Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You have got to remember that Dave is the perennial pessimist.;):D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

realist only deluded think SA is coming to VM

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Steady there

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

who owns the horse and country channel? that's not on your list

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It's not part of a multi-channel company, it's a single channel business. The owner is a company called H&C TV Limited, no prizes for what the initials stand for! It is ultimately controlled by its CEO Heather Killen via a trust. (Killen 2004 Trust)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I agree that the first run shows will probably be available only as PPV, but the older material could be subscription. Say, anything over about 2years old.

I'd be happy with that if talks on Sky Atlantic are not going to get anywhere after all.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nice one Media Boy :)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Could CSC's Pop be getting closer to a launch on VM? it's coming to Freeview this Thursday, it's already on Sky and Freesat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xezrPQshOZI

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

CSC Channels first appeared on Virgin Media in October 2007 (Pop, True Movies and Tiny Pop) then an new deal was signed in February 2011 (Pop was axe so that True Entertainment launch on Virgin)

So base on 3 and a half deals the CSC deal is maybe up in October 2014.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks. Are there any other channels featuring on all the other platforms (Sky, Freesat and Freeview) but not Virgin?
Any channel which features on all three other platforms but not Virgin must be a strong candidate for "coming soon to VM in 2014".

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Only one i can think of is moviemix on freeview which is known as more>movies on sky and freesat but are the exact same channel.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You forgot about RT (Russia Today [Technical distribution runs by Information TV]) I think it on Freesat.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

your beginning to see I am right after all there OB it will not come

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I'm not saying that though, Dave. These negotiations are admittedly difficult but what I am saying is that it fits into LG's strategy to concentrate on the content rather than the linear channels that content is on.

If it is likely that they can get a deal with HBO to get their service on subscription, that would be something Virgin could consider against the possibility of paying over the odds for Sky Atlantic. Even PPV would be better than nothing and that must be possible as you can get that on other devices through HBO-Go. But given the two companies want things from each other, I did think that Sky and Virgin would have done a deal by now.

Incidentally, the only prospect of getting HBO programmes streamed would be via Sky or the HBO streaming service because Amazon/Lovefilm don't have access, even to their shows that are more than 2 years old.

http://www.techradar.com/news/intern...or-you-1058067

So VM have a choice if they want these shows for their viewers. They can:

1. Get the best price possible for Sky Atlantic, offsetting an amount against Sky's wish to flog us Sky Bravo. In other words, VM accept Sky Bravo provided Sky lower their price for Sky Atlantic.

2. See if they can persuade Sky to let us have HBO shows from Sky On Demand only, for a price that VM were prepared to pay. They could omit the first run shows for up to two years if necessary. This would enable Sky to say that Sky Atlantic is only on their platform and that first run HBO shows on subscription could be found only on Sky satellite or Now TV.

3. Talk to HBO about establishing a streaming service on Virgin Media. This is likely to omit first run shows except by PPV given the exclusivity deal they have with Sky. However, they could have the older shows on subscription with the latest shows on PPV unless Sky have the exclusive rights to all HBO material in the UK. I'm not sure if that is the case.

There are certainly other options to consider as well, such as limiting Sky Atlantic on Virgin Media to the hours of 7pm until midnight, but the various choices may be what is complicating things in these talks. LG's strategy is to bring us the biggest range of content possible from various sources, so one way or the other, I am sure that we will get access to HBO shows in the fairly near future. Even if it is pay per view only.

Health warning. This is not a prediction, it is a debate!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It is - and it's in HD too.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I'm hearing reports that Russia Today has been removed from Freeview in London. I wonder if this has any connection with recent events? Is this removal countrywide?

Channel 5 may be floated off as opposed to sold off:

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2014/...ing-flotation/

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Still broadcasting in Scotland on Freeview.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You hear wrong, it's still transmitting in London. There was a problem on its YouTube channel today though. Interestingly, RT is available in the continental UPC networks (Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland) but not Ireland or the UK. I suspect it will come to VM in time.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

This isn't connected to the "technical problem" that is alleged to be the cause of the channels removal from Youtube.

More than one contact in London has said that Russia Today has been removed from Freeview.

