News / February 2021Communication and TV • Broadcasting • Content Gazprom-Media parted ways with Tricolor

Large, extensive packages of TV channels offered to customers by modern providers can amaze any TV viewer. But the long list contains not only obvious advantages, but also positive disadvantages that should be taken into account. And one of the most noticeable weaknesses that the proposed Tricolor TV list of channels has is the confusion with numbers. Not every subscriber will understand which button needs to be pressed to turn on the desired program, and switching all TV channels in order is pointless. That is why you should find out in advance what combination of numbers you should dial in order to watch a good movie or an exciting show. Otherwise, you can miss the beginning of the broadcast and ruin your mood.

TV channel genres

Despite the difficulties with numbers, the satellite company has developed a fairly simple and understandable list, which shows the logic and desire to make the search as convenient and understandable as possible for subscribers. We can say that the channels are combined into large groups consisting of programs of the same genre. As a result, to make switching gears easier, users should know which genres each group includes. The list contains the following TV channels:

• public, free, included in the basic package;
• entertaining;
• musical;
• informational;
• teleshopping;
• sports;
• historical;
• culinary;
• children's;
• service, necessary to maintain the operation of the receiver and notify subscribers about various news and innovations;
• erotic content for adults;
• movies and TV series;
• educational and hobbies;
• regional.

It should be noted that some groups overlap, since individual programs can be classified into several areas at once. Additionally, you need to point out the fact that different packages and broadcast regions may have a different grid.

Services "Tricolor"

In addition to packages with channels, Tricolor offers various services that will expand the available functionality for using television broadcasting.

"Tricolor via the Internet"

This service allows you to use recommendations for connecting to the Internet and use broadcasting without using a dish. This method is unique in that it allows broadcasting to be distributed to five devices at once.

Application "Tricolor Cinema and TV"

This service is a nice application that offers you to watch channels over the Internet. At the same time, there are 30 free channels, a large selection of federal channels, its own collection of films, interactive functions and even a 7-day broadcast archive.

"Movie"

A special service that offers to watch films through a special interactive cinema. The service is available exclusively when you connect the Internet to broadcasting; the main advantage is the high frequency of release of new films.

"Cinematheque"

A special service that allows you to view past programs and entertainment broadcasts. The main requirement of this service is the availability of an external data storage device with a capacity of at least 64 GB.

"Control the Ether"

A unique service that allows you to use interactive functions to stop, rewind or return the broadcast. To use this function, you must have an external hard drive with a capacity of at least 16 GB, and an Internet connection speed of at least 12 Mbit/s.

"Multiscreen"

This service allows you to watch live channels without using the Internet. To do this, you will need to install a special application and activate your account on it.

IMPORTANT! This service is available only on certain models of receivers, be sure to read the instructions for the receiver, all functions are described there..

Public

When considering the list of Tricolor channels, you should pay especially close attention to federal television channels, since they are available to every subscriber of the satellite company. Currently there are 22 of them and they all have their place in the general list.

An important feature of publicly available programs is their duplication.

Positions from the first to the hundredth are given to the basic package in normal quality. To find the programs you need, scroll to the beginning of the list.

The same broadcasts in HD quality were placed from 100 to 200 positions. But only those subscribers whose equipment supports high-quality broadcasting will be able to see them. The rest have to be content with the standard picture, which is supported by any monitors.

Application "Tricolor and TV"

Now it's worth talking about the application from . It will allow you to watch channels and various movies, but for this you need to install it. The process looks like this:

1. First, go to your smartphone's store (Play Store, AppStore, etc.).
2. Click on “Install” and wait for this process to complete.
3. Launch the application and enter your registration information.

Now you will have access to all the necessary functions of this application; in other words, now you will have a convenient service at your fingertips.

