Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

A large number of US shows were on hold for the winter olympics, and are resuming as of this week.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Too right!

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

It's not a coincidence. It's specifically the reason why.

360 functionality is just different, not less. It has more modern functionality that customers would expect, and let's go of some of the more old fashioned things.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

There is still HBO content on Sky Atlantic after 25th March - any new HBO Original series aired before the end of 2025 will still be available (for 4 years)

Looks like they are going the Peacock route down for new shows + Sky Original drama

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Key wording is Any new. How many do you really expect to be shown :confused:

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

House Of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2
The Last Of Us seasons 1 and 2
True Detective Night Country (already on Virgin)
It Welcome To Derry
The Penguin
Dune Prophecy
Task
The White Lotus season 2 and 3
All seasons of The Gilded Age (already on Virgin, not sure it's part of their output deal)

They also still have the rights to new seasons of any of the above.

Several of these have been mentioned by Virgin

https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/sky...-no-extra-cost
https://www.virginmedia.com/tv/sky-atlantic

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Hope you are happy with these , me no thanks can't claim to have a clue what any of them are:D

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I'm really looking forward to IT Welcome To Derry, The Penguin and Dune Prophecy. Three immediate 'must watch' shows for me.

I've already seen The Last Of Us (bought the box sets via Virgin Media Store) otherwise I'd have those to watch too.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

It may be able to do a few more things that most people don’t use, but which of these are genuinely helpful to most people?

You will hear most people who actually make the change that they don’t miss those features, but value the new ones that come with the 360.

I’m sure there are those who still miss those fuzzy pictures on their old black and white analogue TVs, but most people have moved on and embraced the future.

But hey, enjoy your TiVo and the Talking Pictures TV channel while you can.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Less than 1/3 have moved over and many regret it. The 360 is missing a long list of features, with only voice control being the one advantage for me.

You said that the 360 now has a system to take the place of 'suggestions', what is this please?

I wonder if those being denied Sky Atlantic will be able to access the programmes via VOD?

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

The older you get the wiser you end up. The term 'Upgrade' now usually means it's a downgrade. The V6 works, and what it does it does it well. Why would I change it when it's common knowledge the 360 is crap compared to the V6.

As for the carrot of Sky Atlantic. They can do one.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I fully concur with you.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

And. so do I!

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Me too!

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I sense VM are getting a bit frustrated with those that refuse to comply, given the amount of messages/emails about 360! I think there's some target they've missed.... Why downgrade, till you have to?

They seem to be downgrading boxes from V6, to 360, to Stream. How long before your 360 is out of date and you need to 'upgrade' to Stream? And Stream really is pointless, you don't need a VM box for that. Maybe they are gradually giving up on tv.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Having read a lot of reviews of the 360,the view seems to be that it if different and slightly better technically. However its also a "stopgap" and virgin will be moving to streaming service. Why anyone would bother with them then I don't understand, already just stream to my other TV . Question do you have to have virgin bb to have a V6 , I know you do for 360

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Give it a few years and they'll be inviting subscribers to upgrade to a radiogram...

---------- Post added at 17:15 ---------- Previous post was at 17:14 ----------

Yes.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Yes, the connectivity requirements are identical between TV360 & V6.

It's the software & UI that differs.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Hi.

ITV 2, ITV 3 and ITV 4, all HD.
All display a line of pixels across the screen every minute or so.
Both the 360 and Stream exhibit the same pixel issue.
ITV X is OK.
App is Virgin TV Go.

Postcode LE4.

Thanks.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Don’t be daft. It’s just the way things are going. Sky is no different. They are trying to migrate Sky Q viewers to Sky Stream and Sky Glass.

I’d make the most of the choice you have, if I were you, while it lasts.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I have OB , like lots of others not fallling for 'upgrade' con. We all have a choice in the end, whether to remain VM customers. A freeview recorder will soon be superior to VMs offering.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Just read that Sky have stated that Sky Atlantic will soon be available in 3m more homes after joining Virgin, that's the whole of the Virgin TV subscriber base.

