Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Even if that's a special in-contract price, can't see how they can justify it with Sky cinema and Sports included. Paying Sky for those can't leave much left over.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

It's £77.99 at the moment so actually a small change to the offer price over the £18 months

https://www.virginmedia.com/shop/bun...e-oomph-bundle

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Yes, I would imagine many people would want two recordable boxes. I hope they permit that.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Unless I'm missing something obvious (I admit this is quite possible) I am struggling to see the advantage of the 360 setup over my two existing V6 boxes.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

l agree as apart from a few new bells and whistles l cannot say the 360 excites me.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

To my mind, it’s just the more modern user interface and voice controls.

The mini-boxes will be welcomed by some, but they are not for me unless the main box is a 2Tb. I struggle to contain the number of recordings on two boxes as it is, and I do stream what I can if the stream is likely to be available for a decent period.

In the longer term, perhaps there will be updates for the Horizon box that could not be made available for the V6s due to the technology.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

"Customers can record six programmes while watching a seventh". That is a main & mini box setup, not two main boxes. The TV GO control has no box selection option as there is with TV Control, which would also suggest no option for two main boxes.

"New Mini box – recordings only need to be made once and can be shared across multiple set top boxes which allows for seamless Ultra-HD multi-room viewing throughout the home."

Yet another suggestion it is just one main box.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Yes, that’s certainly how it works. But my question is whether they would permit the installation of two recorder boxes. If they do, that is one major disadvantage resolved.

However, there are others.... :erm:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Have vm got horror bites yet btw? It is coming to vm boxes, skyq doesn't have it btw yet.
Also discovery+ won't be on vm at launch it will be on SKYQ and free to SKYQ customers for 12 months it launches this month.

Sorry to quote your post btw Den lol.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Not yet. But where the hell is Disney+?

Apple+ would also be nice, but no sign of that yet either.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

You can keep whistling to the wind for both Disney+ and especially Apple+
For now.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

You are probably right. But this is unacceptable from a company that professes to be a super-aggregator of content.

I guess for the time being at least, I will still need the backup of my true super-aggregator - my Roku. :mad:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I pay £105.00 a month I wonder if its worth me ringing them to get that price lol?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

It sounds like you will get it if you take the Horizon box.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

From https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2020...-360-platform/

Virgin also confirmed that there is no support for third-party voice control platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but did not rule it out for the future.

As with the previous generation, the platform will integrate streaming apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. There are currently no plans to integrate Disney+, but chief digital officer David Bouchier said that Disney is a strong partner of Virgin’s, and expressed confidence that the app will arrive “next year”.
While aggregation continues to be a focus for Virgin, Bouchier also said that “formal bundling is not something required” – indicating that we are unlikely to see a co-branded TV package like the bundle of Sky and Netflix.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Thank you, new Apollo. Pity it takes sooooo long!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Well we're all got sent home from work 3 members in our department tested positive for covid-19 so we're now self isolating for 2 weeks, offices are being deep cleaned.
I will do my best to keep getting information on services during these times.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I thought everyone was supposed to be working from home at the moment?

(Wherever they can)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Not a option for us due to sensitivity of the information we get.

On the plus side they're paying me in full for the two weeks.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I see that Discovery Shed isn't on the website of the Discovery+ service that launches today in the UK (but sadly TV exclusive to Sky Q for a year). That suggests Discovery Shed may be closing on all platforms.
www.discoveryplus.co.uk

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Discovery Home & Health isn't there either.

Discovery Shed and Discovery Home & Health are their two lowest-rated channels.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

The reason being that they just repeat programmes over and over. These channels used to be my wife’s favourites, but she no longer watches them. I wonder why.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I had a feeling there was a another...but my coffee was faulty :D :p: :dunce:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I could imagine these two could close before long, with all shows moving to DMAX, Quest and Quest Red.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I could imagine Really is set to go WITH all shows moving to the channels you have listed. And it Freeview slot use for DMAX +1 or GB News.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

No chance at all, as Really is their second most popular channel, there is no way they would close it!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

It would never get replaced by a +1 unless it's ratings fell off a cliff.

Really got a 0.73 in the last Weekly BARB ratings. Most +1s were getting ratings nothing remotely that good back when BARB website still showed separate data for them rather than combining them. They are typical a very small fraction of the main channel. Only the main PSB channel +1s get significant ratings.

