Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Imho mate they are all as bad as each other they need their heads banging together.

---------- Post added at 23:21 ---------- Previous post was at 23:19 ----------

Yeah you would of thought considering bt own plusnet they'd do the same.
I've seen speculation that they will be giving plusnet fibre customers bt sports for free and are launching plusnet tv before new football season but we shall see lol.

EDIT:
Atm i'm playing with a android emulator on my pc not bluestack i'm trying various on demand players such as 40d,itv,btsport etc. I will post a update in the streaming thread when i've finished as may be useful for some of you guys.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yes, Plusnet TV "coming soon" is something else! Maybe they'll decide not to adopt YouView afterall and go for the Netgem box as used by EE.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

There was an intention to open a QVC HD channel in the UK, but this was put on hold around the start of the recession.

Interesting that it was updated today, though i've read that sometimes an update on the OFCOM website makes it look like a licence has been updated when it hasn't.

Is this a new development?

---------- Post added at 02:35 ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 ----------

You won't be able to find 4OD :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

UPDATE:

Some channels testing has been remove again.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Could this mean they are even closer to being launched?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

No wild Cards.

We feel all the channels that may launch is listed on that list we posted last week.

http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2...ay-launch.html

The list of potential channels is made up of upto 15 ideas we have got.

---------- Post added at 12:32 ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 ----------

They have been removed from testing - not given "real" channel names.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Are these on top of Nat Geo Wild HD launching?

History HD would be good. Anyone who watches Vikings will definitely benefit from the HD version.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

AH! some delightful channels on there. I see fox news has appeared from nowhere. a channel i have wanted for some years due to the comedy gold you get on it. Id also like spike to launch and mtv classic as my mum liked that channel...

throw history HD in there too and i'd be a happy chap! even though and i constantly say this the history chanel annoys me due to its lack of history

i fear though it'll be CI HD and comedy central +1 or something disappointing!

exciting times.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

If these code named channels are encrypted, a good way to find out what they are is to turn on the subtitles ;-)

Spike TV is currently showing the same episode of NCIS over and over again!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Oh i have :p: no doubt it will update to all4 soon though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

All 4 Has Now Launched Today on Virgin Media Catch Up TV On Demand.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Thanks for that update Eddie.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Still not working where I am, Catch Up 4OD says - no progs currently available and On Demand is the same as its always been. Seems like they are going around the regions and we should all have it soon (hopefully).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Got it here in Middlesbrough:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

They must be saving the best 'till last:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I've got a little something for you, something VM customers are going to like a lot something huge and it is not on a DNP either.
More HD content is on the way in the Summer.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Any clue as to how much more?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Interesting theone, Anything specifically?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Is this the special channel people keep mentioning ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee more HD is always good

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

If it's not on a dnp, can you share what any of the potential HD content might be?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I haven't been told anymore than more HD content is coming in the Summer and something very big is coming too.
A s soon as i know anymore i'll post here.

---------- Post added at 01:39 ---------- Previous post was at 01:36 ----------

It isn't sadly.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

:nono:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Sky have just spent millions on a big Game of Thrones campaign 'only on Sky'. I don't think they will hand over Sky Atlantic just now.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Indeed there is no chance of Sky Atlantic coming anytime soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Well, if it isn't Sky Atlantic (which I know it's not), something huge must surely be Amazon Instant or something of that magnitude!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

l somehow doubt it OB.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

In which case, I wouldn't describe it as 'huge'!

Still, I'll reserve judgement until I see it!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Yes.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Well guys, it certainly sounds like VM are trying to pull something out of the bag for us.
Hopefully a good summer ahead :-)

I wonder if the new HD channels that are coming will only be going into the XL pack?
It's a shame they don't add more to the L pack, but I can see from VM point of view they want more customers taking the higher package.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

We feel that more than HD Channels may launch.

---------- Post added at 10:39 ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 ----------

We was hoping to see Nat Geo Wild HD launch today.

But the latest launch date we have is "April".

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

These new things will also go into the XL Pack, won't they?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

We have seen no information on confirmed channel names, launch dates, channels numbers or packages news yet.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Do you know if this will be more HD VOD or more linear channel(s)?

With the increasing number of 'Cord Cutters', who knows. They might be prepared to do something to circumvent this by improving the lower packages in order to persuade people to stay??

