Here in the Big Issue
column we take a regular look at the current issues that surround Sky+ and give
our comment and analysis. (Previous articles listed below:)
ITV1 SERIES LINKS REVISITED With the introduction of dual record hopefully now only days away, you could be forgiven for thinking that this is the most talked about function since the advent of Sky+. There's no doubt that for new customers, the ability to set two programmes to record at the same time, is the big seller for Sky. For existing users, who have experienced the frustration and annoyance of all those delays, dual record cannot arrive soon enough. Until that day, series links take centre stage. We're all aware of the importance of reliable series links, however although the function is offered to the broadcaster, they unfortunately fail to live up to the users expectations. One week the programme can be linked, the following week that pressing of the green button becomes redundant as its appearance has mysteriously vanished. On April 16th 2003 the Sky+ software was updated to make the series links more reliable. Now I'm probably not alone here in saying, that apart from the occasional onscreen message of "Searching for Series Link ", they still appear far too erratic! Occasionally when a previously linked programme takes a break of more than 7 days, you have to count yourself very lucky if it then reappears back in your planner. Unfortunately more often than not, the programme remains in isolation and the link's therefore broken. Now all this fragile behaviour is totally irrelevant if the series link isn't offered by the broadcaster in the first place. Considering the series link function has been available since the introduction of Sky digital, it seems almost unforgivable for any series not to be accompanied with the green icon.In June 2003, I compiled an article highlighting how ITV1 handled the series link function. Unfortunately for them, the results made poor reading and should have left the broadcaster slightly red faced. Overall they only averaged a weekly % of 29.22%, with most days showing a severe lack of respect for the link. On two of the days an additional 22 programmes could have been linked! These results placed ITV1 in a very shameful 6th position. Although ITV may of been the last main broadcaster to join the Sky EPG, this alone was no excuse for their lacklustre performance. Now being the fair people we are here at Plusworld, we like to give everyone the opportunity to redeem themselves. A few weeks ago I revisited BBC1 to see whether their handling of the series links had improved. To see the full article see here. Their initial results deserved higher praise than ITV1, however more praise was endorsed upon them as they had quite clearly sat up, listened, and acted accordingly. It is now ITV's turn to demonstrate to us, whether or not they have pulled their socks up and improved, or just slumped in the corner happy to trail behind everyone else and become stagnant!! Below you will see where I have taken a week from the Sky EPG and listed each days programming. I shall highlight to you each programme which is linked, and also those which fail to support the link. Where the programme is not linked I shall support my findings with whether or not it should have been linked. Finally to tidy up my facts, where a programme now appears to support the link, I shall then attempt to inform you as to whether or not this has been added since my first report. So sit back, enjoy and let me give you those percentages you have been craving to see. Between us we will all see whether or not ITV1 are in this for the quick sprint, or the far more tactically planned marathon. I shall then conclude by comparing my current results with my findings back on 14.07.03 Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Monday 8th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 32 programmes. Of these 29 were linked, and 3 were not. This equates to 90.63% of programmes being linked, and 9.37% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 3 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 31 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 96.8%, an improvement of 6.17% Conclusion Well straight away it is quite clear that ITV1 have made huge improvements when it comes to handling Series Links. 14 extra links have been included since the original report on 29.06.03. ITV obviously realise the importance of the link when it comes to viewers wanting to set their Sky+ to record. The link covers a whole range of programmes from News bulletins to daytime consumer programmes to evening entertainment shows. It's also good to see that the link has been added to repeated programmes that are repeated in the early hours of the morning. The only downside to ITV1's series link operation is the failure to link the Regional News programmes * See final conclusion for update * Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Tuesday 9th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00hrs Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red ). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 29 programmes. Of these 25 were linked, and 4 were not. This equates to 86.21% of programmes being linked, and 13.79% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 4 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 27 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 93.10%, an improvement of 6.89% Conclusion Again this is a great effort by ITV1. Out of the 25 programmes that have been linked, nearly half of these have been additions since the first report. ITV appear to of sat up and took notice of what the definition of series links are. Unfortunately the omission of regional news programmes tends to spoil things slightly, as at the time of putting together this report, there was no real need for these not to be linked * See final conclusion for update * Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Wednesday 10th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00 Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red ). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 31 programmes. Of these 26 were linked, and 5 were not. This equates to 83.87% of programmes being linked, and 16.13% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 5 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 28 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 90.32%, an improvement of 6.45% Conclusion This is now becoming a familiar pattern, with a loud " well done " echoing around ITV offices. That magical dozen number appears again, with additions to the series link family. All the popular ITV programmes are given the link these days, with satisfaction breeding throughout the family with links to keep everyone happy, Mums, dads and children alike can rest easy knowing that their favourite programmes should never be missed. When you take away the obligatory film or two from the schedules, it only leaves the Regional news programmes that need that series link injection...............and as I keep saying....... * See final conclusion for update * Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Thursday 11th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00 Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red ). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 35 programmes. Of these 32 were linked, and 3 were not. This equates to 91.43% of programmes being linked, and 8.57% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 3 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 34 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 97.14%, an improvement of 5.71% Conclusion Well again ITV1 show their growing commitment to the link, by offering the service to all possible programmes apart from the 2 Regional News programmes * See final conclusion for update * and the last showing of a series (which obviously couldn't of been linked). In total their were 13 programmes that have had the link added since my first report on 29.06.03. Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Friday 12th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00 Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red ). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 36 programmes. Of these 33 were linked, and 3 were not. This equates to 91.67% of programmes being linked, and 8.33% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 3 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 35 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 97.22%, an improvement of 5.55% Conclusion On this occasion ITV1 added 13 links to programmes broadcast, compared to the original report. The usual 2 programmes failed to provide links * See final conclusion for update * and the only other programme that failed to carry the link was an additional one off programme that was put into the schedules at the last minute. ITV are really showing how easy it is to provide links to their ever popular programmes, making it so much easier for Sky+ users to set their desired programmes, safe in the knowledge that they will be added to the Sky+ planner the following week. Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Saturday 13th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00 Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red ). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 28 programmes. Of these 25 were linked, and 3 were not. This equates to 89.29% of programmes being linked, and 10.71% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 3 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 27 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 96.43%, an improvement of 7.14% Conclusion Again another full round for ITV1 as the link is played to nearly its full potential. Apart from the usual two programmes * See final conclusion for update * and the customary Saturday evening film, all the programmes from 06:00 were linked. Back on 29.06.03 3/4 of the sporting programmes were not on due to the end of the season, however it's good to see that they have been linked, likewise The Premiership which is on at 22:30hrs. Update to ITV1's (103) Series Link Behaviour For Sunday 14th September 2003 for 24hrs from 06:00 Below you will see that I have listed all the programmes starting from 06:00hrs. You will find all the programmes that were linked, and all those that were not (marked in Red ). Where a link was not offered, I shall then highlight whether the link should have been offered or not. Next to each linked programme I shall also show whether this has been added since my first report on 29.06.03. In this 24hr period ITV1 broadcast 26 programmes. Of these 20 were linked, and 6 were not. This equates to 76.92% of programmes being linked, and 23.08% not being linked.
