Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

There was a post from one of the installers that said it was put on hold due to a problem with the activation system that meant an install would take an impossibly long time to do. I guess it depends on whether they can do self-installs for some customers. Plus there are reports that urgent fix/updates are required, especially for it it work with some brands of tv.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I'm not suggesting VM advertise as aggressive as Sky, but would be nice to see something else apart from Elba's handsome face lol

I did wonder though, if Sky have been advertising so much, is it because VM are about to release the V6, but also because they have agreed a deal for 4K content?...VM may not be able to release details of it just yet...maybe I'm just living in a dream land :-)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Although he is a fine actor the more you see him in those adverts the more he grates on me.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

hahahaha same here :D:)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

It doesn't support Bluetooth. The new remote uses RF4CE.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

They had activation problems with the original TiVo rollout. From what I recall from the briefing we were given (It was like 5 years ago now, so forgive me if the details are off), it's something to do with how the box gets activated with both Virgin (like any CPE) and Tivo themselves. Effectively, if it doesn't get activated correctly on one of the two systems, the box bricked itself or something daft like that.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I can't imagine Sky are the slightest bit bothered by the V6. It's the very least Virgin could possibly announced and IMO (I respect anyone who disagrees) a massive damp squib.

- Same size HDD as the TiVo, announced 6 years ago
- Same number of tuners as TiVo announced for their Roamio in 2013
- A relaunch of "the box for apps" idea that was tried and failed with the original TiVo 6 years ago
- 4K capable, yes, but that pretty much comes for free with any chipset in late 2016
- No 4K content that UHD TV owners will not have already. Not even a 4K version of Virgin Movies to go up against Amazon Video, Sky Store and others
- No multi-room strategy, other than pay for more full blown boxes
- A hobbled tablet for TV viewing, when tablet viewing has already been commonplace for years

I really can't see how there is anything here that is either "brilliant" or "game changing".

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

It was the most annoying problem during my time with Virgin that they never listen to what people are saying and fix their problems. I was reading about Sir Richard Branson just in the last few days saying how he attributes all of his success to listening more than speaking. Just sad to me, that this hadn't applied to Virgin tv.

Incidentally I had a similar problem with activation not working with my new Hub 3.0 just a couple of weeks ago. That took hours to resolve.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Other then having a smaller financial stake Sir Richard Branson has absolutely no influence in the way Virgin Media is run..

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I think they're missing a trick with no 4K PAYG movies, this looks like something easier to pull off than a deal for Amazon, BT Sport or Sky Sports.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Looks like yesterdays news release is down.

Same old, same old.

We're doing some work on our site
We'll be back in a bit

We're just making some essential changes to our website. We've got all our best people on it, so it shouldn't take long. Please check back a bit later on and everything will be back to normal.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

[QUOTE=MisterQ;35872968]Sir Richard Branson just in the last few days saying how he attributes all of his success to listening more than speaking.[QUOTE]

That's rich of him to say that, don't want to turn this political but over 50% voted to leave... and instead of listening to that he wants to bankroll a campaign to overturn it.. wouldn't call that listening to the people.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yes, I bey their lawyers are taking a good look at Virgin Medias claim "Virgin Media today lifted the cover off of its new connected entertainment line-up delivering the UK’s best and most advanced TV service."

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Absolutely! Amazon and Sky already have them. Google Play will imminently. There is nothing stopping this, for movies Virgin have rights to, other than Virgin's lack of interest/investment.

It re-enforces the view that 4K is a tick-list item that came pretty much for free on the V6 and, as Virgin said themselves, they don't view 4K as important to their target customers. And it's hard to read that in any other way than Virgin accept premium TV customers are going to go to Sky anyway and they have more modest ambitions for their service. But I'm repeating myself, I'd better stop, or risk being thought a Sky plant!

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Hardly fair, 52% of people voted "leave" when "leave" hadn't been clearly defined as to it's meaning.

Leave what? The EU? The Single market? Freedom of movement? What exactly did those 52% of people want, exactly?

Hardly fair to say it's clear cut.

Would have much rather he spent his money educating people before the vote, though.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

[QUOTE=RB2004;35872976][QUOTE=MisterQ;35872968]Sir Richard Branson just in the last few days saying how he attributes all of his success to listening more than speaking.Does make you wonder about all the price rises:

According to the email, Virgin, the company founded and run by Sir Richard Branson, has pledged at least £25,000 towards the costs of the campaign. Other businessman, financial investors and campaign specialists are also involved.

