Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

What offer? No offer has even been announced yet for UK customers? The "offer" you are alluding to is, I assume, for Eire customers who've never had the V6 with TiVo anyway, only the original Liberty Horizon, which this new offer with 1tb Horizon 4 or "360 TV" with mini boxes and the TV Go app is a massive upgrade.
As regards the UK, I can only see this for NEW customers after launch, with 1 main V6 box with recording facilities running the new Horizon software and up to 4 mini "slave" boxes around the home and interconnectivity with the TV Go app and all with cloud recording and storage added further on. Existing or legacy customers with 2+ V6 boxes should be expected to continue with their contracts, but their boxes will be running the new Horizon software and UI. Ultimately though I can see these extra V6 boxes eventually replaced out with the mini slave multi-room boxes connecting to the main V6 box and cloud storage added on, and further enhancing and updating to the TV Go app, but not until existing contracts have expired. The future of entertainment is clearly in streaming, and the "cloud" and the Virgin TV Go app will be massive part of that. Hard Disc Drives and Linear television will eventually be as obsolete as VHS, cassettes and CD's.
Cord cutting is a clear and present threat and will only intensify with new and younger customers who only want to stream with the fastest and latest tech. Virgin Media and Liberty Global have finally realised that and need to embrace it. Hence, also the roll out of the new Hub 4 to help meet this new ever growing demand.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

The offer we've been talking about in here. The one that is being offered through email.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

It's funny how everyone else thinks differently to you - but you may be correct

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Let's think about this logically.

I'm on the ultimate oomph bundle. I've been offered something (none of us actually know what yet) but we're assuming from what people have said, new Horizon boxes. At this moment in time, with two V6 boxes, are you saying the offer is to take those away and replace with one Horizon box and one mini box?

That makes no logical sense and you wouldn't upgrade to that.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Mine was going up to £137 but I phoned them up and agreed on £105 a month which I'm happy with as the unlimited SIMs are £30 on their own.

Just a warning - they are only doing 18 month contracts now

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Not in a month of Sunday's in my view.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

You think that 120 hours of HD recording is sufficient? VIrgin Media encourages its customers to time shift their viewing, but that is hardly an incentive.

Bookmarking helps, but you never know how long your selected programme will remain available that way.

Incidentally, I do not archive my programmes. Everything is on my recorders that I want to see as soon as I can, and when I am in the mood to watch those programmes. I don't watch anything more than once. 2Tb per device is an absolute minimum VM should be providing, in my view, unless we can have the capability to record to the cloud and retain those recordings for a couple of years. Fat chance we have of that happening, unfortunately.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Hang on I thought there was nothing worth watching on linear and you were close to cancelling it.:D

Surely 120 hrs would be more than enough in that case.;)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

As ever his first line contradicts him.;)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I have been drawing attention to the steadily reducing number of programmes on linear TV that were new and worth watching. There are some gems still in there, amongst many, many hours of dross on countless channels.

I make a bit of a local industry here in finding them, but not many people do. People simply cannot find them, and reduce to the inefficient selection method of channel hopping.

Pay TV is worst of all, in my opinion. Considering what they are charging, it's nothing short of scandalous that good programmes are so hard to find when you have to fork out for a subscription.

We were discussing the capacity of each V6 box being about 120 hours of HD recordings. That means if you record just seven series each of 16 programmes, that's your allowance practically used up. That is not good enough, although if you could bookmark with confidence that your programmes would remain on the system for at least two years, that would be a much better alternative.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

You couldn’t find that content on demand, or on streaming services?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I'm pretty sure people don't struggle like you seem to suggest they do.

I can't talk about V6 but with Sky Q it's pretty easy to find something to watch across linear and On Demand in fact these days its near impossible to miss things I'd say content discovery has never been as easy.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

This is the future. The days of hard disc drives will soon fade. Future tech, and hopefully enhanced versions of Liberty's own Horizon enabled boxes will fully embrace recordings to the cloud, with more and more content becoming available on demand and streaming. I can also see VM pushing an enhanced rebooted Virgin TV Go app soon to highlight this. As I alluded to earlier, can you really see 200+ linear tv channels in 5 or 10 years, still duplicating schedules with endless repeats of NCIS?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Not all of it, and not necessarily in a satisfactory way. For example, with Now TV, you are given only limited time periods in which to watch the content, as those who were trying to catch up with Game of Thrones discovered to their annoyance.

If they all operated more like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and were accessible on the one TV box, that would pretty well clinch it for me. However, in the meantime, I have to take account of my wife's views and she cannot navigate between different streaming services unless they are on the V6 and I can bookmark her favourite programmes. That's just the way it is. Sky and the way their Now TV streamer works is the main stumbling block for us.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Ah anything to have a pot shot at Sky. As you'll know, HBO would be selling box sets of GoT, therefore it'd be counter-intuitive to release it for an unlimited period to any streaming service not just Sky.

