Re: Free V6 box
 

Probably as there are no better alternatives out there for us.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I ordered my powerlines and so far I haven't got hold of the right ones. I ordered the Netgear Powerline 1200 + Extra and had an email to confirm it. Then had another email and the price had gone up £8, which when I queried it the guy told me that was the price. Obviously he was wrong as when it came today they had sent me the Netgear Powerline WiFi 1000 which wasn't what I wanted. So now I have to return those and wait for the correct one to come, assuming they get it right this time. Then I have the joy of trying to connect it all up :shocked:

Things were easier when you could phone up and talk to someone that understood English :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

Guess you've already tried WiFi? The V6 doesn't necessarily need Powerlines, despite what they tell you.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Who are ‘they’?
Virgin Media are clear that V6 can be connected either by Ethernet, direct cable or powerline adapters, or by WiFi, given a stable, reliable connection.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Oh err missus ! The bit about WiFi, is given as a last resort. It should be the first option to avoid extra wires, PowerPoints etc. Surely if they have VM equipment the customer will of course have a stable WiFi connection ! I think they are just trying to avoid techy phone calls.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I heard two VM customers who have the V6 box and they found it to complicated to work and would prefer to go back to the previous box, Does anyone else have problems.?

Re: Free V6 box
 

It works exactly as the previous box but much more quickly

Re: Free V6 box
 

Its exactly the same apart from a smaller and faster box.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Given it's the same Tivo interface I'm going to guess their previous box was a V+.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Free Amazon Echo with Virgin Media broadband and TV deals until Wednesday for new customers.

http://www.techradar.com/news/free-a...ntil-wednesday

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm with you - they do try to push the need for Powerline adapters - I know my engineer told me I would NEED them to talk between boxes.

Re: Free V6 box
 

A connection that is competing with all your neighbours WiFi. I don't think so. Started using my "remote" box with 2.4Ghz & it was useless, as despite 60% signal strength my router was competing with at least 10 other users on all the available WiFi channels & streaming was no go. Moves to 5Ghz & it worked for a while. Then it stopped. Used a WiFi scanner only to find a neighbour had started using the same channel. Chose another channel & its working again perfectly despite marginal (35%) signal.

Re: Free V6 box
 

What does the Wifi/Ethernet connection actually get used for? Is it just for communicating with other boxes/devices in the home? Or is it all catchup/ondemand services?
The original VM Tivos use the same coax as the broadcast TV, a completely separate connection to home broadband, does the V6 not do the same?

Re: Free V6 box
 

Currently the internet connection is used for guide updates and BBC iPlayer and other apps.
Expect that to change and see the internet used more.

Re: Free V6 box
 

No, it also needs a standalone modem

Re: Free V6 box
 

So does that mean bb down V6 falls down as well ?

Re: Free V6 box
 

It means some parts of it stop working. But the same is true of the boxes with a built-in modem - if the modem can't connect, you lose the interactive features.

Re: Free V6 box
 

So that's a yes then . Have had bb fail but TiVo works never had modem not work on TiVo guess that is something to look forward too.

Re: Free V6 box
 

..and V6 continues to work EXACTLY THE SAME as TiVo would if it lost its broadband connection.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Installed the V6 for my dad on Sunday. Much quicker than the previous Tivo. I did notice that catch up and on demand were "temporarily unavailable". Does it take time for it to become available or should it be ready straight away? I'll be taking another look this evening, so will see if anything has changed.

Re: Free V6 box
 

The on demand services will take time to load, Jon. Be patient, they will arrive!

Re: Free V6 box
 

Ok thanks :). Will see if they've appeared when I go up later.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Try giving it a reboot.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I hear that some routers are not very secure and can be hacked and V M are giving you a more up to date one free, Is this true, ? I have had mine for years,

Re: Free V6 box
 

You do get a Hub 3 if you have anything older than a SuperHub 2, so SuperHub 1 etc.

