Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It may or may not be the same thing but Sky would argue that it's an exclusive deal that is restrictive in its nature. As for VMs investment in their infrastructure, it could be argued that they made a minimal investment, preferring to buy that infrastructure for a pittance from the liquidators of the failed businesses who made the real investment in the 80s.

And surely you can't be saying that 'Fish Town' wasn't innovative? :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

No, a restrictive deal would be VM having exclusive use of a third party's infrastructure. If say, VM broadband was being carried exclusively over BT fibre and Sky was excluded you would have a point. It isn't, they are using their own infrastructure, there is no "deal", restrictive or otherwise.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Ahh. I get it. It's OK for VM to have their infrastructure all to themselves, but not for BT.

But to be honest, I don't feel the need to pursue this any further as it is an aside to the point I was making to Den. Which was that if 'Something was done' about exclusive deals it would not only effect Sky.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

BT had to open up their infrastructure as it had largely been publicly funded when the telecoms industry was a nationalised monopoly, the GPO.

VM infrastructure was privately funded.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Oh yes, how silly of me. I should have remembered that from when I bought my shares. Over 30 years ago, wasn't it? Still can't remember any mention of fibre optic broadband in the prospectus though...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well the VM Infrastructure can be opened up when the government takes on its debts for the investment. Then VM and BT can be on a level playing field.

The current FTTC investment also includes government subsidiary/incentive I believe, e.g. BDUK Rural Broadband, trouble is there is only BT left now after Fujitsu withdrew. Couple of useful articles below although this is in danger of getting away from what this thread is about.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/broadban...-fibre-rollout

http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/...dband-bidding/

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

:o:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Due to last week takeover of Smallworld by Virgin Media I am looking for an up-to-date channel EPG for Smallworld for my Blog (One I have right is from 2013.)

If you can help - PM me.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Just found one here http://www.smallworldcable.com/SMALL..._list_2014.pdf

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks list now updated on my blog.

BBC Three on Smallworld Channel 905!:dunce:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Not been on the forum for a few weeks, so just trawled through pages of posts.
As far as I can see all that has happened is......
Some channel called Weetabix TV to launch via the red button.
Have I missed anything?
Losing the will to live
:(:confused::no::Yes::eh:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Hi MB,

Is there any news of Boxnation HD coming to VM on or soon after launch date 15th Feb?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

No News.

Also have seen no confirmed news in 2014.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks, lets hope it's not that long a wait:)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

utterly frustrating. :(

we need a shock twist to get 2014 up and running. a breaking news MB update before the eastenders theme music plays and credits rol.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Patience dear Sir.:)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Whilst MB may not have anything up his sleeve right this minute, theone2k10 has been forthcoming with some titbits, the most recent of which was the likelihood of LoveFilm coming in the summer.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I do have something up my sleeve but I cant reveal it - yet.

All I can say is - an channel that broadcasts on Virgin and Sky will soon close.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

PBS per chance?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Sorry, I was thinking more of a channel/on-demand service coming soon, not a channel closing soon.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Jesus, big news eh :rolleyes: I thought this was the "coming soon" thread, not the "going soon" thread!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

He's been told that if he announces which one it is too soon, the owners will open another channel. :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Sky Movies has just confirmed that Sky Movies Oscars will launch next Monday.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

That's the problem when members start bickering and/or cluttering up the thread with irrelevancies. It becomes too time consuming to sort the wheat from the chaff and people just give up on the thread.

LOL!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I think I know what channel your talking about. .........could it be Sky Living it! perhaps ;)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Oh no not again.:rolleyes:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Perhaps Sky will be using Living it capacity to launch Sky Bravo or Encore.

If the latter, it means we lose a channel :(

---------- Post added at 08:46 ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 ----------

Agreed. All these channel name changes are tiresome, I wonder if Sky believe that their customers are stupid enough to think that they keep launching "new" channels all the time.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well l would not call Muppetman and Chad stupid as these are men of infinite knowledge and wisdom.:D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Agreed - but some aren't. ;)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Radio Times says that Sky Movies Oscars will be on Virgin Channel 410 (Also in HD on Channel 440).

---------- Post added at 11:42 ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 ----------

Have seen rumours on here that Sky Livingit may close.

---------- Post added at 11:47 ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 ----------

Quest +1 maybe set to move packages.

Virgin Media may move Quest +1 to M+, L packages as Quest +1 has just on Freeview.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

VM in talks with 2 new networks that will be exclusive to VM according to a rumour i got today. I have no dea who the Networks are but once i know i will let you guys know.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Interesting and lets hope something comes of it.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Really !!!!!!

Exclusive !!!!!!!

I was of the understanding you considered this nefarious tactics or is that only when its Sky signing up exclusives. :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I suppose that it all depends on what is meant by the word 'network' in this context. Could Lovefilm or Blinkbox be considered a network?

Thanks for sharing though.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Now it was just a matter of time before the great one reacted and like clockwork he did.;):D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

With Sky it's nefarious; with VM it's self-preservation ;)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Am getting a little bored with these channel name changes!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Maybe it's a case of, 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em'? ;)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Oh that we could - but then it wouldn't be exclusive :(

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I do wish you could find it in your heart to be accurate and remember that the indefinite article "an" should only be used when preceding a vowel or vowel sound. Otherwise use "a"

Please understand that I am not attacking you personally neither is it my intention to offend.

Kind regards

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

That's our karaoke society. Lot's of people who sing, that clearly can't sing...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I hope not! I watch lots on there. :(

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

PBS is not on the information I got.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Indeed as there are a lot of excellent documentaries on there.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

February List update - February 11th update.