I'm sure those who enjoyed Friends on Netflix, until it disappeared with almost no notice, would object to your portrayal of an Amazon/Netflix utopia where content doesn't simply disappear.

---------- Post added at 20:24 ---------- Previous post was at 20:19 ----------

Hopefully.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Netflix take plenty of content off every month.

https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/lea...n-august-2020/

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Ouch.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?i=instant...=1&ref=sr_pg_1

And let’s not forget all that content that stays on Amazon fore....oh wait.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Welcome to the future... it’s much like the present.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed

(William Gibson, 1992)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I love that quote. I must re-read some of his books.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Stuff that's been on there a good while, yes. But they don't give you just a couple of months to watch it and then take it off again. I have never been caught out once on the other streamers I use.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

But by your own admission you watch Netflix Originals no wonder they are on a long time and don't expire that said its the exact same with Sky Originals.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Subjective nonsense. Sky routinely advertise Game of Thrones availability.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I know black is white in your world, jfman, but I can assure you that programmes are taken off regularly on Now TV. I think they tend to do this when they are repeating the shows on the Sky Atlantic channel.

I can see why they do that, but it is extremely irritating for viewers, who then have to prioritise watching stuff to the end of the series quicker than they might like, just to ensure they don't miss any episodes. Now TV really is the worst of the streamers for doing this. Considering how much they charge for Now TV (practically double the Netflix and Amazon subscriptions just for the entertainment pack), I find this practice objectionable.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Now TV and Sky TV Originals have long availability the same as Netflix Originals the third party on Sky has shorter dates just the same as third party content on Netflix and Amazon.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

im fairly sure the tivo v6 doesnt support wireless headphone support? my tv is about 10 years old and i've never been able to get headphone support either. will the horizon provide it?

its 2020 and i saw frasiers dad have the ability to watch tv on headphones back in 1995...any suggestions? fed up of being told to turn the tv down and my samsung tv from 2009 only has hdmi ports which are filled up by my ps4 and tivo box!

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

There's an audio output socket on the back of the V6.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Yup. I've got wireless set of headphones with the base station connected via optical to the V6.

It means that if any individual in the room can't hear they simply lift the headphones off the base station and adjust the volume on the headphone.

It also means they can come down in the middle of the night, when they can't sleep, mute the TV and sit there listening to the audio from the V6.

To be clear Vince, I'm not talking about Bluetooth wireless headphones you'd use with a mobile phone or the like. I mean a pair that needs a base station, one that has various connections, you need one with optical.

A possible alternative is a soundbar, there may be models that output Bluetooth wireless, there are certainly many that have it an an input connection. I'm not that knowledgeable about soundbars, I don't have one, so someone else will have to help.

To clarify, the headphones are connected to the V6, not the TV. My TV does have optical, but I don't use it.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

You don't need optical. There's a jack socket too

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

So there is. :blush: Ooops.

Pesky tiny thing... :D :dunce:

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Pity there is no option for Bluetooth headphones

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Observably true except to those who close their eyes.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Coming soon to Virgin TV, it seems.

https://advanced-television.com/2020...ils-green-stb/

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Not for you then as you are a streaming man...;)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Interesting. Reminds me of a roku or now tv box.
https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020...k-mini-tv-box/

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Not to be pedantic, Den. This is the answer to all Old Boy's problems. The device has no tuner of it's own - it only 'streams' from the main STB. He can go to a 100% streaming future without losing linear television.

;)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

This IS the new receiver box and does not stream from a main STB.
https://translate.googleusercontent....dQUj2ERyuW-7IA

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Yes, the articles didn't seem to suggest it was a multiroom box but more reminiscent of something like Comcast's Xfinity Flex... primarily a streaming device but also able to carry linear channel packages over IP.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Which would enable VM to sell their TV offering to non cabled areas??

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

A step up from the VM-branded Freeview box many, many years ago. ;)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

That is a new receiver box, IP driven streamer, but not the multiroom mini box which is currently available in Eire and may become available in the UK which is cable connected.

---------- Post added at 23:20 ---------- Previous post was at 23:04 ----------

Here’s the MultiRoom mini:
https://www.virginmedia.ie/virgintv3...-room-viewing/

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Honestly I’d doubt it - for Virgin, broadband is the product and tv is there to help drive that primary product... would Virgin TV as an IP proposition be attractive and significant enough without their broadband product? Personally I’m not convinced.

