Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Clearly not as it pre-dated the announcement that BT Group were buying ESPN's UK and Ireland channels. There is no way that the price hike could have been set at a level to cover the unquantified cost of renegotiated sports contracts. Unless the quality of the VM Crystal Ball has vastly improved.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

It's not difficult. Tivo is adding new customers to VM because of its functionality; the V+ isn't.

You invest in the things that are bringing in more revenue.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

This is partly true to but be honest but consider this possibility..

BT offer the sports package to VM at a rate of £16 per subscriber as an add on premium package. VM then asks for a discounted rate to make the package available to all XL customers. BT respond with, sure you can make the channel available to all XL customers but the rate of £16 per subscriber is not negotiable.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

It certainly is. TiVo will be subtracting customers from VM if people who don't want its functionality have to subsidise those that do.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Who said that was the case?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Personally, I think it will be a standalone package on VM and Sky and maybe included on BT to drive up BT's TV/Phone/BB packages takeup.

But as a potential counter to your argument, If BT insist on £16 and that price puts so many people off that hardly anyone subscribes, BT could be better off accepting a payment from VM of, say, £4 per XL customer. BT then have a guaranteed income from VM which could be more than a few people paying £16 per month, which will fluxuate monthly, assuming that it is a minimum 30 day contract like Sky Premium channels.

Haven't a clue what the real figures would be, just for example purposes.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

An idea mooted in post #1985.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Although the point of argument was to counter arguments such as the one you now suggest and we can run around in circles with this forever. ;)

The £16 figure was just an example anyway. There's no doubt that by discounting the product that BT would then get a guaranteed income stream, there's nothing wrong with that argument. But if they see their Sports Channels as a premium product, convincing them to offer it at a discount may not be as easy as it seems.

You put forward an argument of what if hardly anyone subscribes? but it's equally likely that sports fans will reach deeper into their pockets and subscribe. Their fault, but that is what they usually do. Unless BT offer it as a premium channel they won't know how many people will subscribe.

Keeping it as a premium channel with special offers on their own platform could drive users to that platform. Obviously one of the things they would wish to do after such a large investment.

In reality there could well be a compromise and BT could well agree to a discounted rate per subscriber for carriage on the XL pack. They could offer it for, say, £15.99 per subscriber. ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Not according to the poll on this thread, which is what prompted my original point.

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...pay-extra.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Yes, but I'll take that with a pinch of salt as any survey on a forum isn't a random sample of the population and would be statistically inaccurate.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

It gives you an idea though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Forums such as this attract a membership more likely to express dissatisfaction than average subscribers, so it doesn't give a very good idea.

That said, 26% say they either will take, or will consider taking BT Sports, depending on the price. That is 26% of the 142 people who have voted so far, not even of the board as a whole.

I don't know the percentage of VM subscribers currently paying for Sky Sports, but that's what it needs to be compared with. Yeah, even on a forum where members generally express dissatisfaction there are 26% saying they may actually dig deeper into their pockets. Interesting....

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

If Sky Sports flat rate on Sky is £21.00 (plus £5.25 for HD come April) why are we paying £25.75 (plus £7 HD)?

Is the £6.50 for the privilege of having 4 channels only in SD and the red button not being recordable?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

To have Sky Sports in HD on Sky still costs £10.25 , as you must take an entertainment package , Entertainment Extra + costs £5.00 extra for HD adding Sky Sports/Movies in HD is a further £5.25.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

So you can't take Sky Sports HD without everything else HD (in april)?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

What BT charge VM is one thing, but I would not have thought they would be dictating to VM how they include BT Sports in VM's package.

VM may well decide to provide BT Sports on the same basis as ESPN and reallocate the remaining costs within the business.

I believe the recent price hike does have something to do with the increased cost of football rights and that they would have anticipated having to pay rather more as a result (even if ESPN had retained these rights). Whilst they may not have known exactly what the content provider would be charging when they set the price increase, they would have had a pretty good idea.

Why else would they have put prices up by this amount?

Unless it's for Sky Atlantic, of course... :shrug:

---------- Post added at 12:42 ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 ----------

Fair point, JustaBloke. However, I suspect that VM will drop the additional charge for the TIVO box in due course as the V+ is phased out.

