Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

If that's the case then obviously a new deal has been signed which hopefully will include the HD varients of some of Sky's channels.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

First of all Welcome Back.

You may know that ITV has launch an new channel called ITV Plus on Sky Channel 193. I think ITV may move they ITV +1 Channels around so that ITVBe can have ITV2 +1 channel number on Sky.

I also think ITV Encore will launch with an HD Channel so Sky may axe Sky Livingit channels for them to launch.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I wonder how many occasional Sky Sports viewers, like myself, find Now TV to be a better deal than simply subscribing each month to watch a few games of football. In addition, the quality on NowTV is better than the SD channels.

If Sky Sports 3HD and 4HD do come to VM, that might change things slightly - but the costs are still too high when you add Sky's HD option on top of the standard sub - for me anyhoo.

---------- Post added at 13:46 ---------- Previous post was at 13:32 ----------

Game changer...?

http://www.whathifi.com/news/new-fib...v-to-new-homes

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Not really

So not majorly different that current shared satellite installs, except it's using Fibre rather than co-ax.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Very interesting, I note that they said it was available to new build homes, why so?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Quite different. Can't get 300Mb broadband through a current satellite dish - shared or not.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

From what i got told the current VM network can handle upto 600mb.

Added.

In regard to History and Nat geowild i can see this happening as H2 and Nat geo are already in the TVL pack now according to VMs channel guide.
http://store.virginmedia.com/digital...els/index.html

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Yup, but that's down to BT's network, not Sky.

Unless I'm misunderstanding what they are doing I'd expect that Openreach do a FTTP install and then GTC do the Fibre distribution network set up in the block for the feed from the communal dish and for Openreach to connect to.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

What's your point ? These new estates will be connected to BT's FTTP product are you trying to suggest that a fibre to the node service can offer greater speeds ?

I'm no broadband expert but surely fibre delivered right to your door is going to be able to deliver superior speeds , just look at what Google fibre can deliver.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The article isn't really clear on how it's delivered, but I suspect you might be correct. I did wonder if BB downstream was directly via satellite dish, but without Googling it I'm not sure how fast that can go.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I think this could prove to be a game changer in the long run and the start of a whole new era of competition for VM and BT.

http://www.cable.co.uk/news/sky-team...les-801711558/

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Where did i suggest one offers greater service than the other? Ofcourse fibre optic to the door can offer much greater speeds, i think about 3gbs? not sure about that though. Either way we are a very long way from such speeds.
End of the day companies will continue to upgrade their networks but at what cost?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

So what's happening with sky sport news, would be odd having all the other channels in HD and not the news channel?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It'll come with the other Skysports hd channels.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

ok cheers for answer

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Coming soon..........yawns!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I don't think so, as far as I'm aware it only has a few thousand people on its broadband restricted to some high rise developments. Good move for Sky and exactly the kind of thing that VM should be doing were it not for its "not on our network so not interested" philosophy.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It may not.

Sky Sports News is part of the Sky Basic Channels.

But Sky Sports News HD and Sky News HD is broadcasting in UPC Ireland areas so you ever know.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You been having too many late nights dear chap.;):D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

...And maybe more....;)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

In fairness there are plenty of relatively new developments where satellite dishes aren't allowed above a certain height and Virgin have installed fibre during the building phase. Frankly it's a wonder it's taken Sky so long to come up with a possible solution.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

What is the opposite of optimist and the answer is pessimist and he will be along shortly.;):D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Media Boy Views: What may happen this year on Virgin Media.

-Virgin Media deal with CSC Media is maybe up this year - last deal signed in March 2010.
-Due to Smallworld joining up with Virgin Media MB HQ think we may see more Sony Channels launching. With Virgin axing all the rest but keeping Sky1 +1 and MTV Channels (MTV +1 and MTV Classic).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

keep dreaming OB

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You could put yer hoose on it........:D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

So is this news about the sports HD channels fairly accurate??? i refuse to pay extra for the sport in HD since sky sports package is so expensive anyway but it'd be nice for everyone else!

sky sports news hd is the one i'm keen for.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

come from Technix on DS, he usually on the mark with these items, for me its the final piece in my jigsaw TV world. Sky sport news HD is interesting if it did as that is considered a sky basic channel whilst 3, 4 and F1 woudl be considered premium channels so whether this would be HD as well im not so sure

I think as MB has pointed out Sky sports News and Sky News are both available in HD on UPC Ireland so you never know

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Let's just say last year i posted that they were coming Summer this year and now Technix has posted that they're coming too ;) i think it's 90% certain they're coming.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Are you Technix in disguise?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nah lol he's more accurate than me :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

There is only one Technix as there is only one Media Boy.:nworthy::nworthy:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

One is MORE than enough --- Hi Den.