I’d more inclined to think (and this is just an opinion) streaming bundles are something they would tie into the mobile space when they align closer to O2.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Yeah, yeah.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

The Anywhere app they mentioned in that link sounds like a combination of the UK TV Control and Go apps. Wonder if UK operation is combining them in the future.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Yes, single app.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I think they'll be combing them into the Go app over here. This was a quote on the email sent to UK testers: "Or stream, control and manage your recordings with our free, supercharged, Virgin TV Go app"

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Is anyone further forward on finding out if the invites/emails are getting fixed or are fixed to sign up for the offer?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

It still is not working for me as that is all l can tell you.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I know they've changed the wording on the link it sends you to from saying you aren't eligible to something is wrong and we'll be in contact.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

It's not expected to be properly fixed until next week, but some people are managing to sign up so it isn't totally broken.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Just to be fully sure, there is two different sign ups? One to register your interest and one where you've been invited to take up the offer, is that correct? If so which one have they been able to sign up to?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

People are managing to place orders. I don't know whether registering interest ever works.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

A little bit more info..
https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...or-launch.html
and
https://vimeo.com/450071880

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I've been able too this morning

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Can I ask how? Did you receive a third email or are you using the links in the older emails?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

There was an advert box at the top of my account.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

What did it say?

Re: Virgin TV Mini Box and Horizon 4 V6
 

Is that the finished look on the YouTube video ?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I had a pop-up in My Virgin Media last night and managed to register my interest, so appears be working now.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

The email link still doesn’t work, I did receive the pop up when I logged into my account though.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Why do you think the V6 boxes won't be updated to Horizon?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Same here.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

There's been rumours. They are probably partly based on this trial supposedly involving giving those on it a new box rather than a software upgrade to their existing box.

Possible they've had difficulty upgrading V6 boxes and keeping existing settings and recordings, so rather than annoy all their customers they decided on new hardware only. Customers would expect to lose recordings moving on to new equipment, so there wouldn't be the bad customer relations with implementing it that way.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

They'll probably recycle the boxes from people taking the new service by upgrading them to Horizon 4 and re-issuing them. Horizon also needs a new remote (it has voice control and doesn't use the current remote).

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I've no interest in voice control so they can save their money, the current remote will do.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Many do use it though hence why its included.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I don't doubt it, I just don't want them to get carried away and think it's the be all and end all of all future TV control. :)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Maybe in 15 years or so... :)

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

When they beam it straight into your brain with lasers. :D

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

The current remote won’t do.
The Horizon interface and remote is completely different from the TiVo interface and remote.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

So it doesn't use UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT/OK and numbers?

Worrying. :D

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

..

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

No Netflix and Amazon Prime buttons? Shame.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I will miss the Tivo style remote, (if I take Horizon) It feels good in your hand, the one above looks so flat. Reminds me of the old Virgin TV black box ones.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

No but with a user profile, you could easily set say a press of 1 to take you directly to Netflix.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Thanks for the the remote buttons picture RobboEdin. I like the "contextual" one. And the "input" one is useful, saves keeping the manufacturer one handy. Any indication if it's Bluetooth or RF?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Or just say Netflix into the remote I presume , that's the way I open it the quickest with the Q voice control.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

No pressing 1 requires no speaking. Pressing the voice button requires you to say Netflix, have it interpreted and then open the app. Single button press, no speaking for me.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I keep accidentally pressing the Netflix button on my Panasonic Blu-Ray remote control. It is really annoying.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Not used Horizon but voice is the fastest way I've found on Q and gets you in extremely fast , that said I do use voice a lot on my other devices such as Apple TV and Amazon Fire Stick.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Especially if you don't do Netflix:mad:

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Saying "Go forward 4 minutes" on SkyQ and "Skip 4 minutes" on Horizon - are super for the ITV ad breaks.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Thanks for the heads up :tu:

Thats one I've not actually tried.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Really? I hate the Tivo remote. The shape is really uncomfortable. I much prefer the original V+ remote, which thankfully still works (except for a few buttons that are only on the Tivo remote) for the V6.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

There is always the TV Control app which is as flat as your phone or tablet.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I think that the Tivo remote was designed to be placed face down.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

I had one of the first TiVo version 1 boxes in the country - as I recall the remote was the same shape then, but it was silver.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Got the latest email as the last one didn’t work.....

Oops! Something went wrong.

Sorry, we’re unable to change your package online.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Sadly you will have to phone up and as l know personally you can be waiting on the phone for ages until someone answers.

Why one is not allowed to change ones package online is beyond me as even their online chat tool is a waste of time as its never available.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

As this was mentioned incorrectly elsewhere - I can confirm that Amazon, Netflix and iPlayer UHD/HDR apps are all present.

But a low point for some is that you can only listen to live radio - no recordings and no EPG.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

So no BBC Sounds?

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

No - only Radioline.

It was implied to me that a lot more is to roll out.

Re: Virgin TV Horizon 4 V6
 

Give up.

Tried calling and all I get is fobbed off, spoke with a nice Scottish lady who said she would transfer me to the 360 team. I then get connected with an off shore call centre, funnily enough her system went down and she would call me back.

You can guess the rest :o: