Sky Angel to transistion IPTV over the next year [Archive]

HDTVFanAtic

06-08-07, 03:03 PM

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070608/clf049.html?.v=66

Sky Angel Transitions to IPTV
Friday June 8, 3:28 pm ET

NAPLES, Fla., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. is planning dramatic improvements to the way it delivers its "Sky Angel" Christian and family-friendly programming to its nationwide subscriber base, it was announced here today by Chief Executive Officer Rob Johnson.

Johnson said, "We will be transitioning Sky Angel to a broadband Internet protocol, commonly known as IPTV, with programming still delivered to the TV. The technology is already in use widely in both Europe and Asia and experiencing growing popularity in the United States. Our current subscribers will simply need to use an IPTV set-top box that will allow them to connect their television to high-speed Internet. Overall service will be more economical than our current satellite system and will provide Sky Angel viewers more options."

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) combines traditional television with broadband Internet services. Instead of receiving programming through cable or satellite, programming is received by the viewer through a high-speed Internet connection and small set-top box and does not require an outside dish or antenna, professionally installed equipment or a computer. IPTV enables programs to be viewed on conventional TVs, personal computers and handheld instruments, which will provide viewers the benefit of receiving programs at home and on the go. Enhanced programming, additional channels and more choices of programming packages for individual subscribers are other features afforded by IPTV. IPTV is not the same as what consumers might consider to be traditional web streaming and provides a real viewing experience on your TV.

According to a recent study by Zogby Survey, 53 percent of Internet users would replace their cable and satellite television connections with broadband TV if they could keep the same channel lineup. IPTV provides viewers value- added services and conveniences such as the ability to set up their own equipment, to retrieve programs that have already aired, much like a personal video recorder, and to utilize Video on Demand - all of which are the key benefits of an IPTV service.

"We believe that our subscribers will truly enjoy the interactive programming and other benefits resulting from the convergence of Internet and television," said Johnson. "IPTV will provide them with the ability to personalize and maximize their viewing experience.

"We want to assure all of our subscribers and our family of employees, dealers and programmers that it is our intention to ultimately deliver a better and more reliable television service and a more diverse range of Christian and family-friendly programming. With the loss of a satellite transponder last spring, and as our satellite continues to age, it has become increasingly evident that Sky Angel must embrace new, cost-effective technology opportunities that will enable us to further our vision to deliver the Gospel around the world. We have been testing the IPTV technology, and we are very impressed with the quality of picture and delivery. We believe it will be a major step forward for Sky Angel and for all those who support the Sky Angel mission," Johnson said.

The transition to IPTV in the U.S. will occur over the next year, and more information will be provided about the transition during the coming months.

Sky Angel was founded by Robert Johnson, Sr. 25 years ago to provide a Christ-centered and family-friendly alternative to the standard television fare. Since then, it has grown into a service providing quality television programming to all corners of the contiguous 48 states. Early this year, Sky Angel also began providing programming in Canada through a Toronto-based IPTV service partner.

James Long

06-09-07, 12:37 AM

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/swr031b.hts?q_set=V_SITE_ANTENNA_FREQ.file_numberC/File+Number/%3D/SATASG2007060800081&prepare=&column=V_SITE_ANTENNA_FREQ.file_numberC/File+Number

Transfer of the satellite licenses from Dominion Sky Angel to Echostar Dish Network.

derwin0

06-09-07, 09:25 AM

IPTV, that's what Sky Angel is using in Canada now.

sansha

06-09-07, 10:57 AM

this really sucks for current subscribers who also have dish.

It means they won't see the sky angel channels on their guide.

And will have to buy or lease set top boxes --which really sucks for lifetime subs, particularly those who have more than one tv.

James Long

06-09-07, 12:14 PM

I agree ... Canadian rates for the SkyAngel service are $120 for the receiver ($113 US), $25 per month for the service ($23.55 US). 1.5 mbps internet service required. If you want to watch via a computer you can - so the receiver cost is "optional".

So pay $10 more per month for the service, without secular channels - pay for a broadband connection separately - not be able to subscribe at all if broadband is not available (or is not cost effective). It seems to be a lot of effort for a few channels.

IPTV to Canada makes sense with satellites lower on the horizon and no Canadian DBS licenses. Perhaps this shows that there was no way for SkyAngel to survive as a DBS provider (a DBS provider who never launched a satellite or uplink center). IPTV seems to be the last chance to provide any ministry at all.

countryboy

06-10-07, 12:46 AM

Sky Angel better hope the video and audio channels they carry are not already on IPTV. IPTV already has over 1,200 audio channels and hundreds of video channels in their $9.99 a month package. Sky Angel's days might be numbered because they have now burned all bridges they had with the lifetime subscribers. I am sure glad Pelle and Evie got out of there when they did.

drfreeman

06-10-07, 07:46 AM

I just dropped dish network a nice e-mail about putting a christian channel
type package together since sky angel is leaving.
Cant hurt to ask...right?
perhaps a bunch of us could ask and be PRO-ACTIVE and at least get a few
christian channels added(tvu,spirit, etc....)
my kids were really upset when i told them we would be losing tvu!

James Long

06-10-07, 12:46 PM

Dish has a different business model than Sky Angel. If more religious channels are added to E*, it will be channels who are willing to pay for carriage. There are a few who are willing to pay, but I doubt if all of SkyAngel's channels would be able to.

SkyAngel's business model was basically cashless with ministries not paying or being paid for carriage with non-lifetime subscribers and donations covering the cost of operations.

For E* to create a "cashless" model (no payment or charge for carriage) where the end customer pays operational costs is possible. But E* would have to have enough subscribers to cover the cost. Fortunately a lot of the overhead is taken care of because they are already in the DBS business (and successful too!).

I can see E* adding ministries willing to pay (such as they already have with 3ABN) and allowing all subs including DISHFamily to see those channels. (Although channels on 61.5° don't really help DISHFamily subs. Multiple dishes and switches for a $19.99/$24.99 service?)

I don't see E* starting a "subscriber supported" religious package. The good news for E* subscribers is that with SkyAngel going away the 'prohibition' on adding religious channels to E* is ending ... so it is only a matter of ministries being willing to pay and E* accepting such payment to get more religious channels on E*. No more worrying about being sued.

FTA Michael

06-10-07, 05:37 PM

Can Dish add more religious channels to satisfy its usually deficient (by our count) public interest channel percentage?

James Long

06-10-07, 05:49 PM

Sure. They are required to have 4% to 7% at each satellite slot set aside for PIs. I believe they have reached the 4% plateau now (their math is always a year behind, so new satellite additions don't immediately affect the number of PIs needed). Today they have 26 PIs - which would be 4% of 650 channels (assuming equal distribution). The 8 PIs on 119° would be 4% of 200 channels. The 9 PIs on 110° would be 4% of 225 channels.

I'd like to see them closer to 7% ... especially if they get there with channels people want.

HDTVFanAtic

06-11-07, 01:56 AM

Can Dish add more religious channels to satisfy its usually deficient (by our count) public interest channel percentage?

I cannot speak for the FCC requirements of DBS transponders, but in radio and television broadcasts, religion does not count as PI (or Public Affairs....not even Public Service - seperation of church and state).

Dish has a different business model than Sky Angel. If more religious channels are added to E*, it will be channels who are willing to pay for carriage. There are a few who are willing to pay, but I doubt if all of SkyAngel's channels would be able to.

Interesting......and here all we hear is how Dish pays for channels and that is why our costs goes up every year - then you tell us that Dish is in a different business model and channels pay for carriage. :rolleyes:

SkyAngel's business model was basically cashless with ministries not paying or being paid for carriage with non-lifetime subscribers and donations covering the cost of operations.

If Charlie can put together a tier tied in with his family package, he'll do it in a heartbeat. There is nothing that say the channels cannot be cashless with E* and all the money goes to his pocket.

For E* to create a "cashless" model (no payment or charge for carriage) where the end customer pays operational costs is possible. But E* would have to have enough subscribers to cover the cost. Fortunately a lot of the overhead is taken care of because they are already in the DBS business (and successful too!).

When you add the religous pack as an add on to a minimum package, yes. It would have more appeal than some of the foreign language channels.

I can see E* adding ministries willing to pay (such as they already have with 3ABN) and allowing all subs including DISHFamily to see those channels. (Although channels on 61.5° don't really help DISHFamily subs. Multiple dishes and switches for a $19.99/$24.99 service?)

Again, if he can make it an add on package - as most have the orbital position of 61.5 covered, no big deal.

I don't see E* starting a "subscriber supported" religious package. The good news for E* subscribers is that with SkyAngel going away the 'prohibition' on adding religious channels to E* is ending ... so it is only a matter of ministries being willing to pay and E* accepting such payment to get more religious channels on E*. No more worrying about being sued.