Special packages and other genres

Those who do not want to limit themselves to only public broadcasts should study the entire list, in which each group is given its own individual positions:

1. from 200 to 300 - films of all directions and genres and numerous TV series;
2. from 300 to 350 - a variety of cartoons and programs for children;
3. from 351 to 399 – entertainment content of all existing forms and types;
4. from 400 to 500 – educational programs that allow you to expand your existing knowledge; from 500 to 600 – information and news broadcast;
5. from 600 to 700 – sports broadcasts and analytics;
6. from 700 to 800 – music broadcast;
7. from 800 to 900 – local and regional broadcasts;
8. the rest are erotic content.

A separate place in the list is given to Telemaster. This service channel of the provider is activated by the convenient combination 333 and allows you to learn about the main on-air innovations. Here you can also obtain information about the proper use and maintenance of purchased equipment.

What new channels will appear on Tricolor TV in 2021

Considering the fact that new channels appear with enviable regularity, it is much more important to know not the announcement of possible updates and changes, but accurate, reliable sources of information about possible additions and expansions of the airwaves. In addition to the official communities on social networks mentioned above, TV viewers should focus on:

• messages and announcements of information channels;
• news on the TV provider’s portal;
• satellite company help desk.

Additionally, you can rely on other information sites, but the information presented on them may differ slightly from the real state of affairs.

Features of mesh formation

Although it is extremely easy to select new numbers and create lists, users should prepare for some surprises. The final list can be influenced by:

• regional features affecting the ordinal position of the TV channel (a separate network is being created for Siberia);
• the package selected and connected by the client has a smaller, but quite significant influence (the final arrangement in “Unified” may differ from “Extra”);
• We must not forget about endless innovations that lead to changes in the usual arrangement (more than 20 new items appeared in 2021 alone).

Considering such a large number of factors, it seems much more convenient and reasonable to become more familiar with serial numbers. And the ability to find the necessary information. Depending on the current situation, connected users are able to clarify the channel’s place in the general list:

1. on the official website of the provider;
2. by calling the satellite company's contact center;
3. in the receiver menu.

The final option depends only on the desires and capabilities of the users.

How to connect the service via the Internet?

Now you know about all the company’s available services, all that remains is to figure out how to connect each of them. To do this, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with a number of instructions that may be useful for you.

Follow the recommendations strictly and in the next few minutes you will be able to use the new available functions.

First, we will analyze this service, which assumes the ability to connect the receiver to the Internet and view channels via the World Wide Web.

IMPORTANT! To use this service, you need an additional TV Box or a special receiver model. Their list is presented in the picture below.

If the initial condition is fully met, then you can proceed with the connection, which looks like this:

1. First you need to connect the receiver to the network. To do this, it will be enough to simply stretch a special cord from the router to the receiver, in fact, how a computer is connected (we offer you a connection diagram to help).

2. In most cases, the receiver automatically configures the connection and offers immediate use of new functions. And if this does not happen, then manual configuration will be necessary. To do this, go to “Settings” through the TV menu and select “Internet”.

3. There you also click on the “Change network settings” item and a window will appear in front of you to enter information about your Internet network. If you do not know such information, you can call your provider and they will provide you with all the necessary data.

If you do everything correctly, you will be able to view channels via the Internet. To make this all comfortable, you should take into account the technical viewing requirement: the Internet speed should not be less than 15 Mbit/s.

Service "Cinema"

To use this service, it is enough to have a more or less new receiver. This service is not available only in very old receivers, as well as those who do not have an active subscription to one of the channel packages (including more than 100 channels).

And in order to use this service, just press the “Cinema” or “Cinema” button on the remote control.

Cinematheque service

This service is built-in and allows you to view channel recordings. If you have a special receiver with a hard drive. If the equipment corresponds to this, then simply select the appropriate item in the “Menu”.

As for the requirements, they are presented in the picture below.

Service "Manage Ether"

This service will allow you to record a live broadcast or manage a broadcast that is not live. All you need is a receiver with built-in memory or hard drive, an Internet connection with a speed of at least 12 Mbit/s, and you can control this service directly from the remote control using the Play, Pause, etc. buttons. And don’t forget that this function is only available on the equipment shown in the picture below.