Re: Free V6 box
 

So just to get it clear in my head...
The original VM Tivo has a built-in modem doing 10Mbps but the V6 shares your Superhub2/3?

Re: Free V6 box
 

No haven't tried WiFi, I was told on here to use the powerlines to connect the TIVO box to one of the powerline plugs and then connect the other one to the SuperHub and then I'd be able to stream from the TIVO box to the V6 box. If it doesn't work I will just send them back :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

If required, I thought that Powerline adaptors were free, yet there have been posts about people being charged??

Anyone know the correct situation?

Re: Free V6 box
 

When I asked for a V6 box I got one delivered with a SH3 and two power line adaptors - at no extra cost.

(p.s. I am also getting an engineer at the weekend to fix the V6 box after it went wrong after a few hours; I'm sure they're not all like that :p:)

Re: Free V6 box
 

Yes your old TiVo does need to be 'hard networked' either with a Powerline, or ethernet cable to your superhub/router. The V6 however should be able to use wi-fi if you've got a reasonable signal, if not use the powerline for that aswell. Once it works it does work well for streaming between boxes.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Had to pay for ours :(

They are coming today apparently, hoping they send the right ones this time, will see how I get on setting them up. Not very good with technical things and my husband is even worse than me :shocked:

The V6 box is already connected via WiFi as the engineer said the signal was good.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Correct, the V6 has no built-in DOCSIS modem, so relies on a router for broadband access.

Most people don't need to connect the TiVo to their router, but it's needed for two reasons.

1. For Remote Record feature for TV Anywhere.
2. To communicate with another TiVo or V6 as the built-in modem is classed as a different network.

Re: Free V6 box
 

No 1 is wrong. You can set recordings without the home network connection on TiVo.
It should read: to use the app as a replacement remote control.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Bear in mind that users had the facility to remotely set a recording via a Windows PC's web browser but this was withdrawn, leaving the app on iOS and Android devices being the only ones to do this.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Yes, but your number 1 is still wrong.

Re: Free V6 box
 

My TIVO has no connection to the router. :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

AlabasterLyn wants to stream from one box to the other. This does need a connection. But in general a Tivo will work happily without.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I thought it obvious that "remote" in this context was control via the internet rather than the remote control, but in future I'll try and be explicit to help people like you.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Thanks for being so condescending.
Remote record does not mean do all the things you can do with your physical remote. At best it means set recordings remotely which, of course, doesn’t need the connection.

---------- Post added at 15:07 ---------- Previous post was at 15:04 ----------

..and you also said this which implied you previous remote record meant the ability to set a recording remotely.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm still considering to get a tivo v6 by doing my usual email to CEO business but i'm still confused how it can be downstairs and my superhub upstairs sorry if i sound thick

Re: Free V6 box
 

Thanks, vincerooney.

When a V6 and Superhub are not close together, you have two choices:
1. Powerline adapters which use you electric wiring to effect an Ethernet connection between the two. These are devices which plug into wall sockets located next to the V6 and Superhub.
2. WiFi. V6 has WiFi capability and can connect to the Superhub that way. I have mine connected this way and it works well but WiFi connection depends on a strong, stable signal at the V6’s location.
Of course, V6 must have a cable co-ax connection as well as this connection to the home network Superhub.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Thanks for the clarification earlier everyone who replied. :-)

Re: Free V6 box
 

Yes, the superhub in my study upstairs serves my upstairs and downstairs V6s superbly via wifi.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Spiderplant is wrong then ?

Re: Free V6 box
 

Assuming you mean this from spiderplant, he is saying exactly the same - TiVo and V6 have the same function when broadband fails.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Ok Thanks, Not even sure what one I Have,!