Some of the other Discovery channel ratings (which include +1 numbers) for most current available week:
Quest 1.08
Quest Red 0.68
DMAX 0.47
HGTV 0.40
Food Network 0.31
Discovery Channel 0.24
TLC 0.22
Investigation Discovery 0.19

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Really isn't going anywhere the ratings are decent and they have invested quite a bit into new programming.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

ITV (UTV) has switched HD from 113 to 103 in NI. All series links have migrated ok as expected.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

As spotted by JJ20X on Forum Box, VM has just doubled the number of HD channels on one stream. TSid 23 now contains all the HD channels from TSid 24 too.
https://www.digitalbitrate.com/dtv.p...ve=209&lang=en

-----Existing----
Sky Sports Mix HD
TJC HD
Sky Sports Arena HD
CBBC HD
BBC FOUR HD
CBeebies HD
Sky Sports Golf HD
Sky Arts HD
-----Newly added-----
Sky Sports News HD
Nat Geo WILD HD
BT Sport 3 HD
Sky Hits HD
Sky Animation HD
Paramount Network HD
E! HD

A likely sign of things to come? Wonder how noticeable this will be re: picture quality.

---------- Post added at 17:40 ---------- Previous post was at 16:58 ----------

Apparently this already happened to TSid 13. I clearly didn't take it on-board when JJ20X mentioned it regards that transport stream.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

That would explain why several of my favourites vanished and had to be marked again on both my V6 boxes.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Many congrats ,on your 13,000th post. And what a cracker it was ;)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

TiVo has confirmed that Love Nature HD will close on Virgin Channel 275 on December 4th (late Thursday Night around 12.30am)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Well that's disappointing. :( Great channel.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Incredibly disappointing as it had some great content on it.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

No surprise tbh with SKY Nature being launched and Love Nature content will be on there.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I wonder if the LoveNature content will remain on the Virgin Media Ultra HD Channel?

Sky Nature isn't available on the same lower tiers as LoveNature currently is, so some customers (me included) will be losing access to their output entirely.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Such a shame.

Sky Nature isn't included in my Virgin TV package so I'll miss being able to dip into the Love Nature HD content.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

It may be going to be available on demand only possibly in 4k as it is on Sky

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I cannot find any information that corroborates that, MB. Do you have a link?

If true, maybe they are expanding Love Nature HD programming to the Virgin Ultra HD channel. Perhaps the 4K channel is planning to extend its broadcasting hours.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

MB gave a source. I've checked that source. It says the same thing for me.

The source is the EPG on Tivo boxes. Scroll ahead to date given and the EPG says Channel No Longer Available.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Yes, I didn’t realise he meant the electronic programme guide!

So it’s actually an EPG Exclusive, then!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Untamed Valley which is currently showing on Love Nature HD has episodes showing on the Virgin Ultra UHD channel from 19.20 on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Maybe, before we were all sent home we did have quite a lot of documents stating vm intend to drastically increase their UHD content over the next 2 years.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I just noticed the Asian Mela package channels are all available

Available till the end of the month

More info here
https://www.virginmedia.com/virgin-t...-no-extra-cost

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

That might have been based on the Sky/VM deal, which we are still waiting to be implemented.

It would be good if they extended the hours on the Virgin Ultra HD channel, though.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I think vm customers are going to be pleasantly surprised.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Sky Atlantic UHD? 😂

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

dont be silly Andrew

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

As a Virgin Media customer who could cancel Now TV if Atlantic came I'd be delighted. I'm not holding my breath given so many false dawns for exclusive Sky content coming to Virgin. Dating way back to Sky Sports Xtra and beyond.

Note: I know that all these things came, eventually, once Sky had a new thing to keep exclusive.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Pretty sure Andrew is getting a touch of the Old Boy's there.:naughty:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

That went even beyond my own expectations!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Lets raise the bar.

Sky Atlantic Brain Feed. Such high quality it requires plugging in directly into a person's head.

:D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I’ve heard rumours that Sky Cinema Disney (ch. 407) is set to close next Spring, following the success of Disney+. Apparently, a clause in Sky’s contract with Disney expires in March, meaning Sky will gradually lose access to all Disney content, with the exception of Sky Premiere films.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I don't think that was a surprise to Sky. They knew that Disney stuff would not be available to them once the contract expired. The three kids’ channels have already migrated to Disney +, as you know.

It’s a sign of the times, and the result of the new reality of Direct to Consumer content thinking.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Just had an email from virgin offering an upgrade to TV 360.