Service "Multiscreen"

A unique service that allows you to connect to a common network where the receiver is registered and watch broadcasts on several screens at once. The main requirement is a general Wi-Fi network, or the ability to directly connect to the receiver using HDMI (suitable only for TVs). If you want to watch the broadcast on your phone, then you will need the Multiscreen application:

1. Use any phone application store (Play Store, AppStore or any other).
2. Launch the application and click "Find Receiver Automatically".
3. If your receiver model is suitable, then your phone will connect to it and you will be able to watch broadcasts without any problems.

As for the basic equipment requirements, information is presented below in the picture.

All channels Tricolor TV

Considering the total number of Tricolor TV channels, the channel list will not help users quickly switch between the required programs. This is due to the difficulty of memorizing more than 200 items.

It is much more convenient and easier to remember the numbers of the most frequently used TV channels.

This will help you instantly go to the desired item and eliminate the need to remember unnecessary information.

But, if you suddenly need to find the required broadcast, you should turn on the TV and open the menu with a list of all available TV channels. This list will be the easiest way to find the necessary broadcasts, films and programs. Other options, no matter how simple they turn out to be, will take longer and require more effort.

News / February 2021Communication and TV • Broadcasting • Content Gazprom-Media parted ways with Tricolor

GMH reported that from February 1, by decision of the Tricolor operator, its subscribers lost the opportunity to watch all TV channels from the television distribution package (part of the Gazprom-Media holding), including the premium sports packages “Match! Football" and "Match Premier", as well as channels of various thematic areas of own production of the holding companies and a number of other manufacturers.

As part of the discussion of the conditions for extending the contract for 2021, Tricolor issued an ultimatum to demand that Red Media revise the commercial part of the existing contract on unacceptable terms that did not take into account the economic situation and the prevailing practice of interaction in the market. None of the counter-offers from Red Media were accepted.

According to the press service, it adheres to the principles of a single pricing policy for all pay TV operators. An agreement with Tricolor's new requirements would lead to the creation of preferential conditions, which is unacceptable for Gazprom Media.

The Gazprom-Media holding is ready at any time to continue negotiations with the Tricolor operator on the resumption of commercial relations on market terms, since it is confident that this is in the interests of both companies, as well as Tricolor subscribers.

Let us recall that in March 2021, Tricolor already announced the cessation of broadcasting of all channels of the Red Media company. Then Tricolor was preparing to defend its interests in regulatory authorities, considering the practice of imposing payment by the distributor for channels unnecessary to the operator in mandatory connection with its exclusive offer as an unfair use of a monopoly position in the market. However, the parties soon came to an agreement, guided by the need to conduct a mutually beneficial partnership dialogue in the interests of business and market development, as well as taking into account the special interest of millions of Russian viewers in sports broadcasts.

Director of the Public Relations Department of Gazprom-Media Holding JSC Elena Prokhorova said that Gazprom-Media Holding and Red Media are open to further negotiations. “During the negotiations, we repeatedly made counteroffers. Until the last moment, when they were ready to extend the existing contract for a month in order to be able to reach a compromise solution. Tricolor rejected all options and turned off the TV channels. In the interests of subscribers and both companies, we are ready to resume negotiations,” said Elena Prokhorova.

According to Elena Prokhorova, the absence or presence of an agreement with Tricolor does not in any way affect the remaining agreements, since agreements for 2021 have already been reached with all operators on the market. However, according to Elena Prokhorova, platform subscribers will likely switch to other operators in search of their favorite content.

The Tricolor press service also reported that they consider it possible to continue negotiations, but on mutually beneficial terms.

Nikolai Orlov, Deputy General Director for Content Policy at Tricolor, said that Tricolor is not ready to agree to the constant increase in the cost of content offered by holdings that have monopoly rights to content distribution.

