Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Blakey was certainly reliable that's for sure.;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Agreed :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

winner of the post of the year.

I wonder then we'd hear about pricing for bt sport europe. on day of launch like last time...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

My guess: new sports season ticket which will include BT skysports and BT Europe for 9 months and market as the only place to watch all European and domestic football on one provider

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Hmm I already have sky sports so I'd probably be screwed over? Interesting. Let's see what happens haha

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

That'd be a good shout as then at least if BT want an extra fee for the Europe channel then it could be absorbed into the headline season ticket price. With the rise in price of Sky Sports and the (potential) additional BT Europe charges I bet the charge would shoot up from the £150 last year.

Guess we'll find out for sure in the next few weeks and I hope it's good news for you VM TV guys.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

£3

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I'm still going with included in XL , just my thoughts but what do I know.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

All UK targetted UCB TV and radio channels are no longer broadcasting on any platform.

The only way to continue watching or listening to the UK service of UCB is via this link:

www.ucb.co.uk/player

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Or on DAB, which would qualify as a "platform".

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Though a very rickety one. :erm:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Indeed, DAB in the UK has definitely become a case of quantity rather than quality. Although broadcasters such as UCB can't really complain, only paying for 64kbs mono streams for music content.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Big problem with DAB is that it simply doesn't work. The codecs were obsolete when it was launched and because there is no provision for automatically updating said codecs it is now super obsolete and will just continue to get more out dated. Apart from the receivers looking like they were run up in shed in the sixties and eat batteries like Godzilla.

Should be executed with prejudice.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Really?!? I am not well versed in the technological world, but the DAB on my Vita (now "Ruark") R4i sounds considerably better than the sound in my car, on my phone, sound bar, ipod/ipad and computer. Is there something than DAB that I am not aware of?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

You're obviously very lucky to have a high signal strength, the fact remains that the standard is totally obsolete and much higher quality audio could be achieved in the available bandwidth with modern codecs.

Prepare to throw your DAB receiver in the trash when the current transmissions are abandoned.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yeah I find signal is very much `hit and miss` and sometimes `stored` station have moved or gone!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

OFCOM appear to have got cold feet on that one as well. They could have gone for the bid that was offering the new technology on the new Digital 2 mux (which I thought was one of the reasons for offering it). But instead they plump for the existing encumbant of the Digital 1 mux that "may" offer one AC+ channel within the new mux. Theres confidence for you.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Cheers for the reply, as I say my technical knowledge is rubbish.

I guess I should be very grateful then. I would be lost without me radio. For some reason, I simply can't listen to the radio through the telly.

If you don't mind me asking, do you know if the potential future DAB+ technology is in jeopardy too? I only ask as the radio is DAB+ ready.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Largely obsolete because the broadcasters have spent years arguing about who should fund what rather than getting on with building a network with full coverage. Over time they have crammed in more and more services, reducing quality to do DAB on the cheap.

Do you really think that DAB+ will bring higher quality audio? It could, just as higher quality audio is possible with basic DAB. It's far more likely that DAB+ will result in even more poor quality streams at even lower bitrates made possible by the improves codecs. The public don't seem to mind, research shows that they prefer quantity and increased choice to high quality audio.

This problem isn't unique to DAB. Broadcasters will save on bandwidth costs by using low bitrate streams on all platforms and on the internet.

DAB and DAB+ can co-exist, so nothing needs to be thrown in the trash. Basic legacy DAB equipment simply won't receive DAB+ radio stations. With the rate of progress we are used to in the UK don't expect a rapid migration to DAB+, it could take decades.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

yes vince now tv is on ps4 and xbox one,the sky app is on ps4 too,but not on xbox one and by what ive heard never will be

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

That's a truism, HD channels are showing many ugly compression artifacts as the bit rates are reduced to try and cram more in. 4k / UHD will be even worse, fine for static images but it all falls apart the moment something moves and as for panning shots....

People do seem to prefer quantity over quality, just look at the continual requests for more and more obscure channels in this thread most of which just repeat content that's already been shown on other channels. You could quite usefully halve or even quarter the number of channels and condense the output but that is not what people seem to want.:dozey:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

No new BBC channels launches until after the BBC what going to happen with the BBC Tax - the television licence fee after 2016.