My Geek or is that nerd ( I don`t know what is what) Has spent a around a £1,500 of my money - New B.B line ( BT) new PC New Smart TV (ONLY to be used for this) . How ever he has set it up so I can watch my cable box in B.R remotely in Cardiff . So I get to see all my shows when over here :p:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

But i am theone. :D:cool:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

And more handsome :p:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I think the best question will be, Atlantic, and other HD channels, without any channels being axed

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

That too :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Deleted

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Hopeful of having some new information next week, i should be getting a revised list.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Hope its a big list with lots of surprises for us. :D

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Given that the BBC may give up the licence fee in favour of subscriptions to channels, does anyone know what the effect will be on Virgin Media's transmission of BBC TV channels if that goes ahead? Just wondering if things will carry on as normal for Virgin customers or if Virgin will be required to charge extra. Any info greatly appreciated. TIA.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It will go one of two ways i think across all platforms, either the BBC channels will be re-packaged into another pack such as m+ etc or BBC will go it alone with subscription wise and it'll be like premier sport you'll pay a seperate subscription for them.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

An Act of Parliament would be required for that to happen and none is proposed. The BBC has also said it does not have the technology to cut-off non-subscribers on DTT, Freesat, web or mobile devices so at the moment it's a non-starter and certainly not coming soon.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Cheers,Guys.Thanx for the replies. I suppose as always we'll just have to wait and see and be prepared for any price increases that may come along.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

How will they handle radio & web content?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I can't see it happening, I think it's funding will come from general taxation, but they won't like that, it will be a kind of loss of independence for the BBC .

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

There's isn't a given on this. The bbc executive and trust ruled it out. Scrambling the channels would be costly to reinstate, and a backwards move. The BBC is based on the principle of free to air in the uk for all services. Therefore the current way of receiving bbc will remain. The gov ruled out changing the the funding mechanism for the BBC. Some MPs took advice on withdrawing bbc channels from individuals who do not pay the license fee, but it doesn't seem to point on how they could do it without significant cost.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Most likely BBC will be angling to charge a subscription for I-Player and other online TV content, which are currently exempt from licence fees.

Presumably where delivered via a TV provider like VM or Sky this might be wrapped up in a deal with those providers, so you won't actually notice a separate charge.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Again, no plans to do that. What is proposed is a change in law to say catchup (BBC Iplayer) programmes broadcast in the last 30 days DO require a license fee. at present it doesn't require a license.

There are plans for a pay version of iplayer i.e. for archive material. this will be a low cost though.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Looks like real radio will be re branded heart on Tuesday 6th May

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...04/3.jpg:large

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Been on the cards for a long time as a result of the Global/GMG merger.

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/02/...icorp-35m-deal

Gold has also dissapeared from all but 3 areas of the country, being replaced by Smooth Radio on AM & DAB.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Real Radio is not on Virgin Media.

Global Radio is set to make some money as they can sell Real Radio EPG Slot on Sky to an other Radio Broadcaster.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Has the launch queue for radio slots on Sky been closed too? :confused:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Yes but if an Radio Channel is set to close (Real Radio) it owners can sell it EPG Slot.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Remember then we had to have a new thread nearly every month because of all the channel launches?? I wonder what has changed to make virgin media go from 3 channel launches a month on average (mainly rubbish) to literally not launching a single thing since january.

A lot of it has been about "broadband speeds" but considering majority of broadband around the UK has mega utilisation issues (im on 100MB and i can't get 2MB during peak) is this something to brag about? I wouldnt put all my eggs in one basket then a lot of people are very, very angry on the VM official forum about what they're getting. I left a very polite thread over my issues in the L10 area. There is a lot of mega profanity about VM broadband issues. Even more anger over the VM bragging over the telephone service being awarded top in the UK.

Whoever decided to stop launching channels and "content" and start concentrating on "speed" and "internet services" needs to be taken to the hang mans rope. Never concentrate all your service on an area which is really, really struggling.

The fact VM can now go "nahhh dont need anymore channels we're broadband baby!!" shows upper management are so detached from their product it frightens me. I'm being quoted huge reference numbers to call up to get a "refund". i asked why i can't get a refund automatically since VM know im getting dangerously bad broadband speeds. I was told "It hadnt been agreed".

Its a case of the right hand doesnt know what the left hand is talking about. If i didnt despise sky so much i would leave happily now. The fact VM think they're in a position to stop adding channel content really, really annoys me.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

There aren't many decent (worth having) channels left to launch; Apart from Universal HD, the others are held back by Sky. So it's not surprising that there haven't been many launches; there's not much to launch.

Streamed content is the future, so VM concentrating on broadband is hardly surprising.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Bar the Sky Channels can you name anymore 'Must have' channels?