Oh really? Do you have a documentation of that or is that your speculation?

I'd love to see the link.

Of course, I suppose you have a link that shows us why Sky Angel assigned their orbital to E* and what those terms of - what can and cannot be done - such as perhaps - the possiblity of not starting a religous tier?????

Or do you think that SkyAngel just signed them over for the heck of it :rolleyes:

James Long

06-11-07, 06:32 AM

Can Dish add more religious channels to satisfy its usually deficient (by our count) public interest channel percentage?I cannot speak for the FCC requirements of DBS transponders, but in radio and television broadcasts, religion does not count as PI (or Public Affairs....not even Public Service - seperation of church and state).
Perhaps you should do some research. There is no problem on DBS with calling a religious station a "PI" channel. The definition of PI does not discriminate against religious channels and the FCC is notorious for not caring about the content of channels (beyond indecent/obscene).
Dish has a different business model than Sky Angel. If more religious channels are added to E*, it will be channels who are willing to pay for carriage. There are a few who are willing to pay, but I doubt if all of SkyAngel's channels would be able to.
Interesting......and here all we hear is how Dish pays for channels and that is why our costs goes up every year - then you tell us that Dish is in a different business model and channels pay for carriage. :rolleyes:
PIs pay their own way. There is a limit on how much a satellite carrier can charge the owner of a PI channel but, unlike most channels, PIs pay for their carrage instead of being paid for their content.
If Charlie can put together a tier tied in with his family package, he'll do it in a heartbeat. There is nothing that say the channels cannot be cashless with E* and all the money goes to his pocket.

When you add the religous pack as an add on to a minimum package, yes. It would have more appeal than some of the foreign language channels.

Again, if he can make it an add on package - as most have the orbital position of 61.5 covered, no big deal.
Thank you for your opinion and speculation.

I don't see E* starting a "subscriber supported" religious package. The good news for E* subscribers is that with SkyAngel going away the 'prohibition' on adding religious channels to E* is ending ... so it is only a matter of ministries being willing to pay and E* accepting such payment to get more religious channels on E*. No more worrying about being sued.
Oh really? Do you have a documentation of that or is that your speculation?

I'd love to see the link.

Of course, I suppose you have a link that shows us why Sky Angel assigned their orbital to E* and what those terms of - what can and cannot be done - such as perhaps - the possiblity of not starting a religous tier?????

Or do you think that SkyAngel just signed them over for the heck of it :rolleyes:
E* has the technology in space and at the right orbital to use those transponders (or at least most of them). I suppose if they were spiteful SkyAngel could have assigned the licenses to DirecTV, but they didn't. The FCC filing shows that SkyAngel has consented to transfer to Echostar.

The rest just requires some knowledge and research on your part. Look back a couple of years to when SkyAngel sued and successfully removed three PI channels from E* on the basis that they were religious and their addition was contrary to the agreements between SkyAngel and E*.

Despite their differences the two companies have worked together to first make SkyAngel an active DBS service in the first place and second keep SkyAngel on the air all of these years. Perhaps there is "bad blood" between them, but there is also a strong historical tie.

The fact that SkyAngel consented to transferring the licenses to E* does not prove that there is some underlying secret deal to start a "religious tier" on E*. I suspect for SkyAngel's IPTV offering to succeed SkyAngel would prefer LESS competition, not more. I would not be surprised if SkyAngel tried to negotiate a non-compete ... but it isn't something E* would be interested in.

You engaged in speculation ... don't knock it. Just keep your speculation rooted in the realm of 'possible' and stay off of Fantasy Island. :)

sansha

06-11-07, 08:55 AM

You would think Sky angel would lose a considerable number of subscribers who, having invested in dish equipment, or got the server because they already had dish, may not be interested in having to buy more receivers, a broadband connection if they don't have one, and paying to wire their existing TVs to receive the broadband. Incidental dish viewers also will just watch less because now the channels won't be on their main receiver's guide. Or on their tvs, if they do have broadband and can get it on their computer, but don't want to bother with buying new receivers).

Considering how hard it is to get subscribers, and that IPTV is not very popular in the US yet, I wonder what the churn will be.

Has sky angel directly informed its customer base yet? At least when Dish goes to new dishes/technology, they usually offer a partially subsidized upgrade program, but I doubt sky angel will have the pockets for that.

KTMCDO

06-11-07, 10:31 AM

since skyangel is leaving can we
get the following religious channels
1 church channel
2 Godtv
3the word network
im sure there are more but these are the ones i know a
little about

dahenny

06-11-07, 02:29 PM

since skyangel is leaving can we
get the following religious channels
1 church channel
2 Godtv
3the word network
im sure there are more but these are the ones i know a
little about

GodTV is only available on D*, unless you happen to have a c-band set-up. That one channel almost got me to switch from E* to D*. It's a great channel. :grin:

KTMCDO

06-11-07, 02:35 PM

just hope they dont add another shopping channel where sky angel used to
be slotted
and we have a local tv station that simucasts godtv from 12 am to 6 am here in Albuquerque

dahenny

06-11-07, 02:43 PM

You would think Sky angel would lose a considerable number of subscribers

Yep...I've been a lifetimer for quite some time. Paid $300 for my sub. Soon as they go dark, I'm washing my hands of them. Bob Sr is prolly rolling over in his grave at what Jr is doing to his dream.:mad:

Has sky angel directly informed its customer base yet?

NOPE!

ann

06-11-07, 07:38 PM

yea me is one of those lifetime sky angel watchers to, even though it hurt quite a
bit when they took off the GOSPEL MUSIC ASS. (GMA)
I really did like that channel alot.
I might be a kid at heart because I also like to watch some of the programs on KTV also.

Ann

ann

06-11-07, 07:48 PM

quiverof8

06-13-07, 01:21 AM

Anyone know what sky angel intends to do about its lifetimers? I can speculate that they are going to hang us out to dry and hope we buy new equipment and subscribe to IPTV. somehow doubt they will do the "right" thing and switch us over and give us the new equipment. Even that won't help as everyone can't get high speed internet. this REALLy defeats founders vision of bring gospel to all people via satellite. How many remote areas have internet at all?

I for one am not going to sink any more money into SA. I am soooo glad I didn't fall for the pay us for a year of "special 4" channels. They many not even be on DBS in less than a year :( the special 4 seems to have been just the begnnning. this is just the final blow to get rid of the lifetime subs!
'

sansha

06-13-07, 08:20 AM

what is the special 4?

As for lifetime subbers, (of which I'm one), lifetime means lifetime, so we shouldn't have to "subscribe" to IPTV. OTOH, according to their website, if you have high speed internet, and are subbed, you don't need a receiver to watch on your computer -- you only need one to watch on your tv (which is not at all the same thing but they'll probably take that as fulfilling the terms of their agreement). I imagine they'll leave the purchasing of receivers to those that want to buy them and consider being able to watch on your computer (if you have the high speed internet) as sufficient for fulfilling their lifetime agreement. OTOH, if they ask lifetime subbers to pay a fee to subscribe to IPTV, that would be wrong.

To me, it doesn't seem as if they care about any of their existing customer base, lifetime or otherwise. I never got a letter or a survey asking me if I had high speed internet or was in favor of this switch, so I wonder what research they did of their existing customer base to determine that this was the way to go.

Considering how hard it is to get subscribers, it seems odd to me that they'd risk losing so many viewers. IPTV may be the way to go for the future, but it is not very prevalent in the US. A lot of casual watchers, who purchased a lifetime sub because it was on dish will have less incentive to watch when the channels aren't on the dish receivers or in their guide. Even if they purchase the additional receiver. And if they don't, how many families gather around their computer to watch tv?

James Long

06-13-07, 09:43 AM

The special four are Fox News, HGTV, Hallmark and Hallmark Movies. The "secular" channels added last year (replacing religious channels).

joetex

06-15-07, 04:49 PM

As a lifetime Sky Angel subscriber, I am very disappointed about the move to IPTV and for all of the reasons that have been stated by others. I liked having the channels in the program guide with Dish, which was a factor in my staying with Dish. I could never imagine family viewing consisting of a night around the computer and I am not in the mood to spend more $$ on extra equipment to watch it on TV. It just gives another negative to the concept of "lifetime" partnerships and brings back bad memories of the PTL lifetime partnerships that were sold in the 1980's.

MRC Ohio

06-16-07, 07:49 AM

So this is why SkyAngel has been advertising a special deal with Hughes Net high speed internet via satellite and is now offering a $100,000 sweepstake for requesting information on IPTV.