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I think they should improve the lower packages. I know VM would prefer people to be on the top package paying more money, but it might be worth improving the lower ones and retaining as many customers as they can. The more customers, the more money and they can improve things even more for us....that's how I would see it, but VM may have other ideas lol

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

This looks like two separate things to me, theone2k10 mentions something "huge" coming, to me that's either another channel, or maybe an Amazon Prime app or something along those lines, the more HD content on the way isn't something "huge" imo, it's probably expected that current channels that are on SD are going to be upgraded to HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

aye i agree in a way but the XL pack used to be incredible. Now its just a HD version of channels (i hate having to pay more for HD channels its a huge scam that ofcom have refused to intervene in) and getting bt sport for free which will be ending shortly.

Once bt goes unless we get something new which is worthwhile then ill just lower my package to M or L. So virgin media could lose money if theyre not careful...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I thought the XL Pack was a way around the "HD at no extra cost" too.

They will need to do something if BT Sport does go. I'm sure they will make it stay and use it as a selling point that VM has all the premier league games in one single subcription. This could be a way of enticing new customers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

April List update - April 1st update.

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

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 = Local TV news, other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Freeviews on Virgin Media ===
Apr. 2nd. Nollywood Movies is having an freeview to all M, M+ and L packages on Virgin Channel 835 until April 7th 2015.
Apr. 15th. Liverpool FC TV is having an freeview to all M, M+ and L packages on Virgin Channel 544 right now until April 16th 2015.

=== Soon ===
-Big Centre TV will soon launch in Birmingham and surrounding areas (BBC Says by end of March 2015).
-That's Solent will soon launch in Southampton and surrounding areas.

=== April ===
1st. Virgin Sources have told Media Boy HQ that Picturebox will be removed from Virgin Media.
2nd. Zee Network to close Lamhe on Virgin Channel 811.
6th. Zee Network to launch &TV today at 7pm on Virgin Channel 811.
26th. Sky Movies are to rebrand Sky Movies Superheroes back to Sky Movies Greats on Virgin Channel 404.
26th. Sky Movies are to rebrand Sky Movies Superheroes HD back to Sky Movies Greats HD on Virgin Channel 434.

=== Before May ===
Media Boy HQ has been told that Nat Geo Wild HD is testing on Virgin Media right now and is set to launch by May 2015.
Keep up to date @ Latest News from Media Boy HQ on new channels testing

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

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

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

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

=== Autumn ===
-The BBC may close BBC Three on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may close BBC Three HD on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may launch BBC One +1 as an 24 hour channel on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may add two extra hours per day to CBBC and CBBC HD on Virgin Media subject to approved by the BBC Trust.

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

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

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

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

=== By 2016 ===
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc1 as Sky Movies Aliens on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Sky Movies Aliens as Sky Movies tbc1 on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc1 HD as Sky Movies Aliens HD on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Aliens HD as Sky Movies tbc1 HD on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc2 as Sky Movies Gangsters on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Gangsters as Sky Movies tbc2 on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc2 HD as Sky Movies Gangsters HD on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Gangsters HD as Sky Movies tbc2 HD on Virgin Channel 4??.

=== January 2016 ===
No News...

=== February 2016 ===
No News...

=== March 2016 ===
No News...

=== April 2016 ===
No News...

=== May 2016 ===
No News...

=== June 2016 ===
No News...

=== July 2016 ===
No News...

=== August 2016 ===
No News...

=== September 2016 ===
No News...

=== October 2016 ===
No News...

=== November 2016 ===
No News...

=== December 2016 ===
No News...

=== Local TV on Virgin Media ===
-All the following Local TV broadcasters may launch by 2016 on Virgin Channel 159:

-YourTV Manchester
-YourTV Blackpool & Preston
-Cambridge Presents
-That’s Basingstoke
-That’s Surrey
-That’s Reading
-That’s Salisbury
-That's Oxford

=== Unknown dates ===
-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 UPC Ireland areas ===
List last updated on March 27th 2015.

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 UPC IRELAND BUT NOT ON VIRGIN MEDIA:

Documentaries:
-History HD
-Nat Geo Wild HD - CHANNEL NOW TESTING ON VIRGIN MEDIA.
-CI HD

Lifestyle:
-Fashion TV

Music:
-MTV Classic

Kids:
-Disney Channel HD

Specialist:
-EWTN

Radio:
-UCB Ireland

Channels only in UPC Ireland areas.

