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-   -   General : Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1. (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33691403)

mhatter67 14-03-2013 23:11

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

Originally Posted by howardmicks (Post 35548347)
Loving the footy in HD,finally itv4 is watchable

Agreed completely, if any channel needed the HD touch it was ITV4

There are now a very diminished list of valued channels SKY has over VM!

Ben B 14-03-2013 23:39

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Just need E! HD in my life an then I will have all the channels I want in HD yay

howardmicks 15-03-2013 00:28

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
More4hd would be a great addition but I suspect that is stuck behind a exclusive wall with sky,that's being confirmed by media reports today behind the long wait for itv2,3+4 HD and hearing today that's been the reason for delay in getting universal HD.certainly would explain why we have been waiting for so long

andy_m 15-03-2013 00:55

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

Originally Posted by passingbat (Post 35548191)
All companies have 'bread and butter' processes that can occasionally go wrong, causing unavoidable delays. Why do you expect VM to be the only company that is perfect in this respect and never have delays?

I don't expect them to be perfect, but an explanation rather than a silly comment about it being more difficult than reading a calendar, don't you know, might have been a better response. Besides which, the fact that on the very day the "technical difficulties" were encountered, they announced the launch, does give a rather amateurish impression of a communications company unfamiliar with the concept of internal communication. And, rightly or wrongly, I do think it's highly suspicious that the "technical difficulties" caused a delay of exactly one week.

Either way, I am actually happier with my cable company than many and unlike a lot of people I'm not jumping up and down for new channel launches. ITV 4 hd was pretty much it for me and, whatever the reasons for the delay, I repeat that I am happy to see it arrive.

howardmicks 15-03-2013 01:17

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35548419)
I don't expect them to be perfect, but an explanation rather than a silly comment about it being more difficult than reading a calendar, don't you know, might have been a better response. Besides which, the fact that on the very day the "technical difficulties" were encountered, they announced the launch, does give a rather amateurish impression of a communications company unfamiliar with the concept of internal communication. And, rightly or wrongly, I do think it's highly suspicious that the "technical difficulties" caused a delay of exactly one week.

Either way, I am actually happier with my cable company than many and unlike a lot of people I'm not jumping up and down for new channel launches. ITV 4 hd was pretty much it for me and, whatever the reasons for the delay, I repeat that I am happy to see it arrive.

Well said bud :clap::clap::clap:

muppetman11 15-03-2013 15:58

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

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35545907)
To be fair, Sky have good reason not to draw the line under it while they can see an obvious demand for Sky Atlantic on other platforms. They only have to look on here to see that the demand is there and they, most likely, see that as potential customers for their own platform.

The other option is to offer the channel to VM at a very high rate and attempt to force VM to raise the price of the XL package. Then they can sit back and wait to gain VM customers annoyed at such a large price increase.

I've just been watching a recording of 'Vegas' off Sky Atlantic , during the interval the Sky Atlantic logo popped up with 'Only on Sky' written underneath I have to say its the first time I've noticed this.

Henkesghost 15-03-2013 16:18

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35548591)
I've just been watching a recording of 'Vegas' off Sky Atlantic , during the interval the Sky Atlantic logo popped up with 'Only on Sky' written underneath I have to say its the first time I've noticed this.

Subtle ;)

denphone 15-03-2013 16:19

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35548591)
I've just been watching a recording of 'Vegas' off Sky Atlantic , during the interval the Sky Atlantic logo popped up with 'Only on Sky' written underneath I have to say its the first time I've noticed this.

Rub it in l would.;)

muppetman11 15-03-2013 16:30

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35548599)
Rub it in l would.;)

It's more info for Arthur , you know how he likes to blame other platforms for not carrying it. :D

howardmicks 15-03-2013 16:50

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
I noticed a lot of adverts now saying exclusive to sky,Certainly looks like its a long way off showing up anywhere else yet.hav been watching Vegas,good show but its looking like a cancellation m8

muppetman11 15-03-2013 16:52

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

Originally Posted by howardmicks (Post 35548619)
I noticed a lot of adverts now saying exclusive to sky,Certainly looks like its a long way off showing up anywhere else yet.hav been watching Vegas,good show but its looking like a cancellation m8

Usually the case with the American shows , shame really as its a good show at least 'The Following' got renewed.

denphone 15-03-2013 16:58

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35548605)
It's more info for Arthur , you know how he likes to blame other platforms for not carrying it. :D

Sssssssh Arthur listening.:D

bamav 15-03-2013 17:01

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

Originally Posted by BenMcr (Post 35548168)
Just realised this hasn't been mentioned anywhere http://mediacentre.virginmedia.com/S...nels-245a.aspx

Mentioned it in post 2574... Just didn't provide detail or a link.