Check out SkyAngel's site - this forum will not let me post URLs until I've made 5 posts :(

I just hope SkyAngel lets me switch to paying monthly, while I decide if this is for me.

ibooksrule

06-16-07, 02:01 PM

I think the idea behind the IPTV is great it will allow them to add tons of channels but the problem is this. Not everyone can get high speed internet. even hughes satellite internet is not everywhere. The other problem is i know allot of people who will not go get internet just to have sky angel. With dish and directv having a few christian stations each they will just deal with those.
Me personally i like TVU and RADIOU and KTV and with having a child soon i want her to watch KTV with the good Christian programming on there rather then the junk that cartoon network and some of the other kids channels show now days. Although i do enjoy boomarang those are the cartoons i grew up watching as a child and those are just as good today as they were 30 years ago even 50 years ago. And i have high speed internet anyway so i will go for this as long as i can have DVR capibilites.

My grandparents are longtime supports of Sky angel i believe since 97 or so and they have said they will just stay with Directv as there are several christian channels on there they like and they wont get high speed internet just for this.

I really think there could be a way sky angel could do both. Dish has several satellites they dont use all of like the ones for the old superdishes. Why could they not trade off and use one of those satellites. Then those who wanted IPTV and not a dish on their house like an apartment or something or those who cant get satellite can get the IPTV.

Just an idea.

James Long

06-16-07, 02:31 PM

IPTV offers more than just viewing the channels ... the classic satellite service sends all the content live to all the viewers at the same time. Individual customers either watch it as it arrives (normal) or buys additional equipment to watch it later or store the content (usually by DVR). If one changes to a channel they cannot go back to the beginning of the program and start over ... they can only see what was on their tuner when their tuner was on that channel (either live or pre-planned DVR events).

IPTV is direct to each customer. They can set up a server that sends not only live content as it is received from the source, but also can be rewound. If you want to watch a show that was on yesterday go for it. This in itself - without increasing the number of channels available - greatly increases the amount of content available. You are no longer looking at a choice of what is on this hour on 17 video channels (17 hours of choice), you are looking at a choice of what has been on in the past 48 hours (816 hours of choice ... less repeats). It would be good to have EVERY Christian network available as an option (even those that stream free elsewhere). The more channels the better.

IPTV also breaks the tie between TV programming and the TV ... you can watch the service on a computer or even a handheld computer ... as long as you can get IP internet service (within the TOS of the network you are on).

That being said, no IP = no TV so it is a major step back for those without a broadband connection. I wish there were some "send only" method of doing this via satellite where customers would lose the IPTV features unless their receiver mimiced them but still be able to see live programming.

More info from Sky Angel -
Request Info on IPTV (http://www.skyangel.com/Contact/RequestBrochure.asp?x=007|020&~=) (and sweepstakes)
IPTV FAQ (http://www.skyangel.com/About/Index.asp?Reference=IPTVFAQ)

BTW: I do not support "the Dominion" Sky Angel, I believe this change is a major departure from their stated mission of reaching the world via satellite and none of my apparent enthusiasm for their IPTV service above should be read as support of SkyAngel's current or future program options. Full disclosure - I believe their anti-compete contract with E* and lawsuit that pulled some Christian programming off of the E* system did more to harm SkyAngel and the body of Christ than good. The best thing about SkyAngel leaving satellite is that it allows E* to add any channel they want, without being worried about being sued by a "DBS company" that never built or launched a satellite and still relies on E* for uplink, receivers and customer activations. Hopefully as PI slots open up or are created by adding capacity to E* satellites E* will fill them with channels that were previously blocked by SkyAngel.

ibooksrule

06-16-07, 02:58 PM

JAMES I support what you say. I think the IPTV is a neat thing but i dont see why the same solution could not be done via satellite. I think that sky angel has gotten away from their mission to send the message of Jesus and teh gospel to the world via satellite. i think someone ( i would if i knew how) should set up a sign up list and everyone against the going to IPTV 100% and no satellite is an abandment of their mission and then we get enough signatures we send it to sky angel and let them know how we feel.

I agree that some of the things sky angel has done has harmed them. I didnt know of any law suit though please fill me in. I think this IPTV is cool and can really get them more channels but at the same time they really need to remember many of their customers are from a generation who dont have or want high speed internet and will not go out and get it just to have sky angel besides the fact it violates the whole reason they started thier company in the first place.

ibooksrule

06-16-07, 06:22 PM

Someone said that some of these christian stations are on IPTV now. I searched the net and found no IPTV carrier. well with the exception of AT&T who is in only a few markets.

Is there such IPTV allready? if there is by another provider i havent found it. But would be curious because if i could get christian programming in my home from TVU and radiou and KTV maybe a couple others id drop sky angel in a heartbeat.

narnia777

06-18-07, 03:07 AM

My concern is that since I already have a Dish system setup and I use Tivo with dish network 301 box to record shows from Sky Angel.

I doubt they will own a server that stores every channel's programming for you to start on damand when they swith to IP... They will serve you one channel that your box will tune to. Similar to a Sat box now... but my concern is that will Tivo support those boxes and carry the channel lineup for sky angel on iptv? I don't want to lose my Tivo. Also I don't want to spend money on a new box. Nor do I want to use my dsl bandwidth to watch tv. I like the Dish.

Jim

James Long

06-18-07, 03:37 AM

It will be interesting to see how Tivo interfaces to the IPTV receiver.

Internally the IPTV receiver will allow you to scroll back 48 hours on any channel, even ones that you were not watching. In some cases, this will allow you to skip using the Tivo (if you are time shifting and watching in less than 48 hours). If you are "archiving forever" or using a season pass to catch shows for you (without rewinding the guide) the Tivo should be made to work somehow.

In Canada SkyAngel is apparently using the Ariza Global 500 receiver. (At least, they are using a picture of it's back panel on their website for hookup detail.)
More information: http://www.skyangel-iptv.com/
Global 500 Manual (in PDF format) here (http://www.tvsupport.info/esupport/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=downloadfile&downloaditemid=3)

The front panel is different than what they show on the SkyAngel-IPTV website so they may use a different receiver.

dahenny

06-18-07, 07:25 AM

I agree totally James. SA has never been an effective evangelistic tool. It just blesses the sheep of the fold.

And I agree with you, narnia777. I have 2 sons that already hog my dsl bandwidth, let alone what iptv would use. I don't think my pitiful 1200kbps speed would support it anyway.

James Long

06-20-07, 12:59 AM

This thread went way off on a tangent discussing the mission of SkyAngel ...
That discussion has been moved to another thread:
Debating the Mission of SkyAngel (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=90209)

This thread will be maintained for discussion of the IPTV system only.

James Long

06-24-07, 11:47 PM

Once again a tangent ...
Sky Angel will NOT honor lifetime for IPTV (http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=90568)

This thread will be maintained for discussion of the IPTV system only.
Please discuss SkyAngel's business practices (if you must) in the other threads.

BusyMommyof8

07-16-07, 12:24 PM

This was just posted on the Phantom Tollbooth (http://www.tollboothnews.com/archives/2007/07/13/neulion-launches-sky-angel-programming-2)(full article below)

NeuLion Launches Sky Angel Programming
Christian Satellite TV Provider Plans Major Improvements with
Transition to IPTV
Plainview, NY– June 10, 2007 – NeuLion Inc., the company driving
convergence between television and the Internet, proudly announces
its partnership with Sky Angel U.S. LLC to launch Sky Angel, multiple
channels of Christian-centered and family-friendly programming, using
the NeuLion technology platform.
Sky Angel currently delivers over 30 television and radio channels to
customers across the contiguous United States using direct broadcast
satellite and reaches consumers in homes, churches, prisons,
shelters, hospitals and nursing homes. Programming includes family
movies; classic sitcoms; Christian shows for kids and teens; biblical
teaching and inspirational programs; home life, health and talk
shows; documentaries and educational programs; special events,
conferences and concerts; Christian music videos; and more.
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) combines traditional television
with broadband Internet services. Enhanced programming, additional
channels and more choices of programming packages for individual
subscribers are specific features afforded by IPTV.
Sky Angel discovered NeuLion when it was reviewing the capabilities
of IPTV platforms. It chose NeuLion’s IPTV service for the quality of
the experience and broadest market reach, the ability to create an
experience better than cable or satellite for the consumer, and
NeuLion’s proven, pre-existing IPTV networks in production with
sizable consumer bases.
Sky Angel plans to transition its subscriber base in the United
States to IPTV over the next year. Consumers may request more
information about Sky Angel’s IPTV service at www.skyangel.com.
Sky Angel® is a Christian-owned multi-channel provider of faith-based
and family-friendly TV and radio programming, delivering the widest
variety of Christian-based channels to the TV, plus news and family
channels. Sky Angel was founded by Robert Johnson Sr. 25 years ago to
provide a Christ-centered and family-friendly alternative to the
standard television fare. Since then, it has grown into a service
providing quality television and radio programming to all corners of
the contiguous United States.

quiverof8

07-16-07, 04:50 PM

IPTV in itself is not a bad thing. I do have a problem with the fact that they have yet to notify its customer base of its plans to "TRANSITION" us. Its a lot more than a transition when some can't access high speed interent, it involves new equipment and lifetime members aren't being transitioned at all (more like cast away, discarded......)

