Why StarHub had to show some Euro '08 matches on SuperSports
As there were eight Euro matches that were simultaneously telecast, four of the matches were scheduled to air live on SuperSports, which is accessible by all Sports Group customers. -myp
Thu, Jun 26, 2008
my paper
WE REFER to the letter by Mr Ho Yoke Keong (my paper, June 23) and thank him for his suggestion to air simulcast Uefa Euro 2008 matches on channels accessible by all StarHub Digital Cable customers.
As there were eight Uefa Euro 2008 Group Stage matches that were simultaneously telecast, we had scheduled four of the eight matches (Turkey versus Czech Republic, Poland versus Croatia, Netherlands versus Romania and Russia versus Sweden) to air live on SuperSports (Channel 22), which is accessible by all our Sports Group customers.
This was communicated to our customers via our website, brochures at StarHub Shops, and direct mailers that accompanied our monthly cable TV bills.
Season Pass customers without our Sports Group package are able to catch the replay of the simulcast matches on the Pay-Per-View (PPV) channels four times during the same day.
The match between Turkey and Czech Republic was aired live at 2.45am on June 16 on SuperSports, while the match between Switzerland and Portugal was carried on the PPV channels at the same time.
A repeat of the match between Turkey and Czech Republic was aired on the PPV channels immediately after the match between Switzerland and Portugal, as well as at 12.30pm, 5.30pm and 11pm the same day.
Mr Ho suggested airing the simulcast matches "live" on the Tactical, Highlights or Preview channels.
We had considered this option, but decided to air the matches on SuperSports as customers with the analogue set-top box do not have access to the Tactical and Highlights channels.
Also, corporate customers with our Digital Terrestrial TV service, such as pubs and entertainment outlets, do not have access to Preview Channel.
We understand our customers' preference to watch matches live and will certainly consider making future simulcast matches available on more channels, for instance, on both SuperSports and supplementary PPV channels.
Ms Caitlin Fua
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications
StarHub
Related Links:
StarHub Euro subscribers miss out on some matches.
For more my paper stories click here.