Keep up-to-date on the latest news on upcoming channel launches and other important events across all platforms of Virgin TV network.

NOTE: I DO NOT WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA SO ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS LIST IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News and links.
Media Boy = Other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Freeviews on Virgin Media ===
Oct. 25th. Premier Sports is having an freeview to all M, M+, L and XL packages on Virgin Channel 551 right now until February 28th 2014.

=== February ===
17th. Sky Movies Valentine will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Drama & Romance today on Virgin Channel 408.
17th. Sky Movies Valentine HD will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Drama & Romance HD today on Virgin Channel 438.
17th. Sky Movies Greats will be rebrand as Sky Movies Oscars today on Virgin Channel 410.
17th. Sky Movies Greats HD will be rebrand as Sky Movies Oscars HD today on Virgin Channel 440.
24th. The BBC to close BBC Red Button 2 after the Winter Olympics on Virgin Channel 992 today.
27th. Local TV broadcaster Made in Leeds hope to launch today on Virgin Channel 159.

=== March ===
1st. Premier Sports will cost £7.99 per month on Virgin Media from today.
9th. Sky Movies Oscars will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Greats today on Virgin Channel 410.
9th. Sky Movies Oscars HD will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Greats HD today on Virgin Channel 440.
31st. Local TV broadcaster London Live to launch on Virgin Channel 159 today.

=== April ===
No News...

=== May ===
No News...

=== June ===
No News...

=== July ===
No News...

=== August ===
No News...

=== September ===
No News...

=== October ===
No News...

=== November ===
No News...

=== December ===
No News...

=== Local TV on Virgin Media ===
-Local TV broadcaster Made in Bristol hope to launch sometime in 2014 on Virgin Channel 159.
-Local TV may launch on Virgin TV in some areas on Virgin Channel 159.

=== Unknown dates ===
-News 18 will soon launch on Virgin Media.
-Media Boy HQ has seen info that says an TV Channel is set to be close by it owner on Virgin Media.
-Rumours has reappeared that Sky to close Sky Livingit and Sky Livingit +1.
-The BBC will launch an BBC One +1 Channel.
-The BBC to axe BBC Radio 4 LW on Virgin Channel 911 ''in the long term''.
-The BBC hope to launch English regional variants of its existing BBC One HD service as well as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland editions of BBC Two HD - but still need to be approved by the BBC Trust.

=== Channels ONLY in Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas ===
List last updated on February 11th 2014.

ONLY TV CHANNELS THAT ONLY BROADCAST IN THE UK ON OTHER NETWORKS WILL APPEAR ON THIS PART OF THE LIST.

ALSO THE FOLLOWING LIST OF CHANNELS IS CURRENTLY BROADCASTING ON SMALLWORLD CABLE OR UPC IRELAND BUT NOT ON VIRGIN MEDIA:

Entertainment:
-Pick TV +1*
-MTV +1*

Documentaries:
-History HD**
-Nat Geo Wild HD**
-CI HD**

Lifestyle:
-Travel Channel +1*
-Food Network +1*
-Ideal Extra*
-Wedding TV*
-Fashion TV**

Movies:
-Movies4Men*

Music:
-MTV Classic***
-Channel AKA*
-Now Music*

News:
-CCTV News*
-Sky News HD**

Sports:
-Sky Sports News HD**

Kids:
-Disney Channel HD**

Specialist:
-EWTN**

Radio:
-UCB Ireland**

*Only in Smallworld areas.
**Only in UPC Ireland areas.
***Only in both Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

==== Virgin Media's Deals with broadcasters ===
List last updated on February 11th 2014.

Welcome to the all new look of this part of the list.

When deals with broadcasters run out Virgin Media need to sign new one to keep that Channel on Virgin TV.

Here is an list of channel that Virgin may get when they old deal runs out with that broadcaster:

Also Radio channels are broadcasting on Digital Radio via Freesat, Freeview, Freesat from Sky, Sky or UPC Ireland.

NOTE: Shopping Channels NOW ADDED to this list and only Broadcasts who has got some Channels broadcasting on Virgin Media right now appeared on this list.

To start broadcasting soon = That channel has still to start broadcasting on Sky, Freesat or Freeview.

=== TV and Radio Channels: ===
=== Own by A+E Networks UK (A+E Networks/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-CI HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-CI +1
-HISTORY HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-Lifetime +1
-Lifetime HD

=== Own by Active Channel Limited ===
-The Active Channel

=== Own by All Around the World Productions ===
-Channel AKA (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
-Now Music (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by ARY Group ===
-ARY Qtv
-ARY Oneworld

=== Bauer Radio ===
-Absolute Radio 90s (On Sky across the UK - May close in 2014 to make way for Heat Radio to launch on Sky.)
-Kisstory (On Freeview across the UK - Absolute Radio 80s may close in 2014 to make way for Kisstory to launch on both Sky and Virgin Media.)
-KissFresh (On Freeview across the UK. - Absolute Radio Classic Rock may close in 2014 to make way for KissFresh to launch on both Sky and Virgin Media.)
-Heat Radio (On Freeview across the UK.)
-The Hits Radio (On Freeview across the UK.)
-Kerrang! Radio (On Freeview across the UK - May close in 2014 to make way for Planet Rock to launch on Freeview.)