This is now the 2nd article/press release (first was in naples fla) yet NO notification to DBS viewers via snail mail, email or even ANGEL 1. I personally think Sky Angel will be in for an unpleasant surprise when many do NOT make the "transition".

They want to send out silly letters, bills to lifetime members with $0 balance yet when they surveyed in MAY regarding IPTV, did they MAIL out surveys to ALL its viewers? NO, they did an internet only viewer advisory board survey! That is obviously flawed in that 1- It only surveyed those with internet 2-not all who have internet have HIGH SPEED access (necessary for IPTV)

drfreeman

07-16-07, 08:38 PM

I must say again........
they are not in this for the long haul.............
they know most will not follow,so they will make an small effort to try
and get this going.
After about a year of not going anywhere they will fold up the tents
and go home.........

just one mans opinion!

quiverof8

07-17-07, 11:34 PM

Why do you feel they are making this last show before "folding up their tents"? could it be an income/tax thing to post a major loss, or is there something else to it? there has to be more to this than meets the eye..........

Jashobeam

07-29-07, 09:03 PM

I have not been notified, and I don't remember getting the online survey, though we usually fill those out when we receive them. We have SkyAngel on almost every day. We do not subscribe to anything else and we can only get maybe 4 channels with our rabbit ears. If SkyAngel decides to go up to $25 and require a box, I have a feeling we will be dropping it. That is so sad. I love having so many channels available now that I don't have to worry about the content. The inlaws are lifetime subscribers, but they don't watch SkyAngel much if at all anymore. Currently we have 1 & 1/2 mbps broadband, and are not intending to upgrade anytime soon.

quiverof8

07-30-07, 02:52 AM

You can go to sky angels website for more info on IPTV, internet speed needed, a link to a speed test to see if you meet the requirements etc

this site has info on skyangel canada, costs, equipment etc. US prices should be similar.

http://tv.about.com/od/iptv/a/SkyAngel.htm

You can also google the company operating IPTV for SA, Morey Chaplick, CEO of ShifTV

BusyMommyof8

08-07-07, 08:04 PM

I've been fretting over the IPTV switch and rumors of what would happen with lifetime subscribers since it first came up. I have been financially poor my entire adult life. I bought our lifetime sub with a small inheritance my grandmother left me when she died. It was an investment made for my family that I knew Grandma would be blessed by (if she weren't so busy dancing it up in heaven). I had 5 children at the time and now have 8. SkyAngel is virtually all that we watch. It's been a tremendous blessing to have that for my children. It's also been great to see the neighbor kids and teens blessed by KTV and TVU. I could go on and on but I'll probably get myself upset in the process.
3 years ago, when our 8th child was 6 months old my husband moved out. The children and I went from poor to destitute overnight. My church has kept us from becoming homeless. If SkyAngel intends to begin charging Lifetime Subscribers a monthly fee when they switch over to IPTV, we will not be able to continue receiving it. I'm heartbroken at the thought. I feel like we've been exploited for corporate gain and now being discarded.
I wrote to Nancy Christopher <nancy.christopher@skyangel.com> inquiring as to whether Lifetime subscribers were going to be dumped. She has never responded. I called customer service and a very nice young man told me that lifetime subscribers were going to be offered special pricing. At that point I became emotional and had to get off the phone so I wouldn't cry in the young man's ear. I had other questions but they really aren't relevant. If they dump us. We lose. That's the extent of it. SkyAngel needs to realize that there are people on the other end of these subscriptions. People who believed in them. People who gave them hundreds of dollars, sacrificially, so SkyAngel could become a reality. We aren't simply Subscriber ID Numbers.
Cordially,
Cindy

FTA Michael

08-07-07, 11:18 PM

BusyMommy, sorry to hear your story. Maybe you could check into FTA. Glorystar (http://www.jctvsat.com/) has a special emphasis on Christian programming, but any FTA equipment would do about as well for you. Then you'll have the same "lifetime" subscription as the rest of us - free for as long as it's available.

quiverof8

08-09-07, 01:47 AM

Tried to PM you but it wouldn't go through.

Unfortunately its not just the new monthly fee but also the cost of new IPTV equipment. I am in similar situation with 8 kids and disabled hubby. sky angel is our only TV and radio and IPTV is not an option. although GLORYSTAR system will run $200 there is no monthly fee. Glorystar seems the best option.

Some monthly and yearly subscribers have said they are "jumping ship" now and switching to glorystar. we plan on hanging in to the end and praying that sky angel does the "right thing" for its lifetime members.

BusyMommyof8

08-13-07, 02:54 AM

FTA Michael and quiverof8; Thank you so much for the info and links. I don't quite understand what FTA is and how it works but the quest is on!
God bless you both.
Cindy

quiverof8

08-13-07, 02:24 PM

Michaels link doesn't seem to work. try this one www.glorystar.tv
Basicaly think of your DISH box as a descrambler as many stations scramble their signals. the signals that are not scrambled can be picked up with a FTA/glorystar receiver :)

krazy k

08-16-07, 09:40 PM

Little Insight to Sky Angel,,,,,,,
they sued Daystar back 4 years ago because they where on dish and they had a contract with dish that it cant offer any more religous based programming,

then what does sky angel do, add non christian channels to there line up,

Sky angel is concerned only about MONEY..... that the bottom line,
and things have gotten worse since the founder had died,

do you think the founder would have offered up his DBS licence for cash so Dish could add more hd channells ,...... I dont THink So,,,

I too am a life sub,
and i bought into the skyangel vision back in 99.
since then i wish i would have put the money in the missions plate than sky angels accounts cause they dont care about there subs.

I here that dish net is going to offer a religous sub pack to all existing sky subs dont know the full details but its similar to whats now in place .........

Cause atleast Charlie listens to his subs,
thats why i finally have external based recording on my 622........

Food for Thought,
and my prayers go out to Busy Mommey ,,,, your in my thoughts
and ps,, FTA is the way to go for you cause why pay for something thats offered for Free Cause thats exactly what Sky Angel has done since day ONE.....
Kev

quiverof8

08-16-07, 11:11 PM

Seems a bit hypocritical of skyangel at best.

I already have the dish equipment so that might be a possibility although due to monthly cost I don't think so. Dish family also looks halfway decent but again there is monthly cost

glorystar is actually cheaper than the cost of the skyangel lifetime. for SA we had to buy the equipment and pay them a fee (varied from $300-$600 or more). glorystar is one time investment of $200. channels are as good or better than skyangel. I like smile of a child MUCH better than skyangels KTV

sky angel is out due to 1)having to purchase new equipemnt 2)monthly fee if they don't honor lifetime membership (nancy says they won't) 3)cost of highspeed internet to run the IPTV 4)I hesitate to give any more $ to skyangel after the way we have been treated the past 6 months or so

narnia777

08-19-07, 06:02 PM

I will try Sky Angel's IP service only after they remove it from the Satellite. I already have high speed internet and upgraded to 6mb/768 DSL to compensate for extra bandwidth for Sky Angel. I'm not looking forward to spending $100+ for the new box nor trying to find another svideo input to hook it up unless I unhook dish network. Also going to miss the ability to use Tivo with Sky Angel, am looking forward to see how the 48 hour buffer works and if you can save shows to the "box" probably can't though.

Jim

quiverof8

08-19-07, 11:11 PM

There are alternatives to sky angel, DISH family (uses your current equipment), glorystar and supposedly DISH is supposed to come up with a new package to be offered to skyangel subs.

As a lifetime sub, glorystar would be the least expensive alternative for me. Dish would invole a monthly fee but no new equipment, while sky angel would involve both a monthly fee AND new equipment.

BusyMommyof8

08-20-07, 12:56 AM

and my prayers go out to Busy Mommey ,,,, your in my thoughts
and ps,, FTA is the way to go for you cause why pay for something thats offered for Free Cause thats exactly what Sky Angel has done since day ONE.....
Kev

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I'm looking into FTA. I was hoping my dish and receiver would have some resale value to help me raise funds for the FTA equipment but it's the original hardware I bought back in 1999 or so and has fossilized. LOL
Nancy has never responded to my email.
I know I can't recommend SkyAngel anymore. I was their most exhuberant cheerleader and gave away several SA brochures every weekend at the all ages music venue where my kids and I volunteer. The venue also has a lifetime sub and TV-U is on every minute a band isn't playing. If the lifetimes are dumped the venue is dumping SA. They are already operating at a loss and that's an expense they can't afford.
This whole thing is starting to smell like the TV evangelists' pocket lining schemes of the 80's and 90's. At least they could offer us a genuine relic from the Holy land or something of dubious value to stand on our mantel as proof we've been suckered.
Just another 2 cents worth of my thought processes. (I think I've got only 66 cents worth left so if you need an opinion make it quick.)
God bless!
Cindy

Ray_Clum

08-20-07, 05:22 AM

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I'm looking into FTA. I was hoping my dish and receiver would have some resale value to help me raise funds for the FTA equipment but it's the original hardware I bought back in 1999 or so and has fossilized. LOL

I know I can't recommend SkyAngel anymore. I was their most exhuberant cheerleader and gave away several SA brochures every weekend at the all ages music venue where my kids and I volunteer. The venue also has a lifetime sub and TV-U is on every minute a band isn't playing. If the lifetimes are dumped the venue is dumping SA. They are already operating at a loss and that's an expense they can't afford.

