BBC ENTERTAINMENT DROPPED BY TRUE
Thailand's True Vision cable television provider has confirmed it will be dropping the popular BBC Entertainment channel from its programming later this month.
But for fans of reruns and repeats of popular British televisions shows all might not be lost. The company has apparently been swamped by irate subscribers threatening to cancel their 2,000 baht per month subscriptions when the channel is replaced by AXN Beyond.
I am one of those irate subscribers. BBC Entertainment is one of the few channels I actually watch. In an email reply a representative from True Vision explained the reasons for the change were down to contract expiry issues and was not cost related.
Posts on one popular Thai forum are suggesting those who also feel upset with this change should email truevisions_care@truevisionstv.com to express their discontent. It's worth a try.
26 comments:
Bastards ... that's one of the few channels worth watching - especially "Moving Wallpaper."
Not only is True Visions one of the most expensive cable providers in the world, they're also one of the worst in terms of reruns.
A monopoly, but there are alternatives out there.
Judge John Deed for me ... and yes, one of the only ones worth watching.
Although the decision has been made I think it might be reversed if enough people voice their disapproval and, more importantly, threaten to cancel.
Without BBC Entertainment I will cancel for certain. It's just not worth that sort of money.
"Contract Expiry issues"? Well, then renew the bloody contract! Except...Wait, I think I see it now...It probably cost more to renew the contract, and that would have cut in to profits...So we'd better not renew...but then that old issue of action/reaction comes up.
More of AXN? Most content is so dummed-down, I can't watch it for more than five minutes.
If they were to replace it with Australian programming or some other channel which airs content from Britain or one of its former colonies, I would consider staying. But AXN?
I first subscribed to True years ago, back when it was known as UBC. Back then, BBC dramas such as Wexford or Morse still aired. Eventually they dried up, as quality content was muscled out by American-made junk.
Years later, I came back, after someone told me about BBC Entertainment.
If they axe it, I'm off, and I doubt I shall bother with this crowd again.
True must think we're all as thick as their programmers.
I wrote an email of protest to True. I am sure they won't mind if I publish it here. Actually, they might mind, but I don't care.
Dear (...),
We truly apologize for the inconvenience that you might have experienced in our service. We do tremendously respect the needs and wishes of our English subscribers.
Please allow us to clarify to you that we made the change based on 3 main factors.
1. The contract expiration of the three channels.
2. The conditions of the contracts renewal.
3. And TrueVisions’ continuing policy of acquiring newer and quality content for its paying subscribers for their ultimate satisfaction.
After considering such factors we have made the decision to change the 3 channels as follows:
BBC Entertainment to be replaced by AXN Beyond on digital channel 38; Animax to be replaced by All Sports Network (ASN) on digital channel 40; STC to be replaced by Nickelodeon on digital channel 42
We are sure that the 3 new channels will meet the satisfaction of our Platinum and Silver members by program category interest and program quality.
Under current economic circumstance, is the change considered a way to lower operating cost?
Nothing as such but the overall change has been carefully considered by in all important perspectives by our management.
Is the change of the 3 channels, for whatever reasons done without consideration for the existing viewers of the channels and why were they not asked for their opinions before hand?
TrueVisions does a monthly survey of its subscribers viewing preference and we confirm that we have the satisfaction of our customers at heart always.
What if subscribers don’t like the 3 new channels?
We would like you to watch the 3 new channels first and if you are really not satisfied with the program we also welcome your feedback at TrueVisions Care 0-2725-2525.
We are so grateful for your trust in our service and support us all time. Write us again whenever we can be of further help to you.
Please contact us at 02-7252525 or
Truevisions_care@truevisionstv.com
I think everyone that sends an email complaint gets exactly the same reply. But I hope the sheer number of people that are seemingly registering their dissatisfaction with this decision will be noticed by someone in management at True Visions. It's going to cost them a LOT of money.
Anyone tried to email them recently?
The email just bounces back with a failure notice. I suspect they have had so many complaints that they've just switched off!!!!
My own email exchange was on Monday afternoon. It's probably worth calling instead.
So come on - let's come up with a viable alternative. I recall trying to find alternative providers a few years ago and failing to find anyone who could provide BBC Entertainment. For me UK Gold and BBC Entertainment without all the repeats would be worth a hefty subscription especially if the True PVR could be made to work with it.Anything extra would be a bonus. So where are these "alternatives out there"?
Chris, I am not especially tech savvy but I believe there are ways to watch British shows via the Internet. I have heard Slingbox as another option but you need to install in the UK to watch here, I think.
Other than that I don't think there are too many options.
Anyone else like to comment ?
True totally sucks.... I will cancel because after they cut this there will be virtually nothing left to watch. even the movie channels are on their 50th repeat of films and frankly the whole thing is like a perpetual rip off.
Andrew - yes, I totally agree and will be joining you in canceling my subscription (and depriving True Visions of around 28,000 baht per year in revenues) unless they change their mind. I still live in hope.
I'm amazed no one has started some kind of Facebook group or online petition. It would be really interesting to see how much revenue they stand to lose from this decision.
Well after a bit of research I discovered that Astro in Malaysia (with BBC Entertainment) can be received here with a bigger dish (installed by a local company at about 20,000 I'm told)BUT they say:
"We wish to inform you that at present we are only licensed to operate in Malaysia and Brunei. Please note that reception outside Malaysia and Brunei may constitute a violation of international copyright and other laws."
So it really does seem that True have a monopoly and can do what they like with absolutely no comeback.(I was going to say with impunity but I am not sure how to spell it!)