Although there are contradictory claims.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...-a7430396.html

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Have you seen the price of a 4K rental on Sky Q not something I'd ever bother with.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

No, how much?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

So much negativity!
Virgin announced the Virgin Store yesterday, although it's not launching until February:
I would expect VM to test demand for 4k by putting any 4k content in there, much like they did with 3D.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yep pretty pricey l hear MM even for one as wealthy as your good self.;)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

[QUOTE=MisterQ;35872981][QUOTE=RB2004;35872976]Virgin Media just pays a licence fee to Virgin Group, the same way that the publishers of The Sun, News UK, pay a licence fee to use the Virgin Radio brand and Universal Music pay a licence fee to use the Virgin Records brand.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Everybody is entitled to their opinion though even though l generally disagree with much of their sentiments.:)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yes, because for the reasons listed, this product is anything but game changing. I defy anyone to argue differently! "OK", maybe, but not worthy of any hype.

Regarding 4K download, I'm sure something will come in time, but lack of any mention at the big launch of a "game-changing" 4K box is just.....weird!

I genuinely hoped Virgin had something up their sleeves and there would be something in the announcement that went beyond the leaked info we had already seen. Sadly, there was nothing.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Lets spin this another way. What can SKYQ do that the V6 can't. ? What does skyq have that is "game changing" when compared to the V6. ?

---------- Post added at 13:28 ---------- Previous post was at 13:23 ----------

Sky are just better at marketing, they are good at pulling wool over peoples eyes. Making thing's seem/sound better than they actually are. Realistically if you are on top packages, using the companies best equipment and services that are available. There is not much difference at all, between sky and virgin.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

That's great to hear - how did you find out? I've talked with technical support, and they told me they wouldn't know that until the box was released.

Colin

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Well said, nialli, I was beginning to think it was only me welcoming the news of the new V6.

Sure, there are some disappointments, such as the absence of a 2TB box, but the 4k content that we have to look forward to (and I have not heard anywhere that Virgin Movies won't be offering this), the 6 tuners and the fast speeds, as well as the ability to stream between boxes, is all welcome stuff.

We should not be expecting much 4k content initially, but this will come with time, and I dare say VM are busily trying to put together new deals for such content as we speak.

I fully expect a better range of apps to start appearing as well before too long; after all, the new box is designed for apps and this is completely in keeping with the direction of travel.

The main problem I think will be in wresting 4k content from Sky and BT, although it may become available to us after the first year.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I assume one will need to sign up for another 12 month contract to avail of the new V6 at the £50 price? My contract (Full House XL) expires at the end of March.... I would happily pay the £50 to get a new box as my current TiVo one is so frustratingly slow. I'm not too bothered by 4K etc. yet as I don't have a 4K telly, although it is on my wishlist for the New Year. However, I don't know if I want to lock myself into another 12 months just to get a faster box...

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I Rang up today to see if i can get V6 box but was today ring again in January and keep in touch with My Virgin Media too so not getting it for xmas

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

It's a fair question! :)

As a 28 year cable TV customer (United Artists -> Telewest -> Virgin, maybe some other names I've forgotten!), who finally gave up on it. As someone who has no love for Sky - I hate what Sky Sports has done to sport and the accessibility of sport in the UK. As someone who would love some competition pushing forward TV and stuck by cable through promise after promise over the years. As someone who kept Virgin Broadband and would love to come back to Virgin TV for a genuinely competitive offer:

- The main thing is the content - 4K sport (football and next year F1). 4K movies, on subscription with Sky Cinema and Pay per View. 4K TV drama, limited at the moment, but at least there.

- From a pure tech spec point of view - 12 tuners, not 6 like the 2013 TiVo Roamio. Allowing simultaneous recording of 4 shows, plus live TV on 5 devices (3 TVs and 2 tablets), plus extra tuners to "next gen" the interface (live channel previews for example). I don't think the ability to use more tuners for recording, but then not available for viewing, will benefit many, if any users.

- Mini boxes which can do just about everything the main box can do - watch live TV, recordings, on demand - with no need for anything other than a mains socket - and which TiVo themselves have had for years.