=== Own by British Sky Broadcasting ===
-Pick +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
-Sky1 +1
-Sky 3D
-Sky Atlantic
-Sky Atlantic +1
-Sky Atlantic HD
-Sky Bravo (Channel rumour to launch)
-Sky News HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-SkyPoker.com
-Sky Sports F1 HD
-Sky Sports 3 HD
-Sky Sports 4 HD
-Sky Sports News HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by British Sky Broadcasting/Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation ===
-Sky News Arabia

=== Own by CBS Studios International/Chellomedia (AMC Networks Inc) ===
-Reality TV

=== Own by Channel Four Television Corporation ===
-4Seven HD (Channel soon to start broadcasting.)

=== Own by CSC Media Group ===
-Bliss
-BuzMuzik
-Chart Show TV
-Chart Show TV Dance
-Flava
-Kix
-Kix +1
-POP
-Pop Girl
-Scuzz
-The Vault
-Tiny Pop +1

=== Own by Discovery Networks Western Europe ===
-TLC +2

=== Own by Disney-ABC Television Group ===
-Disney Channel HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-Disney Junior +
-Disney Junior HD
-Disney XD HD

=== Own by Eternal Word Television Network ===
-EWTN TV (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-EWTN Radio Europe

=== Own by Fox International Channels (21st Century Fox) ===
-Fox News Channel

=== Own by Global Music Television (Global Radio) ===
-Capital FM TV
-Heart FM TV

=== Own by Ideal Shopping Direct plc ===
-Create & Craft Extra
-Ideal Extra (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd (ITV plc) ===
-ITV Encore
-ITV Encore HD
-ITV Encore +1

Both ITV Encore HD and ITV Encore +1 has not been confirmed as set to launch but base on other ITV Channels we at Media Boy HQ thinks they will.

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd (ITV plc) and JML Direct Ltd ===
-The Store

=== Own by Michel Adam Lisowski ===
-Fashion TV (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Moving Movies Ltd. (CSC Media Group) ===
-True Drama
-True Movies 2

=== Own by NGC-UK Partnership (National Geographic Society/Fox International Channels [21st Century Fox]) ===
-Nat Wild HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Nickelodeon UK (Viacom International Media Networks Europe/BSkyB) ===
-Nick Jr. +1

=== Own by Paramount UK Partnership (Paramount British Pictures/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-Comedy Central Extra +1

=== Own by Phoenix Television ===
-Phoenix CNE

=== Own by QVC (Liberty Interactive Corporation - Liberty Media) ===
-QVC Beauty
-QVC Extra
-QVC Style

=== Own by Raidió Teilifís Éireann ===
-RTÉ 2fm (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-RTÉ Ireland (Channel soon to launch for viewers in England, Scotland and Wales).
-RTÉ lyric fm (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Scripps Networks Interactive ===
-Food Network +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by Sony Pictures Television ===
-More>Movies
-More>Movies +1
-Movies 4 Men (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
-Movies 4 Men +1
-Sony Entertainment Television +1
-Sony Movie Channel
-Sony Movie Channel +1

=== Own by STAR TV (21st Century Fox) ===
-STAR Jalsha
-STAR Plus HD

=== Own by Travel Channel International Ltd. (Scripps Networks Interactive) ===
-Travel Channel + 1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by United Christian Broadcasters ===
-UCB TV
-UCB Bible
-UCB Gospel
-UCB Inspiration
-UCB Ireland (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Universal Networks International ===
-E! HD
-E! +1
-Universal Channel HD

=== Own by Viacom ===
-BET: Black Ent Tv +1

=== Own by Viacom International Media Networks (Europe) ===
-MTV CLASSIC (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland and Smallworld areas right now).
-MTV LIVE
-MTV +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by Zee Entertainment Enterprises ===
-ZEE News

NOTE TO ALL: Virgin Media, Smallworld and UPC Ireland are now both own by Liberty Global.

=== What is Media Boy on about??? ===

Here is what I mean when I post the following on Cable Forum:

Virgin Insiders - means just that.
'Do Not Post' order - means an Virgin insider has given me some info on things that set to happen but has told me not to reveal it right now.

=== Media Boy Extra info: ===
Liberty Global - http://www.lgi.com/
Media Boy Blog - For all things Virgin TV - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
Follow Smallworld on ''twitter'' here (LINK DEAD AS OF FEBRUARY 11TH) - https://twitter.com/Smallworldcable
Follow Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Last updated February 3rd 2014.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: I get all my info from Virgin Media viewers, some Virgin Media workers (I called them Virgin Insiders) and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: WHY HAVE YOU ADDED 'ONLY IN SMALLWORLD AREAS' AND 'ONLY IN UPC IRELAND AREAS' WHEN THIS THREAD IS FOR VIRGIN MEDIA?
A: Virgin Media, Smallworld and UPC Ireland are now ALL own by Liberty Global.

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''MTV CLASSIC'' OR ''DISNEY CHANNEL HD'' FOR?
A: MTV CLASSIC and Disney Channel HD is only broadcasting in Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas right now.

==== See you later ===
List last updated on February 6th 2014.

Next update: TBC - unless:

A) If Virgin are set to launch more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) on Virgin TV.
B) If Virgin are set to move more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) about on Virgin TV.
C) If Virgin are set to close or repackage more then TWO channels (TV or Radio ) on Virgin TV.

Did I miss anything??? If I did tell me and it will appear on the next update.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It is not my intention to attack or offend either. Most of us know MB uses "an" when he does not need to, most of us let it go though. Goodness knows many of us make grammatical errors which are constantly ignored. It seems MB is always highlighted though.

If you are going to highlight and post grammatical errors from others, please try not to make them yourself - I do find it as comical as I do ironic. As far as I remember, you are supposed to use a full stop at the end of a sentence.