Could be an error, or maybe Sky Atlantic will be added to the V6 (the majority of Virgin customers have this STB) and Virgin are delaying it to try and get more customers onto the 360?

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

They did with Sky Sports+ by 3 months , although that was a technical reason.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Interesting...

I can't see Sky being happy about their viewing figures and ad revenue being impacted by Virgin deliberately limiting the availability of the channel, especially on a long term basis.

When the Sky channels were removed from cable, analysists said that the situation was hurting Sky too because, as well as losing the carriage costs they were being paid, the decline in viewers had also not insignificantly affected their ad revenue.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Going back to your post from Boxing Day...
Does it happen at exactly the same time on both?

The feed for TV Go is closer to Stream than 360, but they are all separate.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Not if it doesn’t have profiles and on demand for a start. But hey, the modern world is not your bag, so that’s fine for you.

Just bear in mind that Freeview’s days are numbered, too.

Just sayin’…

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

You know, some families watch TV together and have no need for these "modern world" profiles.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

So they can just use the shared profile.... It's not obligatory though it suits Netflix, Prime, Disney plus etc

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Yes, very interesting. I did think that Sky might not be too happy with the TiVoV6 Faithful (as I've just named us) being denied access to Atlantic's channel of delights.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Indeed, it's not obligatory, it's not an improvement, it's not necessary for...
(checks OldBoy's terminology)
"most people".

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Having now looked at the technicalities of Virgin adding Sky Atlantic, it has been added to the traditional cable TV spectrum ie it's not internet delivered. Virgin have deliberately used a code called 'hide1' so that the V6 won't show it on the EPG. It would be very simple for Virgin to remove this hide code so that the V6 shows the channel.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Maybe the TiVo fee is about the same as the Atlantic fee.... Who knows what the agreement is?

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Just read a post from a year ago that said that, as well as no series link manager & the inability to undelete, that one cannot make manual recordings on the 360!

Is this still the case, as the EPG is now so atrocious that manual recordings are essential? Whole days can be missing or one programne is listed for hours (today on Channel 4+1 it says that The Great Pottery Throw Down starts at 05;40 and ends at 00:05!!)

Without manual recording, I wouldn't have been able to record a fair few programmes later this evening.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

It's more Sky Q than TiVo imo

Manual recordings can't be done on Sky Q either, it has no series link manager either.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

What's the quality of the Sky Q EPG like? If it's ok I would rarely need to do any manual recordings.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

The broadcasters update the listings themselves so should be correct - but things still go wrong. Links are not supported across channels so if Wimbledon tennis moves from BBC2 to BBC1 the EPG is updated but the recording will not take place.

Radio EPG does NOT allow series links so if you want to record (for example) The Archers then you have to set a recording for each day and remember to do this as new days are added. It is a 7-day guide.

Many of the errors I see on VirginMedia are also on Sky - pointing to the broadcaster being at fault.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

No
https://www.virginmedia.com/the-edit...s-on-virgin-tv

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Plus the fact I discovered you cannot search for shows which are not on in the next 14 days - so couldn’t add everything….

These were all factors which made me get Virgin to restore my V6 software - yes it is possible (and technically straightforward) but took several escalations re being mis sold it!

Years ago Sky Atlantic would have been a big win but still not sure it would have convinced me given how bad the 360 is.

Kind of have best of both worlds currently as can record the few broadcast shows we watch and FF ads and then use Fire Stick for streaming services.


For years there has been lots of speculation about V6 forced migrations but personally I think they’ll just keep incentivising it more and then the point it is forced is eventual moves to FTTP

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

A great deal of my viewing is watched with my wife, but while we have a shared interest in good quality dramas and news/politics, my wife also likes reality shows, whereas I gravitate towards music, documentaries and more in-depth news analysis. So when I’m out, making dinner or working upstairs, my wife finds it very useful to have all her own shows in the watchlist with her profile.