- An interface that is still in development and far from perfect, but just "feels" current, compared to the TiVo. It's genuinely UHD. Live previews are impressive. It is identical (adjusting to screen size) on all devices - main TV, Mini boxes, tablets and phones and at home on them all. It feels a modern interface, for those used to smartphones and tablets. All of this is subjective, I grant you, but it just felt like a breath of fresh air to all my family, coming from TiVo, even after the latest update.

- I hesitate to mention the Sky mesh network, which is genuinely "next-gen", but at the moment maybe a bit too cutting edge and possibly flaky! It is a supposed to build a more reliable home network by interconnecting all Sky devices, using multiple paths, over wifi and by built-in Powerline, for both video streaming and normal WiFi for home devices. Personally, I have it all disabled! My boxes are all connected by Ethernet, which works well with my Virgin broadband :). But there is no question it's aspirations and technology is "pushing the envelope".

Now all of this may be uninteresting to some/a lot of people, and fair enough, but I think it's enough to claim "next-gen" in a way the V6 simply cannot.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

In my humble opinion the V6 is only likely to retain the VM customers who are maybe fed up with the Tivo (like I was) and thinking of moving on. In it's present form I cannot see it pulling customers away from Sky or even challenging the Sky Q on a like for like basis.

No 4K content (free of pay per view) and providing no other significant advantage, will surely limit any new take up from other providers.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Sorry, I have to link this article from 2010 once again! http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/cable...ng-apps-to-tv/

What happened to that? I'll tell you what I think. It was next to impossible to get people to build apps for the TiVo, unless funded by Virgin.

And I would argue the need for such a facility is far less now than it was in 2010. Almost all modern TVs have slick app capability themselves. Almost all the apps Virgin will have will already be available on them. This is certainly true of Netflix and YouTube, the only 4K ones so far. If people do not want or cannot use their TV for apps there are numerous, cheap, far more feature-rich boxes that are really built for apps - Roku, Amazon Fire TV etc. I find it hard to see how the V6 will win in the app market against these other solutions with almost certainly a far greater range of apps available, more frequently updated.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I think VM's offerings will develop over time so I will judge them properly in a year's time.
I can't see the point of VM not making its standard boxes 4K compatible bearing in mind they will last about five years plus if they're to sign up customers in Project Lightning homes, they need a box that's fast and the current Tivo isn't.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I think many people are not thinking much about "4K tv", until there is a 4K tv channel. Not just the occasional red button stuff that sky offers. When 4K tv channels come along, that will be when 4k starts to register more in most peoples minds.

Personally I prefer the ability to record more channels at once. In my view, why would anyone want to watch a top rated tv show or a decent film on a tiny little screen on a tablet. I only watch this stuff on a big screen with decent sound, i'm sure many people are the same.

Mini boxes, the V6 is pretty mini in it's self. Also I doubt a little bit of extra size bothers most people. And usually the people who can afford top packages, and who have all the best equipment sky or virgin have available. Those folks wont be living in a small pokey places, they will have decent space available.

Personally if a interface is fast, I know Tivo have had problems with slowness on and off ( my Tivo is now fast since the last software update ). But if it's fast and looks decent enough, and it's straight forward enough to navigate and use. I don't really care beyond that. After all, it's only a means to get you to what you want to watch. The content is the main course not some super flashy interface.

Underneath the marketing, overall there really isn't much between sky and virgin these days.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Well said. I've just posted similar sentiments over on the VMHD blog: http://vmhd.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/r...virgin-tv.html

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

The v6 may be small, but still requires a coax feed in whichever room you want to use it. The Q minis can just be plugged into the mains and used in whatever room you like. Much less hassle than having extra cables installed..

Q will be able to record 6 programmes at a time next year, so will match the v6 capacity.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Extra cables that are hid well by the installers. One man's hassle is another man's no big deal, no problem. Many people still don't want a dish up on their house. Horses for courses.

Personally I don't see a couple of guys here for a couple of hours as hassle. Once it's done it's done.

That's coming soon then. lol

:D

---------- Post added at 15:19 ---------- Previous post was at 15:14 ----------

Nice blog. I've read your blog on and off for years. As can be seen been a member of this site for years. Used to post years ago, then went to just reading now and again. Thought i'd post again now though, since it's V6 time. lol

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Well guys, you are of course entitled to your opinion, but you will see quite a few here and a few of the early reviews, that are not just rewrites of the press release, disagree.