©copyright 2015 Media Boy 2006 - 2015. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

==== Virgin Media's Deals with broadcasters ===
Full list now at: http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.co.uk/p...adcasters.html

This part of list has now moved to my blog - follow link.

=== 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 January 5th 2015.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: Media Boy HQ gets all info from Virgin Media viewers, some Virgin Media workers (I called them Virgin Insiders or Virgin Sources) 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 UPC IRELAND AREAS' WHEN THIS THREAD IS FOR VIRGIN MEDIA?
A: Virgin Media and UPC Ireland are now both own by Liberty Global.

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

Q: WHY HAVE YOU REMOVED 'ONLY IN SMALLWORLD AREAS' FROM YOUR LIST FOR?
A: Virgin Media have now axe the Smallworld brand. Viewers in the old Smallworld areas will now get the Virgin Media Channel lineup.

==== See you later ===
List last updated on April 1st 2015.

Next update: TBC.

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

©copyright 2015 Media Boy 2006 - 2015. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Possible "huge things" I can think of:

• New Tivo
• Upgrading maximum speed to 200 Mb
• Better boxsets and on-demand.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

;)

---------- Post added at 13:13 ---------- Previous post was at 13:12 ----------

Picturebox has now close on Virgin Media.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

New TiVo I can go along with, the 200Mb to me isn't huge, after all we are already up to 152Mb and it's been like that for a while now, so an increase of 48Mb isn't a big deal imo, also I think he's talking about the TV section of what might come and not the broadband. As for box sets, hm, not fussed really, and it's another one that would not fall into the "huge" category for me.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Any increase in the separate broadband line for the TiVo would be great as it would help with the growth of streaming services. What's the current speed, still 10Mb?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

What is the length of the BT Sports in the XL pack deal?

With BT getting more football inc Champions League next season will it no longer be in the XL pack and that is why VM are having to do something to keep the perceived value in that pack?

I certainly would not be able to justifying paying full price for BT AND Sky Sports. At least one if not both would go.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Unless both Virgin Media and BT sign an new deal the last one runs until August 2016.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Isnt this when the new BT Sports Champions League coverage kicks off too?

Hope VM can agree on a deal.

A new, improved Tivo..new box or upgrade?
Would a new box mean an activiation fee, a higher monthly cost for possible bigger hdd and more tuners?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

BT Sports Champions League coverage starts in August 2015.

One of them is an DNP order we have - so can't reveal any more.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Ah so we will get 1 yr of BT Sport's Champions League. That's good to know. Maybe VM will use that year to judge viewing figures/revenue to decide whether it's worth a new deal with BT....It has to be lol

Like I said before, VM will want to promote their service as being the only provider where you can see all Premier League and Champions League games in one subcription...works me for :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The new HD channels will indeed be in the XL pack, vm are making XL their variant of Skys family pack but vm for now include bt sport too.
Some channels will be moving from xl to l package according to rumour sources most noticeably was Disney channels.
However HD variants will be remaining in the XL pack.

---------- Post added at 14:45 ---------- Previous post was at 14:43 ----------

BIB expect a announcement on that towards 4th quarter of this year or 1st quarter of next year.

---------- Post added at 14:47 ---------- Previous post was at 14:45 ----------

It's 10mb yes i agree it needs to be increased especially as netflix are rolling out 4k content now too.

---------- Post added at 14:49 ---------- Previous post was at 14:47 ----------

If all else fails just get a bt mobile sim for £10p/m if you know someone on bt get them to get it for you then it's £5p/m then you get the bt sport app for free.
Only the app though not the channel or webplayer however the app works on firetv and andys android emulator which you can install on your pc/laptop.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Wouldn't people rather pay £12-15 p/m to get the channels and in HD rather that having to watch it on a smaller screen with fuzzy picture for £10 p/m?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The app is crystal clear in HD on firetv mate piece of cake to side load it.
I do agree though for most it would probably be a better option to just subscribe anyway but the app is perfect for me as i took bt mobile anyway mostly to build my credit score if that makes sense lol.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Haha yeah it does mate :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Considering TiVo can't display 4k not sure how that's relevant. Netflix says that 5Mbit is fine for their top standard HD content, so that's half of the connection provided to each TiVo box.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

VM must be looking towards 4K and planning an upgrade or new Tivo box?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Its one of the first two l reckon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The Netflix top bitrate for 1080p is 5800 kbps. So 5meg won't give you that. it will still give 1080p video, but I think that bitrate is 4300kbps.