Anyone got any views whether it's worthwhile

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I've just received a similar email. It looks like the upgrade involves a new remote control sent through the post and both my existing V6 boxes being upgraded over the air to the 360 spec at no extra cost to my current Ultimate Oomph package.

Can anyone confirm this is the case?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

That's what my understanding of the email was too.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Yes. Some customers are now being offered the in-place upgrade of V6 boxes to the 360 platform.

New remotes will be needed but everything else in the setup stays the same.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

got the email but when click upgrade get a error page :(

now managed to get the free upgrade :)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Before signing up, don’t forget to ask them if the changeover would mean that you lose all your existing recordings and bookmarks. If it does, I’d work out how to re-establish your access to each recording (eg by VOD or one of the streamers), and make a list that you can use when the TiVo software is replaced. Make sure you watch all the stuff you’d lose if you really don’t want to miss it before the new software is installed.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

The only downside that I can see is that I will lose my recordings on both V6 boxes. I understand that my settings will be lost too. I'm guessing this is because of the migration to the new graphical interface (Horizon?).

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Ah, I did wonder that.

Do you know if you can bookmark programmes instead of recording them, as you can on the TiVo system?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Not only will you loose all your Series Links etc - the new series link system is currently only working on a per channel basis. It also records repeats if you delete the episode once you've watch it.

There are no wishlists either.

So to record something like live Premier League Football - you have to create a new series link on every channel it records on.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I don’t really use the wishlists much, to be honest, but the series links are problematical. I would want that sorted out before moving across to Horizon.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

l would say not having the series links are very problematical and then there are no wishlists either which some of us use quite a lot as another problem...

The more l hear about it the more l prefer the V6.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Having two accounts at two properties I’m trying it out at the lesser important one. :D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Series links are available on Horizon - they just don’t work the same way. I would advise waiting until they resolve that problem, which I understand should be done in the New Year.

---------- Post added at 17:27 ---------- Previous post was at 17:26 ----------

It would be useful to us all to have your assessment of all the pros and cons as you find them, jfman.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

When is it being rolled out to everyone?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Suspect that'll be some time off while they 'trial' it on an opt in basis.

@OB certainly I'll let folk know what I think of it. I'll caveat it now though I quite like the V6.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Cheers.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Me, too - my main issues with it are the lack of space for recordings (although this is less of a problem these days, admittedly) and the dated-looking UI.

I like the initial look at the Horizon UI, but not so keen on the downsides I have picked up.

This assessment from the Virgin Media Community Forum may help (courtesy Neil FB):

“At first, I didn't see that it handled recorded programmes very well but I was being led astray by pretty pictures. I could only 'see' 3 or 4 recordings until I pressed OK when the red bar is on Saved. Then you see a list similar to the V6 system.

And that is a key point about the menu system! Pressing OK when an item is highlighted with the red bar opens up deeper menus.

Another tip discovered with the remote is to press keys more or less at random and see what happens, especially the OK key. For example, when you have finished watching a recording, press OK twice to get a menu that allows you to delete it.

When watching a programme, the < and > arrows next to OK will move the recording back and forward. Hold them to move back and forth. Also pressing > once skips forward 30 seconds.

The new system is well integrated with catch-up services with most main providers. You don't seem to need an app (except for BBC iplayer?). You can flip back through the Guide to select a programme. And Watch Lists can be useful if you want to catch something without having recorded it.

https://community.virginmedia.com/t5...user-id/619349 had a comment about subtitles. If you set up a profile, you can permanently enable subtitles across all channels for that user.

Radio stations In the new box, radio is downgraded. You cannot record radio or select radio with a channel number. There is a separate menu which does remember your choices. I used to listened to the 'radio' via the box but lately (before I got the new VM box) I have used an LG smart speaker, so not really noticed this change.

I have had some issues with audio syncing. The 360 box does have an adjuster within the settings. But I haven't felt I have got it right just yet. This will be dependent on the 360 and TV audio setup combination so you mileage may vary.

I still don't like the remote (I don't use voice control). Placing the Mute button so far from the volume control doesn't feel right.“

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Can't see any reason to change over .So glad I have not been offered it! And I am no fan of the v6 so that says alot:erm:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

You don’t have to take it if offered it! They are just looking for guinea pigs - oops, sorry, Beta testers- for the time being.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

VM has cleared out the HD services from TSID 24 and squeezed them in with the existing services on TSID 23.