I get that a lot of people are not "4K ready", technologically or emotionally, but there is little doubt it is "next-gen". And "occasional red button stuff" does not really adequately describe the ability to watch and record in your absence 4K sport, or the ability to watch some Sky Atlantic shows in 4K/UHD at the time of first broadcast.

Mini boxes with no HDD are cheaper, more suited to quiet environment, like a bedroom and need no cabling. it is these things, not the size, that gives them the edge over a whole 2nd box.

Using the same size HDD as 6 years ago is odd.

Interfaces are a personal thing, I accept.

If you have no interest in these or the other things I listed that's fine, there may indeed be little noticeable difference to you. V6 will I am sure be good enough and, as you say Nialli, it sure is a step up from the 6 year-old TiVo!. But for those who are looking for a next-gen TV box the V6, with it's largely dated specification (4K "capability" aside) is not it and there is a lot more difference to those that do care for Sky Q's capabilities than "marketing".

ps. Do you really ever find yourself needing to record more than 4 things simultaneously? I know it's possible but....!

pps. I too read and have sometimes commented on your blog Nialli. It's been really useful over the years. Thanks for your service to the community :)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I've posted any problems that i've encountered in an honest way, but overall I am pleased with the V6 as it currently suits my needs.

This was a problem that I encountered which I posted about, had no idea it had affected others though.

Free YouTube 4K content & pay Netflix 4K content are available.

A source of a member in the Coming Soon thread has stated that 4K content is coming to VM in the first quarter of 2017.

He thinks this will be in the form of PPV movies and Discovery content.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yep, until you decide you want to move the box to another part of the room, or even another room altogether.. Then you need Virgin out again.

The v6 looks to me just like an incremental update to the current Tivo box, fixing some of the performance issues. The 4k support seems a bit of a '"well, the chipset supports it, so might as well use it" feature.

The Q update has apparently started staff beta testing already, so seems on target for early next year.

Does the v6 support split screen at all? Q can show multiple views on Sky Sports. For example, I can watch a live football match and, alongside it, replays of major incidents. Or F1 race control lets me choose 2 of about 6 feeds to display side by side - can be in car views, timing screen, etc.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Good extra point. Another use for all those tuners other than recording 6 shows at once! Of course it's just "marketing" if you're not interested ;)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Personally, I prefer the ability to record 6 shows on the main box. I'm not interested in watching on devices. The distinction in this area between SkyQ and V6, allows choice, which is a good thing, surely?

---------- Post added at 16:11 ---------- Previous post was at 16:08 ----------


Spot on. and the slight difference with Sky Q allows choice.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

And that difference will be going away within a few months with the next Q update.

Presumably the v6, with it's 6 tuners, can record 5 & watch another live, not record 6 and watch another live?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Does the v6 support split screen at all? Q can show multiple views on Sky Sports.

Split screen very cutting edge- for the 1980's

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Well, I had to agree to be tied into another contract, but this was part of an overall retention deal. Not sure if those paying for their V6 will be though.

I don't think that VM will be making much (if anything) from charging these prices for the boxes, could be wrong though.

I imagine that the pricing has been pitched so as to attract and retain customers so that they can make money from the services taken.

Edit: With hindsight, if extra boxes attract another monthly TiVo fee, maybe you're right as this will benefit VM over the years (unless, as has been speculated in the past) this fee goes to TiVo themselves?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Admittedly the v6 would look modern for the 1980's (just).

Q split screen here - https://recombu.com/digital/article/...-how-to-use-it

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Split split is all fine and dandy but l would imagine for the vast majority of Sky's own customers who don't subscribe to its sports channels its rather unimportant in their TV viewing.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I just don't get it Jong. As I understand it Jong; you are with Sky for TV, and happy with it. Is that correct?
If so, why are you spending so much time on here moaning about the V6?


It reminds me of many years ago, when the Mac boys were constantly trying to prove that Macs were better than PCs. The PC people generally just got on with it just using there PCs and ignoring the Mac people. The truth of it was, both were as good and it was a case of each person's preference regarding their individual needs.


Mac people trying to prove, 'mine is better than your' smacks a little of insecurity to me. They needed to get over it and realise that it was just down to personal choice.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

There seems to be a few new members joined the forum who are pointing out that Q has x y and Z that the V6 hasn't. Strange that?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

It's fair enough to point out those differences and it helps to make a judgement on whether to stay or go.