To ensure the 5800kbps video stream, plus a little bit for audio and a bit of headroom, most people suggest 7meg. This is still within Tivo's 10 meg speed.

I seem to remember reading that the Tivo was capable of 20meg but had been capped at 10, and if necessary, the 20 meg speed could be activated. Is that not the case?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I really dont see the need for speeds of 200mb but I am just a layman user. 50mb more than sufficent for me. With regards to a new Tivo possibly coming soon that would be of interest I know Humax are about to launch a 3 tuner Freeview box so I would think Virgin would want to stay ahead of freeview on the tuners front.

I hope we do get quite a few more channels in HD soon and Spike, Encore

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Fair enough, although there is no mention of the 5800kps speed on Netflix's website

https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Agreed the average punter has little to no interest in speeds anywhere near that , still it keeps VM's marketing department busy.:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yes, it's absence from the Netflix website makes no sense. Maybe they didn't update it when they introduced the Super HD stream, which is the 1080p, 5800kbps stream. They no longer use the term 'Super HD', but the 5800kbps stream remains.

If you have access to US Netflix, play 'Example short 23.976'. This has a bitrate overlay which changes as the stream quality improves. It shows two 1080p streams; one at 4300kbps and the other at 5800kbps.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I fully expect ITV Encore to be added once the exclusive period with Sky runs out.

As for set top boxes, what is to say the next box will run the TIVO software? Don't LG have a different box that they use in Europe on the cable network? Surely standardising will save them money.

I also think that something will have to be done with regards to on demand content Virgin is being left in the dust by Sky, Now TV and even BT

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yes Virgin used to lead the pack with their on demand content but sadly now in regards to that they are stuck in the slow lane while the others have motored ahead.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Dare i say they dropped behind the offerings of iPlayer and 4od.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

virgin media as i've said before appear to be aggressively attempting to save money. increased prices, no new services etc. upgrading their broadband network only but one could argue this is to attract a buyer by having a speedy infrastructure already. a bit like putting a bit of lipstick on and a tight dress before heading out to a club.

the tv area of virgin media doesnt make them much money and would only cost them money getting new channels etc so isnt an area to invest in. i'm becoming more and more convinced theyre trying to sell.

based on just those assumptions...but i have nothing else to do when im in my single bed in my mums boxroom at night so dont shout at me...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Do you have trouble getting into those tight little numbers Vince......:D:LOL:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

haha well! ive put on some holiday weight this year...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

You must be quite a sight when you go clubbing, Vince.:shocked:

I have to agree that the situation doesn't look good. My contract is up in app 3 months and looking around, I can get BT 'phone, calls, BB & TV for £44 plus another £38 to Sky for the full TV package in HD with mountains of box sets, movies etc. Admittedly, the BB isn't as fast but then I don't need it to be - 30Mbps is enough for streaming etc. More TV for less money unless VM look really good in that lippie & tight dress!

I'd be amazed if BT don't set up a 'Sky Sports 5' type operation for Champions League which will be chargeable.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

QVC! Hahaha!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Indeed, but the deal that VM did with TIVO was signed before LG came along, and, as far as I know, it has several years still to run.

LG have their own middleware (EPG software) called Horizon and its based on a standard that LG, Comcast and others call RDK which I believe is 4k capable.

LG made quite clear that they wanted to achieve scale and efficiencies when they bought VM, but I don't know how they square that with having two different technologies.

---------- Post added at 21:10 ---------- Previous post was at 21:06 ----------

LG have their own streaming service called myprime and I think it's case of when, not if, it's introduced onto VM's cable service. I would expect this service to replace much of VM's own on demand offering.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

i think the same to be honest. company spending billions allowing cable company to offer coverage for free for a further year...

they wont even offer their own customers free champions league football next year. never mind us!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I think you are right Vince. In my opinion I also think VM are now starting to suffer due to lack of content ownership. Sky own much of their content and can afford to advertise half price deals, Sky Atlantic, etc and BT can use BT Sport as a pull to get customers to sign up for their products. Both Sky and BT can also make money from distributing their content online through Now TV and the BT Sport app/website whereas in these days of growing streaming, VM have nothing to offer in terms of content. VM have also lost their big advantage of fibre BB too since the Infinity roll out began.