I am happy to be corrected (on both my grammar and/or lack thereof) though. :)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

This will cheer you all up i'm sure :D anyway i've just had a phonecall of a source saying soon you'll be able to share your Tivo viewing with your friends on Facebook, you can simply click like on a programme and it will tell your friends you watched that show, similar to Netflixs' Facebook sharing option.

---------- Post added at 16:23 ---------- Previous post was at 16:22 ----------

PBS is safe i didn't say anything but i did recieve word of a unreliable source though that PBS are looking at getting a HD channel up and running.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

How totally useless is that!!!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Completely agree.

Of course the best way to do it is whilst you are watching the show. It doesn't matter if you miss some of the sho0w whilst doing it; who cares about the show anyway? It's telling all your friends that you watch it that is the important part!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You can already do this anyway can't you via the TV anywhere app ?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Dear god, how appalling. Another reason I'm glad to be a TiVo refusnik...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

That's one reason only Sir but there are 10 reasons or more on why people should get a TiVo.:)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It's one reason indeed, but I have many more. Yet I've debated this many times and nobody can offer me anything that TiVo offers me over my V+ that I'm interested in. Sorry. :)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I'm not sure what this post means, am I right to interpret this as Quest +1 has just launched on Freeview, so you think it will become part of the M+ pack and above?

If so, I think that it will be moved to the M pack, along with all the other Freeview channels.

-ITV Encore
-ITV Encore HD
-ITV Encore +1

Aren't the above channels Sky only, with no plans to launch on VM??

Unfortunately, if you want to stay with VM, there will come a time when you have no choice but to give up the V+.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I agree. I hope that time is some time away, but when it comes, I will have to leave. But hey, never mind. The thing that has mainly kept me with VM is the fast BB, but Sky's has largely caught up, so no biggie anymore eh?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Looks like Virgin are reacting to demand:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...rogrammes.html

"Up to a quarter of the TV audience in the UK is posting content related to the show they are watching on Facebook."

The way people watch and enjoy TV is evolving and it looks like Virgin will be leading from the front in terms of social media interaction. Not everyone's cup of tea however this type of live interaction is expected to grow quickly over the next 24 months.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

No one's perfect, and you shouldn't have to be flawless to make constructive suggestions to others. As Media Boy has a regular and extensive section on this thread, this may go some way to explaining why you feel that he gets more negative feedback on his grammar than others do.
I think on forums there's a good debate to be had as to whether constructive suggestions should be given in public in the thread or privately by PM.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Cable Forums personal correction grammar :LOL: really is this really needed on this forum ... oops put three full stops. Sorry teacher. :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Can't agree with that Andrew. There's no reason for PMs whatsoever. This is a public forum. Conversations should be held publicly otherwise we risk allegations of a clique, and nobody wants that. Particularly the fools that think that several of the others they're trusting aren't just PMing copies to the people they're talking about.

As for grammar criticism, we ALL make mistakes. But we can all also learn and improve.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Haven't you been able to do this for sometime , the average Facebook/Twitter user normally has a smartphone/tablet which can be linked to VM TIVO , Sky+HD , Connected TV's etc using companion apps like VM TV Anywhere , Sky+ app , Zeebox all of which allow you to share your tv viewing to Facebook/Twitter in a far more intuitive way and without disturbing your tv viewing.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It has struck me for some time that the rise in people watching live tv and posting to social media has occurred at about the same time as the rise in time shifting. Surely this suggests that live tv is far from dead, or even dying, and a complete switch over to streaming services is still some way off ?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Good point.

I agree, it is better to say something like this in private to avoid taking the thread off topic and prevent possible embarrassment. It also ensures that people are doing it for the right reasons.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Correct. No-one is perfect. So why do grammar police have to pop up on here - this is not a written English exam. I disagree about not needing to be being flawless when correcting grammar though. Posters are simply waiting to be hoisted on their own petard if they wish to criticize others about grammar, and then make an extremely basic mistake.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

And to think this used to be my favourite thread on CF. Come on everyone - where's the news, where's the rumours, where's the conjecture, where's the flights of fancy even? In short, where's anything "Coming Soon to Virgin TV"?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Indeed. This is starting to remind me of when I worked for Local Government, where we would have meetings about meetings...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Come on everybody as the remember the old saying "That no news in good news".

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press...e#.UvtPjHlc4ds

New ITV reality channel at the end of the year.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I can see it's schedule now
only way is Essex
only way is Essex
I'm a celebrity get me out of here
only way is Essex
only way is Essex
only way is Essex extended
I'm a celebrity get me out of here
only way is Essex.

:D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Oh dear more reality rubbish for me to avoid.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

As it's aimed at the "young and female" I guess we don't qualify :)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thats 3 down thumbs on the tivo then;);)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

We all have our problems with reality occasionally Den. :)

---------- Post added at 12:27 ---------- Previous post was at 12:26 ----------

I thought that was what ITV2 was for?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

According to reliable poster AriusUK on the DigitalSpy forum, ITV will be launching at least one more channel on top of Encore and ITVbe but it won't be a movie channel. He correctly predicted further ITV channels would be coming after ITV Encore.
http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showp...6&postcount=27

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Two interesting and opposite opinions and both valid. As I said, an interesting debate.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

This hasn't really been ITV's most closely guarded secret, they have been hinting at new channel launches for quite some time.