The added facilities on the TIVO box could be used to encourage other subscribers over. Although non TIVO box subscribers with the V and V-HD boxes would be at a disadvantage if an ESPN type deal were not to be forthcoming with BT Sports, and Netflix replaced it, we all need to bear in mind that there is no guarantee anything will replace ESPN or indeed that we will get a price reduction.

I am sure there must be a cost to VM to provide apps such as You Tube, which will be part and parcel of the pricing structure, but all TV subscribers will be contributing to that, not just TIVO users. The Netflix arrangement I have described would follow the same principle.

---------- Post added at 12:45 ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 ----------

I agree, Passingbat. I don't watch ESPN either yet I've been paying it ever since the deal was done as part of my package. It's just the way it works and in the end, it ensures that everyone has maximum choice at a price they can afford.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Someone has mentionsed on this thread that they get STVHD and will delighted if they could get ITVHD, l didn't think we could get STV in the first place am l right or wrong.

I would love to get STV on VM in London.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Yes we certainly do get STVHD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

There's no prospect of the TiVo payment ending.

The removal of ESPN from XL is an entirely separate matter. We will all decide on how we want to spend our money on TV packages when we know the facts at the time.

VM don't develop Netflix apps, Netflix do. Netflix receives a subscription, YouTube makes money from advertising and is introducing PPV. They will be paying VM for access to all those TiVo owners.

The reality is that either Netflix has decided it doesn't want to sell it's content on TiVo or the time isn't right yet. Either way, throwing other people's money at them, won't help.

But I say again, not that your scheme has any basis in reality, but if it did, the ONLY fair way to fund the development of an app that was only of any use to TiVo users is by adding to the monthly TiVo charge.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

You don't know that. Once enough people have the TIVO, I can't see why they would need to charge extra for it. They are not charging extra for the V+, so why would the TIVO charge remain once VM's set up costs have been met?

---------- Post added at 13:41 ---------- Previous post was at 13:39 ----------

No, it's not a separate matter actually, although I accept you may want to look at it this way. Cross subsidisation is not a new concept.

---------- Post added at 13:47 ---------- Previous post was at 13:41 ----------

I don't know who pays whom for access. I thought that VM would have to pay the supplier, charge the customer on behalf of Netflix and take its cut from the subscription discount through the wholesale price.

In my view, the strategy for VM should be to make as much content available to its customers as possible, which would be a good unique selling point against Sky.

I understand the point you make about the charges for the TIVO applications being made only to TIVO customers, but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. As for fairness - life isn't fair, I'm afraid.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

IMO I do not think you will see Netflix or Love film on the Virgin Network as they are in direct competition with VM products. If people really want it there are so many other ways to get them that it should not be a problem.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Media Boy, hpw do we get STV HD in London ?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

The TiVo charge is the money you pay TiVo inc (via VM) for all that added functionality that you want. It is the basis of TiVo inc. business model all over the world with partners in each territory. It is not something that VM can stop charging even if it wants to, or your box will get turned off.

It is an entirely separate matter. Cross subsidisation is fine in terms of channel bouquets, but forcing people to subsidise products that they have chosen not to subscribe to is not. Let me put it to you another way. You said you're not interested in sport, so I assume you don't subscribe to Sky Sports. Assuming you don't, when sky put the price of SS up by (say) £3 in the future, wouldn't it be fairest if all TV customers were charged an extra 50p each instead? Of course it wouldn't, the people who have chosen not to take SS would be up in arms. TiVo is just another premium product like SS or Sky Movies. It has it's own charge for it's own customers.

---------- Post added at 14:16 ---------- Previous post was at 14:13 ----------

You'd need to be on a Scottish headend. So you cant, sadly.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

In my view, the sooner that VM get rid of legacy boxes, such as the V+, the better. The Tivo fee will become part of the overall pricing in the same way that the HD cost is built into the overall pricing. VM have started to do this with the new Collections they launched a while ago.

VM have said that they want to move everyone over to Tivo. They can then move to Mpeg4 which will give us increased recording capacity. For people who don't want a PVR, I believe that the V HD box can handle Mpeg4.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

No only Scottish channels that broadcast in London are BBC One Scotland, BBC Alba and BBC Radio Scotland.

