Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I have any seen local news progammes.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

At least I have the option to watch English channels when BBC or itv do local programs. Which are in my view are boring , and amateurish . They can't even sort out having two weather forecasts , one straight after the other .

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

UPDATE:

TNT Sports signs deal with BBC to sublet FA Cup games from 2025/2026 season.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ports-ITV.html

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

When stations licensed to produce local content don't want to produce local content, the licence is frustrated and they should be closed. Networking content is a waste of space. Assuming that Ofcom wishes to keep the local multiplexes, the space saved by removing the local channel could be used to add 2 or more extra "national" channels to the stat-mux.

The ITV situation is a bit different, they still have to produce a quota of local news / content and work within that quota. Going forward, ITV will be allowed to move some of the local content from ITV 1 to ITVX. ITV already makes local news bulletins available on ITVX, determined by postcode, with the ability to also watch bulletins from any other ITV region.

---------- Post added at 01:52 ---------- Previous post was at 01:46 ----------

The perceived quality will depend on the variety of content available. Largely urban regions with a lot of things happening will have more to bulk out their reports than more rural, sparsely populated regions. It's the same reason that national news in Ireland often seems more like a local news broadcast.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Well STV News and BBC Scotland news. That's as local as it gets. Reporting news across Scotland. Many years ago there was more localised news I think.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

STV News in Central Scotland has been merge.

Reporting Scotland aka BBC News Scotland is the Scottish wide news show.

---------- Post added at 10:33 ---------- Previous post was at 10:31 ----------

I have try to watch That's Scotland for news it look very poor. Happy Virgin don't carry That's Scotland.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

This has now launched on channel 754.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

The news often have a report which turns out to be a lift from an show on later in the day .

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

If the local muxes were emptied they could no doubt be sold off for 'phone use. A lot of the spectrum has already gone

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Sure but that applies to national news too.

---------- Post added at 17:39 ---------- Previous post was at 17:32 ----------

Spectrum won't be released until there is an agreement to do that across the board. Releasing single frequencies in random areas wouldn't be useful to mobile providers. The licences are different though and there is no reason why the multiplex operator would lose its licence if the local channel did. Further spectrum will be lost when there is an international agreement to release it. If the UK decides not to use 5G Broadcast for TV distribution then UHF spectrum will eventually be lost to mobile operators.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Guess that depends on were you source your news from . Often get a 5 minute report , then see the full story after this . Followed by two weather forecasts . :mad:

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I suppose if they are employing a weather reporter for the local forecast, they could also do the national weather in the same bulletin. It's a bit more complicated than that though, the local weather forecast is often from a regional reporter who pre-records the local forecasts for several regions. It would be a bit clunky to edit them all together with the same reporter also reading the national forecast.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

They won't do this with these "spare" interleaved channels. With mobile use there is commonly overspill into adjacent frequencies. Hence the 800Mhz & then 700Mhz filters being offered to customers suffering interference where Freeview uses adjacent channels to the ones already released for 4G/5G.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

On set with news reader:angel:

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Not always such as when the Yorkshire weather reporter does the Granada forecast etc. But bearing in mind that ITV sub-regions share the same studio and newsreaders and that even the local news broadcast is pre-recorded in advance, it's not that difficult for the weather person to be on set with the newsreader. Otherwise it would be a miracle that the same presenters appear on different regional bulletins simultaneously. ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

More price increases....any idea how to work out when my loyalty bonus ends from the last pay increase?

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Pay increase? Is this about your job?

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

My discounts and end dates are always stated in my monthly 'here is your bill' e-mail. You might need to scroll down a bit but it is there

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Don't about rest of UK but in ITV and BBC Wales this is the case. Sometimes even sat at the same desk , there's no mistaking they are together :p:

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

It's easy to see what happens in other regions. Just watch the regional bulletins on iPlayer, itvX or STV Player. Not that I'd recommend it unless you need help getting to sleep...

