Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35322737)

Don't let anyone try and trick you, Virgin Media is the number 1 when it comes to providing content in the UK.

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35322751)

Just to clarify Tim, Catch-Up TV is a completely free service that is included in all of Virgins TV packages. I've just had a look at what is currently available and I must admit I'm very surprised. It's not until you step back and look properly at the Catch-Up service that you notice just how much stuff you get access too.

Each day Virgin makes available on average 140 programmes televised in the last 24 hours from BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC 3, BBC 4, BBC HD, BBC News, CBBC, ITV 2, ITV 3, ITV 4, CITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Channel 5 HD. In total that's 980 programmes that have been televised in the last 7 days at your finger tips.

Technically you do also get 7 day Catch-Up material from SKY Living and the FX channel too however this can be very limited. At the moment the only thing from FX is last nights episode of The Walking Dead.

If you want any more info regarding On Demand or Catch Up Tim, just let me know.

Originally Posted by passingbat (Post 35322748)

I'm no Sky fan but that isn't really true.

Catch up, is well, catchup; i.e., you could have watched it anyway. TV choice on demand, with some exceptions, again shows things that have previously been shown on a channel carried by VM.

Originally Posted by passingbat (Post 35322748)

Sky have some channels that show content that we can't currently see on VM, either on a linear channel or on demand. And some of it (Sky Atlantic) is award winning drama.

Originally Posted by passingbat (Post 35322748)

I think there can be no doubt that for the broadest range of content, Sky is king in the UK.

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35322767)

True but if you missed the programme, or you've never seen it before then it is brand new content to you personally. If you take the TiVo service, this will help you find even more new content you may never have seen before.



Again I can't argue. It really comes down to each individual viewer. Personally I am not a fan of American drama so missing channels like SKY Atlantic, CBS Action and CBS Drama are not an issue for me at all whatsoever. I like sport so ESPN being included in the XL package is a real bonus to me.



Again I can't disagree but when it comes to volume and choice of content Virgin is king. Virgin offer a service where you will ALWAYS be able to find something you want to watch regardless of what time of day it is. According to figures on BARB, Virgin do actually carry the top 30 most watched programmes outside your usual terrestrial TV. So whilst SKY might have a broad offering that doesn't mean it's of a high standard. Not 1 single programme from SKY Atlantic features in the top 30 list.

If you have the XL package with Virgin plus SKY Movies and SKY Sports, which is roughly 175 channels, plus 6500 hours of On Demand content, plus another 1000 worth of Catch Up programmes, plus TiVo recording all sorts of programmes you've never even seen before and you're still not satisfied I really don't think what SKY has to offer is going to satisfy you either.

This is just my personal opinion. The channels that Virgin don't carry, with the exception of BoxNation, are just not that important to me. Again each to their own however some of the viewing figures on BARB appear to confirm the channels we don't have on Virgin are not exactly big hitters:

http://www.barb.co.uk/report/weekly-viewing?_s=4

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35322777)

If HD really matters to you, stick with Sky, otherwise use Virgin Media.

Originally Posted by passingbat (Post 35322783)

I understand what you're saying, and the benefits of VM when coupled with Tivo, far outweigh Sky's extra content for me.

But there is a lot of 'Sky bashing' goes on, and for broadness of content shown, Sky beat VM. So, therefore, it can't be denied that Sky are the content kings.

For on demand and catchup, VM are king.

I very rarely use catchup and only occasionally use OD; with 3 recordable tuners and Wish Lists, I find that there is no need.

Originally Posted by LexDiamond (Post 35322797)

and a far superior PVR.

Originally Posted by devilincarnate (Post 35322799)

You mean the SA V+:D:D:D:D

Originally Posted by Tim Deegan (Post 35322775)

I have to agree with Chad.

If I have missed a program I have to watch it on catch up in my bedroom, because sky doesn't show it.

Also most of the channels on sky are complete rubbish, and aren't worth having anyway.

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35322777)

If HD really matters to you, stick with Sky, otherwise use Virgin Media.

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35322802)

If you can live without Sony Entertainment Television, ARY Qtv, ARY Oneworld, ARY Entertainment, ARY News, Sky Atlantic, CBS Action, CBS Drama, Bliss, Chart Show TV, Dance Nation TV, Flava, Kix!, POP, Pop Girl, Scuzz, The Vault, True Movies 2, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Absolute 90s, TCM 2, BET, MTV Classic, MTV Music, ZEE Café, Zing, NHK World HD, Russia Today, Movies4men, Movies4men2, Al Jazeera English, Fox News and France 24 you'll be fine with Virgin. I have left out all of the +1 channels and HD varients from this list plus all of the various religion and sales channels. These channels are perceived to be the "popular missing ones".

Also you can't yet get Premier Sports or BoxNation on Virgin.

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35322802)

Scuzz,