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/b...035476.article

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/i...046788.article

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/ne...-channels.html

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

PMSL :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You missed out several 'TeleShopping'

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

What's interesting is that those articles focus the discussion on ITV pay TV channels whereas ITVbe is FTA. I wonder if future new ITV channels will be pay-TV or FTA? Maybe Virgin Media will bid for exclusive launch rights to an ITV male-focused channel?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The original articles focused on pay tv with later articles suggesting a mix of pay and FTA channels. If you look at the DS article from June 2013 it quotes from ITV chief executive Adam Crozier's interview with The Mirror:

Reading through some of the articles it looks as if ITV were struggling to find suitable content for pay tv channels, with archive and drama being the favoured content. Some of the earlier articles suggested a male oriented channel to compete with Dave. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they announce further launches but wouldn't really expect them to all launch at the same time. Media Guardian also had a few articles discussing the various options if you wish to look them up.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I too wonder where all of this content is coming from.
ITV already have a youth/female channel (ITV2) an archive channel (ITV3) and a male channel (ITV4), and some archive ITV drama looks like it is coming up on the UKTV Drama channel.
A 'reality' channel is maybe welcome if it shifts some of the dross (Essex, J Kyle, etc) off of existing channels - but what is lined up to replace it?
It will be interesting to see what 'new commissions' actually turn up on ITV Encore. They are very unlikely to achieve the success of 'Broadchurch' or 'Downton Abbey' if put out only on an exclusive niche channel.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

That won't happen which is why I'm not worried that we won't get this for a couple of years. What WILL happen IMO is that (for e.g) the new series of Downton will be broadcast there first, say 2 or 3 weeks b4 it's on ITV.

ITV know they can't risk putting known drama, only on their new channel. Their investors and advertisers simply wouldn't let them.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

ITV's channel range seems a complete mess , what's the point in releasing new channels just to rehash content from other channels. Being a FTA broadcaster and a pay TV broadcaster seems very messy in my opinion.

I kind of get what they're wanting to do with Encore however this new reality channel seems a strange one , isn't that kind of content already shown on ITV2 ?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The only strategy they are interested in is getting more money for their shareholders as that's the bottom line for them.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Maybe before they launch more channels they should make the 4 channels they already have watchable

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks for info.

---------- Post added at 15:19 ---------- Previous post was at 15:16 ----------

Was ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD only on Sky until last year?

ITV Encore may not be on Virgin from launch but maybe over the years it may appear.

---------- Post added at 15:24 ---------- Previous post was at 15:19 ----------

Media Boy HQ thinks that ITV may axe ITV3 +1 and ITV4 +1 so that ITV Be (On Sky and Virgin) and ITV Encore (Only on Sky) can launch as Sky have close their SD EPG Channels launches down years ago.

ITV2 +1 may also go part-time on Freeview (using the ITV3 +1, The Store and ITV4 +1 slot - 6pm to 6am).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It's more a case of not wanting to switch content from FTA to pay where pay-tv income wouldn't match the loss in advertising revenue.

The plan is to move away from total dependence on advertising revenue whilst maximising income from their FTA channels. A delicate balancing act and somewhat dangerous if they don't get the balance right.

---------- Post added at 16:19 ---------- Previous post was at 16:15 ----------

I would tend to agree. The danger here is that this will reduce the viewing figures when the series is shown on the main channel as that will reduce advertising revenue.

---------- Post added at 16:34 ---------- Previous post was at 16:19 ----------

There's still quite a few dross channels around on Sky waiting for a chance sell their slot.

Probably not taking over 3 slots on Freeview. The strategy here will be ITV using these part-time channels to make a grab for prominent EPG slots to use for future launches. It would be more likely to put ITV 2 +1 into the existing ITV 3 +1 slot. By the time ITVBe arrives, other channels could have left the platform and made space for it. ITV's ownership of the SDN multiplex gives them the luxury of replacing a departing 3rd party channel with one of their own.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

To me is seems like ITV2 is slowly becoming a comedy channel. They have had success with Celebrity Juice, Plebs and Fake Reaction and showing reruns of You've Been Framed, with the addition of the US imports it slowly looks like its heading that way. Soon a lot of its daytime content is going to be on ITVBe and they have already moved Judge Judy and Dickinson's Real Deal to ITV3.

After the launch of ITVBe ITV2 will just be left with comedy shows and reruns of Corrie and Emmerdale, i would not even be shocked to see those go to ITV3

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I know there's one or two on here with Now TV , bag yourself a free Now TV sports day pass.

https://www.facebook.com/capitaloneu...liate_all_wk29

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Virgin Media February List update - February 13th update.

Keep up-to-date on the latest news on upcoming channel launches and other important events across all platforms of Virgin TV network.

NOTE: I DO NOT WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA SO ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS LIST IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News and links.
Media Boy = Other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Freeviews on Virgin Media ===
Oct. 25th. Premier Sports is having an freeview to all M, M+, L and XL packages on Virgin Channel 551 right now until February 28th 2014.

=== February ===
17th. Sky Movies Valentine will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Drama & Romance today on Virgin Channel 408.
17th. Sky Movies Valentine HD will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Drama & Romance HD today on Virgin Channel 438.
17th. Sky Movies Greats will be rebrand as Sky Movies Oscars today on Virgin Channel 410.
17th. Sky Movies Greats HD will be rebrand as Sky Movies Oscars HD today on Virgin Channel 440.
24th. The BBC to close BBC Red Button 2 after the Winter Olympics on Virgin Channel 992 today.
27th. Local TV broadcaster Made in Leeds hope to launch today on Virgin Channel 159.

=== March ===
1st. Premier Sports will cost £7.99 per month on Virgin Media from today.
9th. Sky Movies Oscars will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Greats today on Virgin Channel 410.
9th. Sky Movies Oscars HD will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Greats HD today on Virgin Channel 440.
31st. Local TV broadcaster London Live to launch on Virgin Channel 159 today.