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

CONFIRMED: GREAT! real won't launch on Virgin Media UK.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/great-real...ers-confirmed/

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I would have never thought of that :D

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I can reveal that THREE Channels will close on Virgin Media UK on Wednesday (March 20th) at 6am)

They are (Listed as EPG Numbers):

*Tiny Pop
*Isiam Channel UK
*Isiam Channel Urdu

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Please can I have a discount :D

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Of course, 1p for each hour you previously watched these channels. Call 150 from your Virgin Media landline, choosing option 7 to request this discount. Don’t worry we know how many hours you previously watched of the channels.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Is Virgin set to launch a new HD Channel soon?

From UK Cable TV Changes:
See March 15th on link: https://ukcabletvchanges.blogspot.com/2024/03/

If Virgin is set to launch a new HD Channel I feel it can be any of the following:

-CNN HD
-DAZN 1 HD
-Baby TV HD
-Create & Craft HD
-MUTV HD
-Nick Jr. HD

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Didn't even know they existed :shocked:

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Virgin Media UK are tonight testing THREE unknown HD Channels on it Network.

I have tonight been told by someone "In the know":

"On all links you will see the top of the graph is no longer flat.

That means a new service has been added to the IP stat-mux at distribution level.

Maybe more info on them later this week."

HD Channel 1 is on SID 1710: https://www.digitalbitrate.com/dtv.p...ve=209&lang=en

HD Channel 2 is on SID 24??: https://www.digitalbitrate.com/dtv.p...ve=209&lang=en

HD Channel 3 is on SID 25??: https://www.digitalbitrate.com/dtv.p...ve=209&lang=en

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

A bit of an anti-climax as the extra HD channels turned out to be replacements for Nick Junior & Al Jazeera (English & Arabic) channels.
Technical details of these changes and new details of changes to the pre-launch channel numbers of various FAST channels at:
https://ukcabletvchanges.blogspot.com/

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

HD replacements for Paramount's remaining free SD channels would be welcome:

5USA
5STAR
5SELECT

We already have Channel 5 HD and 5ACTION HD.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Indeed, that's what I was thinking.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

It says that the purpose of the HD flag is to have the channel put into the HD channel list on the EPG. Do you know if BBC4 erroneously has this missing as I often find that their programmes don't appear in this list. I like to easily find & view HD programmes first to free up more disc space.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Due to them only being on Sky Glass or Sky Stream boxes.

I feel they will only launch on Virgin Stream boxes.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

That would be a departure from the norm, at the moment Virgin don't have Stream exclusive channels.

---------- Post added at 13:55 ---------- Previous post was at 13:21 ----------

All versions of BBC4 have the HD flag and the flags are either always on (HD channels) or always off (SD channels etc). I think that only the old sports channel content flags switched between 0 (off) and 1 (on) on a regular basis and they (thankfully) disappeared when legacy boxes were removed from the network. The HD flag is only used to add an "HD" option to the "Show Channels" filter on the EPG.

Do you mean programmes don't show in "HD Recordings" in "My Shows"? That's a completely different process.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

On a V6 on BBC4 - the purpose of the HD flag in the episode is to indicated if the programme was made in HD. Older programmes like Top of the Pops should not have the HD flag on BBC4 HD as they are not sourced in HD - just upscaled.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Will Sky viewers can only watch the following channels in HD on Sky Glass or Sky Stream.

5SELECT HD
5STAR HD
5USA HD
Baby TV HD
Sky Replay HD
Cartoonito HD

To get more Virgin viewers to get Virgin Stream - Virgin Media UK may follow.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Time will tell but I would think that it would be more likely to attract more customers with things such as a multi-room option.

---------- Post added at 15:00 ---------- Previous post was at 14:57 ----------

Quite. That's an HD "Events" flag rather than the HD flag in the SDT which just acts as a pseudo-genre for "Show Channels".