VM's whole marketing strategy is we've got the fastest broadband and you get 3 tuners on TiVo, free repairs and some other free crap included.

I would hazard a guess that, unless you are a heavy downloader and need the bandwidth, most consumers would be more than happy with a reliable 50Mb connection for general browsing, streaming, etc. Therefore VM need to realise that this continual speed doubling is getting to the stage where very few people will care what the headline speeds are because to the average consumer, they will notice little difference between 100Mb and 300Mb.

So whilst VM will always have a strong offering in the BB market, their TV service is suffering as not only do they lack some content but they are probably the most expensive provider if you choose to take premium content like Sky Sports / Movies.

And regardless of all the above, the number 1 deciding factor for most consumers is price. VM therefore have to be careful not to price themselves out of the market. I notice on the VM website that they've got some pretty decent discounts on their bundles for new customers so I think it will be an interesting few months ahead as Sky and BT are becoming more aggresive and both are / will soon be offering quad-play options too.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Its probably harder to get ondemand contracts due to the exclusively of sky's deals. Sky's tendencies to make deals exclusively to their platforms and thus makes it harder for other platforms to make deals. And kills other ondemand platforms dead in the water.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Totally agree!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Lamhe to close today and &TV to launch on Easter Monday.

There is what V+ Boxes are reporting:

-Lamhe to close at 12pm on April 2nd.
-&TV to launch at 7pm on Easter Monday.

&TV will launch on Virgin Channel 811.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Mine says channel off air from midday and then "Channel coming soon". This then alternates beyond 7pm on Easter Monday :confused:

Not that i'm bothered about a channel like this; but it does seem bizarre to pull a channel off air, leave a break and then restart.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

And yet BT , Talk Talk , Netflix and Amazon still manage to have compelling enough offers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Indeed.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I would like to see VM being the home of all streaming services as well as an excellent selection of box sets on their 'On Demand' service. This, with all the most popular linear channels, would provide a very attractive TV service. Add unlimited recordings to the cloud, I would be a very happy bunny.

It's all about the range and quality of programmes available. I still think the VM offer would be irresistible if it offered the widest range of programming that could be found anywhere on one box.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Youview is getting closer and closer to that , I've seen numerous rumours suggesting the Now TV player will add the Entertainment channels on Youview soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Spot on post. Couldn't have summed it up better myself. It certainly is interesting times. If virgin media do double speed again I may call up and just beg them to spend the engineers time on sorting out the fatal utilisation issues in my area. Sometimes I'm hitting a lovely 110mb. During peak times I'm barely hitting 10mb

I wish they'd sort these problems out first before going for the media grabbing news stories of double speed!

I think if people moved about providers there are a ton of savings to be made out there. But I'm too lazy to leave virgin media unless prices went up extremely. The hassle of switching broadband and tv at once would annoy me. I'm a lazy, lazy man

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

LG have just sold five of their film channels:

http://www.rapidtvnews.com/201503283...#axzz3WAGDRief

Their business model doesn't appear to be content led.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I've said it before i'll say it again VM do not like spending money they are money grabbing <insert word here>

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

And the others ain't money grabbing then?.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Others invest in content so there's your answer.
Are all out to make profit then yes afterall they are a business and that's what businesses do.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Virgin are investing a lot too or have you not noticed.

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/...edia-3-billion

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/vir...5-04-02-917329

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

In gimmicks and broadband yes not content whereas you have say for example BT who are investing heavily both in broadband and content.

Guess it's just one of those things you win some you lose some i really hope VM does become the great content provider it once was but it is being left behind by the likes of Sky and BT.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

He who has content to provide holds more power at the bargaining table.

If YouView does get nowtv that could be a game changer imo

What's the use of a set top box that has all the tuners and gizmo if there is nothing to watch on it

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

That's exactly my plan Vince, I've worked out I can move my TV to Sky and get full Sky TV pack and keep VM's 50Mb BB and phone for about £54 + LR per month. I'll be voting with my feet once my current contract is up.

I'd recommend you do the same, you don't have to do them all at once! ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

They were forced to sell in order to buy Ziggo. Liberty Global owned the Film1 channels in the Netherlands, while Ziggo owned HBO Netherlands through a joint venture with Time-Warner. The merger would have given them a monopoly in premium movie content so in order for the deal to be approved they had to let one go. They chose to sell the weaker one while guaranteeing its continued carriage on their network.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

It's only my opinion but i think VM made a huge mistake selling their channels Bravo, virgin1, living and challenge was there any others?
As i think these were a huge bargaining chip for them.