STV do not even broadcast outside Scotland on other networks.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

But they don't need to dictate that, they only need to set the price at a level where it would be uneconomical for VM to consider adding BT Sports to the XL package. Just as it would be uneconomical to add Sky Sports to the XL package.

Not if BT set the price at a level where it would be uneconomical to do this. It didn't really matter to ESPN, as long as they got the cash it didn't matter which VM package the channels were in. The situation is different for BT, they have their own fledgeling platform to protect. It would be a very bad move to make their sports channels available to a competitor in an attractively priced package when they need to get new subscribers on their own platform.

Yes, that's what you and many sports fans would like to believe.

They put prices up every year and many subscribers avoid or mitigate the price rise with a retentions deal. The price rise wasn't that large, perhaps it was just to give them extra negotiating power to get the additional channels they have recently added to the platform.

There are also several additional HD channels reported to be joining shortly. It would be interesting to know why they haven't been added at the same time as the SD channels. Could VM possibly be holding these back to sweeten the blow should the XL package lose the ESPN channels???

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I don't think that they are in Direct competition, though there is a little overlap.

Netflix and Lovefilm do both TV shows and film, and the films are generally older or newer, non premium titles. VM's PPV film service is only for films and it has the advantage over Lovefilm and Netflix in that newer, premium titles are available.

And, of course, Cindy Rose said that they could happily co-exist, and she never says anything that isn't true... ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Yes the hundreds of apps speech springs to mind.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

It would be great for England and Scotland to both have ITVHD and STVHD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Exactly, and why I said previously that I think that BT sports will be a stand alone package.

---------- Post added at 14:51 ---------- Previous post was at 14:50 ----------

Our minds were on the same 'Cindy moment'. :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

And if it is to be at a rumoured £15 then thats a no no :nono::nono: for many of us.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I agree with the move to Mpeg4 but don't want any of that TiVo nonsense (to me). My dream box would be a V+ type affair with an Mpeg4 CoDec and a 500GB drive. Maybe the third tuner recording, but not neccessary. Nothing more.

This sort of offering would allow the network to move forward because I for one, and I suspect there are others too, would never pay an additional subscription for the functionality that TiVo offers, no matter how much they try to hide it.

But I can't see that being offered so I'll continue to use my Sammy V+ until such time as they try to force me into a TiVo and then I'll leave, not to be missed by anyone. :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Indeed, I also think that would seem to be the most likely outcome.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

She was promoting the App store:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Unfortunately, the ITV Network sells advertising regionally so they don't like making other regions readily available.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Now devil promoting something is one thing but talking a load of bull is another.:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Come on now, we've got BBC iPlayer, an Ariel advert, an ESPN America advert, a music streaming service where you can't actually search and some of the worst games ever seen.

She obviously just missed off the prefix lumps of cr when talking about these app(s).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

There MOD Search is on V+ Menu systems whereas tivo has the Music on demand Search app. You can find it in the Home > Search or in Home > Apps > All > Music on demand.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Ah that Cindy moment again , I bet she regrets ever saying that and lot else besides.
I also think that VM would require a carriage fee, which I cannot see why either Love Film or Netflix would want to pay, when they have so many avenues to get the product to the consumer. I have access to it through, Tablet, laptop, Xbox 360, Smart bluray player. I rest my case.;)
The VHD box is supposed to be TiVo and mpeg 4 compliant.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I was referring to Spotify, as VMoD is very limited.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Whats so wrong with the TIVO System? Not enough for you to leave surely.

I find Tivo much better than those old Crappy V+ Plus boxes give me tivo boxes any day!

In regards v+ yes one day they will be gone too theres possibilies of another Set top box with the merger of liberty global.

With tivo the menus are a bit clunky but managable -- nothing will be perfect, even after 10+ years in the business.

Set up your series links and the system records all your programs with ease and you dont need to set it up every time a series starts either, some times you can adjust it to make it record earlier and record later. theres a limitations until dynamic EPG and MPEG 4 is in place but theres always pros and cons with these too.

Plus with virgin creating its online tv anywhere i wouldn't be surprised if it enabled Tivo video streaming straight onto your pc anywhere , anyplace in the world just from one step from the browser.;);)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I agree with the majority of your points here , I have experience of using V+ , Sky+HD , TIVO and the BT Vision box and my conclusions on TIVO are as follows ,

Plus Points
Clash management , Wishlists , three recordable tuners , excellent search feature , remote app.