Cindy

Cindy, if you do go FTA, there is a channel up there called JCTV. It's put out by the Trinity Broadcasting Network and is a music and action sports network. I love it! Would probably be a good fit into your music venue.

Ohioankev

08-22-07, 12:31 AM

Cindy, if you do go FTA, there is a channel up there called JCTV. It's put out by the Trinity Broadcasting Network and is a music and action sports network. I love it! Would probably be a good fit into your music venue.

I never had Sky Angel, I looked into and just to get set up at 61.5 wasn't worth it to me. However, I agree with what you are saying, they shouldn't of started the secular channel offerings especially after sueing DISH for offering Christian based channels in the 260 range. Also they should of never swindled thier "Lifelong Subscribers". However I just noticed something. I have an ITVN reciever, which ITVN has just been purchased by a new IPTV company in Canada called BroadShift and guess what BroadShift offers on IPTV, that's right Sky Angel.
http://www.broadshift.com/ They offer over 25 TV/Radio stations for $25 CAD/month.

Since BroadShift bought ITVN and that does indeed go through I see this as a launching point for Sky Angel IPTV in the US.

krazy k

08-24-07, 10:21 AM

I just think its point less to go ahead and pay a 25 $ fee per month for channels that you can get for free,,,,,,
thats just a Money grab................
something christian ministries are so Good At ,,,,
you can get a Coolsat 7000 FTA Receiver,
buy an external sea gate HDD
total cost is 300.00
plus the cost of a dish and motor
may be 450.00 when your done....
and thats it...
you can move to any sateliite and receive free channels from 30 different satillites.....
no fee per month and you can still have a dvr feature....

quiverof8

08-24-07, 02:27 PM

Glorystar satellite is even cheaper $199 for the whole system , dish included, preprogrammed to receive all christian FTA stations. You can add other stations if you want as well. Includes over 40 stations too

FTA Michael

08-24-07, 04:55 PM

Glorystar's system doesn't include the DVR setup that krazy was talking about. But if you've already got a standalone TiVo (or even a VCR), it'll work fine with pretty much any FTA system.

quiverof8

08-24-07, 09:46 PM

I don't know much about DVR, we still use a VCR :) Either way a FTA system will be cheaper than buying a sky angel IPTV system AND then paying a monthly fee to sky angel besides! Especially for those who are now lifetime member, why start paying a monthly fee to get the same skyangel channels? glorystar seems to be as good or better! I think Smile of a child beats KTv any day. You can also watch it online :)

James Long

09-28-07, 06:25 PM

It looks like the end is nearer.

The FCC approved the transfer of SkyAngel's transponders to E*.
No word on when SkyAngel must vacate the space.

quiverof8

09-29-07, 12:21 AM

appears to be WITHIN 60 days of date of letter, which was 9/27/07

FCC order here:
http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/servlet/ib.page.FetchAttachment?attachment_key=595860

James Long

09-29-07, 12:54 AM

That would be a good estimate for when E* would take possession, but not for when SkyAngel will no longer be able to have their channels on the satellite.

E* has been uplinking the services since day one. They can continue those uplinks even if they own the transponders. Since SkyAngel has yet to begin the transition (all talk and no US IPTV subscribers) they will likely need a couple of months or more to get the IPTV boxes in place.

It's time for them to get a move on!

krazy k

09-29-07, 09:16 AM

Glorystar's system doesn't include the DVR setup that krazy was talking about. But if you've already got a standalone TiVo (or even a VCR), it'll work fine with pretty much any FTA system.

You dont have to buy the fta from glory star to get the same channels,
all glory star is offering is a two lnb holder to get two ku sats on one dish.,
but the coolsat 7000, is a pvr external option on the fta ,
so you can get dvr options,
krazz

quiverof8

09-29-07, 02:43 PM

Its either going to be the dish family package or glorystar for us. glorystar would be cheaper in the long run but as we already have the dish equipment, short term dish would be cheaper. It would actually still save $ to switch to dish family and buy the glorystar equipment. that would give us double the channels and still less expensive then buying all new equipment for sky angel and paying them a monthly fee besides. $200 would get us the glory star equipment and $19.99 a month would get glorystar. I want to wait nd see what if anything dish might offer to skyangel customers.

krazy k

09-30-07, 09:03 AM

with sky angel off i think dish will offer more religous channels

James Long

09-30-07, 10:23 AM

I hope they will. While Sky Angel's goal of providing a Christian DBS platform was good, it was not very evangelical. It was like asking a non-Christian to walk into Wal-Mart or a Christian bookstore and buy a bible or other evangelical material. People don't do that unless someone else has already led them into the store (or sent them there). The better method is to just GIVE the non-Christian a bible or evangelical material (not sell it to them).

The channels on a secular system like DirecTV or the current Christian channels on Dish Network are free. When people are sitting around their homes tired of what is on the other 250-300 channels they get just looking for something else on E* to watch there is a range of channels where 24/7 there are offers they cannot refuse. Unfortunately those are shopping channels.

If the number of Christian channels can be increased ... especially expanded so more variations (such as kids and music channels) are placed on the air ... there is a better chance of being evangelical and actually fulfilling the Great Commission. There are a couple of channels mixed in with all the other stuff on E* ... they stand there like the street preacher, beaconing for someone to listen.

What SkyAngel is now (other than the one free channel on E*) and what SkyAngel IPTV will be is not evangelical ... it is just preaching to the choir. A great choice for those who already have made a decision and others in their household but certainly not a commission filling service. SkyAngel sits in a pew in a church waiting for someone to come in (with their first response being to require an offering before giving any encouragement).

Add to that the non-compete agreement E* had with Sky Angel (and Sky Angel actually enforced through the court system) where E* was strictly prohibited from adding new religious channels. Not only was Sky Angel set up not to be evangelical but they contracted with E* to prevent new channels from being evangelical over the E* system. In essence, they blocked the gospel.

So yes, I really hope that post SkyAngel E* steps in and places many religious channels on their system. Even though the screams from people who would rather have HD or other channels will be loud, there is a "market" for Christian TV. Viewers want it ... even if they don't know they want it.

FTA Michael

09-30-07, 08:44 PM

Ditto, JL. I've always said that religious channels would be well-served with a bit of attractive secular programming (sports? family-friendly movies?) peppered with advertisements for the channels' other programming or even the channels' brand of religion. But I suspect that there's more money to be made (and expenses to keep low) by preaching to a regular following and soliciting their financial support.

quiverof8

09-30-07, 08:51 PM

I agree that non Christians are not going to pay to receive service. There are shut ins and new Christians who particularly benefit from Christian TV. However many Christians, myself included do not want to watch the secular commercials and scanty dressing that goes along with many of the secula and sports channels

quiverof8

10-26-07, 06:40 PM

SkyAngel CSR referred to the following link, which has much new content about the move to IPTV.

http://www.skyangel.com/About/Index.asp?Reference=IPTVFAQ
***************

James Long

10-26-07, 11:01 PM

Unfortunately nothing new ... that page is a link off of their main IPTV "sign up" page and has been there for a while.

quiverof8

10-27-07, 01:53 AM

the page that is there now is NOT what was there this am. they took it down and put up old info :( Not that the new one was that great but still odd......................

Jashobeam

11-02-07, 11:55 AM

There is a rumor on another board that there will be package choices and possibly a free receiver with an 18 month commitment. If anyone can find a link for this from SA please post it.

quiverof8

11-02-07, 02:42 PM

Free receiver or not I wouldn't long term commit to anything sky angel is involved with, especially if you have to prepay.

quiverof8

11-05-07, 12:23 AM

this makes even less sense, take right from skyangel website:

Disclaimer: HughesNet is currently not compatible with Sky Angel's IPTV service.