Re: Free V6 box
 

What part of someparts of it stop working means that nothing stops working. BB down produces a failure in the V6 .if that matters to you it is another thing. But it is still a breakdown of its services:confused:

---------- Post added at 20:18 ---------- Previous post was at 20:14 ----------

Just disconnected my BB the TiVo is working normally :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

The older TiVo has its own internal 10Mb broadband connection that goes back down the coax it's connected to.

However if that fails for whatever reason (network fault or internal issue to the box) you get exactly the same errors on TiVo that you get on the V6 when it's not connected to your home network.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Received my free upgrade box yesterday, having read many posts on this board, most things went very smoothly.
One thing that puzzled me was the right order to do thing, ie the printed guide says no 1, ring to activate, well as all the old boxes were still in place, that seemed wrong, should I have the new boxs in place then ask for an activate. Of course, it did not need the new boxs in place, so the guide was correct, a quick phone call to virgin set me straight, put through to an engineer and everything works fine.
Now using my old Tivo box in place of my virgin v+ , and my new router which came with the box, is working fine, even if its upstairs in another room, definitely slightly more than 3 meters away from the TV.

One final observation, the new box connects to the tv with a white cable adapter, (I missed that and that again puzzled me )

The home installation is easy, honest ;-

Re: Free V6 box
 

I think the phone call to activate automatically disconnects one of your old boxes, even if your new one isn't connected yet - hopefully it deactivates the right one - it deactivated the wrong one in my case !

You weren't the only one to be initially confused by the white adapter cable.

Re: Free V6 box
 

That's correct. The box to be disconnected is selected by the person who took your order, but it stays active until you call to activate the new equipment. Unfortunately if they picked the wrong box, the wrong one will go off.

Can I ask what the confusion was?

Re: Free V6 box
 

Can customers choose which box to disconnect, or is it pot luck?

Re: Free V6 box
 

Thats weird because I checked several times, to the point of paranoia, with the retention guy that it was the VHD that was being replaced not the TIVO. He also put a £20 charge on my bill, which I had to get refunded. Maybe he was having a bad day ! The nice overseas team sorted it all out for me, it was the UK end that cocked up.

It's not immediately apparent what the cable is for, not something I've had to do with any other VM box, why wasn't it built with the right connection ?

Re: Free V6 box
 

As documented, it should be the oldest box but customers can certainly call before or after to get the boxes they want active in their account.

Re: Free V6 box
 

The box is an LG wide design, and I believe that most other countries use the RF connector for their TV setup.

I'd also point out that the connection steps are documented in the QS guide that's in the kit box, and it's the first thing it tells you do to after disconnecting your old box:

Re: Free V6 box
 

It does give you the option, but the default was my very old v+, the email does make things very clear.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Just a few days to go before the shiny V6 arrives. They say I will keep the Tivo, so that is going into the bedroom to replace the V+ (which I suppose I will have to return).

I still can't login to the boxswap page as their system still thinks I am using an old email address, despite their system also saying that that address does not exist on their system. The overseas assistant had no idea how to solve it.

If I ever get over that hurdle, using the boxswap system to move all my series links, etc. to the V6 isn't well explained despite frantic googling. Any help gladly received.

Re: Free V6 box
 

you don't return the v+, skip it

Re: Free V6 box
 

Re: Free V6 box
 

Lol, guide? who reads that :D

---------- Post added at 12:30 ---------- Previous post was at 12:28 ----------

Isn't is the same as your 'My Virgin media' log in ?

Re: Free V6 box
 

Nope. All my VM logins have been an ntlworld email address for ages. The V6 offer arrived showing an old bigfoot.com address. But during the claim process it allowed me to replace that with the ntlworld one "so that we can contact you".

:confused:

---------- Post added at 12:46 ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 ----------

Thanks for that :D

Re: Free V6 box
 

Thank you . I seem to have a short (5to10 mins) problems with my BB a couple of times a week. Notice this as I now us it for radio

Re: Free V6 box
 

I still do, have it set up but it drops out every 7/8mins and is driving me nuts. I spent the best part of an hour on the phone to 3 different people in CS today and an engineer is coming out tomorrow.