Minus Points
Menu speed , OD screens a little convoluted , app selection poor.

Basically if I was still a VM customer there's only one box I'd choose and it certainly wouldn't be V+ the EPG is now looking really dated in my opinion and the TIVO offers far more including increased recording capacity.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

It's all about opinion. I respect yours. But I have used TiVo a lot and If I had one, the first thing I'd do is turn off most of it's functionality like wish lists, suggested programmes etc. I don't want any of that chaff. I just want something to record Corrie while I watch the football so I don't have to faff about with ITV Player etc.

So given that I'd nobble it down to being a high capacity V+ box, why would I want to donate £5 a month to TiVo Inc. to use it?

As for the criticisms of the V+ EPG. I suppose they are dated, but for me they work fine and do everything I want, except I'd like to order channels into my own custom order (eg replacing 101 with 108 etc) but you can't do that on TiVo either.

As I said it's about opinion. In mine the V+ is a better box than TiVo for my needs given the costs of running them. I love the latest tech and have a house full of it, but I don't blindly buy things if I'm not going to use them.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

If l am not wrong, BT will have THREE channels, l reckon that VM will charge £5.00 per month.

UNLESS, VM run just TWO BT Sports channels and give it FREE

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Well we shall see what happens as none of us know how Virgin will price it Arthur.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

In what world does BT give Virgin their ace in the hole for free.

We'll be lucky if its a tenner a month, the previous suggestions of £12-£15 seem more likely given the addition of ESPN America.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

The £5.00 fee goes to the programmers at Tivo inc. that fee is low considering the americans pay for the boxes $299 - (lucky ours is a fee of £50 - £100) and then pay a higher fee than we do $14.99 or a once lifetime fee $499 ;)

you can custom order your channels using the favorites which tivo has. why would you "Faff" with ITV Player when you can Record Corrie and record football and then watch something else! theres a or 500GB or 1TB Of storage and you dont need delete it when you've watched tivo will delete when it needs it.

---------- Post added at 18:27 ---------- Previous post was at 18:17 ----------

spotify with virgin, its a spot too far!:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

"Record football"??? Not watch it live? What an absurd idea!!! (to me) :p:

That's the very point that divides us. Having watched the live sport and recorded anything I'm missing, I have no need whatsoever of any more functionality than that. None. Nader, Bugger all, etc.

And that thought of TiVo deciding to delete things is abhorrent. I'd soon turn that off.

As a guide. I only have 160GB on my V+. It rarely goes below 60% free.

I do feel a little guilty that this TiVo/V+ debate is hijacking the Coming Soon thread. I sense people trying to overcome objections and sell it to me. I'm very familiar with it, I know what it does, but such trivia (to me) that "You only have to set your series links up once" or the current TV advert which embarrassingly headlines on "You can recover something you (foolishly) deleted" are the answers to problems I've just never experienced.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Bulls- :erm: ...........are in my back garden. ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

thats nice too know, guess whos probably having steak tomorrow night!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I can see STV Group pulling out of channel 3 by 2016 if they win Local TV rights to Ayr, Dundee and Inverness.

STV Group will I think then sell Channel 3 to ITV plc to become know as ITV Scotland.

http://www.a516digital.com/2013/01/l...nother-29.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I wonder what will happen to the Scottish TV landscape should Scotland go independant next year?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I don't see that happening to be honest, the ITV Network regions still generate a substantial amount of cash for the licence holders and STV, as a company, is there to make a profit. The local tv franchises cover relatively small service areas and are unlikely to make a large profit, if any profit at all. They would work better as not for profit operations.

Also, there's no guarantee that STV will bid for or be granted any further licences.

There was always going to be a second phase of local tv locations and if you look further back through Ofcom documents, there were also other areas identified for local tv which haven't even been included in the second phase.

If DTT is cleared from the 700 MHz range (for 4G / 5G mobile data), there are currently no suggestioned frequency allocations for local tv. The Arqiva documents only looked at the PSB and COM multiplexes. With no guaranteed lifespan after the initial licence term, I can't see STV gambling with their future on local tv franchises.