---------- Post added at 09:59 ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 ----------

Thanks for info.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

July List update - July 3rd update.

Keep up-to-date on the latest news on upcoming channel launches and other important events across all platforms of Virgin TV.

NOTE: I DO NOT WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA SO ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS LIST IS STILL SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News and links.
Media Boy = Local TV news, other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Freeviews on Virgin Media ===
Jun. 10th. Premier Sports is having an freeview to all XL Customers on Virgin Channel 551 right now until August 10th 2015.

=== Soon ===
-That's Solent will soon launch in Southampton and surrounding areas.

=== July ===
13th. Virgin Media to close BBC Red Button 2 this month on Virgin Channel 992.
13th. Virgin Media to close BBC Red Button 3 this month on Virgin Channel 993.
13th. Virgin Media to close BBC Red Button 4 this month on Virgin Channel 994.
13th. Virgin Media to close BBC Red Button 5 this month on Virgin Channel 995.
13th. Virgin Media to close BBC Red Button 6 this month on Virgin Channel 996.
13th. Virgin Media to close BBC Red Button HD this month on Virgin Channel 990.

=== August ===
No News...

=== September ===
1st. Sky Sports to rebrand Sky Sports Ashes as Sky Sports 2 today on Virgin Channel 503.
1st. Sky Sports to rebrand Sky Sports Ashes HD as Sky Sports 2 HD today on Virgin Channel 513.

=== October ===
No News...

=== November ===
No News...

=== December ===
No News...

=== By 2016 ===
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc1 as Sky Movies Aliens on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Sky Movies Aliens as Sky Movies tbc1 on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc1 HD as Sky Movies Aliens HD on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Aliens HD as Sky Movies tbc1 HD on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc2 as Sky Movies Gangsters on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Gangsters as Sky Movies tbc2 on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies tbc2 HD as Sky Movies Gangsters HD on Virgin Channel 4??.
-Sky Movies to rebrand Sky Movies Gangsters HD as Sky Movies tbc2 HD on Virgin Channel 4??.

=== January 2016 ===
-The BBC may close BBC Three on Virgin Media subject to final approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may close BBC Three HD on Virgin Media subject to final approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may add two extra hours per day to CBBC and CBBC HD on Virgin Media subject to final approved by the BBC Trust.

=== February 2016 ===
No News...

=== March 2016 ===
No News...

=== April 2016 ===
No News...

=== May 2016 ===
No News...

=== June 2016 ===
No News...

=== July 2016 ===
No News...

=== August 2016 ===
No News...

=== September 2016 ===
No News...

=== October 2016 ===
No News...

=== November 2016 ===
No News...

=== December 2016 ===
No News...

=== Local TV on Virgin Media ===
-All the following Local TV broadcasters may launch by 2016 on Virgin Channel 159:

-YourTV Manchester
-YourTV Blackpool & Preston
-Cambridge Presents
-That’s Basingstoke
-That’s Surrey
-That’s Reading
-That’s Salisbury
-That's Oxford

=== Unknown dates ===
-The BBC hope to launch English regional variants of its existing BBC One HD service as well as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland editions of BBC Two HD - but still need to be approved by the BBC Trust.

=== Channels ONLY in UPC Ireland areas ===
List last updated on June 2nd 2015.

ONLY TV CHANNELS THAT ONLY BROADCAST IN THE UK ON OTHER NETWORKS WILL APPEAR ON THIS PART OF THE LIST.

ALSO THE FOLLOWING LIST OF CHANNELS IS CURRENTLY BROADCASTING ON UPC IRELAND BUT NOT ON VIRGIN MEDIA:

Documentaries:
-History HD
-CI HD

Lifestyle:
-Fashion TV

Music:
-MTV Classic

Kids:
-Disney Channel HD

Specialist:
-EWTN

Radio:
-UCB Ireland

Channels only in UPC Ireland areas.

FOR LATEST NEWS ON UPC IRELAND SEE: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...iscussion.html

©copyright 2015 Media Boy 2006 - 2015. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

==== Virgin Media's Deals with broadcasters ===
Full list now at: http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.co.uk/p...adcasters.html

This part of list has now moved to my blog - follow link.

