Grk101

Well this is interesting, it appears the tender for ERT's distribution rights is still going on as planned. From what was decided late last year, PCCW would get the right until a new tender could be completed, and it appears it is rolling along. Check out this announcement posted on ERT's site today in reference to some clarifications: http://www.ert.gr/index.php/anakoinoseis/8...-ertworld-.html I think this term is the most interesting one: "11.

"ERT HD" is coming! Apparently ERT was testing HD broadcasts this past week.

Well this is REALLY interesting. I e-mailed Comcast to see if Ellastv really is an Comcast Authorized Retailer, and check out the response:

Correct, Verizon does not have any bandwidth caps yet. I believe OSFP18 was referring to AT&T U-verse and DSL service caps which are set to go into place soon.

If we are talking Comcast, since 2008 Comcast has a 250 GB cap on ALL residential internet accounts, no exceptions. If you pass it, you get notified with a warning. If you pass it again within 6 months of the first time, they can terminate your service and you will not be eligible to get service with them again for at least a year. More on that here: https://customer.comcast.com/Pages/HelpNFC....lse&id=aup-lite Each ISP has their own cap limits and terms though, but expect ALL ISPs to implement caps sooner rather than later, that's how the industry works. There is also the question if some ISPs will start throttling IPTV (if they already haven't started) like they have been accused of doing with torrents and online gaming over the years since IPTV and online streaming also using a good chunk of bandwidth. See more on throttling here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandwidth_throttling and http://www.pcworld.com/article/158552/is_y...connection.html IPTV may be OK for some people, especially those that only watch TV a few hours a day or do not have caps (yet), but I do not see IPTV as a viable option for the older folks who love to have their TV on all day, those who want more than one receiver, or those who like to do other things on the net as well. (Netflix, youtube, gaming, torrents, etc) What is interesting with EllasTV's situation, is that they seem to be going with the "have it all" sales approach which is unrealistic in my opinion. Someone who actually cares to have all the channels available from Greece would probably spend a good portion of the day watching them and would easily go over their bandwidth cap. If you factor in HD sports viewing it is even worse. All this is not even factoring in the obvious legality issues of this service too.

Yes, but not legally. ANT1 confirmed this.

Seems someone can't take the heat! Who knows how RIK Sat fell for them.

Wait. Doesn't UBI also have the worldwide distribution rights to MAD World? It seems that they haven't even heard of Ellastv, yet Ellastv claim they got the rights to broadcast it just the other day....

Very interesting stuff!

In the review it was mentioned that they carry "Ant". I assume Ant1 was meant to be written, because I can not find any channel called "Ant". Well my correspondence with Ant1 has revealed the following: "In response to your question, the iptv service you are providing us with is neither affiliated or recognized by Antenna TV."

I don't think anyone is really questioning their technical capabilities, but rather the legal aspect of the operation and their claims and actions relating to it. Regarding the bandwidth question, I was referring to the amount being used. Many ISPs cap monthly bandwidth allowance. (Meaning they only let you use a certain amount per month, sort of like a cell phone internet plan.) There might be a tool in your internet account settings to track this, I know my ISP provides it. But you mention you are on Verizon, and if I recall Verizon does not currently cap customers. (Yet at least)

What rude comments exactly? You came onto the forum pitching the service, and people have questions. You claim you stand by your product, but instead of giving answers you are giving excuses and calling me rude and miserable. Wow, great customer service there, who is the rude one now? I am not even the only one that has doubts and questions. Like I said I really hope your service is what you claim it to be, but you are not helping your case by not answering simple questions raised by multiple members. Well said.

Thanks for a review. I love how they claimed no Nova channels earlier in the thread, even though I had also seen them in their channel listing before. :LOL: It seems to me they are just re-broadcasting channels off the Nova platform, possibly rigged up using a slingbox or something like it was suggested earlier. Interesting that they advertise the satellite versions of the channels too, but you are only getting the versions directly from Greece. I think the only legitimate channel they have rights to carry is RIK Sat, and I am really wondering how they pulled that one off. I would really like to be proved wrong though.By the way, out of curiosity do you happen to know how much bandwidth you are using up on average with the service? First Ellastv.com, and now Ellastv.gr. Ellastv.us, Ellastv.ca, and Ellastv.tv seem to still be working though.

I tend to agree with Gyros, the start up cost is something that is scaring me away personally.

Thanks for the info. So none of the consumer's bandwidth is used? Interesting I wonder how. I mean I am using my bandwidth right now just surfing the web. Would also be interesting to see a full channel line up, and I am a bit worried that information seems to keep changing on your site lately like prices and packages and you mention some upcoming changes as well.