Regardless, it's quite disappointing that they're suggesting it'll be later in the year. :sleep:

Don't want to upset the apple cart, but does anyone know for how long the contract for the new ITV HD channels runs? And is it possible that Sky could gain exclusive rights again at some point in the future? Guess this question could apply to any other non-national channel...

nicko 15-03-2013 17:14

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35548591)
I've just been watching a recording of 'Vegas' off Sky Atlantic , during the interval the Sky Atlantic logo popped up with 'Only on Sky' written underneath I have to say its the first time I've noticed this.


I've noticed that the Sky Atlantic logo only stays visible for a few seconds after add breaks and then it's gone leaving a lovely clear picture to watch.

ken1234 15-03-2013 17:46

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
PictureBox movies half price.

denphone 15-03-2013 17:51

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

Originally Posted by ken1234 (Post 35548662)
PictureBox movies half price.

Not for me.

Henkesghost 15-03-2013 18:33

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

Originally Posted by ken1234 (Post 35548662)
PictureBox movies half price.

Total total waste of time

DaMac 15-03-2013 18:53

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Who watches picture box?

denphone 15-03-2013 18:57

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

Originally Posted by DaMac (Post 35548686)
Who watches picture box?

Maybe the dog , the cat and the goldfish.:D

howardmicks 15-03-2013 19:17

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Good news about it coming on anytime,maybe at same time we may see HD version.companies can't disclose launch dates vm will have to do that

---------- Post added at 18:08 ---------- Previous post was at 18:03 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamav (Post 35548628)
Mentioned it in post 2574... Just didn't provide detail or a link.

Regardless, it's quite disappointing that they're suggesting it'll be later in the year. :sleep:

Don't want to upset the apple cart, but does anyone know for how long the contract for the new ITV HD channels runs? And is it possible that Sky could gain exclusive rights again at some point in the future? Guess this question could apply to any other non-national channel...

Very doubtful bud,only reason they had exclusive in first place because they part financed the HD versions to start up,done the same with nickelodeon(that's why we ain't got that yet)and from what I have been hearing universal HD and more4 HD.part of the deal is exclusive rights for x amount of time,did the same with e4

---------- Post added at 18:09 ---------- Previous post was at 18:08 ----------

Vm have to just sit and wait,I'm sure like itv 2,3+4 they will asap

---------- Post added at 18:10 ---------- Previous post was at 18:09 ----------

And I also believe they did similar with Tcm and disney

---------- Post added at 18:17 ---------- Previous post was at 18:10 ----------

Vm did a similar deal with ch4 for film 4hd the exclusive deal runs out August,hence it starting on sky in September.Not justifying sky's deal but if you invest in a channel you want to gain some advantage and looking at it another way maybe if sky didn't do this we would not have as many HD channels,so a delay is better than no channel at all

Dave42 15-03-2013 20:23

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35548591)
I've just been watching a recording of 'Vegas' off Sky Atlantic , during the interval the Sky Atlantic logo popped up with 'Only on Sky' written underneath I have to say its the first time I've noticed this.

well goes to prove I was right no chance they stop with holding it like the rest there with holding

jj20x 15-03-2013 21:50

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

Originally Posted by bamav (Post 35548628)
...is it possible that Sky could gain exclusive rights again at some point in the future? Guess this question could apply to any other non-national channel...

It's much easier for them to negotiate exclusive carriage deals for new channels. Existing channels would be far more tricky, especially when they are carried on multiple platforms. The contract with Sky would overlap those with other carriers, so an exclusive deal with Sky would be likely to put the channel owners in breach of contract with the other carriers.

VM should consider getting involved in negotiations for new channels at an early stage. At the moment, the method of taking new channels when the contract is renewed, just gives Sky a window of opportunity to negotiate exclusive carriage.

howardmicks 15-03-2013 22:38

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
As said before itv,universal,e4,Disney,nickelodeon and more 4 and many more hd channels were made possible by investments in them by sky.vm don't own channels anymore and unless a change in there policies are never likely to do so or invest in current sd channels to do HD versions,so I'm afraid what is currently happening is going to continue.that is why sky are getting temporary exclusive deals and I don't blame them,I'm no sky fan but I wouldn't invest in channels for others to reap the rewards straight away.

Ben B 15-03-2013 22:57

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

Originally Posted by nicko (Post 35548640)
I've noticed that the Sky Atlantic logo only stays visible for a few seconds after add breaks and then it's gone leaving a lovely clear picture to watch.

Same on Sky 1

ocav 16-03-2013 00:02

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
I have a slight feeling Virgin may of held back the ITV HD channels themselves. If you think about it, launch a set of HD channels this Thursday, possibly some next Thursday, then the following Thursday you have the Sky Movies Disney HD Channel launching. Sweetens the deal for Easter. Not likely however. But maybe if Universal/E! HD etc were waiting for ITV to launch, if they can produce new channels on a weekly basis then customers are happy and start spreading the word.

Also, is PictureBox really struggling that much to gain subs? First we have had it free twice in 6 months and now it's half price!

eugene 16-03-2013 01:00

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
The picture box films available in the February free month were almost identical to the August one so the content is lacking a bit.

jj20x 16-03-2013 01:19

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

Originally Posted by howardmicks (Post 35548760)
As said before itv,universal,e4,Disney,nickelodeon and more 4 and many more hd channels were made possible by investments in them by sky.vm don't own channels anymore and unless a change in there policies are never likely to do so or invest in current sd channels to do HD versions,so I'm afraid what is currently happening is going to continue.that is why sky are getting temporary exclusive deals and I don't blame them,I'm no sky fan but I wouldn't invest in channels for others to reap the rewards straight away.

There's nothing to stop VM making temporary enhanced offers to help fund the new HD channels, it doesn't mean they would be owning channels. In fact, maybe they could have used some of the cash they received from their own channels to help bring new ones to the platform. VM had an exclusive carriage agreement for Film 4 HD for quite some time, so it wouldn't even be a major change of policy.

In any event, there's not that many channels left where funding an additional HD version would be a big crowd puller, so that ship has probably sailed.

That doesn't stop VM negotiating to carry new channels from the start. If they wait until the entire contract is due for renewal, Sky will have already negotiated a contract. As there was no demand for the channel from VM, Sky gets to negotiate exclusive carriage and then the channel remains unavailable to VM at contract renewal time.

Chad 16-03-2013 01:33

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
I'm starting to notice that Virgin really can't win whatever they do.

The past few months have been some of their busiest ever in terms of HD delivery yet people still try to find new ways to point out where "Virgin are going wrong". Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

At the end of the day it's very easy. If you are not happy with the services your current TV provider has on offer, move to another TV provider. There are more options than ever.

OB81 16-03-2013 01:41

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

howardmicks 16-03-2013 01:49

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35548834)
I'm starting to notice that Virgin really can't win whatever they do.

The past few months have been some of their busiest ever in terms of HD delivery yet people still try to find new ways to point out where "Virgin are going wrong". Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

At the end of the day it's very easy. If you are not happy with the services your current TV provider has on offer, move to another TV provider. There are more options than ever.

Totally agree matey,I'm happy currently with what vm are delivering,just getting a tad fed up with the sky bashing.im no sky fan but has I stated in previous posts whilst they maybe a delay in getting some HD channels due to exclusive to sky,if they had not invested in getting some of these HD channels on the air old we have as many? I think not,yes we have to wait a while but eventually if this week as anything to go by we do get them.maybe if vm actually came out and said yes we want to obtain these channels but currently the are exclusive to another channel provider people would understand and accept the situation more.yes you will still have your moaners but what whatever vm do they will allways have them ;)

andy_m 16-03-2013 02:43

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

Originally Posted by ocav (Post 35548803)
I have a slight feeling Virgin may of held back the ITV HD channels themselves. If you think about it, launch a set of HD channels this Thursday, possibly some next Thursday, then the following Thursday you have the Sky Movies Disney HD Channel launching. Sweetens the deal for Easter. Not likely however. But maybe if Universal/E! HD etc were waiting for ITV to launch, if they can produce new channels on a weekly basis then customers are happy and start spreading the word.

Except all that's happened is people have got upset because there's been a delay. The ITV hd channels launch-the moment when Virgin added some of the most anticipated and longed for channels, channels that have been this far talked about in the same breath as the likes of Sky Atlantic-has hardly been a pr win, has it!?

jj20x 16-03-2013 03:14

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35548834)
I'm starting to notice that Virgin really can't win whatever they do.

The past few months have been some of their busiest ever in terms of HD delivery yet people still try to find new ways to point out where "Virgin are going wrong". Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

At the end of the day it's very easy. If you are not happy with the services your current TV provider has on offer, move to another TV provider. There are more options than ever.

No, they are definitely on the right track. It will just be better for the future if they get hold of channels from the start... not after they have been gathering dust for a few years.

Henkesghost 16-03-2013 07:35

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35548834)
I'm starting to notice that Virgin really can't win whatever they do.

The past few months have been some of their busiest ever in terms of HD delivery yet people still try to find new ways to point out where "Virgin are going wrong". Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

At the end of the day it's very easy. If you are not happy with the services your current TV provider has on offer, move to another TV provider. There are more options than ever.

All they have to do is equal Sky.

denphone 16-03-2013 07:54

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

Originally Posted by Henkesghost (Post 35548868)
All they have to do is equal Sky.

In most things they are more then the equal of Sky Henke but alas the the doomsayers will always say otherwise.:)

speedski 16-03-2013 08:14

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35548834)
I'm starting to notice that Virgin really can't win whatever they do.

The past few months have been some of their busiest ever in terms of HD delivery yet people still try to find new ways to point out where "Virgin are going wrong". Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

At the end of the day it's very easy. If you are not happy with the services your current TV provider has on offer, move to another TV provider. There are more options than ever.

I'll tell you what Virgin CAN'T do anymore - market themselves as free HD - they've used up the excuse of premium HD on the SKy Sports/Movies situation.

Adding ITV 2, 3 and 4 to XL only...having 6 channels in all packs and all the HD in XL, sorry, but you're paying to get HD now on Virgin too.

I've got both Sky+ (everything) and Virgin Tivo (M+) - Virgin is getting its future marketing appeal so very very wrong right now.

jj20x 16-03-2013 09:12

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35548877)
I'll tell you what Virgin CAN'T do anymore - market themselves as free HD - they've used up the excuse of premium HD on the SKy Sports/Movies situation.

Adding ITV 2, 3 and 4 to XL only...having 6 channels in all packs and all the HD in XL, sorry, but you're paying to get HD now on Virgin too.

I've got both Sky+ (everything) and Virgin Tivo (M+) - Virgin is getting its future marketing appeal so very very wrong right now.

They can't put every channel in the lower packs, XL has to be made to represent added value somehow and the HD channels do give added value.

VM shot themselves in the foot quite a while ago with promises of HD channels which then took far too long to appear. As many have now arrived or are rumoured to be arriving, it's up to VM to stay ahead of the game and not fall further behind as new channels are launched.

Kirk64 16-03-2013 09:48

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
ITV 2/3/4 HD Dolby Digital 2.0 ITV 1 HD LPCM anyone know why they have not upgraded ITV 1 HD audio yet?

kgollop 16-03-2013 10:31

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Pleased to see the ITV HD channels launch. What's that, 6 new HD channels already this year with rumours of more to come? A big improvement after a disappointing last year on the HD front. Well done VM, keep them coming. Now if you can sort out MRS ;-)

Superblade7 16-03-2013 10:33

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35548877)
I'll tell you what Virgin CAN'T do anymore - market themselves as free HD - they've used up the excuse of premium HD on the SKy Sports/Movies situation.

Adding ITV 2, 3 and 4 to XL only...having 6 channels in all packs and all the HD in XL, sorry, but you're paying to get HD now on Virgin too.

I've got both Sky+ (everything) and Virgin Tivo (M+) - Virgin is getting its future marketing appeal so very very wrong right now.

Virgin can still market the fact that they give HD for free. The XL pack contains about 60+ extra channels than the L pack only about a third of which are HD. You also get some HD channels with M+ and L too. So whichever TV pack you choose, you get HD channels for no additional cost to that pack.

If you wish to have a wider channel selection which includes more HD then yes you do have to pay more for the XL pack but you do not (with the exception of Sky Premium HD) have to pay any additional fee solely for HD.

I'm sure this argument will run and run as everyone has differing opinions but if VM were falsely advertising free HD then I'm sure the ASA would have come knocking long before now!

DaMac 16-03-2013 11:24

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

Originally Posted by Kirk64 (Post 35548897)
ITV 2/3/4 HD Dolby Digital 2.0 ITV 1 HD LPCM anyone know why they have not upgraded ITV 1 HD audio yet?

LPCM is an upgrade on dolby digital 2.0, one is compressed the other isn't.

spiderplant 16-03-2013 12:01

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

Originally Posted by Kirk64 (Post 35548897)
ITV 2/3/4 HD Dolby Digital 2.0 ITV 1 HD LPCM anyone know why they have not upgraded ITV 1 HD audio yet?

Possibly the processing for ITV(1)HD is more complex because it is regionalised. It may also be using older equipment as it has been around much longer

Joedm45 16-03-2013 14:10

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Regarding the free HD debate I think of it like this:

Customer A has an all singing HD TV and subscribes to XL TV
Customer B has an old CRT TV and also subscribes to XL TV.
End result is both would pay the same to VM, hence HD is free

speedski 16-03-2013 14:15

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

Originally Posted by Superblade7 (Post 35548902)
Virgin can still market the fact that they give HD for free. The XL pack contains about 60+ extra channels than the L pack only about a third of which are HD. You also get some HD channels with M+ and L too. So whichever TV pack you choose, you get HD channels for no additional cost to that pack.

If you wish to have a wider channel selection which includes more HD then yes you do have to pay more for the XL pack but you do not (with the exception of Sky Premium HD) have to pay any additional fee solely for HD.

I'm sure this argument will run and run as everyone has differing opinions but if VM were falsely advertising free HD then I'm sure the ASA would have come knocking long before now!

Thing is. If you get the SD channel in your bundle. But the HD channel is in a higher bundle then how can you say you are giving HD for FREE?

You can't. Virgin is not free HD when the SD and HD variants of the SAME channel are not in the same bundles.

---------- Post added at 13:15 ---------- Previous post was at 13:14 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joedm45 (Post 35548993)
Regarding the free HD debate I think of it like this:

Customer A has an all singing HD TV and subscribes to XL TV
Customer B has an old CRT TV and also subscribes to XL TV.
End result is both would pay the same to VM, hence HD is free

Thats a really pointless comparison - you're talking equipment, not service.

toady 16-03-2013 14:36

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
I choose XL for the extra channels, the HD channels were a bonus for me without additional cost

harry_hitch 16-03-2013 15:17

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

Originally Posted by Joedm45 (Post 35548993)
Regarding the free HD debate I think of it like this:

Customer A has an all singing HD TV and subscribes to XL TV
Customer B has an old CRT TV and also subscribes to XL TV.
End result is both would pay the same to VM, hence HD is free

:clap:

Very good point!!!

Superblade7 16-03-2013 15:27

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35548995)
Thing is. If you get the SD channel in your bundle. But the HD channel is in a higher bundle then how can you say you are giving HD for FREE?

You can't. Virgin is not free HD when the SD and HD variants of the SAME channels are not in the same bundles.[COLOR="Silver"]

Virgin provide three TV packs which contain various channels. Depending on what channels you want, you choose the appropriate one to meet your needs. The SD and HD variants of a channel are two individual channels and Virgin can choose which packs each one is put into. The more channels you want, the more you have to pay. Yes, the HD charges are factored into the cost of the packs but at no point will you or any VM customer pay any extra charges for HD channels alone (again with the exception on Sky Premium HD) and hence they can advertise them as 'free' within your chosen pack. So yes you do pay for them, but as part of the price for the pack you choose.

Sky on the other hand charge an additional £10.25 for their customers to obtain the HD variants of the majority of channels. So you have an advertised additional fee with Sky.

So either way you do pay for HD, I'll agree with you on that. However, VM do nothing wrong by advertising that HD is 'free' with you chosen TV pack. ;)

gba93 16-03-2013 15:40

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

Originally Posted by Superblade7 (Post 35549041)
So either way you do pay for HD, I'll agree with you on that. However, VM do nothing wrong by advertising that HD is 'free' with you chosen TV pack. ;)

It's just down to whether you consider something is "Free" if it is at no extra cost

Chad 16-03-2013 16:06

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

Originally Posted by Joedm45 (Post 35548993)
Regarding the free HD debate I think of it like this:

Customer A has an all singing HD TV and subscribes to XL TV
Customer B has an old CRT TV and also subscribes to XL TV.
End result is both would pay the same to VM, hence HD is free

Customer B would be better on the L package as he / she is paying for a package which includes the cost of 36 HD channels they can't actually watch. Well actually I suppose it's only 30 HD channels as 6 of them are included in M+ upwards.

If Virgin dropped all 36 HD channels from the XL package, but the subscription price to XL to remained exactly the same, would you honestly be happy with this?

denphone 16-03-2013 16:15

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Nice to see the old boys club is still in good working order.;)

speedski 16-03-2013 16:16

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

Originally Posted by Superblade7 (Post 35549041)
Virgin provide three TV packs which contain various channels. Depending on what channels you want, you choose the appropriate one to meet your needs. The SD and HD variants of a channel are two individual channels and Virgin can choose which packs each one is put into. The more channels you want, the more you have to pay. Yes, the HD charges are factored into the cost of the packs but at no point will you or any VM customer pay any extra charges for HD channels alone (again with the exception on Sky Premium HD) and hence they can advertise them as 'free' within your chosen pack. So yes you do pay for them, but as part of the price for the pack you choose.

Sky on the other hand charge an additional £10.25 for their customers to obtain the HD variants of the majority of channels. So you have an advertised additional fee with Sky.

So either way you do pay for HD, I'll agree with you on that. However, VM do nothing wrong by advertising that HD is 'free' with you chosen TV pack. ;)

Sorry, but SD and HD is not a different channel in the way Virgin sell the free HD message. They say you don't pay for HD on Virgin, which is no longer true - in order to get the HD version of a channel your pack comes with you need to buy a (much) more expensive pack.

Therefore HD is a cost - pure and simple.

I can see Virgin dropping the free HD message now given Sky's upcoming package changes.

i will say this, Virgin must be bleeding customers at the moment with the amount of 50% off sky codes around - come close of liberty takeover it would be very interesting to see just how many customers virgin are losing (alot are doing what I did though, keeping Virgin TV as part of a bundle because they are never going to give up the fiber BB - so to the stats it looks like VM's customer base is consistent, but the ARPU must be dropping, my addition of Sky saw my overall cost drop and my monthly Virgin bill go from £115 to £30.

Chad 16-03-2013 16:18

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549069)
Nice to see the old boys club is still in good working order.;)

You're a pretty honest straight shooting guy Den. If Virgin dropped all 36 HD channels from the XL package, but the subscription price to XL to remained exactly the same, would you be a happy bunny?

denphone 16-03-2013 16:20

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35549071)
You're a pretty honest straight shooting guy Den. If Virgin dropped all 36 HD channels from the XL package, but the subscription price to XL to remained exactly the same, would you be a happy bunny?

Its all just friendly banter Chad but to answer your question the answer is :nono:

Chad 16-03-2013 16:24

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35549070)
Virgin must be bleeding customers at the moment with the amount of 50% off sky codes around.

I took advantage of the 50% deal for 12 months. It's a great offer.

I will add however that Virgin have sent me a few great offers in the post in the last month offering 50% off for 6 months. This includes TiVo and a free V+HD box in a second room. I do miss having 2 recordable boxes. If Virgin keep on adding new channels, and offer me the same deal later in the year when my SKY contract ends, I would not have too much of a problem coming back to Virgin. My wife however might not enjoy losing SKY Atlantic or E! in HD. I would also miss SKY Atlantic however I do enjoy having extra money to spend each month :)

---------- Post added at 15:24 ---------- Previous post was at 15:23 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549073)
Its all just friendly banter Chad but to answer your question the answer is :nono:

Of course my TiVo loving chum :D

denphone 16-03-2013 16:30

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35549070)

i will say this, Virgin must be bleeding customers at the moment with the amount of 50% off sky codes around - come close of liberty takeover it would be very interesting to see just how many customers virgin are losing (alot are doing what I did though, keeping Virgin TV as part of a bundle because they are never going to give up the fiber BB - so to the stats it looks like VM's customer base is consistent, but the ARPU must be dropping, my addition of Sky saw my overall cost drop and my monthly Virgin bill go from £115 to £30.

Actually Virgin continues to increase its customers TV additions and l cannot see that changing

speedski 16-03-2013 16:40

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549076)
Actually Virgin continues to increase its customers TV additions and l cannot see that changing

At the same ARPU though?

I don't see it, especially with the number of people who have downscaled Virgin (keeping an element) but saving money with the alternatives.

I do think Sky are contract grabbing at the moment, ahead of the full BT launch and the potential for VM to have much more (debt ridden) funding from Liberty...

thunderlips 16-03-2013 16:41

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
sd /hd telly is telly to me not bothered as long as its switched on lol, anyway my contract just expired got a new deal, premiere collection, 3 multiroom boxes, 60 meg bb, phone £ 65.99 ! well happy ! sky=£105 same deal ! well done vm happy customer !

Chad 16-03-2013 16:56

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549076)
Actually Virgin continues to increase its customers TV additions and l cannot see that changing

I agree, Virgin have been doing well. It will be interesting to see what kind of hit both SKY and Virgin take in terms of current customer numbers, and new customer growth, once BT launch all of their new packages in the summer.

denphone 16-03-2013 17:01

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35549092)
I agree, Virgin have been doing well. It will be interesting to see what kind of hit both SKY and Virgin take in terms of current customer numbers, and new customer growth, once BT launch all of their new packages in the summer.

Indeed but one suspect both providers have both prepared for that moment and will act accordingly.

Chad 16-03-2013 17:13

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549094)
Indeed but one suspect both providers have both prepared for that moment and will act accordingly.

Virgin are going HD daft at the moment. It would be difficult to see HD fans moving from Virgin or SKY to BT in the summer. At the moment BT only have the Freeview HD channels I think. Whilst BT sports will launch in HD on their platform I've not see anything anywhere to suggest BT are trying to land more HD channels. Unless this changes, this could be a big sticking point.

HDFootyMan 16-03-2013 17:19

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

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35548853)
No, they are definitely on the right track. It will just be better for the future if they get hold of channels from the start... not after they have been gathering dust for a few years.

For many of those channels, Sky have a period of exclusivity (in part because Sky help fund the initial start-up costs of those channels).

jj20x 16-03-2013 18:08

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

Originally Posted by HDFootyMan (Post 35549107)
For many of those channels, Sky have a period of exclusivity (in part because Sky help fund the initial start-up costs of those channels).

...which I have already commented on in post #2627.

---------- Post added at 17:08 ---------- Previous post was at 16:55 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35548995)
Thing is. If you get the SD channel in your bundle. But the HD channel is in a higher bundle then how can you say you are giving HD for FREE?

You can't. Virgin is not free HD when the SD and HD variants of the SAME channel are not in the same bundles.

I would say the higher bundles are more expensive because they give more choice. You could just as easily argue that VM charge an additional fee for +1 channels. They charge more simply because, with the higher bundles, you have more choice.

HDFootyMan 16-03-2013 18:18

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

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35549137)
...which I have already commented on in post #2627.
.

Which I would have read if the forum software would let me :erm:

Jameseh 16-03-2013 18:33

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

Originally Posted by HDFootyMan (Post 35549160)
Which I would have read if the forum software would let me :erm:

Spoiler: 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jj20x (Post 35548831)
There's nothing to stop VM making temporary enhanced offers to help fund the new HD channels, it doesn't mean they would be owning channels. In fact, maybe they could have used some of the cash they received from their own channels to help bring new ones to the platform. VM had an exclusive carriage agreement for Film 4 HD for quite some time, so it wouldn't even be a major change of policy.

