky and multiroom.

Yes, thank you too. We don't have cable here so it's never been an issue
but we did recently buy a house in an area that does. The cable offering
of phone, broadband and TV for 30/m seemed attractive but I bounced it
because:

1) I'm quite happy with BT for phone and carrying BB so we stayed there
2) I'm quite happy with my ISP for BB over BT so we signed up there
3) We watch so little TV that Freeview (eventually) will probably be too
much for us anyway.

It looks like you've just provided me with reason 4.

And no, this has nothing to do with mobile phones ...
--
Peter

>
>> Thanks very much for your thoughts! I'm almost tempted to
>> get rid of both sky boxes and put up with freeview and save
>> £50 a month that I pay out for sky and multiroom.
>
> Yes, thank you too. We don't have cable here so it's never been an issue
> but we did recently buy a house in an area that does. The cable offering
> of phone, broadband and TV for 30/m seemed attractive but I bounced it
> because:
>
> 1) I'm quite happy with BT for phone and carrying BB so we stayed there
> 2) I'm quite happy with my ISP for BB over BT so we signed up there
> 3) We watch so little TV that Freeview (eventually) will probably be too
> much for us anyway.
>
> It looks like you've just provided me with reason 4.
>
> And no, this has nothing to do with mobile phones ...

I know I know I posted to the wrong group! Mybad!

--
(\__/) Charlie Mitchell.
(='.'=) Smooth Christmas Radio NOW ONLINE!
(")_(") Tune in FREE at http://www.SmoothChristmasRadio.com

> One good thing about TW is you don't own your own box, so for as long as
> you are with them they will come out and fix / replace the box / remote
> etc.
Yes, Get a problem with your service and you'll be glad you are with
telewest. It won't cost you a penny and it will very likely be sorted a damn
sight quicker too. Sky+ is a fiasco, even Tony Christie was complaining
about his 5th box on watchdog on monday.

> There are no other good things about them, their standard boxes are next
> to useless, so slow (even what they call their later boxes) and don't have
> full EPG just a useless clunky if you are lucky up to 24 hour EPG.
>
> The TV Drive has a full EPG, but is still a slow clunky to use box and is
> full of problems, you may be lucky for a handful of programmes to record,
> jerky pictures, channels disappearing.
Disagree except the slowness, I haven't had any of that in the 9 months i've
had it and only had a slow box before that with a standard box. Maybe you
need a visit to check your line.

> TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels, and TW
> still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.
I suggest you read the latest JD power survey to justify how it is " a lot
worse". http://networks.silicon.com/broadban...9164533,00.htm

I refer to watchdog!
> TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey software,
> problems in their distribution.
What are the distribution problems?

> I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due to
> very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple of times,
> and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW cable box for 15
> months and have lost count the number of times channels have disappeared,
> channels suffer from bad pixalation.

You definately need an engineer to sort that. Have you reported it to them?
> If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.
Watchdog again!

Bet you won't if you switch for skys broadband. I think everyone needs to
look at the full package of their communications. On the full package TW is
a great option in my opinion and a damn sight cheaper if you want HD
(although I accept the content is low at the moment).. I wonder if Sky will
ever lower the HD costs. If that box fails after 12months.. ouch!

>
> Thanks very much for your thoughts! I'm almost tempted to
> get rid of both sky boxes and put up with freeview and save
> £50 a month that I pay out for sky and multiroom.
>
>
Good option if you like the channel choice and your reception is OK. Mine is
appaling, I can't get BBC1 or 2 in bad weather and I have a big televes
wideband aerial and top quality cabling. I need to put a masthead amp on it
at some point.. this is for the bedroom as I have TW as the main box.. and
i'm very happy with it.

Maybe you could find out if any neighbours have got TW and see what they
think?

Thus spaketh Dave:
>> One good thing about TW is you don't own your own box, so for as
>> long as you are with them they will come out and fix / replace the
>> box / remote etc.
> Yes, Get a problem with your service and you'll be glad you are with
> telewest. It won't cost you a penny and it will very likely be sorted
> a damn sight quicker too. Sky+ is a fiasco, even Tony Christie was
> complaining about his 5th box on watchdog on monday.
>
>> There are no other good things about them, their standard boxes are
>> next to useless, so slow (even what they call their later boxes) and
>> don't have full EPG just a useless clunky if you are lucky up to 24
>> hour EPG. The TV Drive has a full EPG, but is still a slow clunky to
>> use box
>> and is full of problems, you may be lucky for a handful of
>> programmes to record, jerky pictures, channels disappearing.
> Disagree except the slowness, I haven't had any of that in the 9
> months i've had it and only had a slow box before that with a
> standard box. Maybe you need a visit to check your line.
>

No, no tech visit required. The problem is with TW, strange that I and
every friend and family and all the people on TW own newsgroups have
been having the same problems, TW admit there are faults, but hadn't
been able to fix them for months.


>> TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels,
>> and TW still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.
> I suggest you read the latest JD power survey to justify how it is "
> a lot worse".
> http://networks.silicon.com/broadban...9164533,00.htm
> I refer to watchdog!

Surveys are meaningless.

I watched Watchdog, however Sky+ is still far far far more reliable than
the TV Drive.

>> TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey
>> software, problems in their distribution.
> What are the distribution problems?
>

The problems they have almost everyday with their power supplies in the
network failing, meaning many people without channels or all channels.


>> I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due
>> to very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple
>> of times, and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW
>> cable box for 15 months and have lost count the number of times
>> channels have disappeared, channels suffer from bad pixalation.
>
> You definately need an engineer to sort that. Have you reported it to
> them?

There is no need for another engineer, the problem is with their
distribution, they have admitted as such.

As I said, friends and relatives all have the same problems, as does
EVERYONE throughout the TW service area, there are known problems, there
are outstanding tickets for the problems, there have been these problems
for many months, it's just that it has taken so long for them to sort it
out.

>> If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.
> Watchdog again!
>

Watched it. TW boxes are a lot worse the Sky's.

> Bet you won't if you switch for skys broadband.

I wouldn't switched to Sky's broadband, I'm happy with TW broadband, I
have no phone line either (Use VoIP).

> I think everyone
> needs to look at the full package of their communications. On the
> full package TW is a great option in my opinion and a damn sight
> cheaper if you want HD (although I accept the content is low at the
> moment).. I wonder if Sky will ever lower the HD costs. If that box
> fails after 12months.. ouch!

Contentent low? One bloody channel that's only a trial channel? Yes
content is worse than low on TW, and TW have admitted there are no plans
for new channels for quite some time to come, they are more concerned
about sorting out all the problems they have with the boxes.

This is why people aren't happy and are dumping TV Drive for Sky HD. If
you want HD then the only way at the moment is Sky HD.

As for boxes failing, it's not really that common, and if you know what
you are doing you get them replaced for free anyway.

TW for broadband, yes, they are really the onlt decent broadband
supplier around (one of the reasons I'm with them, plus I could dump my
landline and go VoIP), but for TV and phone they are way way off the
mark.

I would like to see TW offer a Sky beating service, but they would have
to have new boxes built that are faster, run more reliable software on
them, and change their monds about not adding anymore HD channels, and
also be a lot quicker at adding channels full stop.


--
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> One good thing about TW is you don't own your own box, so for as long as
> you are with them they will come out and fix / replace the box / remote
> etc.

Agreed. With sky, after your 12 months are up and you get a fault you either
have to threaten to cancel or get it fixed yourself........

> There are no other good things about them, their standard boxes are next
> to useless, so slow (even what they call their later boxes) and don't have
> full EPG just a useless clunky if you are lucky up to 24 hour EPG.

My standard box is only marginally slower than a Sky box, admitedly the
older pace one b4 that was even slower.

> The TV Drive has a full EPG, but is still a slow clunky to use box and is
> full of problems, you may be lucky for a handful of programmes to record,
> jerky pictures, channels disappearing.

Again, it is slower than Sky but not that much. I have never had any
problems with TW TVDrive at all, never failed to record a program or series.
Had it since release. No jerky pictures, no dissapearing channels.

> TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels, and TW
> still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.
>
> The signal from the Astra and Eutelsat satellites are extremely reliable,
> not known any problems in all the years they have been in use, cable are
> losing channels here and there everyday.

If TW were losing channels here and there every day then after about 6
months there wouldnt me any left at all would there?

> Sky problems are with the boxes (mostly the Sky+ boxes) the software on
> them, for some people they have quite a few problems, whereas others never
> have a problem. I've never had a problem with my standard Sky system.
>
> TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey software,
> problems in their distribution.
>
> I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due to
> very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple of times,
> and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW cable box for 15
> months and have lost count the number of times channels have disappeared,
> channels suffer from bad pixalation.
>
> If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.

Some people do have bad experiences with TW or NTL. Some people also have
bad experiences with Sky.

TW TVDrive has 3 tuners, you can record 2 channels and watch a 3rd, Sky only
has 2 tuners.

TW boxes show the channel been wached as a smaller picture while viewing the
EPG so you dont miss anything while planning your nights TV. Sky does not
have this feature.

TW have Video on demand. They show free programs when you choose. You can
pause them while watching them independantly of the TV drive record
features. There Films (chargeable) are also Video on Demand.

HD content on TW is, admitedly dire whereas Sky do have more and films in HD
too which if you have a HDTV then would be better other than the fact you
have to pay 300 notes for the box!!