According to Nikolai Orlov, from 2021 the cost of the contract has doubled. “At the same time, they are trying to oblige us to purchase, along with socially significant sports television channels, also additional commercial channels, which, in accordance with our television measurements, are not of interest to the Tricolor audience.” We have repeatedly informed our partners about the inadmissibility of this format for distributing socially important content,” said Nikolai Orlov.

Nikolay Orlov emphasizes that over the past three years, Tricolor has not increased tariffs for its basic services and is not ready to increase the cost of the basic package due to the growing appetites of monopolists. Tricolor intends to continue offering customers balanced channel packages at an affordable price. We did not withdraw our commercial offer to the Gazprom-Media holding, and therefore we believe that we are in commercial negotiations to continue broadcasting sports content produced by the Gazprom-Media holding,” commented Nikolai Orlov.

Director of the TV and Content Department at J'son and Partners Consulting Dmitry Kolesov considers the current situation completely normal. “The process of negotiations on the cost of rights is always very long: operators talk about problems with revenue, and channels say that the cost of content is rising. It happens that they can’t come to an agreement even for six months. I think in this case they will come to an agreement. Gazprom Media has the largest sports package, and Tricolor has more than 12 million subscribers. They will agree,” says Dmitry Kolesov.

Freedom Finance analyst Valery Emelyanov and Gazprom Media have been negotiating in this style for several years now. “The position of the content provider is usually stronger, so GMH usually manages to defend its position. During the negotiation period, as a rule, nothing changes from the subscribers’ point of view: the channels are included in the regular package, the programs are broadcast in the standard mode. Financial losses are suffered by Tricolor, which is forced to agree to an increase in payments in favor of GMH. The current demarche is unlikely to affect the image and reputation of the holding, since the market is, in a sense, accustomed to such a business culture and knows what to expect from a media monopoly. In turn, “Tricolor,” if it does not turn off the channels this time, will not suffer any damage to its reputation,” emphasizes Valery Emelyanov.

The owner of IT-legal, Pavel Katkov, says that the reputation of both parties suffers from any such conflict. “The viewer doesn’t understand, he just turns on the TV and doesn’t see his favorite channel. If the viewer follows the news, he rarely goes into detail - he just sees the negativity around these two brands, and that’s all. Therefore, such a conflict in the public sphere, in my opinion, will harm both companies, and it is unlikely to be a good PR move. The losses will be mainly reputational, and regarding the viewership, it is necessary to count and evaluate the viewing of the products of a given copyright holder from a given operator. If there are enough viewers who watched Tricolor for the sake of GMH products that they change the operator to the one who still has these channels, then this will be a definite blow to the subscriber base. But GMH will also lose part of the audience that it previously had from Tricolor. What to do? Go to mediation. There is clearly no need for a trial here; two state-linked companies have already washed their dirty laundry in public. But who will be the mediator is the question. This could be a private law firm or some top-level player, equal for both parties,” explains Pavel Katkov.

Problems after updates

Any satellite operator regularly updates the software of client equipment. This is done in order to optimize the load on the satellite and improve the quality of broadcasting. But after Tricolor rolled out the first update in 2021, subscribers who downloaded it began to complain about the following troubles:

• When updating Tricolor channels, channels disappeared;
• the set-top box does not work correctly;
• Some functions have disappeared (or become unavailable) from the receiver interface.

Naturally, in such conditions, using television becomes not entirely convenient. Some of the problems that arise can be solved on your own. But first, let's try to understand the reasons for what happened.

Causes of problems

If, after updating Tricolor, the channels do not show or other technical failures are observed, the reasons may be hidden in the following:

• the procedure for downloading new software was carried out incorrectly;
• new software components are incompatible with the receiver model;
• the channel list settings have disappeared;
• Unlicensed firmware was installed on the set-top box;
• Pirate plugins were installed on the receiver.

Accordingly, before choosing a method of dealing with problems, it is worth analyzing your own situation. The procedure for troubleshooting depends on which cause is most likely in each specific case.

We recommend finding out which receiver from Tricolor is considered the best.

Read: what are the benefits of TVs with built-in satellite receivers?