---------- Post added at 15:19 ---------- Previous post was at 15:05 ----------

I would 'Like' to have:

CI HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
CI +1
HISTORY HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
Lifetime +1
Lifetime HD
BoxNation HD
Pick +1
Sky1 +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
Sky Sports F1 HD
Sky Sports 3 HD
Sky Sports 4 HD
Sky Sports News HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
Chart Show TV
Blass
Flava
Kix
POP
Pop Girl
Scuzz
Starz TV
The Vault
Disney Channel HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
Disney Junior HD
Disney XD HD
Capital FM TV
Heart FM TV
True Drama
True Movies 2
Nat Wild HD (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland areas right now).
Comedy Central Extra +1
More>Movies
Movies 4 Men (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).
Sony Movie Channel
E! HD
Universal Channel HD
MTV CLASSIC (Broadcasts in UPC Ireland and Smallworld areas right now).
MTV LIVE
MTV +1 (Broadcasts in Smallworld areas right now).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

When would you be able to watch all those channels MB?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

How did you get on with Warner Archive Instant?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Pretty much all those and my obsession with Fox News which i still want. More +1 channels for me to discover more tv shows. More HD channels for me to finally respect HD. More music channels so when i'm drunk i can listen to more things.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Hopefully Virgin is seeing that the future is streaming and not linear channels with Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Now TV and now Amazon, all of which need broadband

As others have said apart from missing Sky channels, there doesn't appear to be anything worth getting. Extra music channels are not going to set the world alight

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Not disagreeing with you but isn't there an argument that owning content then becomes important as well otherwise your TV revenues all but dry up.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I found it very buggy and it just wasn't my cup of tea. I didn't even bother with the full two week free trial.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Over the weekend I saw a 'Sky1 +1' sign on Sky1 when watching WWE Superstars.

and telling Virgin viewers to go to virginmedia.com/watchskysports if their want to upgrade to Sky Sports.

also just saw one for virginmedia.com/watchskymoves.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Could be a sine of the missing channels :handshake

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

we can hope so but we have heard it before so lets see

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It doesn't fit with their business model though, they make money on selling channel packages, if people start reducing their package size and taking out streaming subs revenue will go down.

heck even I for the first time in 17 years am thinking of culling my cable sub and getting some streaming subs. I seem to watch more Netflix then normal broadcast TV and it is more out of convenience, as I can watch on any device I chose where I chose and the content is the same no matter where I sign in.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I genuinely do not wish to sound condescending, and I guess you would have already out the option, but you could always listen to some of the many excellent DAB radio stations available in this country bud (digital radios can be bought dirt cheap these days) or failing that the Internet has some equally excellent stations.

If you want videos too though, I can understand your frustration.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

There is also another tv advert from sky telling Virgin Media Customers to Upgrade to Sky Movies While Showing Sky Movies Super Heroes. I saw it today (14/4/2014) while Watching The Simpsons on Sky 1.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

The relationship between Sky and Virgin has improved greatly over the last 18 months or so.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Do these adverts look like paid for advertisements by Sky (even though they're on their own channels), or do they appear to be more like a VM barker type thing, as per the type shown on the on demand channels?

Knowing who looks to have instigated these promotions may help us to figure out if this is a good sign or not...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

You know its going to happen pessimistic Dave.:Yes::Yes:

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

They are Sky adverts - first time Sky have directly advised how Virgin Media customers can upgrade (rather than the 'cable customers contact your operator')

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Another BB announcement

http://www.theguardian.com/technolog...t-network-york


@VinceRooney its clear other companies share VM's view of investing in BB , still think there wrong ?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Is that because there is now only one cable operator now that VM has acquired Smallworld?

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Technically there are still two - http://www.wightfibre.com/ is still separate.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Vince's speed problems which aren't shared by most indicate a need to invest in broadband, not the other way round.

Sky seems to be quite busy this year, with the Now TV packages, ITV Encore exclusive deal, the new builds deal with GTC and now this venture with CityFibre and TalkTalk. VM's acquisition of Smallworld was a good step were the speed increases. I look forward to competition ratcheting up and some innovative respoinses from VM.

---------- Post added at 10:53 ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 ----------

What exactly is the it? Sky Atlantic no. Remaining Sky Sports channels in HD, mentioned as likely next month by posters.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

only believe it when I see it still say it wont happen

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Dave is pessimistic with regards to any Sky channels arriving and you cannot expect a leopard to change its spots Andrew...