Have a look at www.avforums.co.uk for more discussion on the Sky V telewest
debate.

Steve

"G a z ." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>,
> no.spam@me says...
>
>> ky+ is a fiasco, even Tony Christie was complaining
>> about his 5th box on watchdog on monday.
>>
>
> No he was not!...
OK 4th, 6th? Thereabouts it is correct.. and appaling

>
> No, no tech visit required. The problem is with TW, strange that I and
> every friend and family and all the people on TW own newsgroups have been
> having the same problems, TW admit there are faults, but hadn't been able
> to fix them for months.

"All the people on TW own newsgroups"??? Well I am on telewest and on TW
newsgroups and have no problems. I guess that there are millions more people
of the same opinion that don't complain and that you are part of the
minority.
>>> TW is a lot worse than Sky, plus cable is slow at adding channels,
>>> and TW still don't have Sky TUO or Sky THRCC amongst others.
>> I suggest you read the latest JD power survey to justify how it is "
>> a lot worse".
>> http://networks.silicon.com/broadban...9164533,00.htm
>> I refer to watchdog!
>
> Surveys are meaningless.
I disagree without further knowledge to back this claim up. I'm sure JD
power would disagree with you completely. Do you trust them for their car
surveys? I do.

> I watched Watchdog, however Sky+ is still far far far more reliable than
> the TV Drive.
>
>>> TW problems are with slow boxes, clunky EPG / Software, ropey
>>> software, problems in their distribution.
>> What are the distribution problems?
>>
>
> The problems they have almost everyday with their power supplies in the
> network failing, meaning many people without channels or all channels.
I've never had this happen but I guess hundreds of pieces of equipment must
fail every day. Its the nature of electronics in my opinion.. equipment
fails.. When they do fail is the downtime reasonable for a consumer
service??? I haven't had any problems in 2 years so I can't answer that.

>>> I've had satellite since around 1988 and have only lost picture (due
>>> to very bad weather, which is to be expected - rain fade) a couple
>>> of times, and the boxes themselves have been fine. I've had a TW
>>> cable box for 15 months and have lost count the number of times
>>> channels have disappeared, channels suffer from bad pixalation.
>>
>> You definately need an engineer to sort that. Have you reported it to
>> them?
>
> There is no need for another engineer, the problem is with their
> distribution, they have admitted as such.
I think that is a cop out.. I wouldn't accept that at all.. mine is fine..
no disappearing channels or bad pixelation. Hence why I suggest an
engineer...


> As I said, friends and relatives all have the same problems, as does
> EVERYONE throughout the TW service area, there are known problems, there
> are outstanding tickets for the problems, there have been these problems
> for many months, it's just that it has taken so long for them to sort it
> out.
>
>>> If you did switch to TW you would only regret it.
>> Watchdog again!
>>
>
> Watched it. TW boxes are a lot worse the Sky's.
Not the PVR from what I understand.. I haven't had a single problem in 9
months of TVDrive... me = very happy with it:-)

>> Bet you won't if you switch for skys broadband.
>
> I wouldn't switched to Sky's broadband, I'm happy with TW broadband, I
> have no phone line either (Use VoIP).

>> I think everyone
>> needs to look at the full package of their communications. On the
>> full package TW is a great option in my opinion and a damn sight
>> cheaper if you want HD (although I accept the content is low at the
>> moment).. I wonder if Sky will ever lower the HD costs. If that box
>> fails after 12months.. ouch!
>
> Contentent low? One bloody channel that's only a trial channel? Yes
> content is worse than low on TW, and TW have admitted there are no plans
> for new channels for quite some time to come, they are more concerned
> about sorting out all the problems they have with the boxes.
Theres teleport content too..

> This is why people aren't happy and are dumping TV Drive for Sky HD. If
> you want HD then the only way at the moment is Sky HD.
At a cost, particularly if you also need a new TV.

> As for boxes failing, it's not really that common, and if you know what
> you are doing you get them replaced for free anyway.
It must be quite common to feature on watchdog surely?

> TW for broadband, yes, they are really the onlt decent broadband supplier
> around (one of the reasons I'm with them, plus I could dump my landline
> and go VoIP), but for TV and phone they are way way off the mark.
>
> I would like to see TW offer a Sky beating service, but they would have to
> have new boxes built that are faster, run more reliable software on them,
> and change their monds about not adding anymore HD channels, and also be a
> lot quicker at adding channels full stop.
So would I.. Hopefully the Virgin influence will pay dividends on this...
Sky and BT need a very strong competitor and TW/NTL/Virgin is so close. I
recall some stats that said that most people choose TW "when they can" over
alternative suppliers.. Not sure if the same applies in NTL areas though..

Or it might've been tuesday!