Have actually realised that we have been losing the internet a lot since we got the V6 box too, wonder if all these problems are somehow connected to each other :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

Good old Virgin. Ordered my box online on 6/2 requesting delivery today as I'm off work. Got the confirmation email advising that this had been accepted with delivery between 8am and 6pm and if there were any problems they would contact me. Heard nothing so assumed all was well. Called virgin to see if they could give me an idea what time it was being delivered , advised that they had no trace of the order. Re-ordered for next Friday. Bit shambolic but hey what can you do

Re: Free V6 box
 

Watch it still turn up lol

Re: Free V6 box
 

I've just filled out the request for my v6 box upgrade to be delivered and it clearly states "Summary (12 month contract unless specified)" ."You are about to upgrade to a new package shown below,it will also include everything from your current package". So this is not the case? I don't want to enter into a new contract. Nowhere on the document does it state otherwise.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm beginning to regret getting ours. Just today the V6 box has gone offline half a dozen times, also the internet has gone down each time the box has, I am guessing the V6 box is going offline as the router in the SuperHub isn't working as well as the one in the old hub.

Never had any issues before and engineer No3 is coming round tomorrow and I doubt that will solve the issues as quite honestly I'm not sure how well trained they are. The one I had today told me that you can only run Apple products on an Apple Router, which is apparently a load of tosh. He did say these new SuperHubs are rubbish and suggested we go out and buy a gaming router, but why should we have to go out and spend a large amount of money just because VM can't sort out a hub that works as it should :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

The engineers do seem to be a particular poor quality these days, they used to be good. Keep ringing and getting them to come out till they fix it. Try the 'thinking of leaving' option when ringing, that usually brings results. Sounds like it's the new hub that's the issue, is it an SH3? I managed to hold on to my SH2ac.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Not good news at all , Hope you get it sorted out

Re: Free V6 box
 

I've never had a problem with an engineer and it was an engineer that swapped out my box for free, he didnt have to do it.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Spot on, the wifi from them is utter pants!

Re: Free V6 box
 

Apart from one day last week, my V6 has never rebooted or gone down at all. Same with the SH. Since installing it, I have had zero problems with my equipment.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Same here. Once it was working properly, it has been fine witb absolutely no problems. Much better than the Tivo, which was flaky in the end.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Yes it's an SH3 hub, I think our previous one was one of the very first superhubs but we had it set to modem mode and used our Apple router and all worked fine. This SH3 hub is set to router mode, which I think is one of the issues, I am only getting a speed of 37Mbps, which could be why the V6 box keeps losing it's connection, although I could be wrong, not being very up to date with all the techy stuff.

Yes the engineers do not seem to be very good, the one we had today was very nice but he'd only been with VM for 2mths and obviously some of the things he told us weren't actually correct and obviously something is wrong.

I will definitely threaten to leave if they don't sort it out. I know we have a new 12mth contract but I would imagine that only applies if they are keeping to their side of the contract, which they don't appear to be.

I don't think the V6 box is working right either as I'm sure when we first got it that when I clicked on the 'info' on the remote control and scrolled down I was able to see all the other channels the box was tuned into and they were all different. Right now it's tuned into the channel I am watching and all the other 5 are tuned into BBC1, which makes no sense :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

You could just try switching everything on and off again, but you've probably already done that. Although you shouldn't have to use modem mode to get VMs superduds to work properly, it's the only way I've ever used them. Otherwise let VM sort it, that's what you pay them for. It sounds weird like there s an issue with your cable connection, in which case its deffo for them to sort.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Yes I've switched everything on and off quite a few times, doesn't make any difference really. I was wondering if maybe I had too many things running close to each other as I have the SH3, a Hive hub and my Apple router all next to each other, although the engineer didn't say anything when he saw them :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

That's completely normal. When you reboot the box, all tuners go to the same channel. They'll only change when you use them for something else.