I doubt there is a legal way to retain BBC Ent. - but then TIT so if it breaches international copyright laws there MUST be a way!
Another option is using a VPN to access the BBC iPlayer.
https://my-private-network.co.uk/home
I found this service via Google and it would appear to offer the ability to access BBC iPlayer for 5 quid a month. I have not tried it so cannot guarantee it works.
This sucks! I love torchwood a lot and my husband is a BBC news junkie! We already sent a complaint letter. Let's flood them with complaints.
Hi Jane, thanks for your comment. I am certain the BBC News channel (53) is not being dropped. It appears to be only BBC Entertainment (38).
What I find amazing is there has been no official response from True Visions as to what's happening. All we have is their standard cut-and-paste email explanations to customers.
Time to start a Facebook group I think ...
Not every expat is a Brit! I couldn't care less about another AXN channel but I guarantee many will be happy with the overall changes. Maybe if they replaced it with yet another football channel so we could flip between 5 games at once would make many of you feel better."Let's start a Facebook group"..give me freakin break!
To be fair it's not only expats that are upset with this decision, although I accept the point that it's probably mainly British expats that are voicing their opinions the loudest.
The said it will do no good whatsoever. The decision has been made and True Visions will lose millions of baht as a result.
Firstly the my-private-network vpn does work for BBC progs BUT I haven't yet worked out how to get onto my big TV screen.
Secondly (as commented before) I can see no reason why True can't expand their network rather than replace (except of course for the profit motive - something they think they will get more mof with cheaper channels - think agin!).
Thirdly, BBC Ent - while being far from ideal in terms of repeats, does have some great programmes.
Lastly another email from True suggests that the have done widespread customer surveys and this action is in response to those. Ha! Anyone know anyone who has been "surveyed", contacted or has rung customer support to urge the removal of BBC ENT (another of their claims)?
The thing I'M curious about is the REASON True refused to renew with Auntie (I suspect the other two channels are irrelevant).
They insist it isn't about money - and given the Pound's 30% DROP against the Baht during the last 12 months that would seem likely to be true (little "t").
Which leaves "The conditions of the contracts renewal". What did Auntie WANT - that True were not prepared to give?
Auntie's saying nothing - probably 'cause she thinks True'll come back cap-in-hand when they realize what a sh*t-storm they've unleashed.
And True are saying nothing - probably out of EMBARRASSMENT. They've had their problems, but this must top ALL.
Luckily, I have a son in The Old Country who sends me disks, but MANY are not so lucky.
The Thais aren't as business-savvy as they like to think - it was bureaucratic bullsh*t that lost Thailand their Disneyland - The Mouse went to Hong Kong instead.
So sadly, I suspect True will do nothing. The only way that'll change is if EVERYBODY RINGS them!
This is the latest from True to respond to my email.
It doesn't need a comment from me.
It seems it's all our fault!
"We understand how disappointing it must have been; however, TrueVisions would like to assure you that all changes made to programming were made in the best interest of our subscribers. In the past three years, we have added over 10 channels based upon subscribers’ feedback and suggestion.
In a continuing effort to maximize TrueVision's audience base, the company will replace three new channels that appealed to a wide audience. The company is responding to an overwhelming level of demand and has decided to replace the existing channels that are due for contract renewal this month. The three channels were selected for their high rating in several countries and have been demanded by subscribers through our website and call center so it is fortuitous that these channels are available at this time.
By the way, there is no refund."
Mr. Wichian Chompoonog
Support & Non-Voice Management
Surprise surprise.
Chris T - thanks for your comment. If True (lack of) Visions really does respond to "overwhelming" customer demand then it would do a deal with BBC today and reverse this appalling decision.
I just cannot believe they've been inundated with requested to have Nickelodeon, AXN Beyond and ASN on their channel line-up. I very much doubt most of their subscribers who, by their own admissions are Thai, will have even come across those channels.
This is 100 per cent about money. Sadly for True they are going to lose millions of baht because of this.
True are so FULL of it! They ADMITTED to me that their phones have been ringing off the hook with complaints about the loss of Auntie.
How - with a straight face - can they POSSIBLY say WE wanted to get rid of it and replace it with an inane KIDS' channel (Nicklodean) yet ANOTHER sports channel and AXN Beyond?
Have you SEEN AXN Beyond's programme list??? Most of its progs WERE great... TEN FLAMING YEARS AGO, when we ALL SAW THEM on other channels!!!
Congrats, True. Bullsh*t of the HIGHEST order.
But I'd still LOVE to know the REAL reason they've shot themselves in BOTH feet. WHAT DID Auntie want...?
they removed Animax too, do they?
I'm an anime freak here, and TrueSpark has kiddy cartoons which i don't watch(Dora..haha)
dang it. i switched my gold to platinum this summer just for Animax. My mom loses money for a ALL SPORT CHANNEL. true already have too much sport channel.
I'm not an expat and I only upgraded my subscription to get BBCE so disappointing just isn't the right word and I'm looking for something much stronger!
Its a very sad life for me as TV watcher if all I have to go on are US reality TV's and some bizarre Taiwanese and Japanese series!
Give me back creative TV! Please pretty please :) Mr. Supachai! Come on, I'm sure you must like Torchwood and Spooks and how about The Young Ones reruns!
Thais are not only interested in US tv's!
Well it's done. Farewell Spooks (great prog and now I'll never know what happened in the end). Anyone out there know of a reliable source of good DVDs of BBC progs?
True Visions - great customer service - the two are incompatible.
BTW I DO suggest (if someone can provide it) that we all email the CEO and Chairman of True and lobby whosoever might have any influence.
Don't give up the fight - there is now NOTHING to lose.
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