It does seem odd that it's not on VM, but as you say, barring us getting into a war with Russia, I agree that it looks likely that it will arrive on VM.

**Update** False alarm. Viewers in London have lost RT and Al Jazeera. They must do a retune to get these channels back and to start to get BBC London radio and the London Live barker channel.

Thanks.

Just been told that The Community Channel HD looks set to join VM if talks prove satisfactory for both parties.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Two amendments to my post above. Firstly of course the UK version of the HBO streaming service is HBO UK, and secondly, Amazon do have HBO programming after all.

http://www.hbouk.com/home/

It seems to me that we could get HBO material quite quickly if the will is there, but whether we can get it on subscription as opposed to pay per view or the buy option, that might be tough without Sky's co-operation.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks for rumour.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

BSkyB to launch film download service
Pay-TV broadcaster looks to challenge Apple iTunes Store with digital shop delivering directly to TV set

John Reynolds
theguardian.com, Tuesday 18 March 2014 17.25 GMT

BSkyB's new film download service buy and keep delivers straight to the TV with instant
BSkyB is to challenge Apple's iTunes Store and other online retailers with a new movie download-to-own on demand service, "buy and keep".

The new service, which will launch in the coming weeks, will will be part of BSkyB's existing pay-per-view film rental service Sky Store, according to Andrew Griffith, the company's chief financial officer.

Griffith said the buy and keep service would target families with Sky subscriptions who previously purchased DVDs but found it increasingly convenient to purchase films electronically.

Sky is looking to tap into the UK DVD market, which although in decline was still worth £1.4bn last year according to the Entertainment Retailers Association figures. UK revenues for downloads, streams and subscriptions were up 40% year-on-year to £621m, helping the total video-to-own market to grow in 2013 for the first time in five years.

The service will have an array of competitors including Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Tesco's Blinkbox.

"Having made a strong start in rentals, we think we can go one step further and actually start offering customers the opportunity to purchase movies from us and keep them forever," Griffith said, disclosing details of BSkyB's Buy and Keep service at the Guardian's Changing Media Summit in London on Tuesday. "We think we are extremely well positioned to enter the market and take share."

He added that buy and keep will "have all the flexibility and the convenience of a digital store but all delivered to your TV set with instant access through the touch of a button the Sky remote".

Questioned on how significant buy and keep would be to BSkyB, Griffith said: "It's a big market to go after. If you are going to target a big chunk of a £1.4bn [DVD] market place, then we'd expect it to be a material opportunity."

Pricing for the service, which will be available through the main Sky+ set top box and other devices, has yet to be decided.

Earlier on Tuesday in a related move BSkyB announced details of an overhaul to its electronic programme guide, to make on demand services including Sky Store more easily accessible for subscribers.

• This article was amended on 19 March 2014 to show that buy and keep will be part of BSkyB's existing digital shop, Sky Store.

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...rvice-buy-keep

---------- Post added at 11:29 ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 ----------

Guess it will come down to price and chose.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

How is that 'Coming soon to Virgin TV?'

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

All I can think of is it's because the discussion wavered to talking about VOD services as an alternative way for VM to gain access to HBO content.

Maybe the poster believes that If VM were to obtain this new Sky service, it may contain the HBO content sought after??

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I agree, there's nothing to suggest it is. Wonder if VM and its partner FilmFlex will come up with something similar?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Just thought it would be something to talk about and we might get something similar lines on the day. Also there nothing coming to virgin soon to talk about this month or any month coming just rumors or hope.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

As far as i'm aware nothing is launching on VM until Summer anyway except for local tv.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I didn't have a problem with you posting that. It's not strictly coming soon, but within the range of topics that often get discussed here. As you say; aint a lot of Coming Soon stuff to discuss anyway!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Pleased that the following are having new series commissioned:-

Hawaii 5-0
NCIS
NCIS:LA

Happy to see return of:-

Bates Motel
Person of Interest

Gutted that Supernatural has not been renewed on a UK channel yet

Also believe that Motive is also about to start a new season on UK TV shortly

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nick Jr2 is temporarily changing to Nick Jr Peppa for the month of April. Again.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thanks for info.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

News about amazon anyone miss this http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...and?CMP=twt_fd

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

"Mockridge said that, "the honest answer is we have talked to them" and "we are certainly open to it", but " it takes two to tango" and said there is nothing to report currently as Prime is still "working out" their proposition since online retailer Amazon rebranded the former LoveFilm VoD service and folded it into its website."