I agree you have a broadband fault though.

Re: Free V6 box
 

See I didn't know that, I just sit here and keep thinking why I have flipping Eastenders on 4 of the tuners :rolleyes:

Re: Free V6 box
 

We have had our V6 and new hub for thee days, and it has taken four phone calls, each time the box was getting slightly better and better, seems there is a lot that can be tweaked, and I would say to anyone who is not satisfied to give them a ring, explain what is wrong, and we have had it fixed.
Compared with the Tivo it is very much faster,

Re: Free V6 box
 

It is faster but it is dependent on a separate internet connection, which can be it's achilles heel.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I am currently looking into upgrading my 1080P TV to a 4K TV. (Mainly for use with the V6 and a Playstation 4 Pro.

Just wondering if you have any recommendations - I notice that the V6 appears to be having some slight issues with some manufactures regarding the video output settings.

I have a budget between £500 & £1000
Doubt i will need FREEVIEW etc, due to having Virgin Services and IPLAYER etc on the box. (But it seems you cannot buy a new TV without the added SMART FUNCTIONS.)

This is the TV i am currently looking at - https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tv-and...60553-pdt.html
Thanks for your input!

Re: Free V6 box
 

Smart functions on the TV are standard now. You don't have to use them!

Looks like a decent enough TV to me.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Just don't even connect to WiFi during setup and you can't even use it by accident.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I had an issue this morning upon powering my V6 on.
Every channel aside from the BBC1 to Channel 5 was showing some-kind of you are not authorized to view this channel message, please call 150.

Although a reset of the V6 somehow managed to resolve the above issue, just found it strange.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Mines fine. Have topped out at 400Mb though my phone on speedtests plus the two V6 boxes are connected to it by Wi-Fi.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Don't get me wrong my download speed is 200Mbs and upload is about 12Mbs, but the wifi is pathetic, it's only a strong signal when right next to it.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm not right next to it now and have a strong signal connected at 520Mb.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that, I don't know anyone who gets 520Mb speeds with Virgin, I'm talking about the wifi signal, a good wifi signal is -30dBm, i'm getting a good signal right now as I am only about 3 feet away from the HUB3 and it's reading is -34dBm, but in other parts of the house it drops to -70dBm, and I'm not talking about miles away either.

Re: Free V6 box
 

On my phone and V6 box it states what speed you are connected to on the network. The further away you are the less it connects at. So if I'm in my garden and it connects at 200Mb then I won't get 350Mb. But if it connects at 520Mb then I'm likely to be able to get the full 350Mb. I'm in the room downstairs from the Hub 3 and it's connecting at 520Mb and the WiFi bar on my phone is going between levels 3 and 4 with 4 being the highest. I'd say I was 16ft from the Hub 3 with a ceiling between us.

Re: Free V6 box
 

When did you start getting 520Mb download speeds?? You can check the wifi signal on your phone by downloading an app called Dr WiFi, it's very good, but tbh I don't think we are talking about the same thing here, I can get 3 bars of wifi signal on my phone, but that doesn't mean that it's a strong signal.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I don't get 520Mb download speeds. It's what the two devices are connecting to each other at. It can change lower or higher depending on the distance.

It's exactly what it means. 4 bars is a strong signal 1 bar is a weak signal. The further you get the weaker the signal. Like I said, my phone is connecting to the network at around 520Mb with 3 to 4 bars, my Wi-Fi is fine. The hub 3 might not be the best but it's certainly not bad.