I've nudged UKCTVC to update their description of the HD flag, on the blog, to make it (hopefully) less ambiguous.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Yes.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I thought so, that's why I asked UKCTVC to update the description. The HD events flag within the actual EPG will determine whether or not programmes appear in "HD Recordings". As ozsat pointed out, programmes which are upscaled from SD won't have that flag and there are quite a few of those on BBC 4. Unfortunately, the flag is also missing for native HD content on some occasions, not just on BBC 4. Events flags can be a bit hit and miss e.g. the first showing of a programme may not be marked as "new" and, if a series link is set to only record new episodes, it may be missed.

Nothing to do with the HD flag in the SDT though, which just creates the HD pseudo-genre for the "show channels" filter.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

The 'new' flag in the episode data is again just a display flag - the series link 'new' selection is based on the original air date although some older programmes get a new date so is also not 100%.

The 'new' recording seelction goes something like - if the original air date is within the last 28 days and the programme has not been recorded before - then record as new.

Some channels flag the episode as 'new' meaning new to the channel - although it may have aired recently on a different channel.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

And yet an entire (new) season of Law and Order SVU went without "NEW" showing in the EPG events data. Each episode had to be manually set to record as the series link new only option didn't automatically pick up any episode. :D

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

More FAST Channels set to launch on Virgin Media.

A+E Networks and Virgin Media O2 has announced the UK launch of two new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels to its offering.

The new FAST Channels will be called:
Deal Masters
History Hunters

https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/ae-network...able-channels/

---------- Post added at 14:19 ---------- Previous post was at 13:08 ----------

Virgin Media O2 and owners of Islam Channel & Islam Channel Urdu has signed a new broadcasting deal just hours before a old broadcasting deal was set to run out.

I have no information yet on if Islam Channel Bangla is set to launch on Virgin Media UK as part of this deal.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Thanks epsilon.

---------- Post added at 15:52 ---------- Previous post was at 15:49 ----------

Beginning to look like any new channels we get will be from the FAST stable where we can't record them, have to watch the adverts, can't watch them if the internet is down for any reason and cannot utilise QuickView.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

And they are usually already available on Pluto, Rakuten, Plex etc

---------- Post added at 16:17 ---------- Previous post was at 16:14 ----------

Hmmm. That said, it would have been a strange and unusual move for both Islam Channels to be removed just over a week into Ramadan.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Just to add this is only for the V6. 360 has different and not so helpful system.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

The disparate systems don't make it easy to track changes. For example, the channel number listed in the EPG section of the SDT only relates to Tivo / V6 based systems. The 360's HD <> SD channel number swap will be built into 360 support data rather than SI data. The correlation between the NEW icon in the EPG and the series link "new only" option was demonstrated many times over during EIT "discovery", not just situations like the entire season of SVU missing the icon and not recording. Also with the intermittent appearance of the icon during some episodes of The Arrow, where the initial showing (without the icon) didn't record but subsequent repeats (with the icon) did record. Of course, the NEW & HD icons also appear in the recordings list, not just the EPG. All linked to events and PVRs are event driven by design. Mainly done online nowadays as Virgin has completely dropped all versions of the EIT from the SI data.

Disparate systems must make it very difficult for Virgin to keep everything in sync. For instance, the video loop played at 6am by the broadcaster, following the Tiny Pop closure, was replaced by a closure slate at 7.05am on DVB-C systems. Simply routing the slate to replace the broadcaster's video feed on the original video PID. Not so simple for Stream, where the broadcaster's video loop continued to play.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Where my Chips?

Fishing TV has launch on TV360 and Virgin Media Stream box for £5.99 per month.

https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/virgin...el-fishing-tv/

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

The catch of the day some might say..:no:

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

It’s been like this for a while and I’ve long been saying that the number of conventional TV channels will reduce rather than expand. Expect that trend to increase more rapidly over the coming years.

Of course, anyone who gets excited over the FAST channels will continue to have something to look forward to for the time being, although whether that novelty will last is another question. I guess while there’s money to be made, they will continue to exist.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Sony will be the latest ones to launch FAST channels on LG Channels and Samsung TV Plus next month.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Load of codswallop.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Leave it out...there's a time and plaice for that sort of thing.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Once you try it, you might find yourself hooked.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I hope the Sony One Channels are watchable as in 50i.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

My Sources feel Virgin Media UK may launch THREE new FAST Channels by Tuesday.

