Solar power on free TV?

This news is really disconcerting for me. I also enjoy a number of shows on ETC 2nd Avenue, both Solar channels. The other channels that have to go are Jack TV, Solar Sports, Basketball Television, 2nd Avenue, and Crime/Suspense. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this also means no more NBA games, new season of Prison Break, new season of Heroes, new season of Survivor, Blind Date, Fifth Wheel, America’s Next Top Model, Medium, Close to Home, Shark, oh, the list is long and heartbreaking.

There’s some light at the end of the tunnel, though: most of the Solar channels are moving to free TV. I’ve read that Solar Entertainment was looking into block timing deals with other channels. I haven’t confirmed it yet, but according to online forums, ETC will be seen on SBN 21, 2nd Avenue will seen on RJTV 29, Crime Suspense will be seen on RPN 9, and that some programs of BTV, Solar Sports and Jack TV can be viewed on ABC 5.

Some news reports have traced the termination of Solar channels to Manny Pacquiao’s transfer to GMA 7. Solar Entertainment holds exclusive rights to Pacquiao’s fights. As most of us know, Sky Cable is also owned by the Lopez family, otherwise known as the owners of media giant ABS-CBN. Sky Cable has said that this is all part of streamlining efforts they’re currently undergoing. There is speculation, however, that ABS-CBN is pushing its own similar channels, like Velvet and Maxx.

Whatever the reason, there’s something pretty exciting going on because of this shift—and it could be a boon to us viewers who are pretty tired of the network wars. I’m aware that this will pit foreign shows against local ones, but ultimately, I believe that where free TV is concerned more options are better than just two.

There’s an ongoing online buzz that traditional media hasn’t covered: members of different local forums (pinoyexchange.com, peyups.com, philmug.ph, atheista.net, tsinoy.com, just to name a few) have been discussing the implications of Solar Entertainment’s move.

Some forum posters have called for the transfer to other cable channels that will continue to carry Solar shows. Some have called for an email campaign to Sky Cable’s customer service email address. Most have just ranted on and on, and found some consolation in the news that Solar shows will be on free TV. A lot have carried on the discussion, however, because the reception of channels like RJTV 29, SBN 21, and even RPN 9 aren’t as good.

Personally, as a trusting loyal subscriber, I think it bewildering that Sky Cable would want to let go of the Solar Entertainment channels just when they’re gaining a lot of popularity. They once tried to let go of Star channels, and the backlash was so that they had to bring them back. Just to give you an idea how exciting Solar Entertainment programming is, here’s what to expect: Heroes, Bones, 24, Shark, Prison Break, My Name is Earl, America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway, Top Chef, Saturday Night Live, The Office, One Tree Hill, Without A Trace, Cold Case, The Closer, Men in Trees, Hell’s Kitchen, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Beauty And The Geek, Law and Order SVU, Nip/Tuck, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Survivor: China, America’s Got Talent, The Sopranos, Entourage, My Boys, The Tudors, Sarah Connors Chronicles, and Bionic Woman. Solar has said that Heroes, 24, Prison Break, Sarah Connors Chronicles and Bionic Woman will be shown on the same day they’re being shown on the US . This will help curb illegal downloading on the Internet—let’s hope.

If that isn’t mind-blowing enough for TV fans, here’s what has sports fans hooked on Solar power: They hold the rights to FIBA games, U.S. NCAA, Collegiate Champions League, PBL games, French Open Tennis, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bundes Liga, La Liga, the NFL and PGA Golf Tour. Solar has also entered into an agreement to air the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, and the 2012 London Olympic Games. NBA games are shown live on Solar channels too.

Personally, I’ll wait and see what Sky Cable has to offer as replacement before bailing out. I’ve read that AXN Beyond and FOX Crime will be available soon. In the meantime, I’m hoping Solar’s entry into free TV will help change the landscape currently occupied by GMA 7 and ABS-CBN. If things go well, things can only get better.

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