=== What is Media Boy on about??? ===
Here is what I mean when I post the following on Cable Forum:

Virgin Sources - means just that.
'Do Not Post' order - means an Virgin insider has given me some info on things that set to happen but has told me not to reveal it right now.

=== Media Boy Extra info: ===
Liberty Global - http://www.lgi.com/
Media Boy Blog - For all things Virgin TV - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
Follow Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Last updated May 8th 2015.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: Media Boy HQ gets all info from Virgin Media viewers, some Virgin Media workers (I called them Virgin Sources) and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: WHY HAVE YOU ADDED 'ONLY IN UPC IRELAND AREAS' WHEN THIS THREAD IS FOR VIRGIN MEDIA?
A: Virgin Media and UPC Ireland are now both own by Liberty Global.

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''DISNEY CHANNEL HD'' FOR?
A: Disney Channel HD is only broadcasting in UPC Ireland areas right now.

==== See you later ===
List last updated on July 3rd 2015.

Next update: TBC.

A) If Virgin Media are set to launch more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) in Virgin TV areas.
B) If Virgin Media are set to move more than TWO channels (TV or Radio) about in Virgin TV areas.
C) If Virgin Media are set to close or repackage more then TWO channels (TV or Radio) in Virgin TV areas.

©copyright 2015 Media Boy 2006 - 2015. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Hi MB,

=== January 2016 ===
-The BBC may close BBC Three on Virgin Media subject to final approved by the BBC Trust.
-The BBC may close BBC Three HD on Virgin Media subject to final approved by the BBC Trust.


I think this is now a definite decision, is it not?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yes sadly its going to be happening.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The BBC Trust has provisionally said "Yes" to the closure of the BBC Three TV channel but A further consultation will take place ahead of the BBC Trust publishing its final conclusions in the autumn.

http://www.a516digital.com/2015/06/b...-services.html

Info thanks to a516digital.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Well the further consultation is a total waste of time as nothing is going to change the decision.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Iplayer now offers live streaming of bbc channels on youview app, i wouldn't be surprised if this happens on vms iplayer app very soon if it hasn't already.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

i dont understand the whole bbc 3 plan? its going online so will be a 24/7 channel streaming on the internet producing tv shows? How does that save money?

Plus bbc 4 is another version of bbc 2. bbc 3 is a youth channel. I have no idea why bbc 4 wasnt axed. plus itll look horrible on the tv guide...bbc 1, bbc 2, bbc 4....

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Erm... not really.


If one channel had to go online, it made sense for it to be the youth orientated channel, as, so were told, younger people tend to use the internet more for accessing content.

It's a big shame that it had to happen though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yes it's the demographic that moved it to online rather than anything else.
It's been proved that the age range BBC3 is appealing to is all about online and on demand content so I can see their thinking and maybe actually the BBC are more forward thinking in this respect than we think.

I'm one of those that records everything. I got into this habit with Tivo S1 so even if I end up watching something live I just hit the delete button and it's gone no great issue.
For me personally I will end up missing out as I will forget to check it out as I have so much normal tv recorded that I will not use online.
That is how my Netflix 6 months went. Hammered it for about 2 months and then just cancelled it just in time.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

You are right Tricky...it's all about watching programmes when we want. I too record everything, apart from the football.

This means even though my Tivo box normally sits around 80%, I can watch what I like when I want to. I can either watch the programmes once a week or let them build up and enjoy them like a box set.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Because, in my eyes, it is considerably better than BBC Three. It is nice to have channel that gives us reasonably intelligent content and the foreign content on Saturday nights is frequently excellent.

I think I have only ever watched two shows on BBC Three one is Murder in Sucessville and I can't remember the other. BBC Three and it's content can die quietly in the corner for all I care.

Still, each to their own!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Same here, though in my case Orphan Black.

However, just because I don't like most of the BBC 3 content, doesn't mean it should be treated with less respect. That is the whole point PSB; diversity.

It's just a shame that the BBC is having to make these decisions. But if one channel had to go online, then, given the viewing demographic, BBC3 was the right choice IMHO.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The whole BBC 3 moving online is a cover up for the BBC closing BBC3, It is going to tank and before long the BBC are going to be saying well nobody is watching it can we close it.