Also one thing i love about this forum you can have a decent discussion without being called a fanboy :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

LGI is currently evaluating whether it is worth being a content provider. There was an interesting article in the FT (paywalled) which I summarised here. http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...-telecoms.html
One element of their analysis is that it is better to own the infrastructure than the content as you don't own the content and have to bid for it regularly. In contrast, the infrastructure is yours permanently.

---------- Post added at 21:29 ---------- Previous post was at 21:22 ----------

LGI had to sell the channels as a condition of acquiring Ziggo.

---------- Post added at 21:35 ---------- Previous post was at 21:29 ----------

To quote Charlie Bracken, LGI's CFO, it remained to be seen who benefited from the demand for content. “Is it going to be Wayne Rooney, programme producers, Hollywood . . . or is it going to be an equitable share?” he said. “If we bet the ranch [on content], we’re changing the risk profile of the business.”
Source: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a20527f4-c...#axzz3WBasJfrY (registration needed)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

A CFO who's wrote off all the competition.........shock horror :shocked:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I'm with you on that theone. I'd also agree that it's great to have open and fair discussion, I've had experience of Sky, VM and BT in my time and all have their good and bad points and it's good to hear different people's experiences of these on here.

I'd agree with Anypermitedroute and consider that content is king. You can have the most fantastic platform in the world but if the content is not there, people will look elsewhere. VM are now at the mercy of Sky and BT as if both decided to pull their channels from VM then VM TV would be crushed. It's unlikely to happen as VM generate revenue for both but it's just something to bear in mind if Sky and BT ever decided to collude to get rid of a competitor.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Sky and BT would not be allowed to collude by the Competition and Markets Authority so that won't happen. VM's argument is that its channels like Bravo did not win it subscribers, so investing the money instead on buying Smallworld and laying cable wins them more customers.
In the future, with Netflix and Amazon fighting aggressively for content against Sky, owning a great broadband network might just be the wiser choice. In LGI's eyes.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

They hope it wins them more customers as comparing prices VM are quite expensive they boast about fastest download speeds but their upload is rubbish.
Example vm 50mb with 5mb upload broadband + evening and weekend calls = £39.09p/m the same with plusnet but with upto 78mbs broadband and upto 20mbs upload and sites are not blocked = £36.98p.
VM aren't as cheap as they make themselves out to be.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Agree with your other points but Virgin's done its research and knows that enough people will sign up to make the expansion worthwhile. Not only is VM convinced by the research but it's also convinced its lenders as they're coughing up the money to finance the expansion.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Hope so mate as i might despise vm at the moment but i'd hate to see them getting into trouble as last thing we need are more job losses. Good luck to vm i say and fair play for getting off their backside and expanding too.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Collude was probably the wrong word to use as they'd never admit that nor would the CMA ever be able to prove it. The point I was making is that VM TV is at the mercy of content providers as if some of the major content owners decided to withdraw from VM, what would be left? Didn't one of the VM CEOs once say something along the lines of "their aim was to be a content provider not owner" so you are right Andrew, this is their aim.

I would agree that investment in their infrastructure is a wise move as going forward a decent broadband network will be a good seller but they need to invest in making it reliable too. I think Vince pointed out in a previous post that many areas have over-utilisation which they take ages to fix whilst at the same time continue willy waving by doubling broadband speeds. This may end up losing them custom as people will become frustrated at paying for whatever headline speed but only getting say 10% of that speed.

This is another battle for VM as for the first time, many people are now going to have a choice of fibre broadband providers.

Just going back to the thread title, does anyone know if 3G/4G streaming is coming soon or even planned for TV Anywhere? I think this is another trick that VM are missing as all other content providers allow this.

I also find it interesting that VM have just extended their deal with TiVo as I too would have thought LGI would have wanted to have Horizon boxes across all their offerings. Shows that TiVo has been a good selling point for VM I guess.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The few weeks ago Media Boy HQ was told by an Virgin Media Source that Nat Geo Wild HD was set to launch in April but we have since been given new info from an other Virgin Source that says "No new channels set to launch before June 2015."

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Oh dear that's not going to please the baying mob.