Tag: Sky Sports

bookmark_borderEvil Empire

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I’m a happy Telewest customer. They supply a good, reliable cheap phone service (my in-laws live in Spain now, so 2p a minute isn’t to be sneezed at), a reliable broadband service which isn’t the cheapest around but isn’t too far off the mark and all the TV channels we (don’t really) need. So why am I considering switching to Sky?

Well a couple of reasons, firstly Telewest recently dropped Nickelodeon. No, we don’t watch it, but the background as to WHY it was dropped is slightly worrying. Seems like negiotiations of carrier charges broke down, Nickelodeon started showing ads saying that Telewest were dropping the channel and to switch to Sky, so Telewest yanked the plug a day later. It’s thought both parties were in breach of contract for their actions but either way it doesn’t bode well for the future.

Secondly, I subscribe to Sky Sports as they only show NBA basketball on Sky Sports Extra*. However I’ve been watching the Champions League as well and as a Telewest user I don’t have the option of the six “extra” channels that they show the other games on. In fact “red button” support on Telewest is flaky at best (kills the set-top box at worst).

Thirdly, I want to do away with our video recorder. We hardly ever use it, although we’ll record some movies and stuff over Christmas, and this is all despite the few hundred movies we have on tape in the loft (No, not THAT kind of movie. Well not ALL that kind of movie.. hang on, my Mum reads this…).

And finally, I’m planning on getting a new TV in April next year, as we should have some extra funds then, and I’ll be handing back our, currently hired, TV and video. So either I buy a new video, or look at the alternatives one of which includes Sky+. I’ve done a bit of digging and I’m pretty sure that it’ll be another year or so before Media Centres (Centers) are established, and the other option is a combined PVR and DVD writer. Tempting but still pricey so again I’ll wait a while until they are better integrated into the mainstream. I will NOT be Betamax’d!

So, if I just put the fact that I’m fueling Murdoch’s Evil Empire to the back of my mind, I don’t see any problems. Any Sky+ users out there got any advice? Good or bad?

* I DID spot some on Channel 5 last night though, need to find out if that’s gonna be a regular thing.

bookmark_borderKetchup

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Pulp Fiction, one of my favourite films… anyway, where was I…?

Oh yes, All-Star game was fun. It’s a lot different from a regular season game, a lot more showboating, no-look passes, behind-the-back passes, alley-oops, outrageous dunks and the like. Shaq was deservedly MVP, although Jason Kidd’s no-look, scooped alley-oop was pass of the night. It was also good to find out the Sky are upping their coverage, two games at the weekend and a ‘magazine’ style show on a Thursday evening (on Sky Sports 3).

Yesterday was spent randomly surfing, reading books and … well that’s about it. Today I’m pushing on with the Scottish Blogs re-design, and will be catching up on the blogs I missed yesterday.

Makes me wonder how I normally find time for work… hmmmm.

Although this week at work I get my new shiny laptop, Bluetooth, wireless (Centrino) and widescreen. Can’t remember if it’s a CD or DVD writer though but hey it’ll do…

Now, if anyone knows how to randomise an array in PHP….

bookmark_borderB-ball

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So the Harlem Globetrotters were entertaining. That’s about it really, I’m glad I went but think the 12 year old sitting next to me got more from it (well from the amount of times he snorted a mouthful of coke out through his nose anyway). Very slick, very professional, and with some pretty good basketballing moments it was a fun night.

Tonight I’m playing 5-a-side football. I just hope I remember I should be kicking the ball, not bouncing it.

I’ll be out and about in the comments boxes tonight (with 5 Live to keep me company as I don’t have Sky Sports). I apologise in advance for any football related silliness I may spout but, if the truth be told, I seem to be getting sillier. Yes I know what you are thinking, how can this mad, zany loony get any sillier, well I can and I am.

Ohh and bravo to The Independent for asking some questions, and thanks to Jon for reminding me about it.

bookmark_borderDagnamit

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Fuck. I have cable at home. Just found out (somewhat belatedly) that Sky Sports have secured the rights to show the NBA in the UK for the next 3 years. Live games, All-Star game (which is happening right now!), and ALL the games of the playoffs. They will be showing two games a week, which is pretty good for the UK, on Sky Sports Extra their new digital satellite channel. The channel that you can’t get through my cable company. Fuck. Arse. Crap. Bastard. Shit. I’m pissed off now.