Similarly, if my wife has started snoozing on the sofa or has gone to bed, I can watch the things I like on my profile.

If you have a family that likes all the same things, that is very unusual.

---------- Post added at 20:01 ---------- Previous post was at 19:59 ----------

But they don’t want to, Richard. They would like you to voluntarily change your box!

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Sure but you could also add both of your interests to a single profile and just pick out the ones that interest you. How crowded are your profiles to need 2?

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

There is a default shared profile. I have another one where subtitles are switched on so it's handy to switch profile as required even during watching a recording.
Just one useful tool of profiles

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

They are trying to manipulate people to change to the 360. As Sky Atlantic is no longer the channel it was 15 years ago, i'll be sticking with my V6.

In any case, I think that they will rinse this situation and then add Sky Atlantic to the V6. Sky say it will be made available to every customer and won't want a situation that artificially dampers down viewing figures & ad revenue.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

A useful tool to some people, but by no means a must-have feature.
Switching profiles to turn subtitles on and off is not a convenience, that's what the subtitles button on the remote is for.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

You can just say "subtitles " into the mic. But if a dedicated subtitles button is so important then fine stick with V6

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

The whole reason for having profiles is to make it easier and quicker to find your stuff.

We also make used of the shared profile for the programmes we watch together.

There’s a lot of programmes on each profile, so we have plenty of choice.

---------- Post added at 11:59 ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 ----------

I don’t think so, Richard. They could discontinue the TiVo software tomorrow if they wished to do so.

---------- Post added at 12:02 ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 ----------

It’s not a TiVo clone, Taz. Just make your choice based on what is best for you and your family. While you continue to have the choice, you can just stay with what you have if that works for you.

But calling the 360 a ‘downgrade’ is just mad. TiVo has some unique features which you won’t find on Sky Q either.

When VM divests itself of the TiVo software, you might like to consider buying a TiVo TV. That might work for you.

https://cpc.farnell.com/mitchell-bro...oaAn3nEALw_wcB

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Are you on commission :p: seem to be pushing it, just to say I am not swapping out , as V6 fits my needs , when it goes it goes , not sure if it will be me or it :D

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

No, just correcting some misconceptions, Itshim.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

One of the things I like most about the 360 is the universal search function so I can simply use my voice to find content anywhere across Virgin TV, Disney+, Paramount+, Prime Video, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer etc.

It's so quick and convenient.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

A disclosure here. Back in a previous life (not really but 20 or so years ago seems like a previous life) I was involved in the development work of some of these XBMC forks. Many quirky features were added and not all were added because of consumer demand. Sometimes simply because the coders had an idea and wanted to work on developing it, whether users wanted it or not. Other times because the software had commercial versions and the sellers wanted additional features to market, just to differentiate their software from another.org's version. They were marketing features rather than must haves. Many features fell by the wayside as customers simply didn't use them. Some were discontinued for years but reintroduced later, again primarily as marketing features.

Sometimes decisions were the opposite of what customers were asking for. UK users wanted their TV channels to use LCNs as was the norm with Freeview. This would have slowed down channel scanning as 2 frequency scans were needed. The first a DVB compliant scan. The second scan to read in NorDig descriptors which carried the LCN data. Software providers went with the faster scan, more suitable to European DVB platforms which didn't use LCNs. UK users lost out, so marketing policies won that battle rather than UK consumers.

To me, profiles fit into that category. Useful to some users who prefer to micro-manage access to their content in the most convoluted way possible. You will probably see it differently.

I made up my mind many, many years ago. It was never a fantastic idea to develop software forked from something with such a tenuous history. You are correct, it certainly isn't a Tivo clone. I do consider it to be a downgrade. Adding features I neither want nor need is no compromise for giving up features I want and which I use.