I don't think he was referring to the company's bandwidth, but the consumers bandwidth. Almost all ISPs today put a cap on the monthly bandwidth allowance for your account, with hefty fees or even termination of your service if you exceed it. It would be interesting to know home much average bandwidth the service uses in hour for example. I know my parents love to keep their box running for most of the day with the TV on in the background, I can't even begin to imagine how much bandwidth that would use. Regarding broadcasting rights, they work exactly the same over the net and over IPTV as they do in the traditional manner. In fact when FIFA sold rights for the 2010 world cup matches to pay TV providers, it included IPTV providers as well in that category. Try broadcasting the Olympics over your service to people outside of Greece for example on one of the channels, and see how fast the IOC will shut it down. Rights vary by region.

The Nova channels (even the HD sports channel) used to be on your site when you had a public view of the channel listings and your top package now mentions "cinema and sports 1, sports 2" and so on. If you do not carry them, sorry. A lot of the live channels straight from Greece are bound to have rights issues though. Those are the facts. They do not have international broadcasting rights for all of their programing, especially the foreign programing. That is why Skai for example blacks out their online webstream during shows they do not have international broadcast rights for. It is also the reason why the international sports rights go up for bidding separately. This is not even a Greece only case, it is the case worldwide. It is why the American broadcasters block out online episodes for those in other countries or why Vevo is blocked outside of the US and Canada for example. Also if your service is what you say it is, why is there no longer a public view of your complete line up anymore and other such details? It seems you are trying to hide something. Sorry just stating what I see, maybe you can improve this. Good luck in your venture though, I hope your service is what you claim it to be and wish you success as well. I may even try it in the future if there is every a clear endorsement. :gr:

Something is definitely up with them. They are offering channels straight from Greece as well as the Nova sports and cinema channels. For sure Nova does not have international rights. Also $220 is very steep for a receiver and no guarantee of their service.

It seems ERT World will be on RCN. Greek Media Group added ERT World to their site again, and it says it is available on RCN. http://www.greekmediagroup.us/GMG/ERT_World.html

The start up cost seems pretty big: about $285, includes 1 box + shipping, and first month's service. It also seems that there is no contract, everything is on a month by month basis.

I recently received an email from "Ellas TV sales" advertising a new IPTV service. (not sure how they got my email though) Anyway, here is what they are claiming in the email: Welcome To Ellas TV Ellas TV was created to offer professional Greek TV hosting services allowing Greek expats, travelers or simply Greek TV fans live access to their favorite television programming while traveling or living abroad. Ellas TV understands the frustrations of living abroad with virtually no access to your favorite TV shows. Our goal is to keep you connected to your TV receiver, no matter where you are! Subcription - The ELLAS TV package includes 20+ Greek TV Stations (Live from Greece & Eastern Standard Time), a variety of Greek Radio Stations and 100+ Video On Demand Greek Titles and much more... all for a low introductory monthly price of $49.99. HD Box - Ellas TV HD BOX supports High-Definition video up to 1080p resolution which offers a more exciting viewing experience, especially on large format TVs. Additionally, Ellas TV HD BOX features a myriad of popular information and communication services, including Web browsing, calendar, news, calculator, weather information and more. $220 per box Availablity - Ellas TV is available now. The boxes are available for ordering, please allow 3 -5 weeks, on receiving your box. The boxes come directly from Greece. To order simply call 877. ELLAS TV Anyone have any info on them? I am going to go out on a limb here and say it is not the most legit service? They do seem to have US "contacts" and "showrooms" though. Notice how they misspelled "Subscription" and "Availability" above though..... And I see this disclaimer on their website: "Ellas TV does not own your device nor does it own your TV subscription service, we are strictly offering: support, monitoring, hosting, bandwidth and most of all a great and reliable connection that will make you feel as if you're sitting in front of your TV in Greece." Here is their website: http://www.ellastv.com

Pointless in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, it is great they are finally starting to expand their availability. But Verzion Fios has effectively stopped expanding for a while now. (too high of a cost plus legal trouble)

This really sucks if true. This new company seemed ambitious, and I was really hoping that they would branch out to more cable and satellite providers. Why shouldn't a state owned channel be available on as many providers as possible? I too find it strange that we (here in North America) can't receive ERT FTA in the same manner as the rest of the world. I wish someone would raise the issue. Let's hope there is a change in the situation.

Any updates on the negotiations? Really hope the deal gets done, though I am wondering what the package prices will be like. Especially now that Dish is lowering their Greek package....