So nothing 'coming soon' there, then.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nice to see some actual links now which proves what i said is happening lol. :p: could be some news soon about another on demand provider coming to Virgin. I don't think it'll be HBO i'm thinking it'll be Wuaki or maybe a uk version of Hulu as i heard that Hulu want to launch in the uk but take that with a pinch of salt for now.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

sky got that no chance that will happen

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nice one, thanks for this, cj. At least it indicates that Liberty want this to happen. We just need to wait for Amazon's response now, I guess.

Unfortunately, even once this is agreed between them, as I'm sure they will, I think there is a lot of work to be done in bringing this to our Tivo boxes. Next year at the earliest, I think, but something to look forward to.

---------- Post added at 19:24 ---------- Previous post was at 19:21 ----------

Sky won't really have a say in it Dave if the programmes come through Amazon or HBO directly, but unfortunately it will be via pay per view or buy.

Amazon already have HBO shows ready to stream.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

sky got exclusive rights to hbo in uk so no chance don't kid yourself OB

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

So are you saying that if we get an app for Amazon, we will be barred from selecting HBO material?

No, you're wrong there and you can already get the shows via PPV on other equipment. What we can't do is get it on subscription unless we do a deal with Sky.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

To clear this up once and for all and this is in the memo recieved. SKY only own exclusive to the first run airing rights to HBO content, they also own the first run on demand content except for pay per view services such as Amazon, Blinkbox etc. As Amazon have HBO ppv content then it is certainly possible for it to show up on VM.
VM could get airing rights if they come to an agreement with Sky on Sky Atlantic, however nothing has been agreed regarding this.
Hope this clears all this "no chance" rubbish up once and for all or "sky atlantic is coming soon" rubbish too.

---------- Post added at 20:15 ---------- Previous post was at 20:12 ----------

No they do not both Blinkbox and Amazon have rights to HBO content all be it on a ppv basis http://www.blinkbox.com/TV/Studio/HBO

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_...o%2Cnull%2C207

Also remember FOX showed True blood first not Sky.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I wonder if any other channel on VM will be buying second run rights for the popular HBO shows?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

True Blood had been wrapped up by FX in 2008 for the life of the series.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/s5...od-rights.html

"Sky has signed a deal to buy all of American cable channel HBO's new programming. Sky also secured the rights to a number of HBO's archived shows. However, FX has now announced that it still owns the exclusive pay TV and first-run rights for the life of series of True Blood. The news means that the show cannot be aired on other pay TV channels until FX's licence expires."

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

love the avatar Chad.............lol

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Channel 5 Sale: Discovery and Sky in pole-position to buy Channel 5.

Broadcast now is reporting that:

http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2...nd-sky-in.html

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

True blood is now being aired on Sky Atlantic mate http://www.sky.com/tv/show/true-blood .

---------- Post added at 00:57 ---------- Previous post was at 00:55 ----------

Can see it now the schedule,
Road wars
Road wars
Frontline police
Road Wars
Bear Gryls
Road Wars
Swamp loggers
Frontline police
Road wars
:p:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Broadcast now is reporting that Sky only want to run the Channel 5 Ads Company.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Excellent news about these three.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

And presumably, if the Amazon deal comes off, VM can then turn to Sky and say, "Actually we don't want or need Atlantic, since we can get the shows through Amazon."

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Not really; PPV is to expensive compared to subscription in my view.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

New series the 100 coming to e4hd soon brilliant defo recommend

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

They could yes but i think if VM got offered Sky Atlantic at a reasonable price then VM would take it.

---------- Post added at 10:45 ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 ----------

Agreed bud i watched it on cw player it is very good.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

In the USA, cable firm RCN has launched the Opera application store on Tivo. Opera is being launched on many smart TVs giving access to hundreds of on-demand applications.

Wonder if VM will do the same?

http://www.multichannel.com/distribu...v-store/148350

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Thank you for clarifying your understanding of this, which was also mine.