Jashobeam

11-05-07, 07:23 AM

Now that does not make sense. Why would SA be advertising something that when the SA customer gets it then finds out that they cannot do IPTV with it. Somebody needs to get their ducks in a row over at SA!

quiverof8

11-05-07, 11:55 AM

Beats me but that is what is on the website. worst prt is that hughes is a 24 month sub so if people already ordered in order to get skyangel they are not going to be happy

Here is the link so you can see it yourself

http://www.skyangel.com/Subscription/Index.asp?Reference=HughesNet&~=

Jashobeam

11-05-07, 03:45 PM

I believed you, I was just saying SA does not make sense teaming up with a company that would be a competitor, lol.

Jashobeam

11-09-07, 04:55 PM

I just got an email from SA:

Watch Your Mail! An Offer for Your New Sky Angel IPTV Is Coming Soon!

Better TV for a Better You — Sky Angel IPTV!
More Channels. More Choices. More Control.

Sky Angel IPTV reinforces the values you cherish by bringing you more of the Christian and family-friendly networks that inspire you — up from over 30 to over 65 faith and family channels! We anticipate offering our new IPTV service in early January 2008.

Check out what channels have already committed to be a part of our new IPTV lineup —
more channels than ever before:

.Faith Package — TV Channels

Almavision
Angel One
Angel Two
Catholic TV
The Church Channel
Cornerstone TeleVision Network
Credo TV
EWTN Spanish TV
EWTN U.S. TV
Faith TV
God TV Channel
Golden Eagle Broadcasting
Gospel Music Channel
Gospel Music Television Network
Guardian Television Network JCTV
KTV - Kids & Teens TeleVision
La Familia Network
The Miracle Channel
SafeTV Channel
Smile of a Child TV
Spirit Television Network
TBN Enlace USA
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)
Total Christian Television (TCT)
Total Living Network (TLN)
TVU Music Television
World Harvest Television
The Worship Network
more to come...

.Faith Package — Radio Channels

All Worship
America’s Talk Satellite Network
Bott Radio Network
CSN International
EWTN Global Catholic Radio
EWTN Radio Cat�lica Mundial
God Listens/KSBJ
His Kids Radio
KTLW Radio Network
Moody Broadcasting Network
Oasis Radio Network
Radio Nueva Vida Network
Radio U
Sacred Favorites
Voice of Jerusalem
Way-FM
Z-73
more to come...

Family Package — TV Channels

Animal Planet
Blue Highways TV
Discovery Channel
Discovery Home
Discovery Kids
Fox Business Network
Fox News Channel
Hallmark Channel Hallmark Movie Channel
Military Channel
NASA TV
Pentagon Channel
QVC
The Sportsman Channel
Visual Arts Network
The Weather Channel

Stay Tuned!
More Information Coming Soon! . . .

Special offers subject to change.

quiverof8

11-09-07, 05:15 PM

Notice Liberty still isn't on the list?! I also don't see 3abn. As for the rest most are on DISH family or glorystar

Bill R

11-09-07, 05:19 PM

I just got the same e-mail. It is about time that they are getting some information out and hopefully the next e-mail will tell us what everything is going to cost.

I wonder how long it is going to take them to let all the "lifetime" subscribers know that they are going to get screwed. All of us that read the this board already know that but we are a very small percentage of Sky Angel's "lifetime" subscribers. I mentioned to a couple that I know that has a "lifetime" subscription (but no computer access) what is going to happen and they said, "Sky Angel wouldn't do that, would they?" I think a lot of "lifetime" people are going to be shocked when they hear the news.

quiverof8

11-09-07, 09:21 PM

Lets add insult to injury. If I am reading this right US residents will not have on computer IPTV like Canada.

# IPTV technology allows for programming services to be viewed on conventional TVs, personal computers as well as handheld instruments. Sky Angel IPTV will initially be available only through your TV; however we are exploring these viewing options as possible future enhancements to the Sky Angel service.

They will explore this as a "future enhancement", and what enhanced cost too? We saw how well skyangel followed through on its past promises to lifetime members......

TheGrove

11-10-07, 08:46 AM

Notice Liberty still isn't on the list?! I also don't see 3abn. As for the rest most are on DISH family or glorystar

If memory serves me correct 3ABN signed a deal with Dish Network several months ago and is in their lineup at their old channel 9710.

James Long

11-10-07, 08:47 AM

Memory serves ... 9710 is an E* channel - although that would not prevent SkyAngel from having it on their new service.

mckennaiii

11-11-07, 07:02 PM

wonder if they plan to keep the liberty channel in their lineup?

quiverof8

11-11-07, 08:17 PM

Liberty is still advertising sky angel at the $14.99 package...........

Jashobeam

11-12-07, 09:13 AM

The National Liberty Journal (now called the Liberty Journal) has an advertisment in it saying The Liberty Channel is going to be on the new Sky Angel IPTV. I figure TRBC and LU think it's a done deal if they are willing to give a full page ad to SA IPTV.

mckennaiii

11-14-07, 06:37 PM

well i plan to sign up soon for D* or E* and trying to decide if i should just keep comcast basic so i will get the liberty channel at $21.00 per mo. [i live in the lynchburg area] or go with the new sky angle IPTV. thought about ota antenna but the tower for wtlu channel 50 is 24 miles away and it's only 38 kws.

Jashobeam

11-15-07, 09:33 AM

quiverof8

11-22-07, 10:54 PM

Received the "new" flyer that they had said they were sending out. Same old stuff as last time with a few pages of Christmas specials listed. Ad for IPTV still has no price, no date, mention of lifetime members etc. Really don't know why they keep wasting time/$$ sending these out instead of just one good flyer with the details such as price, dates and "official" channel list.

bgskyangel

12-04-07, 03:59 PM

Sky Angel IPTV is no longer available in Canada. It is almost impossible to find this out by searching the internet. I had a paid up subscription when in mid October the set top box could no longer get the TV channels (only radio) then eventually it said the box was not authorized. Phone calls and emails were not returned. They eventually followed through when I asked to stop the monthly automatic payments but without any explanation or refund for half a month of no service. This left me with a useless $120 set top box. After lots of searching I figured out what was going on and left an inquiry on the American website. The Canadian SkyAngel website became unavailable and on the American SkyAngel website they had removed all references to Sky Angel in Canada. Following is the response I received from SkyAngel on 03Dec2007:

**********
"Thank you for contacting Sky Angel. Sky Angel had granted a Canadian company, ShifTV, the right to carry our service over their IPTV system in Canada. That company is now operating under a new name and new management and their business plan, which includes adult entertainment, is no longer compatible with ours. The parties have decided to terminate our technical agreement. We are currently seeking additional ways to provide Sky Angel programming again in Canada. Please feel free to check back to our Web site at ... for any further developments regarding this.

If you are a ShifTV subscriber to Sky Angel programming and have any questions about your service, you will need to contact them directly at 1-866-640-7938."
**********

I found that ShifTV and BroadShift are two companies both owned by Morey Chaplick of Canada. ShifTV operated OverSeaTV and BroadShift had purchased a Nevada company called ITVN whose ‘XBIZ’ division is a pornography distributer. It appears that BroadShift was the new name being used for international programming (OverSeaTV), Christian programming (SkyAngel IPTV), and pornography (ITVN). Since the last two are content-wise incompatible, SkyAngel IPTV has ceased to be a service provided by either of ShifTV or BroadShift.

quiverof8

12-04-07, 08:45 PM

Well now it makes sense that the canadian website disappeared! Sad thing is when I brought the Porn to the attention MONTHS ago of the VP I was brushed off. I even called customer service and made them aware of my "concerns" which they said were "noted in my account"!

Jashobeam

12-05-07, 09:33 AM

I'm sorry Cananda is not going to be getting SA anymore, but glad they cut loose from such a company.

James Long

12-05-07, 10:19 AM

Is NeuLion any better? All they are is a platform. SkyAngel feeds their content and NeuLion sends it out. What is the guarantee that NeuLion doesn't and will never have "unacceptable content" hosted for other providers?

That is the problem with not owning your equipment ... SkyAngel rode through the sky on Echostar's satellite platform for years knowing that there were channels on the E* system that were not "acceptable". (There was a restriction that E* couldn't use SA licensed transponders for porn, but that isn't a problem ... just put the porn somewhere else and use SA's space for other channels.)

Until SA builds their own system they will have to deal with their platforms carrying "other content".

quiverof8

12-05-07, 03:01 PM

I am a bit suspicious of their "reason" eg porn although I hope its the truth. They continued to both broadcast as well as SELL sky angel canada long after they were made aware of the Porn.

A few months back they started offering a free month and no activation fee to Canada. At that time I wondered if IPTV was in financial difficulties. If the company had been doing well I didn't see the reason for the sign up incentive.

krazy k

12-06-07, 07:39 PM

Okay
doesnt sky angel currently use dish network to provide there services,
they use dish network equipment,
and doesnt Dish network have and offer Porn Channels,,,,,,,,,,
I think there is other reasons why sky angel is no longer being offered in canada.
and
here is a sub customer who pays his bills to a service and gets no notice that his box is getting shut off.