They stripped BBC3 of all its assets before the BBC Trust made its decision to close it and i do not buy all this saving money rubbish. They are pumping the money saved into BBC1 drama CBBC and if they had their way BBC1+1.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

UPC has purchased TV3 Ireland and it's sister channel 3e for €87 million. UPC will pay €80 million upfront and €7 million when audience figures improve. This is subject to approval by the Irish Government.

Wonder if this means we will get TV3 and/or 3e on Virgin Media?

---------- Post added at 02:18 ---------- Previous post was at 01:41 ----------

Thanks for that. Do/did UCB broadcast on Freeview?

I have a hunch that UCB radio may be returning to Virgin Media. My reason being that the slate is in the same state of limbo as The Africa Channel ie it refers to the channels being "unavailable " not "no longer available as we usually see.

If VM took their feed from satellite, they could switch to taking the DAB feed, the Freeview feed (if it exists) or the UCB website.

The problem is that, if this is a cost cutting excercise by UCB, radio stations have to pay to be on the VM EPG.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

One potential channel to come to Virgin Media is Premier Sports HD which launches on the Sky platform on 20 July. Premier Sports states on its website "Virgin have yet to confirm if they are going to take this HD channel."

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Still have not got Boxnation in HD :(

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

You might be waiting a while.;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Boxnation HD is only on air for around 4-5 hours a week - and is available PPV too on Sky.

Premier Sports HD has been streaming for a long time - and launches on Sky next month.

I would go for PS in HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

No new channels are set to launch on Virgin Media as far as we know.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Oh dear Vincey boy won't be happy.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

TV3 Ireland has not been purchased by UPC but UPC/Virgin Media owners Liberty Global.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TV3_(Ireland)#Ownership

We in the UK will not see TV3 and 3e launching on Virgin Media. But Virgin Media may launch them in Northern Ireland.

Base on the list of channels broadcasting on Virgin Media (See blog for full list):

The Following Irish TV Channels is on Virgin Media in Northern Ireland as of July 3rd.

-RTÉ One
-RTÉ 2
-TG4

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Yeah it's gone quiet on the Historyhd rumour i was given but i'm chasing it up will ofcourse post any updates i get.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Here is our ideas about the BBC:

-Merge BBC 4, BBC Red Button to become BBC Extra.
-The BBC can then using BBC Red Button (Daytime) to offer more Red Buttons things.
-Merge CBBC and CBeebies to become The all new CBBC Channel.
-Merge All English Radio FM channels to become BBC Radio England FM.
-Merge All English Radio AM channels to become BBC Radio England AM.
-Merge BBC World News and BBC News channels to become BBC World News.

That will save broadcasting costs big time.

---------- Post added at 12:05 ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 ----------

We can confirmed that DNP rumour is about new channels that may launch by end of 2015.

Our Sources has not given us any info on HISTORY HD launching on July 14th (I think that was an date you posted last month).

---------- Post added at 12:28 ---------- Previous post was at 12:05 ----------

As of June 30th HISTORY HD is not even testing on Virgin Media.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I'd agree regarding the children's channels, but not the radio. there is far too much diversity for it all to be centralised.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

We think bar the local news on the hour. BBC only need local Radio on the following hours.

Weekdays:
6am to 10am
4pm to 7pm.

Weekends:
6am to 9am
12pm to 6pm

The BBC can then pick the best DJs for England Wide shows.

If it good for other local Radio channels it can easy come to BBC Local Radio.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Who exactly is, "We"?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

So no local football coverage midweek?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Local radio also used for county cricket championship commentary, admittingly this is now only available online and those with enabled handsets in the ground

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

And maybe Global or Bauer could run it.

The crew of the good ship BBC Fantasy perhaps...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Quite a few of 'flive live extras' evening sports coverage for rugby too says 'joins up with BBC Radio " (local name) " for live commentary.