This is likely to impact picture quality, but the upside is that they will probably use up less space on the HDD.

JJ20X says that the word on the street is that this is expected to continue.

https://www.forumbox.co.uk/forum/thr...ork/?pageNo=89

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

“The word on the street” well yes that’s not particularly insight. If you can squeeze in more channels and nobody notices then they’ll rationally do it to make more way for broadband.

Incidentally wasn’t it you that said Virgin Media was “full” when they had about 2 HD channels?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

TSid23 was them continuing. They've done it before, as I later realised and subsequently had to add to my earlier post.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

There is not a lot wrong with the current V6 IMO although the user interface is well past its use by date. All4 is not yet available as an app on the 360 but I have stopped using that on the V6 to view the excellent Walter Presents programmes since I bought a large OLED set because of the very poor picture quality (SD only). I am tempted by the 360 upgrade.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I don’t want my picture quality impacted. I didn’t research for 6 months then purchase then fiddle with the settings for another 6 months to have the quality degraded. :D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I wouldn't worry. We've been making these changes since mid-October, including on some pretty high-profile channels, and I have seen no reports about degraded picture quality.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Hmmm, sounds more like a downgrade than an upgrade.

Other than a more modern looking interface, I'm not sure why I would want to move to 360.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I understand that just glad I didn't have to make that choice. Looking hard at getting SKY out of contract this week.:angel:

---------- Post added at 18:32 ---------- Previous post was at 18:28 ----------

Totally agree . What is the real gain for v6 users given the high lighted downs.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Well now that VM are planning on ditching TiVo next year, so to push the Horizon/360, does that clear the way for TiVo to re-enter the UK market with a new stand alone product similar to the US? I would gladly ditch VM TV for one of these...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4it4TeQX7rU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB7d785IrNM

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Who said Virgin Media were ditching TiVo next year?

There are still going to be many existing customers with TiVo based boxes installed for years.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Without risking getting into any trouble, are you able to confirm that the rumours about further changes like this are in the pipeline? Has there been any technical changes to offset the decrease in capacity for the affected channels?

To be fair, Freeview have been doing this for years, though they have also used more modern and efficient encoders with the passage of time.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Was C4HD 141 one of them because I thought the picture for the rugby last Saturday was inferior to the Amazon prime picture.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

New encoders have been introduced to allow this to happen.

Yes, more will be done. If you can get more in the same bandwidth without degrading quality, why wouldn't you?

---------- Post added at 14:27 ---------- Previous post was at 14:25 ----------

No, that hasn't been done

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Indeed the more TV can be squeezed with nobody noticing the more bandwidth to spare for broadband speeds.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

More efficient use of existing resources is always preferable to shelling out on lots of new equipment, so I'm glad spiderplant. Thanks.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

I suppose an Irishman would say that!

Personally I thought the white defensive wall was magnificent on Ch4HD.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Something odd is going on with BBC Scotland on channel 162 The EPG says 'This is BBC Scotland' until 19:00 and i'm getting a 'This channel is not authorised message'.

Is anybody else getting this?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Early Irish Christmas giveaway;)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Channels moved over to "New encoders" so far are:

-ITV England local HD Channels - October 21st.

The following HD Channels moved on October 20th (Thanks to JJ20X and Forum Box):

The following HD Channels moved on November 17th (Thanks to JJ20X and Forum Box):



---------- Post added at 19:46 ---------- Previous post was at 18:52 ----------

What is the point in getting new encoders unless it to save Virgin Media money?

-No new SD Channels launches so far in 2020 (Universal Channel has to close for Sky Comedy to launch in late January.)

-Last new UK Wide HD Channel launch was in last July with Sky Cinema Animation HD.

-And we have lost 20 Channels (Two of them still broadcasting on other networks) so far in 2020.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Surely that's a good thing. Then customers won't get charged more!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Better quality using more up to date software developments?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

- faster broadband
- room for new channels
- smaller recordings on your hard drive

Is that enough?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

What else have the Romans done for us? :D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Splitter!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Love Nature now has an info banner saying

“This channel is closing. Sky Nature will be the home of all your favourite Love Nature programmes from 4th December”

Looks like there will be no Love Nature UHD apart from the few documentaries on Virgin UHD

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2020)
 

Thanks for the info ScottishSteve.

Shame. Other countries get watch the adfree Love Nature UHD goodness. I continually put the HD version on in the background.