*5 Cops - Channel 225
*Catfish - Channel 226
*CSI: New York - Channel 246

NOTE: Launch date has NOT been confirmed by Virgin Media O2 so is sublet to change.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Can't wait :erm:

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

These have been available on my Stream box since Monday. Selecting them opens the Pluto TV app and streams the channels.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

They are available on 360.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I noticed 5 cops on the channel guide last night as I flicked through

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Sorry, but I really don't see the fascination with FAST channels. However, if they fill a gap in the market, good luck to them. Personally, I find them third rate, but that's just my opinion.

I wonder if the FAST channels will still be operating in 20 years' time?

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Doesn't say what the quality are

---------- Post added at 18:43 ---------- Previous post was at 18:42 ----------

Doesn't say what the quality are
https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/pr...ases/2024/0326

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Just morejunk FAST channels. Enjoy!

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Channels has not launch on TiVo or V6 Boxes.

Some channels may only launch on TV360 or Virgin Stream boxes going forward.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Is this another famous goal post shift?

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Well, it is only a mechanism to launch selected channels from the EPG, the channels are still there in the Pluto app for anyone wishing to watch them on a V6 box. It does make you think though, how long was it since Virgin said that various Pluto channels were to be integrated with the EPG? Months after the announcement they only manage a partial launch. ;)

---------- Post added at 20:24 ---------- Previous post was at 20:22 ----------

Not just a shift. OB has designed revolving goal posts just for this forum.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

RUMOUR:

Found this rumour over on DS Forum:

"I've been told by a reliable member of staff that there is a date to force migrate customers to the 360, but that the relevant date cannot yet be disclosed."

Sources: Richardcoulter and DS Forum.

Can anyone confirmed this "rumour" PM me if you Don't want your name use online.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

It was posted on this forum this week
https://www.cableforum.uk/board/show...3712571&page=2

Not surprising to me .

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Richard assuming again ?

His question was ;

So the response of 'Yes' does no confirm their will be a migration at all.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

No. Don’t confuse FAST channels with the main conventional channels we are used to.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

What's the difference? :confused:

You yourself a mere 15 months ago were waxing lyrical about their position in the future over tired, boring, linear channels.

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/show...&postcount=660

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

tbf, we had a similar volte-face about advertising on Streamers… ;)

Apparently, nothing is fixed except there won’t be broadcast TV channels by 2035…

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Virgin TV Ultra HD on channels 175 & 999 is now part of the legacy Mix Pack.

https://ukcabletvchanges.blogspot.com/

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

It's mentioned on this Virgin TV edit article aswell
https://www.virginmedia.com/virgin-t...hd-this-easter

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I’ve just answered that one on ‘The Future of Television’ thread. I stand by what I said, not by your interpretation of it.

---------- Post added at 15:40 ---------- Previous post was at 15:37 ----------

You are clearly misconstruing my posts. I suggest you re-read them. Don’t let jfman lead you up one of his nonsense winding paths.

---------- Post added at 15:43 ---------- Previous post was at 15:40 ----------

You’ll have to explain that. You are either trolling or suffering memory lapses.

The streamers are coming into their own, just as predicted. Now just watch as the linear channels start falling away. Anyway, this nonsense is for the ‘Future of TV’ thread.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

A further devaluation of the top pack for these customers.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Soon we will be able to get all the TV channels for free at this rate!

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

The latest HBO series from Sky Atlantic begins airing on VM via Sky Showcase from 8th April - The Regime.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Viaplay to rebrand back to Premier Sports on 9 April:

https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/premier-sp...dia-next-week/

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

It can be difficult to "construe" your posts when they often change direction more than the wind. Don't worry though, I won't be influenced by jfman, I am quite capable of reaching my own conclusions.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

had an offer to reup with Virgin Media till March 2025. My deal ends in August. Got a juicy loyalty bonus so i'm wondering what this entails.