As for Sky Atlantic, I am really quite surprised that a deal has not been done. It is even more surprising that Sky have not offered the older HBO material through on demand to VM, given its availability elsewhere. This would not destroy their 'USP' either, because they could still boast that (a) Sky Atlantic was only available on Sky and (b) that first run HBO shows could only be viewed on that platform. I still think negotiations are continuing and that VM are still holding out for a lower price given the other options available. We'll see, I suppose.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

of course they would but sky don't want anyone to have it that's why set far to high price knowing no one will pay it and sky have never ever dropped price on channels and they not start now so no way will anyone else get SA as ive always said

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Yes, except that it would cost us more to get these shows. However, if Sky only have exclusive PPV rights for the first run material, this holds out the possibility that they can do a subscription deal with Amazon as they have with Netflix, and we can have the slightly older HBO material. I'd certainly be happy with that and it gets over Sky's obstructive attitude on this matter.

---------- Post added at 13:02 ---------- Previous post was at 13:01 ----------

Dave, there are other solutions available to VM to access HBO shows. It's just a matter of time before we get these, one way or the other. We are not entirely in Sky's hands, I'm pleased to say. Amazon may well be the answer for us if we have come up against a brick wall with SA.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Amazon has the rights to digitally sell you individual episodes or the full series of HBO content , their subscription Prime service includes no HBO content as they do not have the subscription rights.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

So it's pay per view, purchase, or nothing if we can't get Sky to co-operate. Damn! :mad: Although of course Amazon could always enter into a new rights agreement with HBO - the agreement with Sky doesn't appear to prohibit this.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

This is the kind of news might be steering VM's decisions down a certain path...

http://www.whathifi.com/news/digital...me-watching-tv

Times are changing - VM aren't going to spend money on what they don't have to.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nothing can take away the pleasure of seeing programmes through a big screen, and no amount of devices will take that away. Yes, it's a novelty to be able to view programmes through smaller devices, but the TV will always form an important part of our viewing habits.

What VM need to concentrate on is getting us as much content as possible, including that elusive HBO material, onto our TIVO boxes with the minimum of delay. This, thankfully, appears to be LG's strategy.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Absolutely agree that a large screen is best. I also believe that in the not so distant future, a whole wall in your living room will practically be your main interface to the world, including what's left of TV channels and for on-demand content.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

They dropped the inflated price for their basic channels after VM refused to pay it and the channels were taken off the system. Advertisers were said to be furious.

In time TV is said to become more of a hologram experience.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

TV heaven :D:D

---------- Post added at 19:08 ---------- Previous post was at 19:07 ----------

Yes, I think this will be much more popular than 3D, which is severely hampered by the need to wear those ridiculous goggles.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It's on Netflix Canada bud,Netflix must have done a deal to show it there.result I watched first ep on hula plus be watching it on there in future

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Or pixellation hell, depending on the video resolution. It's also pretty pointless if the picture is larger than your field of view.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Dave mate, do you have a source for that or is it 'just what you think'?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Think before you type mate :p: you should rephrase that to Sky have never voluntary dropped prices of their channels. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8596083.stm old news i know but i'm in on of those silly moods blame the JD :p:

Also worth noting one of the top guys at LG is also on the board at Discovery who are joining up with Sky for Channel 5 it seems. So in reallity anything could happen regarding channels.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

not voluntarily they were forced too, as with recently they charged the bbd for carriage and the other psbs. now free carriage

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Virgin Media boss: 'I'm not meant to mention BT'

Tom Mockridge says his company can compete with BT and Sky and why great content is key


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...ention-BT.html

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Discussed at the beginning of the month here http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...interview.html

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Less of the talk the talk and more walk the walk would suffice.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

He has stated that his two directorships are wholly seperate and that they will not affect each other.

I didn't know that Hodor was gay.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Exactly.

BT, still a newcomer in so far as tv services are concerned, has come along and is already a credible threat to Sky by hoovering up some of the football rights while cable sits on the sidelines. Perhaps vm/liberty may end up owning CH5, but the one thing that has always driven pay tv is sport, especially football and Hollywood films. Unless and until VM competes in this arena, it may find itself knocked out of the game altogether.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

But Virgin Media recognised some time ago that competing in content was extremely expensive and that it was able to secure the content it needed via other means.