Re: Free V6 box
 

Its not the download speed, it is the connection speed between the V6 and the Hub3, i am connected at 600 Mbps, you can check yours in the Network Connection settings on the V6.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I think we are still not agreeing here, I have a wifi signal on my iPhone of three bars, ok, I have took a dBm reading from the wifi signal app that's on my phone, and sitting close to the HUB3 I get a very good wifi signal of -33dBm, I have then gone upstairs to one of our bedrooms and I still get the three bars showing on my iPhone, but when I use the wifi signal strength on the app that I have on my iPhone, I get a really poor wifi signal strength of -71dBm, and that was my earlier point, you can still have three bars showing on your phone, but that doesn't mean that the signal strength is the same at different locations. Maybe Spiderplant or Ben can clarify this one for us.

Re: Free V6 box
 

My point was that my Wi-Fi is totally fine, full speeds and strong connection even downstairs when the Hub is upstairs. It was in reply to you saying the Hub 3 isn't very good for WiFi.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I ordered 2 V6 boxes almost a month ago to replace my 2 Tivos. Heard nothing and when i telephoned yesterday they had a record of the original contact but for whatever reason the order never went through.

Virgin have agreed to have an engineer install 2 V6's next week for no charge. Great I thought. But now there is a snag.

I currently have 2 tivos and a also a V HD box (this is in the converted garage/granny flat that my elderley mother in law has) . She is quite happy with this. She can just about work it and it fits in the cabinet.

The original plan was to keep the V HD box as it is so she was unaffected. The 2 V6's would replace the Tivos. Virgin had told me a few weeks this was fine.

Now they say the V HD box must be replaced as it will soon be obsolete and be disconnected.They could not give a date but could be within a couple of months. This is the first I have heard of this. Though i recall reading something that Sky Sports HD will at some point be removed from the V HD box??? We subscribe to Sky Sports (but not HD).

So now they suggest replacing the Tivos with the V6 as originally planned but using one of the Tivos to replace the V HD box. Now that sounds fine except my mother in law does not need a Tivo. She is happy with the V HD box . She will no doubt struggle to get to grips with using the Tivo and I know for a fact she will not use the record function. She is 91 and it will all go over her head I'm afraid.

The other issue is the Tivos is much bulkier than the old box and probably wont fit in her cabinet. I havent told her yet but she wont be happy. I may need a drink before I do.

I had thought about putting the smaller sized V6 box in her room (though most of the features will be wasted on her) if only because it would look better. However the room is a dead spot for wi-fi (probably due to the amount of insulation in the walls). I think I am right that the V6 has to be connected to the internet to function. I know mobile phones and laptops simply dont work well in there. Streaming video has no chance. The other issue is her part of the house is on a seperate mains electricity ring so powerplugs wont work i dont think either.

Nightmare.

Is anyone hear able to confirm the V HD boxes are to be obselete/disconnected over the coming months and that keeping the V HD is not an option?

Re: Free V6 box
 

The V6 can go anywhere it doesn't need line of sight to operate.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm not entirely sure about the above mate, but it's just like everything else, they won't last forever, and will need replacing at some point, I do hope that you find a solution to this problem though.

Re: Free V6 box
 

We had the engineer round again today, same one who installed the V6 box and SH3.

I asked him to change the SH3 to Modem mode and he set up our Apple router and all seemed fine when he left.

Since he left the internet has dropped out 3 times and the powerlines started working for about an hour and now drop out after about 2mins.

Obviously something isn't working right. I don't know now if it's a fault in the actual hub or if my router isn't up to the job. However it would seem a coincidence for both the router in the SH3 and my own router to keep dropping all the time :confused:

Re: Free V6 box
 

thanks Snoopz. The box will need to be connected by HDMI to the TV though I assume. The TV is on the wall with the cabling hidden. The only place the box can go is in the cabinet really. A V6 would likely fit fine but the Tivo is much bigger.

---------- Post added at 16:12 ---------- Previous post was at 16:10 ----------

Yes things do move on I appreciate.

Re: Free V6 box
 

I'm given to believe that the Cisco V HD boxes support MPEG4 streams so will not become obsolete yet.

Good news for us as we use the SCART with a modulator to send the cable TV together with Freeview round the house and supports the HDD/DVD recorder.