I suspect mosts evenings - they is something local going out somewhere on the BBC local radio channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I was only on about when no live Sports are being broadcast on BBC Local Radio on times listed. When live Sport is on in some areas they will pull out of the English Wide broadcast.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

one easy answer for bbc scrap licence fee let them advertise, and have sponsored programme like itv and other broadcasters,
combined the 2 childrens channels , get rid of radio1 extra and combinded bbc 3 and4
get rid of all am radio . keep local radio

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

My view on Local Radio was only due to http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/07/bbc-...adio-stations/

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I don't know about other local BBC stations, MB, but radio Cambs already merges with BBC three counties from 7pm until 6am. If I remember correctly, the idea of merging the stations during the day was not well received when it was mooted some years ago.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

BBC Radio Oxford joins a South region from 7pm until 6am - although the South goes to the national region (Mark Forrest) from 7pm to 10pm and Five Live from 1am to 6am

Regions are better than national - for the locals to fall back on.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The BBC Trust reviews all BBC services periodically but that doesn't necessarily indicate further cuts. The quote from the Trustee for England would suggest that it is just normal procedure rather than a move to make deep cuts to the local radio budget.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Have anyone seen this?

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...-fees-over-75s

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Which is the same amount of local opt-outs as with "local" commercial radio Heart & Capital. So there's a massive reason to not go there.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Surely, that's easily resolved, by ensuring that access is only available to XL customers.

As I've said already, Now TV is now available on an increasing number of smart TVs and TV sticks, so why not give access via the TiVo box so as to give VM viewers more options?

Remember, our friend Mr Malone is committed to giving it's customers maximum access to content without necessarily owning channels itself.

All I'm saying is that it's no skin off VM's nose to provide this option for it's customers. Hell, they could even take a cut of the proceeds!

---------- Post added at 17:48 ---------- Previous post was at 17:40 ----------

VM isn't a supermarket.

They already have Netflix on the TiVo and they have invited Amazon as well. What's so special about Sky?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Really? Don't we have enough pseudo national ILR stations as it is without the same happening to the BBC. ILR was good until all the mergers & the penny pinching started, to such an extent that I now no longer listen. Up until a few years ago we had 5 different ILR stations available here. Now we have 5 Heart stations all doing the same thing at the same time. Only the adverts are different. Some of the best community programmes on my local BBC station are during the mid morning to lunchtime slots. There are also stations like Radio Cornwall that heavily promote the Cornish language during their programming. OK, so we do now have community radio, but it does not have the resources or coverage the BBC can offer.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Well, for starters, the subscription cost for Now TV has been established and it has been well publicised. Why would Sky not agree to Now TV being on TiVo when it's available elsewhere? A complaint to OFCOM might be in order...

---------- Post added at 18:03 ---------- Previous post was at 17:55 ----------

It's cheaper to put programmes on demand than run a linear channel. Those programmes, as you say, will be available 24/7. What's not to like?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Not on broadcast Freeview. I think they have been involved with some of the older/discontinued IPTV services. UCB TV is available on TV Player although I'm not sure if it is carried on the Freeview version.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Because it doesn't work for each party you've already been told this by numerous people , anyone wanting Now TV has a choice of devices to watch it on.

Why would Sky want to give up part of its subscription revenue when their app is already available to anyone on a wide range of devices many of which are available at a relatively low cost.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I haven't suggested that Sky should give up its subscription revenue!

It should be made available on the Virgin platform for the same price as on other platforms. As I said, if this service was available only to XL viewers, this would not disadvantage anyone!

It is not the best deal for Virgin subscribers but it would at least give us a bit more choice for those who are prepared to pay for it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

VM make money by selling Sky's channels included in it's many packages , Sky makes money through wholesaling it's channels to VM. As you've been told numerous times anyone can sub to Now TV on devices starting at around £10 in fact there are bundles about what save you even more.

If you honestly think streaming is the future I'd invest in a decent streaming device instead of waiting for things that are never likely to happen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Sounds like way too much hassle to sort out for just XL who already pay a hell a lot only to give an option to add additional nowtv.

Given developing, ongoing maintenance to add to TiVo probably cheaper if VM bought shed load of nowtv boxes (with 3 month entertainment pass I gather is available) for a tenner and cello tape and stick it on top of the TiVo and say here you go. now TiVo has nowtv (albeit to separate Hdmi slot)

That way you got it and sky supports it

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

How exactly does this mean that it's 'never likely to happen'?