=== April ===
No News...

=== May ===
No News...

=== June ===
No News...

=== July ===
No News...

=== August ===
No News...

=== September ===
No News...

=== October ===
No News...

=== November ===
No News...

=== December ===
No News...

=== By 2015 ===
ITV to launch ITVBe on Virgin Media.

=== Local TV on Virgin Media ===
-Local TV broadcaster Made in Bristol hope to launch sometime in 2014 on Virgin Channel 159.
-Local TV may launch on Virgin TV in some areas on Virgin Channel 159.

=== Unknown dates ===
-News 18 will soon launch on Virgin Media.
-Media Boy HQ has seen info that says an TV Channel is set to be close by it owner on Virgin Media.
-Rumours has reappeared that Sky to close Sky Livingit and Sky Livingit +1.
-The BBC will launch an BBC One +1 Channel.
-The BBC to axe BBC Radio 4 LW on Virgin Channel 911 ''in the long term''.
-The BBC hope to launch English regional variants of its existing BBC One HD service as well as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland editions of BBC Two HD - but still need to be approved by the BBC Trust.

=== Channels ONLY in Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas ===
List last updated on February 11th 2014.

ONLY TV CHANNELS THAT ONLY BROADCAST IN THE UK ON OTHER NETWORKS WILL APPEAR ON THIS PART OF THE LIST.

ALSO THE FOLLOWING LIST OF CHANNELS IS CURRENTLY BROADCASTING ON SMALLWORLD CABLE OR UPC IRELAND BUT NOT ON VIRGIN MEDIA:

Entertainment:
-Pick TV +1*
-MTV +1*

Documentaries:
-History HD**
-Nat Geo Wild HD**
-CI HD**

Lifestyle:
-Travel Channel +1*
-Food Network +1*
-Ideal Extra*
-Wedding TV*
-Fashion TV**

Movies:
-Movies4Men*

Music:
-MTV Classic***
-Channel AKA*
-Now Music*

News:
-CCTV News*
-Sky News HD**

Sports:
-Sky Sports News HD**

Kids:
-Disney Channel HD**

Specialist:
-EWTN**

Radio:
-UCB Ireland**

*Only in Smallworld areas.
**Only in UPC Ireland areas.
***Only in both Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

==== Virgin Media's Deals with broadcasters ===
List last updated on February 11th 2014.

Welcome to the all new look of this part of the list.

When deals with broadcasters run out Virgin Media need to sign new one to keep that Channel on Virgin TV.

Here is an list of channel that Virgin may get when they old deal runs out with that broadcaster:

Also Radio channels are broadcasting on Digital Radio via Freesat, Freeview, Freesat from Sky, Sky or UPC Ireland.

NOTE: Shopping Channels NOW ADDED to this list and only Broadcasts who has got some Channels broadcasting on Virgin Media right now appeared on this list.

To start broadcasting soon = That channel has still to start broadcasting on Sky, Freesat or Freeview.

=== TV and Radio Channels: ===
=== Own by A+E Networks UK (A+E Networks/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-CI HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-CI +1
-HISTORY HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-Lifetime +1
-Lifetime HD

=== Own by Active Channel Limited ===
-The Active Channel

=== Own by All Around the World Productions ===
-Channel AKA (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
-Now Music (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by ARY Group ===
-ARY Qtv
-ARY Oneworld

=== Bauer Radio ===
-Absolute Radio 90s (On Sky across the UK - May close in 2014 to make way for Heat Radio to launch on Sky.)
-Kisstory (On Freeview across the UK - Absolute Radio 80s may close in 2014 to make way for Kisstory to launch on both Sky and Virgin Media.)
-KissFresh (On Freeview across the UK. - Absolute Radio Classic Rock may close in 2014 to make way for KissFresh to launch on both Sky and Virgin Media.)
-Heat Radio (On Freeview across the UK.)
-The Hits Radio (On Freeview across the UK.)
-Kerrang! Radio (On Freeview across the UK - May close in 2014 to make way for Planet Rock to launch on Freeview.)

=== Own by British Sky Broadcasting ===
-Pick +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
-Sky1 +1
-Sky 3D
-Sky Atlantic
-Sky Atlantic +1
-Sky Atlantic HD
-Sky Bravo (Channel rumour to launch)
-Sky News HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-SkyPoker.com
-Sky Sports F1 HD
-Sky Sports 3 HD
-Sky Sports 4 HD
-Sky Sports News HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by British Sky Broadcasting/Abu Dhabi Media Investment Corporation ===
-Sky News Arabia

=== Own by CBS Studios International/Chellomedia (AMC Networks Inc) ===
-Reality TV

=== Own by Channel Four Television Corporation ===
-4Seven HD (Channel soon to start broadcasting.)