---------- Post added at 00:18 ---------- Previous post was at 00:11 ----------

Should it become independent, it should be relatively simple for BBC Scotland and STV to break away from the UK. The ITV Border region would be a major headache.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

chill out people i'm sure virgin will have something up there sleeve regarding ESPN leaving the xl package there was always a chance this could have happened when the football tv packages are up for bidding. So weather it is more HD channels ,BT sports or even Sky atlantic i am sure they have been ready for this so lets wait and see what happens. I am excited by this takeover as maybe more money will be invested into more channels and on demand so be patience guys

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Re: BT Sport. OK so we don't know how VM will play this price wise but here's my take on it. VM will simply have to look at the money BT want for the channel/s and weigh it against the amount of people who may leave XL because "free" ESPN is going.

If the amount of money they loose through exodus from XL they may feel it better to swallow up the BT costs and give it to XL free or if it doesn;t then we'll have to pay extra. They may even decide to err on the side of caution and charge an extra couple of quid a month and suck up the rest themselves.

With Liberty Media on the horizon they may have some extra cash to throw about.

Anyone have any ideas when we may find out?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

We might not find out till July if we go by the dates when ESPN did their deal with VM in 2009.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Why would STV sell when they are making a profit and concentrate on Local TV, which as far as I know, hasn't yet been made profitable (see Guardian Group / Channel M)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Are they???

In their 2012 results STV reveal that STV have got £45.3m of net debt.

So that why I was thinking 'If they sold Channel 3 to ITV plc' for.

http://www.londonstockexchange.com/e...entId=11494528

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

A company can be profitable even though they have debt. In 2012 they made a pre-tax profit of £14.4 million.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Severely doubt STV will abandon their high profile platform in Scotland for the risky business of local tv alone.

There is no chance things will be affected by the independence vote in Scotland as that is almost certainly going to be heavily defeated.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

STV is only ITV but not using the name.

STV only broadcast about 5 hours of local TV per week (STV News & Scotland Tonight)

All the rest comes from ITV plc.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Just Been Confirmed By Sky 1 Brand New American Drama Revolution Starts on Friday 29th March 2013 at 9pm With a Double Bill on Sky 1 Co Created By JJ Abrams (LOST, Fringe & Alias) & Eric Kripke (Surpernatural).

http://www.tvwise.co.uk/2013/03/sky1...or-revolution/

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media to add some new Channels - should launch on Thursday.

I can now reveal that the following channels should launch on Thursday on Virgin Media:

Channels to launch:
-ITV2 HD to launch on Virgin Channel 176 on the XL Package.
-ITV3 HD to launch on Virgin Channel 177 on the XL Package.
-ITV4 HD to launch on Virgin Channel 178 on the XL Package.

-No word yet on when E! HD, Universal HD and Animal Planet HD will launch on Virgin Media.

NOTE: I do not work for Virgin Media so all the information on this post is still subject to change.

©copyright 2013 Media Boy 2006 - 2013. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

good news keep up great work MB :):)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

WooHoo! The Holy Grail at last! thanks for the info MB :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

That's the best news I've heard on this thread in a long time. Only Sky Atlantic to add now as far as I'm concerned. Well done VM!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I agree heavyside, only Sky Atlantic (even in SD) to go :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

They have an operating profit with debt reducing year on year. It really depends what the debt was used for, debt can be used to fund investment to increase or maintain profitability. I wouldn't say there's anything in those figures that would suggest that STV would want to offload their ITV regional franchises.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Yippee ki-yay :hyper:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

It is still part of the ITV Network contributing content to the network as well as its own regional content.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

March List update due to new channel launching this week.

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

NOTE: I do not work for Virgin Media so all the information on this list is subject to change.

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News and links.
Media Boy = Other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Rumour to be Launching very soon ===
-Animal Planet HD will launch on Virgin Channel 217 on the XL Pack Soon.
-E! Entertainment HD to launch on Virgin Media soon.
-Universal HD to launch on Virgin Media soon.