Idiotic comments such as suggesting a Tivo TV don't help your argument. They have absolutely nothing to do with Tivo recording features. Tivo was bought out a long time ago by Xperi, a technology company more interested in acquiring intellectual property and selling on licences to use it. Not particularly interested in continuing with actual Tivo recorders. Xperi wanted to get into selling IP licences for the TV market. They bought out Vewd Software, which itself had evolved from Opera Apps (the seldom used browser). Vewd app store was not the best, it was used as an app contributor to the early Vidaa platform used by Hisense and Toshiba TVs. Another contributor was Foxxum, which is now part of the, Singapore based, smart TV environment and online platform WhaleTV / WhaleTV+. Anyone who has bought the Manhattan Aero Freely device, powered by Tivo, will have to accept licences to use Vewd software and the device identifies on wifi networks with the Vewd name. Integration of Vewd into the Tivo brand has some way to go but it doesn't record and doesn't have the features of Tivo recorders. In short they are totally unrelated.

---------- Post added at 16:45 ---------- Previous post was at 16:44 ----------

More like creating misconceptions with that Tivo TV suggestion.

---------- Post added at 16:49 ---------- Previous post was at 16:45 ----------

Quick and convenient is asking Alexa to search, as can be done with Roku. Having to grab the remote, press a button and talk into the remote seems to create steps that other platforms have managed to avoid.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Have voice control on TV , never use it , in fact I dislike it.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I find the voice control on Sky Q to be useful sometimes.
I often use it to start up Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix etc, as its quicker than going through the menus.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

i asked it for allo allo last night and it asked is it me youre looking for. Very witty 360 but no i was looking for Allo Allo, I dont think it was my accent but who knows. Funny anyway

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Do you have a link please?

Whilst a valid point, I'm not sure what this does over & above what V6 "search & explore" does? Disney, Paramount & Apple content aside.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Can't post a link since it was a email
https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2026/03/3.jpg

"Find out more" goes to

https://www.virginmedia.com/tv/sky-atlantic

Another interesting one in terms of Sky Atlantic
https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2026/03/4.jpg

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

People have been certified for talking to remote controls.

---------- Post added at 18:50 ---------- Previous post was at 18:47 ----------

Don't think the "brands' will be pleased when they find out VM are excluding a lot of their customers.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

it not like they hiding the terms to get it it all on the websites it customers choice if they want to upgrade the boxes or not no one is forcing them too

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

They don't seem to be taking "no" for an answer. Daily messages being sent to my V6 boxes, on how i "need" to 'upgrade'. Deleted each day, but they resend daily.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Thank you.

Sky are saying that Sky Atlantic will be available to 3m homes (the total number of Virgin TV customers), whilst Virgin say that it will be made available to 1m homes. This must mean that Virgin have 1m homes with the 360 or stream and 2m with the TiVo V6

This is probably why they are really trying to push the 360 now. Unless it's an error, this must mean that Sky Atlantic will eventually be made available to every customer.

I doubt that Sky will want this to be too long as it will be affecting their ratings & ad revenue. I'm sure that they know that the new arrangements will result in a decrease in viewers, so one way to try and negate this is to make the channel available to cable viewers.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Virgin has a long track record of misleading customers. As I am sure most people using this forum are aware of In some form or another. This is just an other example

---------- Post added at 08:56 ---------- Previous post was at 08:55 ----------

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Same thing happened with the Sky Sports + channels. Initially VM said 360 only and you have to "upgrade" to get them. Hey presto, a few months later available on the V6. Advertisers are everything, and won't be happy if the audience is restricted.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

So what do you want from a box. Me recording clearly, be able to find shows l list and record. Move it forward, pause, rewind . TV apps. Audio description, for when I can't understand what is being said. And epg that works.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

It's what advertisers want that seems to be the main consideration now. i.e. you not being able to ff through ads, or having to pay extra to avoid them. Glad i kept my VHS recorder, could come in handy.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Yup. Same. Makes me want to leave VM more than upgrade.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Have to pay for it ,but is the one thing l really like about Netflix. Can't shift them on U, sky on demand it's guess work, seems to be around 4 minutes, at least with V6 can still easily skip them.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I don’t need to fast forward through ads because I don’t get any ads on my streamers!

