Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Thanks, that explains it then. If they haven't changed the pack codes, but just suppressed them, it looks like it's a time limited thing. Wonder if it's anything connected to the changes that Sky have made for these sort of channels? Freeview periods have sometimes been known to last for months.

Do they normally just suppress the pack codes for Freeview periods? You'd think it would be easier to just switch off the encryption for a set period of time.

Btw I was told by sometime at VM today that there have been reports of people erroneously getting things like Sky Sports, but it only last about a day.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

There's no official terminology for this, these features are undocumented. Basically it is a bit level on / off switch or 1 bit switching between 0 and 1. The pack codes are left in place, ready to be reactivated after the free period. So not complicated at all.

When VM move channels around, between transport streams, the new location is sometimes "in the clear" for a short period. Possibly something similar happened with Sky Sports.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

What, you mean like Sky Atlantic?

Hey, dude, let me into your world! :drunk:

Or maybe you were jesting...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Pfft! much better than that old thing.

Or maybe just sarcasm...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

All Asian channels are free for all VM customers this week for Diwali. It says it in the TiVo hotbar.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

:wtf:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Maybe we will get something free at Christmas, probably not.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Quite often in recent years, the UKTV channels have been made available in all packs during December.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

It's just a temporary over-ride to make channels available to all subscribers. Simply the answer to Richard's question.

---------- Post added at 13:36 ---------- Previous post was at 13:20 ----------

I've yet to see it appear there. Hmm, so VM's justification for making the Islam channels available to all is that it is in celebration of the Hindu Festival of Light? Interesting... :erm:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Yeah a price rise.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Yeah, like free new +1 channels....

Still hoping we will get Amazon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I suppose they do this as an easy way to check that the EPG is pointing to the correct stream.

---------- Post added at 19:46 ---------- Previous post was at 19:43 ----------

Thanks; VM's own staff didn't know about this, not that that's anything unusual.

---------- Post added at 19:49 ---------- Previous post was at 19:46 ----------

I've not seen it on the Discovery Bar either, perhaps we all see different things dependent on our past viewing habits??

It does seem odd to lump all Asians together!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

The EPG a different section of the SDT.

It would be nice if VM gave a heads up on the discovery bar before the channels actually appear. At least, that would give customers a chance to plan their viewing. Lumping all of the Asian channels together suggests that not much thought went into the decision.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

We have already just had one.;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

been very very quiet year for VM

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

OB is starting to rumble his discontent.;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Not much really left for them to get apart from sky atlantic and we both know the answer to that one, itv encore, freesports and i think one or two others.
I feel 2018 will be the same channel launch wise.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

This ^ ^ ^

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

yes still few on here think sky will let others have it :LOL::LOL:

---------- Post added at 21:03 ---------- Previous post was at 21:02 ----------

:D:D:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I think Sky will let others have the channel but not until at least 2019 late when the final season of game of thrones has aired and even then it's a very big maybe.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Surprised they haven't taken Keep It Country as the only channel of its genre available. Channel 4 +1 HD would be useful too on occasion along with S4C HD for Welsh expats/the rugby.

There are some QVC channels in HD on Freeview for those who like to shop too!

Any others that people can think of?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

FreeSports is the obvious recent addition that is missing. The channel is requesting VM customers constantly bombard VM with requests to carry it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

This suggests to me that Freesports weren't happy with the deal that VM wanted and are trying to convince them that their customers really want the channel.

AFAIK Freeview channels have to pay to be on VM, whereas channel owners expect to be paid.

VM regard it as channel distribution (like paying to go onto Freesat/Sky/Freeview), whereas channel owners see it as them providing a service for VM/their customers.

I suspect (but don't know for sure) that secret deals have been done for the poorer Freeview channels that people wanted eg Talking Pictures. Maybe a heavily discounted or cost neautral deal??

I'm surprised that Freesports isn't on though as VM like to boast that they have all the football under one roof.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Virgin Media Preview (Channel 100) has confirmed all the channels listed will be with us until October 22nd.

Before going back to as before.

---------- Post added at 15:55 ---------- Previous post was at 15:36 ----------

We now have over 8 DNP orders.

Here is some rumours we have been told. (Some may not like this)

-BT Sports to be removed from the old XL Pack (When old deal is up).
-But both AMC and BoxNation may launch on the BT Sport package.
-An well known broadcaster is up for sale.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Not good news as that will not go down well with many unless they have a big surprise lined up.

---------- Post added at 16:21 ---------- Previous post was at 16:20 ----------

Well if some like boxing then maybe having that in a sub might get a few on board with their other bouquet of sports channels..

---------- Post added at 16:22 ---------- Previous post was at 16:21 ----------

Any clues MB.?;)

---------- Post added at 16:24 ---------- Previous post was at 16:22 ----------

Rumours as we know have a habit of going off the rails so one will be keeping a weary eye on how many of these DNP's come true.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Nope.

---------- Post added at 16:26 ---------- Previous post was at 16:24 ----------

Some of the DNP are about new channels coming - we will not name them until JJ20X confirmed they are testing.

One of them will launch when Virgin updated all they V6 or TiVo Boxes.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Does anyone have any figures on the take up of sky sports on Virgin? & the amount of Full House customers?
I just cant see them getting anywhere near the amount of viewers on virgin if they do it. Advertisers will be paying less aswell and UEFA will be be even more embarrassed by the champions league viewing figures.

To get BT Sport on sky its £27.99 HD and 22.99 SD

If it does come off XL it will have to at least stay in VIP and possibly a new sport package.