=== March ===
6th. Style will launch on Virgin Channel 285 today.
7th. ITV2 HD will launch on Virgin Channel 176 today.
7th. ITV3 HD will launch on Virgin Channel 177 today.
7th. ITV4 HD will launch on Virgin Channel 178 today.
26th. The BBC will rebrand BBC HD as BBC Two HD on Virgin Channel 187.
28th. Sky Movies Classics to close on Virgin Channel 411 today.
28th. Sky Movies Indies to close on Virgin Channel 412 today.
28th. Sky Movies Classics HD to close on Virgin Channel 441 today.
28th. Sky Movies Indies HD to close on Virgin Channel 442 today.
28th. Disney Cinemagic to close on Virgin Channel 728 today.
28th. Sky Movies Disney to launch on Virgin Channel 4?? today.
28th. Sky Movies Select to launch on Virgin Channel 4?? today.
28th. Sky Movies Disney HD to launch on Virgin Channel 4?? today.
28th. Sky Movies Select HD to launch on Virgin Channel 4?? today.
28th. Sky Movies are to rebrand both Sky Movies Modern Greats and Sky Movies Modern Greats HD as Sky Movies Greats and Sky Movies Greats HD on Virgin Channels 4?? and 4?? today.

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

=== May ===
22nd. The Competition Commission will publish its final report by today on the Global Radio & GMG Radio takeover.

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

=== By end of June ===
-Liberty Global hope to close the transaction of Virgin Media.

=== July ===
31st. BT will takeover ESPN, ESPN HD and ESPN America on Virgin Channels 529, 530 and 531 from Today.
31st. ESPN to close ESPN Classic on Virgin Channel 533 by Today.

=== Summer ===
-FT.com says BT and Virgin Media are in talks over up to THREE BT Sports Channels launching on Virgin Media.

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

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

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

=== November ===
-Made in Leeds will launch on Virgin Media sometime this month.

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

=== By 2015 ===
-RTE Radio and WRN Radio will be axe in old Telewest areas or added to all areas of Virgin Media.

=== Unknown dates ===
-'Seven' will be rebranded as Lincolnshire Living on Virgin Channel 879 (Grimsby & Scunthorpe only).
-I have been told that Virgin Media are in talks with Sky to carry 'Sky Atlantic SD', 'Sky News HD' and 'Sky Sports News HD'.
-Local TV may launch on Virgin TV in some areas in Virgin Channels 600 mark (Starting in Late 2013).
-The BBC to axe BBC Radio 4 LW on Virgin Channel 911 ''in the long term''.
-Discovery to replace Travel and Living with TLC on Virgin Channel 275.
-UKTV on Demand may also launch on Virgin on Demand.
-Channel 4's ''4oD'' will offer HD content.
-Smooth fm (Smooth Radio) may get close or rebranded on Virgin Channel 916.
-Fashion One 'In talks with Virgin Media'.
-Sony Movies may launch soon on Virgin Media.

=== Channels THAT still to appear in all areas ===
List was last updated on December 1st 2010.

NO. Channel Name
917. Radio: RTE Radio
920. Radio: WRN Europe

NOTE: Channels are only broadcasting in Ex-Telewest areas right now.

=== Media Boy Extra info: ===
Media Boy Blog - For all things Virgin TV - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
See Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/
Latest news on Freeview - http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...l#post35353580

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Last updated March 9th 2012.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: I get all my info from Virgin Media viewers and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''RTE RADIO'' OR ''WRN RADIO'' FOR?
A: RTE Radio and WRN Radio do not broadcast in Ex-ntl and Ex-Cable & Wireless areas - yet.

==== Virgin Media's Deals with broadcasters ===
List last updated on March 5th 2013.

Welcome to the all new look of this part of the list.

When deals with broadcasters run out Virgin Media need to sign new one to keep that Channel on Virgin TV.
Here is an list of channel that Virgin may get when they old deal runs out with that broadcaster:
Also Radio channels are broadcasting on Digital Radio via Freesat, Freeview, Freesat from Sky or Sky.

NOTE: Shopping Channels are not on this list and only Broadcasts who has got some Channels broadcasting on Virgin Media right now appeared on this list. To start broadcasting soon = That channel has still to start broadcasting on Sky, Freesat or Freeview.

=== TV and Radio Channels: ===
=== Own by A+E Networks UK (A&E Television Networks/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-Bio. +1
-Crime & Investigation Network HD
-Crime & Investigation Network +1
-HISTORY HD
-HISTORY +1
-Lifetime (May launch in 2013.)