However, it seems to me that those differences would not make any difference to the way I watch TV and so are not of any consequence to me. The only thing I covet is the 2TB capacity of the box, but the whole idea of downloading on demand stuff onto the hard drive would drive me up the wall.

As they say, horses for courses...

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Record more than 4 at once no, but I do sometimes need to record 3 and watch another channel. The current Tivo obviously can't do that.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Here we go ......... I'll be getting one. End

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

The most I have had on the go at once is 4 recordings at the same time (one via my DVD recorder) but even then I had to use a timeshift channel and a repeated episode on another day to avoid clashes.

Six tuners for me is perfect (but only because I have now bought a DVD player/HDD recorder with two tuners!).

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Jeez, OB...how do you have time to watch all the things you have recorded? lol

6 Tuners is easily plenty for my household, but for the sake of being able to watch recordings across boxes, I may get 2 V6s.
Sometimes I watch tele upstairs and moan about not being able to watch what is recorded downstairs.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

It's because the best programmes tend to be aired on different channels between 9 and 11 pm, UC.

This happens a lot during the winter/spring season. Not much on at the moment, I have to say. Autumn used to be a good time of year for popular, decent shows, but no longer. Christmas will be another disappointment, TV wise, I fear.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Depends what you call the best programmes lol :angel::D;)

I tend to watch/record popular US shows like Walking Dead, The Blacklist etc
Luckily these shows have their usual annual air dates, so I can plan recordings around them

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yeah, I was waiting for that and I understand.

But, I have been here for years and, as I posted earlier today a cable TV customer for 28 years. I have been promised so many times that cable had the technology to win.

- Originally it was that they could deliver more channels down a cable than Sky had room on "limited" satellites.

- Then cable could deliver On Demand, and Sky couldn't "from a satellite"

- Then TiVo would offer a new world of integrated broadcast and internet TV, back in 2010.

Each time the opportunity and promise was wasted.

Finally, 3 months ago, I jumped ship (for TV only) when I got a 4K TV and my TiVo ground to a halt. But still, in my heart of hearts I'd like to see cable deliver on it's promise and switch back.

I have waited for the V6 announcement in the hope they were holding something back. But, IMO, no, it seems they have given up on the top-end of the TV market, which if it works for them it's fine.

I guess I will stop posting here until the V7 or whatever, if it offers promise, once I've got my disappointment out of my system! But, still, I think it is important for people to compare and contrast these 2 systems, so they can decide what is right for them.

---------- Post added at 17:53 ---------- Previous post was at 17:46 ----------

Very true. The V6 is a big step up from the old TiVo, no doubt. But Sky can record 4 while watching TV, so I'm not convinced being able to record 5 while watching or 6 and not, is a real benefit for 98% of people.

---------- Post added at 17:58 ---------- Previous post was at 17:53 ----------

You don't really notice the difference tbh. Once you start downloading you can start watching within a few secs, maybe 10 secs if its UHD (thanks Virgin 200Mb/s broadband!), from the same screen. One extra key press.

The difference is with Sky it's then on your disc afterwards until you delete. The plus side to this is you can rewind and fast forward (up to where you have downloaded) properly - always tricky with streamed shows. The minus is you have to delete it when you are done.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I feel the same. It COULD have been so good if they just got some of the basics right and fixed a few things in the annual update instead of causing new problems like Dolby Digital (ok that was finally fixed but it took too long) and poorly implementing Series Links+ that, for some people like me, broke something that worked. I don't want 4K, in fact most of what I watch isn't even in HD. That said HD has become unwatchable for me due to lip-sync problems - I assume that still hasn't been addressed in V6? And I don't want a bigger tv because SD is too badly compressed and already looks c**p. For me there are still just too many bugs to even consider making sacrifices like losing scart for multi-room television. I have learned to live without On Demand as that has never worked due to either 25% buffering, random errors or just slow performance, so there are no benefits there. 6 tuners will just fill up 1Tb twice as quick with the same duplicates episodes/repeats. Even wishlist films just re-record a few weeks after you last deleted them! It just wasn't good enough for me and it COULD have easily been so much better.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

"Hassle" was mentioned earlier regarding coax or something.

But I see "hassle" as changing from one provider to the other. Personally I feel there isn't much at all between sky and virgin over recent times! So if someone has been with one or the other provider for years, why change is my view.