I am making the point that if all available streaming services were made available on the one box, this would be a good USP for Virgin and save it's customers from having to have various additional boxes and memory sticks. Such a strategy would accord with Liberty Global's objective of maximising available content to it's customers.

While of course you and those who agree with you are entitled to your opinions, and I respect these, you haven't actually come up with an argument that scuppers my thinking on this.

If Virgin can invite Amazon onto it's platform, why not Sky?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

It's not just Now TV not being on Tivo - it is not available on Fire (Amazon) devices either, presumably for much the same reasons. And you won't find Netflix or Amazon Prime on Now TV.

To be honest, if you want the extra channels from Now TV it is no big deal to get a box and plug into a spare HDMI slot on your TV. Works great over Virgin Broadband, and a useful backup when Tivo Iplayer is a bit flaky, or if you want to watch one of the other catch up services without tying up one of your tuners.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

But it isn't on Samsung smart tvs, firetv box or stick,it isn't easily available on linux, only movies is on youview no live channels so i'm afraid your complaint would be laughed at.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Before anyone complains about Now TV not being on a competitor's platform (Tivo) they might want to first consider why Sky don't put it on their own boxes!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Fair enough if your happy to wait , I guess we'll see or not.

VM are more likely to launch their own improved SVOD offering in the future in my opinion , I believe Liberty Global already have one in some of it's other European territories. The name My Prime rings a bell however I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Exactly Andrew , it's there to entice those who've so far for whatever reason abstained from pay tv , it's certainly not to cannibalise traditional pay tv subs.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Exactly you've hit the nail on the head.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

You will never get all the different streaming services on one box.

As someone who is constantly talking about streaming being the future, you really need to get used to the fact.

Btw way, for some of us who maybe don't talk so much about it, but actually do it, the future is already here.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Because it takes two to agree - which is why Amazon Prime is not (yet) on Tivo either?

In the longer term, as faster and more reliable broadband becomes the norm, and smart TV's also become the norm, competitive pressures may force interoperability onto content providers, as the situation where they provide a hardware interface free or at cost becomes superfluous. Exclusivity is harder to justify if the customer is already equipped to view any content.

If/when that time comes of course, fixed linear service providers like Virgin and possibly also Sky, increasingly also become obsolete. Control and distribution of content becomes key, and can be marketed directly to customers.

It often occurs to me also that if Sky were to develop Now TV into a full blown Youview type service - effectively Sky without a dish - they could probably blow Virgin out of the water.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

The simple thing is that Now TV would potentially take sales away from VM. Now TV is a far closer substitute to Virgin Media's TV service than Netflix is as Now TV offers a range of live and on-demand services covering many categories including up-to-date movies and sport. Netflix does not offer such live services nor does it offer sport, so it complements Virgin's existing offerings. It's not an ideal situation for Virgin Media but it does give VM something that Sky does not possess.
The other thing is that Netflix does not sell broadband and a full TV service. Now TV's owner Sky does and could target VM customers who signed up via VM.
But the key thing is that VM and Sky do not want to make it easy for fully-fledged pay-TV customers to downgrade to Now TV. For Sky, Now TV is aimed at Freeview customers who want a little more but don't want a fully-fledged pay-TV service.

---------- Post added at 23:55 ---------- Previous post was at 23:42 ----------

I'm sure the long-term future of Sky is via IPTV once its broadband network can support it. That would reduce the cost of installation which would justify the investment in the infrastructure. However, the current set-up is favourable to the incumbent (Sky) as it is not easy to switch to its competitors as different technologies and equipment are deployed by BT, Sky and VM.
In Italy, Sky offers its Sky HD box to Telecom Italia's customers via IPTV, a clever way of deterring Telecom Italia from developing its own service.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Indeed, but it also already gives them access to VM customers who currently subscribe to get access to the Sky exclusive channels.

This could so easily be developed into a full subscription based service - 'Sky TV without a dish' is a very powerful proposition, indeed it was the motivation of many who have signed up to cable over the past 20 years.

If the BBC are also allowed to charge retransmission fees to Sky and Virgin as part of their finance review, this tilts the balance a bit further towards hybrid terrestrial/IP 'Youview' type services.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Oh, I'm doing it but I just resent having to pay extra to get the services I want on different devices.