=== Own by ARY Group ===
-ARY Qtv
-ARY Oneworld
-ARY Entertainment

=== Own by BET International Inc (Viacom) ===
-BET: Black Ent Tv
-BET: Black Ent Tv +1

=== Own by British Sky Broadcasting ===
-Pick TV +1
-Sky1 +1
-Sky 3D
-Sky Atlantic
-Sky Atlantic +1
-Sky Atlantic HD
-Sky News HD
-Sky Sports F1 HD
-Sky Sports 3 HD
-Sky Sports 4 HD
-Sky Sports News HD

=== Own by British Telecommunications Plc ===
-BT Sports 1 (To launch in UK and Ireland in Summer 2013.)
-BT Sports 1 HD (To launch in UK and Ireland in Summer 2013.)
-BT Sports 2 (To launch in UK and Ireland in Summer 2013.)
-BT Sports 2 HD (To launch in UK and Ireland in Summer 2013.)
-ESPN America HD (Will be owned by BT from August 1st 2013)
-Sailing 1
-Sailing 2

=== Own by CBS Chellozone UK Channels Partnership ===
-CBS Reality +1
-Horror +1

=== Own by Channel Four Television Corporation ===
-More 4 HD

=== Own by CSC Media Group ===
-Bliss
-BuzMuzik
-Chart Show TV
-Chart Show TV Dance
-Flava
-Kix!
-POP
-Pop Girl
-Pop Girl +1
-Scuzz
-The Vault
-Tiny Pop +1

=== Own by Discovery Networks Western Europe ===
-DMAX +2

=== Own by Disney-ABC Television Group ===
-Disney Channel HD
-Disney Cinemagic HD - Channel to close on March 28th.
-Disney Cinemagic +1 - Channel to close on March 28th.
-Disney Junior +
-Disney Junior HD - Channel to launch in April.
-Disney XD HD

=== Own by Entertainment Networks (UK) Limited (Sony Pictures Television) ===
-More Than Movies
-More Than Movies +1
-Movies 4 Men
-Movies 4 Men +1

=== Own by ESPN Inc. (until July 31st 2013) ===
-ESPN America HD

=== Own by Fox International Channels (News Corporation) ===
-FOX +1

=== Own by Global Radio ===
-Capital FM TV
-Heart FM TV

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd (ITV plc) ===
-ITV2 HD*
-ITV3 HD*
-ITV4 HD*

*ALL CHANNELS OWN BY ITV DIGITAL CHANNELS LTD (ITV PLC) ALL MAY LAUNCH ON VIRIGN MEDIA ON MARCH 7TH 2013.

=== Own by Moving Movies Ltd. (CSC Media Group) ===
-True Entertainment +1
-True Movies 2

=== Own by MTV Networks Europe ===
-MTV CLASSIC
-MTV HD
-MTV LIVE
-MTV MUSIC
-MTV +1

=== Own by Multi Screen Media (Sony Pictures Television) ===
-Sahara One

=== Own by NGC-UK Partnership (National Geographic Society/Fox International Channels) ===
-Nat Wild HD

=== Own by Nickelodeon UK (MTV Networks Europe/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-Nickelodeon HD
-Nick Jr. +1

=== Own by Paramount UK Partnership (Paramount British Pictures/British Sky Broadcasting) ===
-Comedy Central Extra +1

=== Own by Premier Media ===
-Premier Sports
-Premier Sports Xtra

=== Own by Radio TelefÃ*s Éireann ===
-RTÉ 2fm
-RTÉ lyric fm
-RTÉ Radio 1 (Broadcasts in Ex-Telewest areas right now).
-RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

=== Own by Real & Smooth Ltd [Was GMG Radio] (Global Radio) ===
-Real Radio Wales
-Smooth 70s

=== Own by Scripps Networks Interactive ===
-Food Network
-Food Network +1
-Travel Channel
-Travel Channel +1

=== Own by Sony Pictures Television ===
-Sony Entertainment Television +1
-Sony Movie Channel
-Sony Movie Channel +1

=== Own by STAR TV (News Corporation) ===
-STAR Jalsha
-STAR Plus HD

=== Own by Sunrise Radio Group ===
-Kismat Radio
-Punjabi Radio

=== Own by TIML Radio Limited ===
-Absolute 90s

=== Own by United Christian Broadcasters ===
-UCB TV
-UCB Bible
-UCB Gospel
-UCB Inspiration
-UCB Ireland

=== Own by Universal Networks International ===
-E! HD**
-The Style Network**
-Universal Channel HD**

**ALL CHANNELS OWN BY UNIVERSAL NETWORKS INTERNATIONAL ALL MAY LAUNCH ON VIRIGN MEDIA SOON.

=== Own by Zee Entertainment Enterprises ===
-ZEE Café
-Zing

==== See you later ===
List last updated on March 5th 2013.