Doing that, is what I would call a waste of time "hassle". But hey just my view.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

If you are having to lose all your recordings to get a new box, you may as well take the opportunity get which ever box is going to suit you best. The discussion about coax, is because Sky Q gives you the opportunity to multi-room simply with a wi-fi signal. With Virgin Media you have to resort to getting a 2nd tivo, which many consider to be overkill and you then have to get it connected via coax and you also need a wi-fi signal for it too work as well. All part of people weighing up which way to go, especially when people are currently using multi-room options with the current Tivo scart socket which is not available with V6.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

^^
And cost. And noise. Although some aren't bothered, I wouldn't have a box with an HDD, which spins up and down periodically, in a bedroom.

TiVo recognised the need for this years ago.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Getting one installed in Jan, for free. Can't be worse than the TiVo.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Nope, I wont be losing any recordings, when I change to a V6 soonish. Not with the set up I will have.

I know, like I also said in another post. Personally I don't see any of the thing's you mention as being a big deal.

And many people are all ready set up with cables anyway, many people have had 2 or 3 boxes for years in there set up!

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I didn't mean "you" personally, just a general explanation. You personally seem to have it all sussed and I'm sure will be very happy with it :clap:

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I'll be ecstatic who needs Christmas pressies when the V6 is about to take the world by storm!! ;)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Don't see why , it takes 2-3 seconds even for the UHD stuff to become available ,i seem to remember it took the same time for the old V+to load on demand content.

Even with my 40meg sky broadband it only takes 2-3 seconds .I don't see having to delete stuff as a problem .The wife records her soaps then deletes them ,why would she want to keep them ? I watch a film then delete it ,i've never been one for watching the same film over and over again

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yep, sounds like all those who "registered an interest" are being offered them for free.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

That is correct, they called me this afternoon out of the blue. And they mentioned that I registered an interest. I was waiting for the catch but there wasn't one. Not a self install either.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I'm trying to see both sides. I totally agree it's not a problem at all and the benefit of being easily able to rewind occasionally without the hit and miss nature of rewinding with streams, far outweighs any slight downside for me.

But I still suspect you are being a little optimistic when you say for UHD it's only 2-3 secs from pressing the button to start to download to "ready to watch". Probably for HD that's about right here. Not a problem, but a little longer I think.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I got my call about 17:45 tonight saying I had registered my interest in the V6 and as I had a top package with the 200MB broadband then I qualified for a freebie from them but the earliest I could have it was Jan 11th as due to Christmas, the fact the box is new and they were giving this to hundreds of people there was a little wait.
She even apologised and I said not at all as after all the rises and worse service it's finally worth waiting for something to get it free.

Fair play to Virgin on this one. What packages are the other guys on who are getting it free?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Are those that are getting it free are the end of or out of contract I registered but not heard anything. Though I'm still in contract sonwonsering if that's why. I want to get 2 if possible are they letting you do that or just 1 ?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

where are you in Leicestershire ?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Hey, give 'em chance! They've got a lot of people to contact.

Ask when they contact you

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Oh yeah I know it's early days was just trying to see if there was a certain criteria they were using that's all

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Well they did get someone to knock a quick power point together :D

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Apparently they use your usage of the Community Forum to decide.

They multiply your Kudos on the forum by your Helpful Answers then add 1 to this product. If the answer is a prime number, you get a call and the offer of a free V6.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

That'll be the hundreds of apps within the next 12 months malarkey again will it, the old box was designed for apps as well and the world is still waiting.

---------- Post added at 23:14 ---------- Previous post was at 23:05 ----------

There's a brave statement.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

My Virgin lady (ooer) did say that due to me being on top BB and top TV I would benefit most from it so qualified/or fitted the criteria to receive a free box.

To be honest I never asked to try and get 2 however she had on record I had a V+ and 1 1TB TiVo and said we would like to take the V+ out and move your TiVo in it's place.
It was then up to me to sort out the connectivity if I wanted to MRS.

She did ask if my SH was in the same place as my TiVo and it is not so she said they may want to move it.
I said I didn't want that as it is connected to my PC via wire and wanted to keep it like that.
She said ok well the engineer would look at this when he arrived and would not change any setup unless I was completely satisfied.

She did mention the £5 charge would go on but they knew it was a bug and would be removed over night and keep the current costs completely the same.