I'm getting a smart TV on Saturday, and this will help to satisfy my appetite for new material.

Virgin Movies On Demand
 

Anybody else noticed a drop in the picture quality of Virgin Movies On Demand service since Vubiquity took over the old Filmflex operation?
http://vmhd.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/v...but-still.html

http://vmhd.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/m...lity-drop.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Good stuff...

Which video apps does it support?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I didn't make a note of them all, but Amazon Prime Instant Video, Netflix and Now TV are included, and the on demand services such as the BBC I-player will be added in August.

---------- Post added at 15:07 ---------- Previous post was at 15:03 ----------

Dear me! First, the BBC I-player with it's buffering problems, then the YouTube becoming unavailable, and now this!

VM need to act quickly to avoid a great deal of customer dissatisfaction.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

We have quite a few on the Sony Bravia (KDL42W706):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WiFWooih7M

Apps screens at about 2 minutes.

Really only used Youtube one in vengeance but very smooth and no buffering.

And the media player for USB / network content.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Good job VM don't have many other apps if the current ones aren't working very well. First they are at fault for not having enough apps, now they are at fault for the current ones not working - even though they do not create the apps. You have some extremely high standards for VM!!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

LG TVs were the only make to have the three UK 'big ones': Netflix, Amazon and Now TV. They also had them on their bluray players, which was why I got one. Shame that the Amazon app was stereo only, and kind of slow. Their implementation on LG TVs could be different though. And for anyone not requiring 5.1, they are ideal.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Best move i made mate cutting the cord getting way more content for a lot less.
I think you are in for a treat, enjoy :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

If you want streaming TV best look away from Virgin as it is a) not in their interest yet b) app performance on Tivo is horrible.

I have a Amazon Fire TV in my living room and a Android TV box in the bedroom. I haven't powered my Tivos on in months, funnily enough neither of these two have Now TV but I can use chromecast for that.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

A wired Amazon Fire TV plus a Now TV box work best for me in the lounge.

In the bedroom, the LG bluray gets used just for Netflix, a Fire TV Stick for Amazon Prime and Now TV box for Now TV.

I find the WiFi of the Fire TV Stick, doesn't seem to work that well for Netflix, so use the wired connection on the LG. It's just quicker to use the Now TV box for Now TV, than drill down through the LG's menus
.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I have found myself watching more BBC & ITV content recently, and making use of Amazon & Netflix for something different to watch. I will be calling Virgin in August to cancel my TV as i just don't watch any of the extra channels available. I have fallen out of love with Pay TV offerings that are available from Virgin & Sky. You pay your money and make your choice.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Any news on BT sport Europe media boy?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

BBC considering move to make news channel online only.:(

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...el-online-only

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

A couple of thousand VM subscribers may well pay for Now TV in order to access Sky Atlantic but it's not a significant number.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Force it to use 5Ghz, mine always seemed to want to use 2.4GHz WiFi. I never had an issue once I did this:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Mine is a Sony - and I just realised I made a mistake in telling you I was getting Now TV on it - in fact I'm getting Now TV through the Roku, which is being delivered tomorrow!

---------- Post added at 11:18 ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 ----------

How do you get this number, Andrew?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

There won't be a definitive number as people dip in and out depending on what's showing on Atlantic. I signed up for Game of Thrones and Mad Men, but was going to let it lapse. But when I went to cancelled they offered me four months for half price, so I signed up again for The Affair and True Detective this summer. I would imagine many VM customers, possibly thousands, do similar.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

I do the same, but for the film channels. Every time I cancel, they give me a super offer to stay

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

BT Consumer CEO calls for Ofcom to tackle Sky dominance

http://www.btplc.com/News/#/pressrel...inance-1190908

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Frankly laughable he condemns Sky for it's pricing and reluctance to wholesale however Sky customers wanting BT Sport without BT Broadband have seen the price of SD increase to a whopping £19.99 or £23.99 in HD. They also don't wholesale to anyone other than VM.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

yes bt are just as bad as sky for greed

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015)
 

Sky have responded to BT's claims , not sure about some of their claims huge discounts could be the reason people stay with their current provider however I agree about the 48% increase very hypocritical in my opinion.