I hate the way sky angel does buisness and i think its a terrible witness.......
even more than reason they chose to pull the plug....

quiverof8

12-07-07, 01:43 AM

Yes and yes. Supposedly though the IPTV stuff is "worse". As if there were such a thing as good porn..............
sky angel was made aware of the fact over 5 months ago if you go back through the posts. so why cancel NOW?

krazy k

12-07-07, 09:51 AM

Because there is got to be another reason,
remember how skyangel treated Daystar........

I am just so glad i have my coolsat 7000 and galaxy 25,
cause i dont have to deal with there poor customer service,

Jashobeam

12-07-07, 10:21 AM

Or it could be they were consulting their lawyers to get out of that contract with IPTV.

quiverof8

12-07-07, 02:07 PM

krazy k

12-07-07, 05:36 PM

Even if they spent 5 months consulting with a lawyer they could have let their canadian subs know there was a strong possibility they would lose service and why. I am sure they would have understood if the issue of porn was fully explained to them. Also how do they justify continuing to bill the customers?

Thats the Sky angel way,
buisness ethics is not understood to them,

Remember how they shut channels off with no notice..,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I just wish they would hurry up and get of dish so they can get up a real christian package.................

Jashobeam

12-08-07, 11:46 AM

Also how do they justify continuing to bill the customers?

I don't. And I don't justify their not telling customers what they were doing. It's wrong to charge customers for something you cannot provide to them, and it's wrong to cancel a service without adequate notice. SA is months behind in telling subscribers ESPECIALLY life time subs. that they are going to have a blank screen in a few months and that IPTV is the only product SA will be providing next year. They should have kept us up to date via snail mail when they transfered over to another company, when they started beta testing IPTV and when they made the dicision to stop broadcasting via satellite. They have not kept us up to date they way they should. Still, I do not see their activity in the US as unlawful, just unprofessional. If they have charged Candians for a product they did not receive after the feed was stopped, then that is grounds for subs demanding their money back.

abesbirthday

12-08-07, 03:33 PM

It's wrong to charge customers for something you cannot provide to them, and it's wrong to cancel a service without adequate notice. SA is months behind in telling subscribers ESPECIALLY life time subs. that they are going to have a blank screen in a few months and that IPTV is the only product SA will be providing next year. They should have kept us up to date via snail mail when they transfered over to another company, when they started beta testing IPTV and when they made the dicision to stop broadcasting via satellite. They have not kept us up to date they way they should. Still, I do not see their activity in the US as unlawful, just unprofessional.

I'm not so sure what SA is doing is NOT unlawful. I happened to find the Terms & Conditions (see attachment below) to my lifetime contract and as best as I can interpret what seems rather straight forward, the lifetime contract extends for the lifetime of the subscriber and/or spouse AND the operating lifetime of Dominion Sky Angel. Unless SA is going to go out of business only to start up again with IPTV and with a name other than Dominion Sky Angel, seems to me the wording in it's Terms & Conditions state they have a commitment to the lifetimer regardless of how the programming is provided. The wording says for the operating lifetime of Dominion Sky Angel....not Sky Angel's DBS exclusively. Read what the 3rd sentence from the end of paragraph one (1) says in the Terms & Conditions. NOTHING about DBS....only the operating lifetime of Dominion Sky Angel. Seems to me Dominion Sky Angel has a contractual obligation to provide it's programming regardless of the method it uses in delivering it.
Abe

Jashobeam

12-08-07, 04:12 PM

I'm not so sure what SA is doing is NOT unlawful. I happened to find the Terms & Conditions (see attachment below) to my lifetime contract and as best as I can interpret what seems rather straight forward, the lifetime contract extends for the lifetime of the subscriber and/or spouse AND the operating lifetime of Dominion Sky Angel. Unless SA is going to go out of business only to start up again with IPTV and with a name other than Dominion Sky Angel, seems to me the wording in it's Terms & Conditions state they have a commitment to the lifetimer regardless of how the programming is provided. The wording says for the operating lifetime of Dominion Sky Angel....not Sky Angel's DBS exclusively. Read what the 3rd sentence from the end of paragraph one (1) says in the Terms & Conditions. NOTHING about DBS....only the operating lifetime of Dominion Sky Angel. Seems to me Dominion Sky Angel has a contractual obligation to provide it's programming regardless of the method it uses in delivering it.
Abe

Check the small print on #7. They can alter the agreement at any time without any notice. That's a loophole you could drive a mac truck through.

Quote from the PDF you supplied (emphasis mine):

7. The SkyAngel lifelong subscription entitles you to receive all of the Sky Angel channels which are a part of the basic
Sky Angel package of programming, including special events, as modilied from time to time, with no additional charge
or monthly fee. You also have access to future pay-per-view, special pay channels, and distance learning that may be
carried on the SkyAngel system, however, there would be various additional charges for some of these specialized services.
Programming, channels, number of channels, pricing and schedules are subject to change without notice.

Anyone have a 1996 version they can post? I'm assuming that is the earliest contract available.

quiverof8

12-08-07, 08:04 PM

Yes but it doesn't say MEMBERSHIP can be cancelled. they did change the price for membership but they can't now ask for an additional fee. In most legal cases I believe "grandfathering" would come into affect. sky angel wants us to all go away quietly or switch over to IPTV.

Received the new IPTV brochure, no mention that DBS is being cancelled and that you MUST switch to IPTV or lose service. It makes it seem that its a new option. One most lifetimers wouldn't even call about since they have DBS already paid for.

Nothing has been mailed to address the lifetime members either. I have called each time they mail these brochures and tell them that I see nothing that applies to me as a lifetimer. They try and give me a speech about how wonderful IPTV will be ...............

there is another lifetime agreement posted but I believe it is newer than yours.

Corkykn

12-09-07, 01:00 PM

I totally agree with the post about getting the Christian message out to the secular world. I think we need a number of these good religious and wholesome broadcasts out there in secular packages. I also like the idea that some of the religious stations like GTN broadcast clean secular movies and re-runs of shows. So some pre-Christian might get hooked on Magnum re-runs and "accidently" run across some good preaching! How cool is that?

Some of your want to keep your DISH satellite equipment and go to DISH Family Package. They do offer Angel 1, TBN, EWTN and Daystar. I believe that is the route I'll go as soon as S.A. switches to the outrageously expensive (for some of us), IPTV.

I wrote to GTN (Guardian Television Network) today and asked them to consider moving to DISH Family Package. (Okay, so I do LOVE Magnum, P.I. - and GTN even broadcasts a "cleaned up version where the swear words are deleted. :) I also wrote to DISH and encouraged them to try to obtain GTN in their family package. I'm going to run through my SkyAngel TV guide to see which others have good specials and will do the same with them.

I don't know how all of this works, but perhaps if enough of us write to both the network and to DISH, they might add more networks???

Corky

quiverof8

12-09-07, 10:34 PM

I agree it might work. dish can't offer some of skyangles channels until skyangel stops broadcasting via dbs. that is why I wouldn't be in a hurry to make a choice yet

Besides I don't think GTN is on the IPTV line up yet, is it?

bgskyangel

12-19-07, 02:12 AM

abesbirthday

12-29-07, 08:49 AM

On Dec 15 I received this positive reply from Sky Angel:

Thank you for contacting Sky Angel. We do apologize for what has
happened. We did try our best, but it doesn't always work out as
planned. We will send you a refund for the amount of $120.00. Please
email your address so we can mail the check to you. A refund will be
processed in 4 to 6 weeks once we receive your information.

Good for you, BG. SkyAngel did the right thing with you. It's sad those of us who are lifetime subscribers are being ignored by this company. I wrote a letter to the VP a few weeks ago and still, no reply. Shouldn't be surprised, though. SkyAngel hasn't said one word to us lifetimers that our contract is soon to be null & void. Someone said in an earlier post that SA is ignoring us....thinking we'll just go away. Not me.....and I hope not a lot of others, either. It's really a pity that "some" within the company are conducting this company's business in such an unprofessional manner. I would expect more (much more) from a company broadcasting programs teaching the Christian lifestyle. As the old adage goes, Practice what you preach.

quiverof8

12-29-07, 11:05 PM

I think Nancy, the VP has stopped answering everyone. IN the beginning she would nswer once or twice and then ignore your following email. Same with customer service

abesbirthday

01-04-08, 11:07 AM

I think Nancy, the VP has stopped answering everyone. IN the beginning she would nswer once or twice and then ignore your following email. Same with customer service

Apparently so............as of today, still not one word from SA.

myjoy2go

01-14-08, 08:25 AM

I contacted Sky Angel in early December to find out more about the IPTV since I got a brochure in the mail after signing up for their contest. That's when I learned that they would be dropping the DBS in the first quarter of 2008 and only offering IPTV. My questions to the customer service agent was, "When were you going to tell us and what part of the first quarter?" :confused: She had no answer. I even searched the Sky Angel Website.