My current contract does not expire until May and she kept saying I am not signing you up to any new contract or anything like that.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Thanks well I'm on the same tip tier broadband and telly so I'll keep my fingers crossed

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Well isn't this an exciting development! I registered my interest ages ago and am on the top tier so fingers crossed!

Isn't it amazing to think how far we have gone from having VCRs to now.....

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

It was probably a job for one of the temps or work experience kids lol

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

what is the thinking behind this?

and have they completely sorted out the WiFi on the latest routers?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Presumably, because the V6 needs a nice strong signal to work efficiently. Having a wall or floor between the superhub and the V6 will reduce the signal.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Here are a couple of Virgin Media V6 v Sky Q comparison articles for those that like that sort of thing. A bit superficial but it's early days yet. I am sure there will be more - and more informative - pieces very soon.

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/1396...the-difference

http://www.stuff.tv/features/sky-q-v...tv-v6-weigh-in

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

This is why I prefer self install, I can just get on with it. Without needing to instruct, and make sure the installer gets everything where I want it.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Thanks for those interesting links heavyside.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

My TV is in the living room and router in my home office two floors up.

The engineer initially said that he couldn't install it as it wouldn't work. I said that I believed that Powerline would be supplied Free of charge, which he knew nothing about.

When I pointed out that it had WiFi he agreed to install it, but said that Powerlines would still be better.

It's interesting that you were told that your router would be moved; I'll ask about this.

This may be better if there is no charge.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yeah pocket-link is a especially good read. Out of everything, I bet sky are most annoyed about the v6 supporting HDR. HDR is the big thing in the tv world right now, most say it will more successful than 4K alone.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

You expect Sky Q to not support HDR ?

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

I'm sure Sky will add this as an update.

HDR picture on Amazon is really good...everything looks fantastic

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Of course they will, most people don't sit close enough to the TV to benefit from 4K, even those with really good 4k sets, but HDR is something that everyone with a capable TV notices no matter its size or how far away they sit. Plus it doesn't have anywhere near as much bandwidth requirements.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Did I say that. There boxes do not currently support it is the point.

You expect it to be coming soon then. ? :D;)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

According to the info posted the V6 doesn't support HDR from launch , a firmware update is needed so the same as Sky Q.

How would they support it considering the broadcast standard has only just been decided.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

That bit of the article was missing a bit of fact checking. The HDMI on Sky Q is currently 2.0 - has to be to support 4K/50Hz - it was upgraded when Ultra HD was launched. A further firmware upgrade would be needed to add HDR, but it should be possible. Back in April Sky said:

(https://recombu.com/digital/article/...k-ultra-hd-hdr)

The problem is there is no standard for HDR on Live TV at the moment. That may come next year. It will probably be "Hybrid Log Gamma" but neither Virgin or Sky or any TV currently out there can guarantee they can support an undefined standard. That wouldn't stop Sky supporting HDR10 for On Demand. Hopefully that will come soon. Right now, of course Virgin does not have any 4k On Demand other than through apps that 4K TV owners already have available, so it's all a little moot at this point!

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Correct. But read about HDMI specification's, the article claims that the skyq only has 1.4 specification. It needs 2.0 for HDR capability.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

If it was only 1.4 it wouldn't be outputting UHD at 50fps like it currently is.;)

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

See my post that overlapped yours.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Good point. 2.0 is needed for 50fps and 60fps. ;)

I don't have sky though, so when it comes to sky I only know what articles say. ;) I only read about sky, when they are talked about in articles. That also talk about Virgin.

These websites need to find tech guys who check there facts first. They get paid for it after all. Crazy. :D

---------- Post added at 15:47 ---------- Previous post was at 15:36 ----------

Kinda weird how these tech websites specifically mention v6 supporting HDR with an update. But don't say the same for sky.

I guess, it's probably because sky haven't "officially" mentioned it.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Why mention it when at launch of Q the broadcast standard for HDR wasn't finalised.

At the moment if you want HDR and your TV supports it you've a choice of either Netflix or Amazon and even then only certain titles.

Sky have been playing around with HDR for a while so I'd be amazed if we didn't see it arrive at some stage.
http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2015/...dynamic-range/

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

Yes, but you'd have thought these tech websites, someone would of mentioned it by "now". That sky also could add HDR with an update, apparently.

But hey, maybe it's just those websites, not so great with being correct with all facts.

Re: Virgin Media V6 - Powered by TiVo(new STB)
 

The tech websites new less about the V6 than this forum says it all really.