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Nope Three - you forgot about Newtel Solutions for Jersey.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtel_Solutions

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

True, although as they've never been mentioned on here before, you can forgive me not doing so either ;)

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Its being reported Discovery are on the brink of a £350 million deal for Channel 5 , BSKYB are also involved.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

With Discovery having brought Eurosport and eyeing up Premier League rights for 2016-19 don't be surprised to see Channel 5 go for the highlights package.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

ITN worker confirmed that ''Certainly no deal has been done” on the sale of Channel 5.

https://twitter.com/TimGattITV/statu...59657329852417

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well according to Broadcast who are usually right the deal has been done but one must hope the regulatory bodies step in as there is no way in my opinion that BSkyB should have stakes in both ITV and C5 who are both UK commercial terrestrial broadcasters.

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/b...&contentID=870

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Broadcast DO post the information right about 98% of the time but until Channel 5 or Discovery confirm the story I will not post the story on my blog as I see the broadcast story as an rumour.

Broadcast did say last year that an well known Sky Basic Channel was coming to Virgin Media.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

That tweet is from 6.21am. I believe the Broadcast news item was from this afternoon. So both sources can be correct, the Broadcast one being more recent...

---------- Post added at 18:07 ---------- Previous post was at 18:05 ----------

I don't think Sky will have a stake in Channel 5's channels, it will just acquire Channel 5's advertising division whilst Discovery takes the channels.

---------- Post added at 18:12 ---------- Previous post was at 18:07 ----------

In fairness to the magazine, Broadcast was less definite than this. It said "The prospect of Sky Atlantic becoming available to Virgin Media’s 3.8 million TV subscribers has moved closer after it emerged that talks between the two companies have reopened."
http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/b...057814.article

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Tim Gatt Twitter Home page says the Channel 5 post was posted four hours ago (as of 18:13) - 4th one down (As of 18:12)

https://twitter.com/TimGattITV

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Never heard of this company, so did a bit of research. It looks like they only supply telephone and broadband. They appear to have stopped providing TV around the point of digital switchover in 2010.

Digital TV in Jersey now looks to be provided by Sky and Freeview piped into peoples homes. This looks to have been paid for by the housing authorities, with a £1 a week payment for one year being contributed by residents. If they want to view Sky pay channels, they have to pay Sky directly. This is received by a central dish and then piped into the property of the subscriber, so in a way it could be viewed as cable TV provided by Sky!

One customer describes Newtel as "chancers" and their website has for some time had very limited functionality due to being "under development".

http://www.newtel.je shows their prices for telephone and broadband. How do these compare to VM?

Overall, it seems a very bizarre situation to me!

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I just don't think they've had the resources to invest in their infrastructure.
The pricing's hard to decipher as there is a lack of clarity over how you get a landline. Certainly, 20 MB at £49pm and a router for £45 is no bargain!
What is bizarre is that every speed is labelled "our fastest broadband" even 2MB! The overall impression is of an ADSL broadband provider, not that of a cable company.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I think it's the music videos Vince wants, and I am with him on that. However, I do think we have a reasonable selection with video on demand.

I would never say no to more choice, however!

---------- Post added at 19:42 ---------- Previous post was at 19:39 ----------

I think it is and it's what I've been talking about since last summer.

However, I think now that it is possible that Sky Atlantic may not be part of this because other options may be available that VM want to pursue, but I remain hopeful. We should know by June at the latest, I think, piecing everything together.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I've had the new list for potential channels to launch on VM this year.
Sky sports 3/4/news HD are on it along with Sky1+1
Sky Atlantic is not on the list i'm afraid to say, this doesn't mean it's not coming it just means my source hasn't heard anything about it yet.
Also Skysports f1HD isn't on it.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

It's what I expected to hear except SS F1 HD. Interesting that it's not.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Well Sky1 +1 is shown in Smallworld areas.

Thanks for info.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I wonder if VM would be interested in mopping up these last two companiese now that they are owned by LG? LG may not be willing to invest in Jersey because of the old infrastructure, but I would imagine that Wight Fibre is a possibility.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Any not add more cable infrastructure to areas they are broadcasting in right now (Like an new street been added over the years).

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Jersey does not look a good bet, I'm really surprised those speeds are so poor. I think someone else said that the Isle of Wight may not be worth the effort for LG but I could be wrong.

---------- Post added at 00:18 ---------- Previous post was at 00:13 ----------

Confused.com! I think you are right to hold back, though I think it will happen in due course.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Just found that Isle of Man do not have an Cable TV Broadcaster.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Televis...he_Isle_of_Man

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

I get why they don't want to give up Atlantic, but the hd variant of a channel already available to us when the others are coming? That said, the channel has seriously improved since launch imo. It just goes to show you, if this rumour is true, that there is still, as far as Sky are concerned, a market for exclusive hd content.

Re: Coming soon to Virgin TV 2014
 

Just got a Now Tv box with Four month entertainment pass for £24.00 from Currys, had to do it to get may G.O.T fix. Not bothered about the other stuff.

The picture quality is not exactly HD, but seen worse and get worse on VM on certain channels.