In any event, there's not that many channels left where funding an additional HD version would be a big crowd puller, so that ship has probably sailed.

That doesn't stop VM negotiating to carry new channels from the start. If they wait until the entire contract is due for renewal, Sky will have already negotiated a contract. As there was no demand for the channel from VM, Sky gets to negotiate exclusive carriage and then the channel remains unavailable to VM at contract renewal time.



?

andy_m 16-03-2013 19:21

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
You could make the same argument that Virgin charge for the Fox channel, or that it's free with xl. The truth is that xl contains the channels it contains and is priced accordingly. Hd is at no extra cost, but nor is it free. Not a great deal else to be said.

spiderplant 16-03-2013 19:57

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35549080)
At the same ARPU though?

No, that's growing too.

"Average monthly cable ARPU for quarter ended December 31, 2012 was £48.87 compared with £47.85 and £47.51 for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 respectively."

From http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External...F8VHlwZT0z&t=1

ken1234 16-03-2013 20:27

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
news about bt sport http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/d...l_tw_sportfaqs

kop32 16-03-2013 20:32

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35548872)
In most things they are more then the equal of Sky Henke but alas the the doomsayers will always say otherwise.:)

For "doomsayers" read "Realists",Den!!

denphone 16-03-2013 20:41

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

Originally Posted by kop32 (Post 35549232)
For "doomsayers" read "Realists",Den!!

Well kop it depends on the type of reality you are talking about.;)

speedski 17-03-2013 10:34

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

Originally Posted by spiderplant (Post 35549216)
No, that's growing too.

"Average monthly cable ARPU for quarter ended December 31, 2012 was £48.87 compared with £47.85 and £47.51 for the quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 respectively."

From http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External...F8VHlwZT0z&t=1

And that APRU increase is less than VM's price increase(S) over the same period.

Which means, given the growing customer numbers the real term ARPU has in fact dropped....

steveh 17-03-2013 10:43

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

Originally Posted by DaMac (Post 35548935)
LPCM is an upgrade on dolby digital 2.0, one is compressed the other isn't.

Is ITV1 HD in LPCM or MPEG Layer 2 like the SD channels?

Hugh 17-03-2013 12:10

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35549388)
And that APRU increase is less than VM's price increase(S) over the same period.

Which means, given the growing customer numbers the real term ARPU has in fact dropped....

Eh?

The price increase was after the calculation period for the ARPU.,,

Media Boy UK 17-03-2013 12:26

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Coming soon to Virgin Media (2013) Vol. 2 will launch on Cable Forum on April 1st 2013.

Henkesghost 17-03-2013 13:13

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

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35549420)
Coming soon to Virgin Media (2013) Vol. 2 will launch on Cable Forum on April 1st 2013.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2013/03/52.jpg

gba93 17-03-2013 14:06

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

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35549420)
Coming soon to Virgin Media (2013) Vol. 2 will launch on Cable Forum on April 1st 2013.

At last some good news !!

denphone 17-03-2013 14:08

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

Originally Posted by gba93 (Post 35549445)
At last some good news !!

Some must have very short memory's then.:erm:

gba93 17-03-2013 14:22

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549446)
Some must have very short memory's then.:erm:

I could easily live without HD but without MB - I'm not so sure. This thread would be very empty without him ;)

denphone 17-03-2013 14:34

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

Originally Posted by gba93 (Post 35549452)
I could easily live without HD but without MB - I'm not so sure. This thread would be very empty without him ;)

Yes MB is certainly one in a million and l for one would suggest a knighthood should be forthcoming to him at the next honours list.:)

devilincarnate 17-03-2013 14:34

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

Originally Posted by gba93 (Post 35549452)
I could easily live without HD but without MB - I'm not so sure. This thread would be very empty without him ;)

True we are doing well without HD Boy but to live without MB all hope would be gone

spankysmagicpian 17-03-2013 15:16

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
I am sure someone else could pick up the reins of wild speculation

denphone 17-03-2013 15:22

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

Originally Posted by spankysmagicpian (Post 35549478)
I am sure someone else could pick up the reins of wild speculation

l will nominate you sir as the next in life to the throne.;)

speedski 17-03-2013 19:38

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

Originally Posted by Hugh (Post 35549416)
Eh?

The price increase was after the calculation period for the ARPU.,,

Only one price increase? I think not...

denphone 17-03-2013 19:42

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35549638)
Only one price increase? I think not...

l think you are getting confused somewhere along the line as the price increase was after it.:nono:

speedski 17-03-2013 20:44

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35549642)
l think you are getting confused somewhere along the line as the price increase was after it.:nono:

There is a price increase every year! So the following year its factored in. How can that be disputed?

denphone 17-03-2013 20:47

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

Originally Posted by speedski (Post 35549664)
There is a price increase every year! So the following year its factored in. How can that be disputed?