Next update: April 1st - unless:
A) If Virgin are set to launch more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) on Virgin TV.
B) If Virgin are set to move more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) about on Virgin TV.
C) If Virgin are set to close or repackage more then TWO channels (TV or Radio ) on Virgin TV.

Did I miss anything??? If I did tell me and it will appear on the next update.

©copyright 2013 Media Boy 2006 - 2013. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

When Technix announced the channel numbers for ITV HD channels, in response to my question on Digital Spy a while ago, he indicated that the other channels you mention had been held back because the ITV channels were due to be added first.

So, hopefully these channels will follow hot on the heels of the ITV HD channels. Things are really looking up on VM wrt HD content.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I know what Technix said I just put the HD Channels I listed in red on to stop posters asking 'When is Animal Planet HD coming?'

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Yes I know, that was very clear. I was just speculating that, if the ITV HD channels were the cause of the delay, the other channels could follow fairly quickly.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

They will probably arrive next week :Yes::Yes: along with Sky Atlantic ;) the week after.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

If the other ITV HD channels launch on Thursday, then it will be not before time. At last VM seem to be adding channels that their customers actually want, and a great day for them to launch because of football. :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

More good news from VM.:D:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Unless Sky Atlantic and More4 HD launch first. ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

ITV 4 in hd is a great addition. Chuffed.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Cheers MB, will look forward to more HD movies:-)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

That's good news. Does anyone know if the ITV 2,3,4 HD channels are proper HD or are they lower resolution and without 5.1 audio like ITV(1) HD?

I'm not complaining though, just interested. In time for the Europa League matches too! :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

But HD movies without 5.1 audio is a big let down, but out of VM's control. Does no one at ITV use surround sound?

I still want More4 HD; hoping it will come eventually.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

don't hold your breath for that one Den mate

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Well pigs do fly sometimes.;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

My prediction BT will have 2 channels branded with BT and one branded with ESPN: America.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

We get 5.1 DD on STV HD on programmes that are recorded in it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

So does that mean 5.1 will come to other ITV regions? Are STV part of ITV or a separate company?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

With all these hd channels, it is about time they ordered them correctly.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

ITV HD is flagged as 5.1 on freeview, isn't it the same on VM? I don't use surround sound, so can't easily tell.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Nothing is flagged as 5.1 on the Sky EPG for ITV HD , ITV 2,3,4 HD even newer content like 666 Park Avenue.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Ordering them in a way that suits everyone will be tricky.

---------- Post added at 19:37 ---------- Previous post was at 19:33 ----------

Being flagged as 5.1 on freeview only indicates that it is capable of surround sound. It doesn't actually mean they are using 5.1 content. It is progress though, ITV used to be flagged as 2.1.

Possibly coming soon????

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Result,just need universal HD to launch and one happy bunny :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

If rumours are true - Watch this space.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

This news is Great MB, but the EPG numbers are stupidly high maybe SD ITV4 should be on 178:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Like I said last week here is my ideal ITV Channel lineup:

116. ITV2 HD
117. ITV3
118. ITV3 HD
119. ITV4
120. ITV4 HD
174. ITV2 +1
175. ITV3 +1
176. ITV4 +1

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Seperate company, last I heard ITV were going to roll this out to all regions, not sure if any have been done. It was around 2011 they said this though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

I love to know who decides the VM EPG numbers, is it Bungle from Rainbow:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

For anybody who is a fan of Bungle here are his ten greatest moments.:D:D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NkRoBOiyw

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

We have not got them yet!:erm:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 

Thanks Den, I think Bungle is to intelligent and would not come up with these numbers, maybe it was Geoffery instead;):D