=== Own by CSC Media Group ===
-Bliss
-BuzMuzik
-Chart Show TV
-Chart Show TV Dance
-Flava
-Kix
-Kix +1
-POP
-Pop Girl
-Scuzz
-The Vault
-Tiny Pop +1

=== Own by Discovery Networks Western Europe ===
-TLC +2

=== Own by Disney-ABC Television Group ===
-Disney Channel HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-Disney Junior +
-Disney Junior HD
-Disney XD HD

=== Own by Eternal Word Television Network ===
-EWTN TV (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-EWTN Radio Europe

=== Own by Fox International Channels (21st Century Fox) ===
-Fox News Channel

=== Own by Global Music Television (Global Radio) ===
-Capital FM TV
-Heart FM TV

=== Own by Ideal Shopping Direct plc ===
-Create & Craft Extra
-Ideal Extra (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd (ITV plc) ===
-ITV Encore

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd (ITV plc) and JML Direct Ltd ===
-The Store

=== Own by Michel Adam Lisowski ===
-Fashion TV (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Moving Movies Ltd. (CSC Media Group) ===
-True Drama
-True Movies 2

=== Own by NGC-UK Partnership (National Geographic Society/Fox International Channels [21st Century Fox]) ===
-Nat Wild HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Nickelodeon UK (Viacom International Media Networks Europe/BSkyB) ===
-Nick Jr. +1

=== Own by Paramount UK Partnership (Paramount British Pictures/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-Comedy Central Extra +1

=== Own by Phoenix Television ===
-Phoenix CNE

=== Own by QVC (Liberty Interactive Corporation - Liberty Media) ===
-QVC Beauty
-QVC Extra
-QVC Style

=== Own by Raidió Teilifís Éireann ===
-RTÉ 2fm (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-RTÉ Ireland (Channel soon to launch for viewers in England, Scotland and Wales).
-RTÉ lyric fm (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
-RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Scripps Networks Interactive ===
-Food Network +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by Sony Pictures Television ===
-More>Movies
-More>Movies +1
-Movies 4 Men (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
-Movies 4 Men +1
-Sony Entertainment Television +1
-Sony Movie Channel
-Sony Movie Channel +1

=== Own by STAR TV (21st Century Fox) ===
-STAR Jalsha
-STAR Plus HD

=== Own by Travel Channel International Ltd. (Scripps Networks Interactive) ===
-Travel Channel + 1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by United Christian Broadcasters ===
-UCB TV
-UCB Bible
-UCB Gospel
-UCB Inspiration
-UCB Ireland (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).

=== Own by Universal Networks International ===
-E! HD
-E! +1
-Universal Channel HD

=== Own by Viacom ===
-BET: Black Ent Tv +1

=== Own by Viacom International Media Networks (Europe) ===
-MTV CLASSIC (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland and Smallworld areas right now).
-MTV LIVE
-MTV +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

=== Own by Zee Entertainment Enterprises ===
-ZEE News

NOTE TO ALL: Virgin Media, Smallworld and UPC Ireland are now both own by Liberty Global.

=== What is Media Boy on about??? ===

Here is what I mean when I post the following on Cable Forum:

Virgin Insiders - means just that.
'Do Not Post' order - means an Virgin insider has given me some info on things that set to happen but has told me not to reveal it right now.

=== Media Boy Extra info: ===
Liberty Global - http://www.lgi.com/
Media Boy Blog - For all things Virgin TV - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
Follow Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Last updated February 3rd 2014.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: I get all my info from Virgin Media viewers, some Virgin Media workers (I called them Virgin Insiders) and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: WHY HAVE YOU ADDED 'ONLY IN SMALLWORLD AREAS' AND 'ONLY IN UPC IRELAND AREAS' WHEN THIS THREAD IS FOR VIRGIN MEDIA?
A: Virgin Media, Smallworld and UPC Ireland are now ALL own by Liberty Global.

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''MTV CLASSIC'' OR ''DISNEY CHANNEL HD'' FOR?
A: MTV CLASSIC and Disney Channel HD is only broadcasting in Smallworld and UPC Ireland areas right now.

==== See you later ===
List last updated on February 13th 2014.

Next update: TBC - unless:

A) If Virgin are set to launch more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) on Virgin TV.
B) If Virgin are set to move more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) about on Virgin TV.
C) If Virgin are set to close or repackage more then TWO channels (TV or Radio ) on Virgin TV.

Did I miss anything??? If I did tell me and it will appear on the next update.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

============ SMALLWORLD NEWS =======================

Smallworld February List update - February 13th update.

Keep up-to-date on the latest news on upcoming channel launches and other important events across all platforms of Smallworld network.

NOTE: I DO NOT WORK FOR SMALLWORLD SO ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS LIST IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News and links.
Media Boy = Other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Smallworld TV ===
=== February ===
17th. Sky Movies Valentine will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Drama & Romance today on Smallworld Channel 306.
17th. Sky Movies Valentine HD will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Drama & Romance HD today on Smallworld Channel 334.
17th. Sky Movies Greats will be rebrand as Sky Movies Oscars today on Smallworld Channel 309.
17th. Sky Movies Greats HD will be rebrand as Sky Movies Oscars HD today on Smallworld Channel 337.

=== March ===
9th. Sky Movies Oscars will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Greats today on Smallworld Channel 309.
9th. Sky Movies Oscars HD will be rebrand back to Sky Movies Greats HD today on Smallworld Channel 337.

=== April ===
No News...

=== May ===
No News...

=== June ===
No News...

=== July ===
No News...

=== August ===
No News...

=== September ===
No News...

=== October ===
No News...

=== November ===
No News...

=== December ===
No News...

=== By 2015 ===
ITV is set to launch ITVBe by 2015 on Smallworld.

=== Unknown dates ===
-Rumours has reappeared that Sky to close Sky Livingit and Sky Livingit +1.
-Local TV Channels may launch on Smallworld in some areas.
-The BBC will launch an BBC One +1 Channel.
-Virgin Media may renumber all of the Smallworld channel numbers.

=== Media Boy Extra info: ===
Liberty Global - http://www.lgi.com/
Media Boy Blog - For all things Virgin TV - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
Follow Smallworld on ''twitter'' here (LINK DEAD AS OF FEBRUARY 11TH) - https://twitter.com/Smallworldcable

==== See you later ===
List last updated on February 13th 2014.

