Before Topuptv, many people were happy and content with their brand new Freeview box. Suddenly Topuptv came along and launched their brand new service via the Freeview epg. This caused many boxes to simply crash, run even slower or completely die on everyone. There was a few who cannot get Sky and or cable and the new service was very attractive. I mean 7.99 a month for ten channels(later Toonami came on topuptv). Who could resist? Back then Freeview had atleast twenty three channels and the choice at that current time was pitiful. It was seen as shopping channel dominated and we didn't have channels like ITV3 or 4 or even E4 or Film4. It was attractive even to those who had chosen to go Freeview even though they could have sky or lived in a cabled street. Topping up the dreadful Freeview lineup was crucial for many Freeviewers who wanted a bit more and who were quite willing to pay a low low monthly fee.
For many freeviewers this change to their lineup mean't buying another set top box that had a slot capable of accepting Topuptv. In the begining these boxes were like hundred pounds or 99 pounds or even more for the PVR TOpuptv box. Then there was the TVX problem. Many lads or even gals wanted TVX. When subscribing to the full Topuptv service, what they didn't know was that they were subject to an independent contract with TVX for twelve months. Because Topuptv had not mentioned this, Many customers are only with Topuptv because they are stuck in that contract with TVX until only recently when I think they are probably relieved to get rid of that TOpuptv box(More a bit later)
OFCOM have recieved a number of complaints about Topuptv's false advertisement campaigns. They suggest you get ten channels and did not mention the connection fee in writing on any advert or the timings, so it doesn't appear that ten channels run full time, until OFCOM gave them a ticking off.
Now, two years later and Topuptv have gone into liquidation, surprise surprise
, and they have retracked their old service and are due to launch TOpuptv Anytime. Details in exact explanatory is unavailable due to lack of response. It may appear that work is still going on, but it may also be a case that they are having problems getting the channel broadcasters to part with their money and invest in Topuptv's future.
But lets say they do launch on time and as promised. What will this mean to existing subscribers? This simply means that you have to purchase another set top box.So there you are with a Topuptv box that is completely useless and defunkt, because Topuptv have created a technology that is only available via a NEW BOX being manufactured by the illfated, cak technology skills and engineering known to man,AKA< Thomson! Many faults have been reported about Thomson set top boxes and don't even get me started on Customer services, because you have more chance getting through To Sky customer services than Thomson.
Boxes for existing customers will be hundred and fifty pounds. So if you want to continue with TOpuptv, you have to spend hundred and fifty pounds on a brand new box. For new customers, a whopping three hundred pounds! If I was a Topuptv subscriber, I would stop at this point.
Many customers will simply turn away because not only is a new box costing a lot of money required, and not only deciding where this extra box will be located, you will be quite peeved off that Topuptv have not gone for a choice model which keeps the current service at a slightly reduced channel availability but who cares because that void would be filled with Five Life and Five US. And if you wanted to upgrade to Anytime, then you would be willing to purchase a new box. It works with Sky. If you currently have a sky box but want to upgrade to Sky plus. You would find that the box is either free or an exchange for your old one for a reduced cost of the Sky plus box OR EVEN HD BOX.
You see Topuptv are not giving existing customers any choice. it is either spend a fortune on a new box, OR sod off basically. Not what people in areas where Sky or Cable is not available. It basically gives customers no choice, or grim ones.
Topuptv seem to think the entire country will rush out to buy these new boxes, like it was a Goldrush or something!. They can dream, they can think again because at the end of the day, who is it that suffers?
It is you, the loyal customer. The one who has subscribed while others predicted its doom. Faithful as can be. And I thought Sky were bad.
If you want the truth, I think Topuptv has put the final nail in the coffin because if they think they can make a success of this, then I am seriously starting to wonder what planet they are really on?
To put a face to this situation
http://www.topuptv.com/press.htm Ps: Those who were lucky enough to have Ondigital boxes, you will have remarked on how slow they are. Especially now as we get more and more channels and software upgrades are very limited to certain Ondigital boxes.many ondigital boxes were simply refurbished with Demode, Fishing junks at sunset pile of technology.
These ondigital or ITV digital boxes had a slot for a card which could accept Topuptv cards. surprise surprise!, Topuptv is the successor of ITV Digital which crashed and burned into a million pieces of shrapnel in 2002.
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