We know there is a price increase each year but the point made by Hugh is correct and alas you cannot dispute that.

Hugh 17-03-2013 20:59

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Well, considering Investors Chronicle put the VM annual ARPU growth as 18%, that seems more than any of the last annual price rises...

http://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/...I/article.html

Qtx 17-03-2013 23:00

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
180 pages Long and we are only in March! So, is there an easy recap on what has come to Virgin TV so far this year in the way of new channels and channels lost?

Jameseh 17-03-2013 23:12

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

Originally Posted by Qtx (Post 35549705)
180 pages Long and we are only in March! So, is there an easy recap on what has come to Virgin TV so far this year in the way of new channels and channels lost?

Spoiler: 
Arrived
Animal Planet +1
ARY News
British Eurosport 2 HD
Cartoon Network HD
Discovery History +1
Discovery Home & Health +1
Discovery Science +1
DMAX +1
Investigation Discovery
ITV2 HD
ITV3 HD
ITV4 HD
More4 +1
Quest +1
Sony SAB
Style Network
TCM HD
TCM2

Coming Soon
Animal Planet HD
E! HD
Universal Channel HD

Gone
Sunrise Radio

Qtx 17-03-2013 23:18

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

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35549708)
Yeah, the Changelog thread.

Cheers!

---------- Post added at 22:18 ---------- Previous post was at 22:16 ----------

Glad to see VM customers finally got those ITV HD channels. Virgin made a right balls up of that.

alwaysabear 17-03-2013 23:59

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Good to see the epg now runs past midnight on the VHD boxes once again.

Qtx 18-03-2013 00:04

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

Originally Posted by alwaysabear (Post 35549728)
Good to see the epg now runs past midnight on the VHD boxes once again.

That after midnight EPG problem started almost a year ago due to the Olympics but was told they wouldn't fix it as more channels could be coming that would use the memory instead.

So makes you wonder if more channels didn't come (more added than removed) or if something was coded different to make the EPG work and get around the memory problem.

Aguero9320 18-03-2013 10:26

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

Originally Posted by devilincarnate (Post 35549455)
True we are doing well without HD Boy but to live without MB all hope would be gone

True! I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for MB; he is the only reason I'm here!!!;) Three cheers for MB!!!

BenMcr 18-03-2013 13:11

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
For all you TV Anywhere users, VM have added 6 more channels to the web version:

Sky 2
Sky Arts 1
Sky Livingit
Nickelodeon
Nick Jnr

and MTV

Media Boy UK 18-03-2013 13:20

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

Originally Posted by BenMcr (Post 35549842)
For all you TV Anywhere users, VM have added 6 more channels to the web version:

Sky 2
Sky Arts 1
Sky Livingit
Nickelodeon
Nick Jnr

and MTV

Look to me as Virgin Media has signed an new deal with the following broadcasters?

British Sky Broadcasting:
-Pick TV +1
-Sky1 +1
-Sky Atlantic
-Sky Atlantic +1
-Sky News HD
-Sky Sports F1 HD
-Sky Sports News HD

MTV Networks Europe:
-MTV CLASSIC
-MTV HD
-MTV LIVE
-MTV MUSIC
-MTV +1

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

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

toady 18-03-2013 13:21

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

Originally Posted by BenMcr (Post 35549842)
For all you TV Anywhere users, VM have added 6 more channels to the web version:

Sky 2
Sky Arts 1
Sky Livingit
Nickelodeon
Nick Jnr


and MTV

Now I'm never going to get the kids off the laptop :(

Gald to see VM adding channels to TV Anywhere, shame the new channels are not available on the IOS version

denphone 18-03-2013 13:21

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

Chad 18-03-2013 13:22

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
UKTV to reintroduce name to on-screen branding as part of relaunch

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2013...ng?INTCMP=SRCH

nicknewark 18-03-2013 13:35

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
Media Boy can you clarify, have they signed a deal for these? Cheers.

Media Boy UK 18-03-2013 13:39

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

Originally Posted by nicknewark (Post 35549854)
Media Boy can you clarify, have they signed a deal for these? Cheers.

They MAY have signed new deal so that Virgin can launch six new channels on it 'TV Anywhere' network.

Maybe SP (Or any other Virgin Worker) can confirm if Virgin need an new deal to be signed for 'TV Anywhere'?

Henkesghost 18-03-2013 13:45

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

Originally Posted by BenMcr (Post 35549842)
For all you TV Anywhere users, VM have added 6 more channels to the web version:

Sky 2
Sky Arts 1
Sky Livingit
Nickelodeon
Nick Jnr

and MTV

Good stuff :) Cheers Ben

Arthurgray50@blu 18-03-2013 13:59

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2013) Vol. 1.
 
IF VM have signed a deal for Atlantic to be on TV Anywhere, why cant Atlantic be on the VM Network instaed of all this bickering.


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