Next update: TBC - unless:

A) If Virgin are set to launch more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) in Smallworld areas.
B) If Virgin are set to move more than TWO channels (TV) about in Smallworld areas.
C) If Virgin are set to close or repackage more then TWO channels (TV) in Smallworld areas.

Did I miss anything??? If I did tell me and it will appear on the next update.

©copyright 2014 Media Boy 2006 - 2014. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well I did see rumours in 2011 that The Jewellery Channel did only have an THREE year date to broadcast on Freeview when Sky sold Challenge slot on SDN to them on September 20th 2011.

Also I have also seen rumours that QUEST may move to QUEST +1 slot later this year (Info from DS Forum).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Perhaps, but it's quite possible that they could renew after 3 yrs. It's difficult to predict what their plans are with the short term contracts they have to rent out their overnight hours. Also the fact that they added an IPTV stream to cover the overnight hours, shortly before taking the broadcast slot back. I wonder if they even know what their plans are.

I don't think that was so much a rumour as idle speculation. That sort of thing happens quite a lot on the DS Forum, they were predicting ITV4+1 would become a 24 hour service simply because of an error on the EPG listings.

On the platform as a whole, major broadcasters are probably in a more secure position than the minor broadcasters and shopping channels. Pay TV has also pretty much failed on terrestrial tv, as BT converts more users to fibre they will probably want to give up their streams sooner rather than later.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

:tu:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

:tu:

Thanks

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

good news or bads news ?

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...media-bt-bskyb

Virgin Media falls behind as rivals BT and BSkyB sign up more customers
Cable TV and telecoms operator added 18,600 pay-TV customers in final quarter of 2013, but cancellations fell 1.17%

Mark Sweney
theguardian.com, Friday 14 February 2014 13.34 GMT
Tom Mockridge
Virgin Media chief Tom Mockridge has said the company’s cable business is improving in the face of more competition.
Virgin Media is feeling the pinch from the pay-TV war between BSkyB and BT, signing up fewer TV and broadband customers than its rivals in the final three months of 2013.

The cable TV and telecoms operator added 18,600 pay-TV customers and 39,100 broadband customers in the three months to the end of December.

This compares with BSkyB, which added 77,000 TV subscribers, although half are believed to be for its internet service Now TV, and 110,000 broadband subscribers during the period.

BT's multi-billion pound drive into top-flight sports rights, including Premier League football, helped it add 70,000 TV customers and 150,000 broadband customers.

Virgin Media's revenue growth all but stalled in the fourth quarter, up just 0.4% year on year to £1.03bn, worse than analysts expected and much slower than its rivals BT, Sky and TalkTalk.

The company said a £200m-plus deal to offer BT Sport's channel to its 4 million TV customers, and a rate increase in premium content it gets from BSkyB, weighed on profits, which fell from £446m to £424m year on year.

However, Virgin Media said the BT deal had proved to be a winner with customers by reducing its churn rate, the proportion of customers cancelling subscriptions during the quarter, to 1.17%. In the previous quarter the company had lost 8,000 pay-TV customers.

Average revenue per user, a key metric watched by investors and analysts, rose 2.5% to £48.21 in the fourth quarter.

The company said this was a record level, driven by price rises and successfully upgrading customers to higher value products and packages.

An impressive 65.7% of customers take three services from Virgin Media – such as TV, broadband and telephony – well ahead of the 36% of BSkyB's customer rate.

Virgin Media said the number taking its super fast 30Mb-plus packages grew 209,300 in the final quarter.

A total of 3.2 million, or 74% of its 4.4 million internet base, now take fast broadband service of 30Mb or more.

"We continue to see that nearly half of our new internet customers subscribe to speeds of 60 Mbps or higher, showing the strong, ongoing demand for faster speeds," the company said.

The number of customers with TiVo, the company's advanced TV service, grew by 136,900 in the fourth quarter and is now in 2 million of its 3.7 million TV subscribers.

"The strength of our consumer cable business is clear, with strong financial fundamentals and improving operational momentum towards the end of the year, even with heightened competition," said Tom Mockridge, chief executive of Virgin Media.

Mockridge, the former chief executive of Sun and Times publisher News UK and Sky Italia, was hired after John Malone's Liberty Global took over the company in a £15bn deal in February last year.

"During 2013, Virgin Media became a part of Liberty Global, creating the world's largest international cable company," Mockridge said. "Since then, we have been working across Europe to exchange talent as well as share knowledge and create synergies to benefit our combined future."

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Stay still for too long and raise your prices well above inflation and you will find it harder to get and retain customers.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

In the case of VM it looks like they're keeping customers with churn reducing. And unlike BT and Sky, VM are a significant quad-player so it is less easy for them to sell more services. And VM haven't kept still, they were adding channels last year like never before.
But I do agree with the raising prices part, although all companies are guilty of this. I think the main issue for VM is that BT has now entered the fibre and TV marketplace which is now more competitive than it ever was.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Its a very competitive market and Virgin need to keep up the good work from last year and not rest on its laurels and think everything is rosy in the garden as that will not retain some customers in the long run so lets hope more new services and channels are coming soon because its getting very hot in that kitchen.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I wonder if the poor TV performance accounts for why, when I rang VM on Monday to cancel the TV side and just have BB and phone, they offered me a cheaper price if I kept one Tivo and basic M TV? They need all the TV customers they can get?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Virgin customers need more HD content (I need 3d sport, but that not everyone's taste).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Personally 3D content in my humble opinion is not for me but l can understand that it will appeal to some.