Out of the remaining 6 programmes that were not linked, 2 could have been linked, which would have given a new total of 22 programmes linked. This would then have given a new daily % of 84.65%, an improvement of 7.73% Conclusion Well here we are at the end of my weeks analysis, and ITV have ended the same way as they began, and that's with high praise indeed. Of the 20 programmes that were linked 10 have been added since my original report. From the remaining 6 programmes that were not linked, 4 did not require any link, leaving only the now familiar 2 x regional news programmes * See final conclusion for update * Overall Conclusion to ITV1's Handling Of The Series Link Function, W/C 08.09.03 from 06:00hrs Well there we are, the completion of my second visit to ITV1. Have they improved when it comes to series links, well lets take a look. On the 29.06.03 when I carried out my first report I have to say how poor ITV were. The impression I was actually given was, if it's not a well known programme then you can forget about the link. This attitude certainly came to the fore when I equated each daily number to a series link percentage. Back on 29.06.03, over the course of the week they broadcast 219 programmes. Of these, only 64 programmes could be linked. This equated to a very poor 29.22%. This % was so poor it meant that ITV1 came in 6th position when compared with BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4,Five and Sky1. At the time I then calculated what the actual % could have been had they of linked all the programmes that could have offered the series link function. This result was quite astonishing as I found that 134 more programmes could have been linked. This would have equated to 61.19%, resulting in a new weekly % of 90.41%. Had they of given the link this respect, it would have resulted in the broadcaster coming in third instead of last place. Well that was then. Let’s concentrate on now. Below you will find the complete list of programmes that are now linked, compared to my original report when they were not linked. GMTV ITV Lunchtime News Everything Must Go ITV News Headlines Tiny Planets Globo Loco My Parents Are Aliens ITV Evening News & Weather ITV News At Ten Repeat Showing of Today with Des & Mel Entertainment Now! Repeat Showing of Tonight With Trevor McDonald ITV Nightscreen ITV Early Morning News World Sport World Football Get Stuffed Motorsport UK Repeat Showing of Trisha Sabrina The Teenage Witch ITV Weekend News MixMasters Repeat Showing of CD:UK Turn On Terry Fingertips My Favourite Hymns Well as you can see from above, ITV have certainly made great efforts to provide the series link to almost most of their programmes. With all the above programmes being linked, alongside all the ever popular programmes that have always been linked, ITV are certainly pushing for that top spot. Missing Series Links Well apart from the usual films and one off programmes and last showings that fill the schedules from time to time, the only programmes that failed to offer the link were the Regional News Programmes. These programmes fill 2/3 slots during each day and therefore should be linked. As EPG no. 103 is dependant on the users postcode, the main Regional News showing is offered dependant on where you live. Had these of been linked, ITV could have proudly boasted that every programme in their schedule that could be linked is indeed linked. * STOP PRESS * Upon completion of this report, I am pleased to inform you that ITV1 now offer the series link function to all their Regional News programmes. Best Days For Series Links (Actual) 1st - Friday 12th September = 91.67% 2nd - Thursday 11th September = 91.43% 3rd - Monday 8th September = 90.63% 4th - Saturday 13th September = 89.29% 5th - Tuesday 9th September = 86.21% 6th - Wednesday 10th September = 83.87% 7th - Sunday 14th September = 76.92% Worst Days For Links (Actual) 1st - Sunday 14th September = 23.08% 2nd - Wednesday 10th September = 16.13% 3rd - Tuesday 9th September = 13.79% 4th - Saturday 13th September = 10.71% 5th - Monday 8th September = 9.37% 6th - Thursday 11th September = 8.57% 7th - Friday 12th September = 8.33% The above shows the results and placings of each days actual Series Link %. Below you will see the same chart, however this time I have taken into account the programmes that were not linked, and if they were able to be linked, incorporating them in my results. Best Days For Series Links (Possible) 1st - Friday 12th September = 97.22% increase of 5.55% 2nd - Thursday 11th September = 97.14% increase of 5.71% 3rd - Monday 8th September = 96.8% increase of 6.17% 4th - Saturday 13th September = 96.43% increase of 7.14% 5th - Tuesday 9th September = 93.10% increase of 6.89% 6th - Wednesday 10th September = 90.32% increase of 6.45% 7th - Sunday 14th September = 84.65% increase of 7.73% Worst Days For Series Links (Possible) 1st - Sunday 14th September = 15.35% 2nd - Wednesday 10th September = 9.68% 3rd - Tuesday 9th September = 6.9% 4th - Saturday 13th September = 3.57% 5th - Monday 8th September = 3.2% 6th - Thursday 11th September = 2.86% 7th - Friday 12th September = 2.78% Over the course of the week ITV1 actually broadcast 217 programmes. Of these 190 were linked. This equates to an actual weekly % of 87.56% of programmes being linked. This leaves over the course of the week 27 programmes not being linked. This equates to 12.44% of programmes not being linked. Had ITV1 of linked all those Regional News programmes over the course of the week, a possible 204 programmes would have been linked. This would have equated to 94% of programmes being linked. This would have left 13 programmes unable to be linked, which would have equated to 5.99% So there we are, in all one would say an excellent achievement and improvement by ITV1. Back in June when the first analysis was carried out ITV1 were only averaging a very poor 29.22% of their programmes being linked. This is now compared with a total of 87.56% of their programmes being linked. Should ITV1 sort out the regional news issue (which of course now they have!!!!) the total of programmes linked would be 94%, compared to 90.41% back in June. What this means is, ITV1 have improved their series link service to Sky+ users by 58.34%. |
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