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Because you pay extra for the priviledge... Recording , you don't need to pay extra.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

So true , still my first choice, then it's a question of do I really want to see that program :D

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

True, but then again, with Virgin Flex, you don’t have to pay for all those channels you don’t watch.

I know you have a different mindset that favours the status quo, but yours isn’t the only way, that’s all I’m saying.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

£72 a year for ad free ITVX :shocked:

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

£60 per year if you get the 12 month package.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I got an half-price offer for twelve months when I cancelled before the trial ended.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

You need to compare that with what you’re paying for all those TV channels you don’t watch.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Have you scrapped pay TV and gone streaming only now?

I take your point, but if I cancelled TV it would cost more because of the deal that i"m on, everyone chooses the solution that's best for them.

By the looks of it you get 2 months free ITV if you pay annually.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I have been streaming only (except for the news) for a couple of years now, but I’ve always resented paying for the channels because I don’t watch them.

Finally I got myself a deal which is similar to Virgin Flex. The difference is that I retain my existing two boxes so I can still record as well (if I wanted to). I’ve ditched Sky Cinema because their films seem to be those the streamers rejected in the main and I don’t have Sky Sports because neither I nor my wife watch anything to do with sport.

I’m reasonably happy with the deal I’ve got, but if I move house, I’ll be on Virgin Flex if I’m still in a cabled area and I will just pay for the box.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

is anyone getting hbo max when it launches on the 360?

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Yes - I already have a sports subscription for Discovery+ and it is moving to HBO Max only from 26th Mar.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Yes, I will. There will be some good content on there.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

There are some very good deals for HBO with Now TV.

The standard price for the Entertainment pack was £9.99, but will go down to £6.99 (including Sky Atlantic.)

Last offer I saw was £2.99 a month.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

£6.99 is a 6 month contract though and it's basic with ads, the tier seems designed for Sky considering new Warner Bros movies will be still appear on Sky Cinema aswell

The standard with ads tier direct is £5.99 on a 30 day rolling contract.

Also bear in mind current/newer HBO Original series are still on Sky channels aswell as new seasons of any.

12 month saver options for TNT Sports will be available direct via hbomax.com

HBO Max standard with ads and TNT Sports at £27.99
https://worldscreen.com/hbo-max-unve...reland-launch/

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

I have £18pm for TNT Sports and full sport access with Premium sub wiih EEtv.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Updated to 360 on Friday - it took a couple of attempts to successfully update. Other half happy as all episodes of Randall and Hopkirk deceased added to wish list! Step daughter now has a mini box rather than the old Tivo box - which suits her as she streams rather than records.

And bonus email saying bill will be reduced slightly as I’m no longer being charged the TiVo monthly fee - wasn’t fussed about that in the past as I’ve always had a good overall discount.

So as far as I’m concerned it’s all pros and no cons so far!! :)

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

great to hear! its a nice box! lots of bonuses to it

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Still failing so see any advantage, for me. I do keep looking and it looks like another short term solution, before moving to streaming only , question if there would be any advantage to even bothering to do this via them:confused:

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

With ads? That’s a no-no for me.

---------- Post added at 22:53 ---------- Previous post was at 22:47 ----------

It is only those programmes that Sky is already contracted for the rights to broadcast. Anything outside the contract will not be on Sky. The Pitt is the first example.

Re: TV360 - pro and cons
 

Hence the acquisitions Sky has made and new programming announcements in 2026 and 2027 , there isn't exactly much new and exclusive coming from HBO on HBO Max in the next year.
https://www.3vision.tv/news-insights...o-launch-in-uk