The only thing we are really missing out on is Sky Atlantic, and if under Liberty's strategy we can obtain that content on demand from other sources, albeit not first run shows, this is probably as much as we can expect, unless a deal can finally be done with Sky.

We are not missing out on sport and the BT deal is evidence of the kind of strategy VM/Liberty are intent on following.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Your not kidding , just looked and it costs £80.97 to purchase Boardwalk Empire HD Seasons 1-3 digitally as opposed to £32.50 for the DVD Season 1-3 or £32.70 Season 1-3 Blu Ray.

Shouldn't purchasing a digital copy save you money over buying a physical copy , the mind boggles.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Indeed it does and we shall purchase the physical copy every time over a digital copy.

We purchased Boardwalk Empire series 1-3 for £23 on black Friday.:D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Yes, that's not good. Something will have to change there! Still hoping for a subscription deal on VM when Amazon get their acts together that will strip all that cost away.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

well I agree Den but no way will VM or should pay over the top price sky wanted for SA and sky will never lower price so get we can forget about sky channels and get the rest of them

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

But if we can get the content by alternative means, such as streaming, and we can get it at a reasonable price, this would take Sky out of the equation.

I think this will be resolved eventually, with or without Sky's co-operation.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

What are these alternative means you talk about , Amazon do not have any HBO subscription content even in the US.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well, through other content providers who offer on demand facilities. We know about the Amazon/Lovefilm possibilities already, VM have confirmed their interest in this. Alternatively, we could get HBO UK as an app. However, these alternatives don't come cheaply if viewed as PPV or 'buy' - I know they are not subscription; I didn't say they were.

I mentioned also before that it is not beyond the realms of possibility that we may have an on demand facility provided by Sky that excludes the first run series of programmes on Sky Atlantic. This would retain their USP, if this is the issue. Sky would still be able to claim that Sky Atlantic was available only directly from Sky and that all first run HBO shows are exclusive to the platform.

I could live with that and I think it would be widely perceived as being a fair solution that has advantages for both sides (for Sky, increased income for a start).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Buying a physical copy also allows you to sell it again I've you've finished with it, recouping some of your outlay.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

sky could do that by doing deals for SA with other providers for a reasonable price they don't want anyone to have it that why they set unreal price they know no one would pay

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

SKY are not pricing the channel out of the market, the channel is simply off limits to other providers full stop. I asked SKY during a recent marketing session, they confirmed Atlantic is off limits to other providers for the foreseeable future.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

As is their right - they see it as a USP/market differentiator.

Why let others have what you see as your 'crown jewels'?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Very true. Virgin Media have TiVo and super-fast broadband. I can't see Virgin allowing their competitors to use TiVo or share their broadband network anytime soon. I wouldn't want them too either. Keeps innovation and competition healthy.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

IMO, TiVo is VM only USP. If they lost that, then I can't see them being any different to the crowd.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

And many because of that have adapted their strategy accordingly as there is more then one way to skin a cat.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The crowd has up to 76mb broadband, Virgin Media has uip to 120mb. Surely this is a key USP? Other less important USPs include Netflix integrated with a PVR, ability to get broadband without a landline and an extensive mobile phone offering, and the Ginx gaming channel. Virgin also has the widest channel range and best HD offering apart from Sky so would stand out from BT and TalkTalk on its channels alone.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The BB differentiation is now even better as the top speed is now 152, double 76.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Very true however how many people actually need 120mb and above? Are people paying for a service they simply don't need or use?

http://www.freeview.co.uk/articles/a...mers-cash.html

"Streaming TV shows and movies is the eighth most popular use for broadband in 2014; an activity which uses a relatively minimal download speed of 7Mbps for Super HD quality viewing(5). Similarly, browsing the internet, checking emails and social networking remain the most popular online activities in three quarters of households (77 per cent), requiring a base speed of just 5Mbps. Despite this, UK households are paying for an average speed of 32Mbps, which is over six times higher than they need."