I then called Dish Network to see what would it cost me to go back to Dish once Sky Angel was off. There would be no fee for the transfer. We were previous Dish Network customers in 1996 to 2000. So I asked the question to the customer service agent was Dish also going to IPTV and she said yes but she didn't know when and to call the tech department they might have that answer.

I did get a letter this week from Dominion Sky Angel explaining their decision for the change. The new company name is Sky Angel U.S., LLC. And the letter does state that at the end of the first quarter 2008 the operating life of Dominion and Dominion Video Satellite, Inc. and will no longer be able to provide programming to your home by was of Satellite. :nono:

So now I have to make a decision go back to Dish Network or Sky Angel IPTV. IPTV does require DSL of 1.5 mg. If choose IPTV I will not be able to use our TV Guardian Box that blocks 98% of the bad words. Because IPTV does not work with closed caption and TVG Box reads the closed caption. If I choose Dish Network than I will have the same dilemma when they switch over to IPTV. And I will have to have a tech come and change the dish direction. :eek2: The cost for either the family pack with Dish/local or Sky Angel will be around 25.00 + tax.

I have been with Sky Angel 8 years. Those that don't have DSL can't get the new programming. I can see where this will move people over to Cable. :nono2:

But life will go on!

James Long

01-14-08, 12:45 PM

If I choose Dish Network than I will have the same dilemma when they switch over to IPTV.DISH is offering an "IPTV "service (via satellite) to bulk business customers but do not plan on going out of the normal satellite service and move to IPTV. Using a TV Guardian with any satellite receiver is a trick ... but if it is working for your SkyAngel receiver it will work if you move over to DISH Service.

BTW: It gte the full "DISHFamily" package you will need to upgrade your dish to a Dish 500. Most of the channels are on 119° but a couple are on 110°. You should be able to get a Dish 500 reasonably cheap on eBay or talk to any local installer. A decent installer may just sway the dish when they come to re-aim from 61.5°. It all depends on their personality.

Bill R

01-14-08, 01:04 PM

You should be able to get a Dish 500 reasonably cheap on eBay or talk to any local installer. A decent installer may just sway the dish when they come to re-aim from 61.5°. It all depends on their personality.

And just a note: Some Sky Angel (only) customers may already have a Dish 500. Around here, since about 2001, the only dish that they installed for Sky Angel service was a Dish 500 (with twin LNBs). It could be that they didn't want to carry inventory for Dish 300s.

quiverof8

01-14-08, 10:50 PM

I would go with DISH. they have been around longer and are still going strong :) also I believe that IF/when dish offers IPTV it will be in addition, not in place of

FTA Michael

01-15-08, 10:34 AM

I really enjoy my Dish Network subscription, but for the sheer number of Christian channels, I'd have to recommend FTA. Plus it's cheaper. :)

myjoy2go

01-15-08, 07:22 PM

BTW: It gte the full "DISHFamily" package you will need to upgrade your dish to a Dish 500. Most of the channels are on 119° but a couple are on 110°. You should be able to get a Dish 500 reasonably cheap on eBay or talk to any local installer. A decent installer may just sway the dish when they come to re-aim from 61.5°. It all depends on their personality.

I do believe ours is a Dish 500 since we moved here in 2006. We are going to go with Dish Family and get our local stations. We also checked DirectTV Family but Dish Family fits our budget. I was also concerned that SA US IPTV would do the same that they did in Canada shut down the IPTV if they did it there they can do it here. And they have done it with Dominion Satellite.

Thanks for the comments.

Oh check out the free wwITV just add the dot com.
It wouldn't let me add the link, sorry.

quiverof8

01-15-08, 08:19 PM

the dish itself will say dish 500 on it

abesbirthday

01-25-08, 11:05 AM

I, too, as a life time SA subscriber have received "the letter" that should have been sent out months and months before now. The way SA has handled this is disappointing, to say the least. There was no mention in "the letter" of the FCC approving on September 28, 2007, Sky Angel's (Dominion) sale of its satellite transponder licenses to Dish Network (Echostar).........only that the satellite had come to the end of it's operating lifetime. End of it's operating lifetime? Really? Excuse me for being cynical, but why would any company (Echostar) purchase something that is no longer working? I also noticed that SA has now changed their name to SkyAngel U.S. I would imagine they had to change the name to create a loop hole for SA to be able to terminate the contract lifetimers had with SA as my contract says the contract is valid as long as the old name they were using (Dominion) is still in business. Frankly, this is no different than a secular company going out of business to relieve itself of current obligations, and then reopening with a new name...free from any past obligations. Shameful! The last sentence of "the letter" asks us lifetimers to "support" SkyAngel U.S. Are they serious? Why should I support an organization that seemingly cares nothing for those who supported them when they were first getting started? All it would have taken was for SA to do the right thing by bringing over the lifetime subscriptions to the "new?" company. How much would that have cost them? In my opinion, not near as much as the ill will they have created. Had they simply brought us over to SA U.S., I believe many, if not most, of us lifetimers would have dished out the $'s to purchase the needed equipment to receive IPTV.
I think SA's days are numbered. The unprofessional manner in which this whole transition has taken place has not gone unnoticed. I certainly want the Gospel message to have a medium to be broadcast and I hope another opportunity will come about soon to continue the glorious vision of SA's founder; however, in the long run, I don't think it will be SA. I can only hope a "Christian" company will come along and pick-up where SA went wrong.

James Long

01-25-08, 06:11 PM

DISH purchased the licenses ... they already owned the satellite. DISH didn't purchase anything that "wasn't working". DISH's 11 year old satellite, one that SkyAngel relied on since they never launched their own, is falling apart.

The rest ... well it is opinion that is shared by others here.

quiverof8

01-25-08, 11:01 PM

My feeling (said too often according to some) is that it is NOT dead, so sky angel is/was obligated to continue dbs for lifetimers. As they never attempted to launch a new one in 02 per contract they owe us something morally if not legally.

James Long

01-25-08, 11:31 PM

In a couple of months SkyAngel satellite will be gone and the satellite that SkyAngel borrowed space on to provide their service will no longer be there. The satellite has (as of the beginning of 2007 - a year ago) lost 59% of it's ability to transmit. It is going, going and will soon be gone.

As for SkyAngel's other failings (not keeping their promise to launch their own satellite or even build their own uplink center) it seems a bit late to be complaining. The time to fix those problems has passed as well.

So ... within the realm of the possible ... what do you want? The last time I asked that question you wanted SkyAngel to tell their customers that the satellite service was ending. Now they have done that.

quiverof8

01-26-08, 03:09 AM

Too little, too late :(

Sky angel should offer lifetime IPTV to those who can use it. It won't please everyone but it would be a step in the right direction.

At the least, sky angel should have continued DBS until the satellite REALLY was "dead". In the meantime they could have started up their IPTV service. It appears they sold the DBS license (funded in part by lifetimers) to finance their new IPTV venture.

Late or not what sky angel has done reflects poorly on them.

In retrospect you are right, people should have forced the breach of contract issue back when they didn't fulfill launching the new satellite. No one dreamed that sky angel would treat its life timers so shabbily.

James Long

01-26-08, 10:35 AM

At the least, sky angel should have continued DBS until the satellite REALLY was "dead".The way the timing is working out SkyAngel DBS service will end within a month or so of the satellite being removed from service at 61.5°.

In retrospect you are right, people should have forced the breach of contract issue back when they didn't fulfill launching the new satellite. No one dreamed that sky angel would treat its life timers so shabbily.Back in the day people were not ready to listen. The SkyAngel service was there and the few people screaming about "the Dominion" and their broken promises were pretty much ignored (or shouted out of the conversation).

While it would be easy to peg SkyAngel as yet another ministry where Jr didn't keep pop's vision alive, SkyAngel' "Dominion" service has had public moral and ethical problems for years.

I believe their problems started with the deal that put the SkyAngel service on EchoStar's satellite in the first place ... which included a non-compete clause. EchoStar signed a deal with the Dominion not to add any more religious channels to EchoStar's service. While SkyAngel had a clear stated mission to fulfill the Great Commission (by selling satellite service to Christians for $$$ per month?) they were blocking the spread of the Gospel via the larger platform. Their deal prevented others from spreading the Gospel via EchoStar ... and when EchoStar dared to add a couple channels with some religious content (including re-adding one that was on DISH before SkyAngel) the Dominion sued and got the channels removed.

The later problems of never building a satellite, removing religious content for secular "family" channels with content that needed blocking, threatening to charge lifetime members for that secular content (even though the contract states that SkyAngel can add additional content NOT included in lifetime) and now going out of business all are part of the same problem. Having actions contrary to the stated goal of the company.

They should have done better ... but at this point - they are done.