1) do i still get the loyalty bonus going forward?
2) they mention tnt is removed...thats annoying? how much is that now. had it for free for like a decade

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Be careful Vince. I had a call from that offshore call centre, they inflated what my prise rise would be, again claimed that if I took the offer I would escape the price rise in April, that I would have double the broadband speed (that I don't need) and have Sky Cinema added as Mega TV includes this I mentioned TNT as they didn't and was told that I could continue to have it at no extra cost.

I don't trust them as they have told me so many lies just to get what they want and xhecked with my contact at the office of the CEO.

He called me back this morning and confirmed that, apart from the doubling of broadband, that it was all a load of rubbish.

Also very manipulative as she started the call with "We are going to upgrade you to Mega TV", to which I replied that she wouldn't be doing anything without my permission. When I asked how the same channels less TNT could in any way be described as an upgrade, she said I'd be getting extra channels. When asked which ones she began reeling off channels that I get anyway. I asked her to stop and provide details of which new channels I would get and this is when she lied and said that Mega TV includes Sky Cinema.

---------- Post added at 03:22 ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 ----------

TNT is an extra £18 per month now.

---------- Post added at 03:24 ---------- Previous post was at 03:22 ----------

Oh and she said that I was currently paying more than I am in order to make her offer seem a better deal than it was.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I got renewed at same price for 18 months just losing TNT sports. Was offered it for £13. Happy enough without it. £64 for Mega TV, gig1, sky sports and movies both HD. Plus Netflix standard and full landline phone.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

One FAST channel removed, without ever being launched and fifteen new FAST channels in the pipeline.

https://ukcabletvchanges.blogspot.com/

OLD BOY will be thrilled. ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

You're being a tad harsh on Old Boy. He's consistently said that linear channels will be dead by 2044.

It's just old-fashioned laggard linear lovers like you who deliberately misread that date as being 2030 and then as 2035. :D

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I'm sure this has probably been asked before, and I've forgotten, but what is a "FAST" channel.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Free ad-supported streaming television

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Yup, you can't record, use QuickView or FF them either. Free for Virgin to add and an advertisers dream come true.

It's like being back in the 1970's where you have to sit through the adverts :D

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Haha yes, despite claims these were the future they are a massive backwards step.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Rubbish :)

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Following FAST Channels may launch soon on Virgin Media EPG:

227. Uncovered
228. Heroes
229. Full Throttle
233. Hell's Kitchen
234. History Hunters
237. Real Crime
241. Laughs
253. Egg Heads
254. Deal Masters
556. Red Bull TV
557. Trace Sports Stars
297. VEVO '90s & '00s
298. ZenLIFE
299. Qello Concerts

https://ukcabletvchanges.blogspot.com/

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

I haven’t changed my position, epsilon. The fact that some think I have is that they have read more into my posts than I ever intended.

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

I don’t know who said that. I think they are no more than a flash in the pan.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

That was fairly similar to his own reply. :D

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Virgin Media O2 is currently having a discount offer to TNT Sports for £5 per month via stream boxes.

When offer ends TNT Sports will cost £18 per month.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Hopefully this is a sign that people are not continuing with TNT Sports once it's removed from the top packs as a standard channel.

I said I would not move over to Mega TV because it didn't include TNT Sports and was offered it for free for the duration of the new contract. This may be useful info for others being asked to move to Mega TV mid contract.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

How long is the promo for?

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Was not told.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Not sure when the offer will be withdrawn from sale but, once subscribed, the £13pm discount lasts for 18 months.

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

Many thanks. After I closed the window I realised I asked two questions in one but this has the answer I was after. :)

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also airing on Sky Showcase from 2nd May according to Digiguide.

From Sky & Peacock (a sign of things to come I suspect)

Re: Virgin TV (2024)
 

RUMOUR: Talk TV may close next week.

TV Zone is reporting that Talk TV will move out of its TV studios for its daytime programming on Friday 26th April, and the channel is expected to cease as a linear channel on Tuesday 30th April.

https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/talktv-closuredate-ann1