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

When there are quite a few in the household using different devices Chad you will find that the higher speeds are needed by some and remember for quite a few even getting a base speed of just 5Mbps is just not attainable for quite a few people as my Parents don't even get 1Mbps in their household.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Surely with cloud storage becoming more and more frequently used its also worth considering the upload speed of a service , whilst VM offer the greater download speeds BT's FTTC is a clear winner with uploading , horses for courses I guess.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Being a keen gamer the faster speeds (100mbs) are a must for me for the higher ping and upload.
Most people who just use net for streaming,emails, surfing ect don't really need much more than 8mbs though.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I agree with all this Chad i just think its a really sad world we live in now that other tv providers aren't allowing other providers to have channels as its the viewer who loses out. I know television is a business etc and sky are there to make money etc but i just genuinely think its a sad turn of events where companies like sky can withhold channels and charge more for sky sports etc than their own customers.

I sometimes yearn for a return to the 1980s...yes we had limited choices but tv was regarded as something for everyone and no one had to pay for it (except the license fee) rather than the dirty war we're all involved in now as one company offers super fast broadband and the other offers HBO content.

"cant i have both?"
"NO! You pick one or the other and you pay through the roof and be happy for it!!"

Thats my pointless rant over with. I'm only 28 years old and i'm already this cynical and angry at this world...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You do realise the lower the ping the better for gaming

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

There's some truth in what you say. But it's still a USP in the same way that Sky Atlantic is a USP whose shows don't appeal to everyone. Very fast broadband does not appeal nor is needed by everyone. But it's still unique to Virgin.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Freeview News: Two more channels set to launch on Freeview.

Both Chart Show TV and CBS Reality has been given an 'New DTT channel licence' to broadcast on Freeview by Ofcom.

Channel still to launch on Freeview:

-Chart Show TV
-CBS Reality
-Sony Movie Channel
-Sony Movie Channel +1
-TBN Europe

---------- Post added at 12:22 ---------- Previous post was at 12:06 ----------

Confirmed: Sky Movies Superhero to launch on April 14th for two weeks.

Smallworld has confirmed that Sky Movies are set to rebrand Sky Movies Greats for two weeks as Sky Movies Superheros from April 14th to April 27th.

How can I find Sky Movies Greats?

-Sky Movies Greats Smallworld Channel 309 and Virgin Channel 410.
-Sky Movies Greats HD Smallworld Channel 337 and Virgin Channel 440.

http://www.smallworldcable.com/News/...es-Superheroes

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Sky have been using the backhaul part of Virgin's network since last year (for a price) so Virgin aren't totally hogging their infrastructure for their own customers and technically are sharing it with others....so long as the "others" meet the price.

Until Sky see advertising revenue from Atlantic as more important than it being exclusive to Sky customers then we aren't going to see it.

In my eyes Now TV is a suitable alternative as I can see Game of Thrones without a Sky subscription for less than it would cost to buy the DVDs next year and when Game of Thrones is finished I don't have a monthly subscription to maintain.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Can you see all the previous series of Game of Thrones and SAs other shows on Now TV?

---------- Post added at 12:47 ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 ----------

I don't think this is a true comparison. We are talking about TV content, not hardware and infrastructure.

Your TIVO comparison would have been better made against the Sky + box, and Virgin viewers don't get that. I am also not clear whether VM has an exclusive contract with TIVO. Does anyone know if this is the case?

---------- Post added at 12:52 ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 ----------

They don't want others to have Sky Atlantic, we are agreed on that.

What I was suggesting was a deal with Sky whereby we get the non-first run HBO series on demand. This would preserve Sky's USP (SA would only be available on Sky satellite and Now TV and they would still have exclusive rights to first run HBO shows).

If they don't do this, it's only a matter of time before we get a similar arrangement with another provider on subscription. As that would deny Sky some extra income, that wouldn't really be a very intelligent way for Sky to manage their HBO deal.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

As far as I'm aware, the current Tivo is exclusive to VM in the UK.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I believe Sky have made the 1st 3 series available on demand and that a similar arrangement has been made for Now TV. I haven't activated my entertainment pass yet so haven't been able to check.For series 4 each episode will be available for 30 days on Now TV.

I paid £24 for my Now TV box which has given me a month of films (which we've used to watch about 6 films) and 4 months of the entertainment pass, which should be enough to cover the 12 episodes of series 4. I could quite easily acquire series 4 via other means as I may or may not have done previously but for convenience the Now TV box does it for me.