From there last Q2 results
I believe BT Sport get most TV (not using web app) viewers from Virgin. I don't know anyone with Sky that also takes BT sport on a sky box they normally use a friends or family members account to view it online. I'm so surprised they haven't made you register devices like Virgin anywhere and Sky Go do.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Before I moved to Virgin, I used to get BT sports on the sky platform - I had BT infinity broadband so originally got sports for free, this gradually changed to a discounted price.

I currently have the top virgin to bundle and don't expect to pay anymore to get BT sports!

There is a limit to how much anyone can be expected to pay to watch tv

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

October List update - October 16th update.

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

NOTE: I DO NOT WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA UK OR VIRGIN MEDIA IRELAND 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 UK/Ireland News and links.
Media Boy = Local TV news, other Media news/Things.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== Freeviews on Virgin Media UK OR Ireland ===
-Star Gold, Star Plus, Star Bharat, Sony TV, Sony Max, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Punjabi, B4U Movies, NDTV Good Times and NDTV Spice are all having an freeview to all Customers on Virgin UK Channels 801, 803, 804, 805, 806, 809, 810, 812, 815, 829 and 837 right now untill October 22nd 2017.
-Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Nickelodeon, Boomerang, Pop, Tiny Pop and TV5 are all having an freeview to all Customers on Virgin UK Channels 704, 706, 712, 730, 736, 737 and 825 right now untill October 31st 2017.
-CBS Reality, Horror, CBS Action, CBS Drama, CBS Reality +1 and Horror +1 are all having an freeview to all Customers on Virgin UK Channels 148, 149, 192, 197, 201 and 202 right now untill December 31st 2017.

=== Sometime in 2017 (Testing or Confirm) ===
-Virgin Media Ireland will launch Cartoon Network HD soon.

=== October ===
21st. Comcast will rebrand Movies 24 as Christmas 24 on Virgin UK Channel 419.
21st. Comcast will rebrand Movies 24 + as Christmas 24 + on Virgin UK Channel 420.

=== November ===
1st. Viacom will rebrand Nick Jr. Peppa as Nick Jr. Too on Virgin UK Channel 716.
4th. Sky Cinema will rebrand Sky Cinema Animation HD as Sky Cinema Family HD on Virgin UK Channel 406 and Virgin Ireland Channel 333.
4th. Sky Cinema will rebrand Sky Cinema Animation as Sky Cinema Family on Virgin UK Channel 436 and Virgin Ireland Channel 304.
-BBC Wales to launch BBC Radio Cymru 2 soon on Virgin UK Channel TBC.

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

=== January 2018 ===
6th. Sony will rebrand True Christmas as True Movies on Virgin UK Channel 424 and Virgin Ireland Channel 329.
-Comcast will rebrand Christmas 24 as Movies 24 on Virgin UK Channel 419.
-Comcast will rebrand Christmas 24 + as Movies 24 + on Virgin UK Channel 420.

=== February 2018 ===
No News...

=== March 2018 ===
No News...

=== April 2018 ===
No News...

=== May 2018 ===
No News...

=== June 2018 ===
No News...

=== July 2018 ===
No News...

=== August 2018 ===
No News...

=== Autumn 2018 ===
-BBC Scotland to launch BBC Scotland on Virgin UK Channel TBC.

=== September 2018 ===
No News...

=== October 2018 ===
No News...

=== November 2018 ===
No News...

=== December 2018 ===
No News...

=== 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 Virgin Media Ireland areas ===
List last updated on January 5th 2017.

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 VIRGIN MEDIA IRELAND BUT NOT ON VIRGIN MEDIA UK:

Documentaries/News:
-History HD
-Crime + Investigation HD
-RT

Lifestyle:
-Fashion TV

Music:
-MTV Classic

Kids:
-Disney Channel HD

Specialist:
-EWTN

Radio:
-UCB Ireland

Channels only in Virgin Media Ireland areas.

©copyright 2017 Media Boy 2006 - 2017. 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 UK and Ireland - http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.com/
Follow Virgin Media UK on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
Follow Virgin Media Ireland on ''twitter'' here - https://twitter.com/VirginMediaIE
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Last updated January 5th 2017.

Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: Media Boy HQ gets all info from Virgin Media UK viewers, some Virgin Media UK workers (I called them Virgin UK 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 VIRGIN MEDIA IRELAND AREAS' AND INFORMATION ON VIRGIN MEDIA IRELAND ON THIS THREAD IS FOR VIRGIN MEDIA UK?
A: Virgin Media Ireland is now part of Virgin Media and are both owned by Liberty Global. And you voted for Media Boy HQ to join both Virgin Media UK and Virgin Media Ireland threads from January 2016.

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

==== See you later ===
List last updated on October 16th 2017.

Next update: TBC.

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

©copyright 2017 Media Boy 2006 - 2017. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Does any of this include UHD material,

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Great to see AMC may arrive on Virgin Media, but not so happy that you would have to be a sports fan to get it. :(

---------- Post added at 07:41 ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 ----------

I think that is a good possibility, but I haven't seen anything about it yet.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

isn't that only way to get it on sky with bt sports too

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Does everyone think we can expect a significant reduction in the cost of XL/Full House after (or if) BT Sport is removed?

I have to say I have a growing list of reasons to leave Virgin and the Sport on XL is pretty much the last thing that's keeping me with them. There would have to be a decent new offer for me to stay.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

My answer to that is l somehow doubt it.

---------- Post added at 11:01 ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 ----------

If this scenario happens then the head honcho's better have a good plan of how they are going to replace it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Ever since BT sport's joined the XL package, it's been rumoured that it's leaving or being pulled.😂

---------- Post added at 11:43 ---------- Previous post was at 11:40 ----------

I do know what I miss is the music on demand videos. Vevo just isn't the same, and I know nowadays we've got Spotify, google music and loads of others, including of course YouTube. But I did used to enjoy watching the videos on there.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

The trouble with Vevo is its generally full of modern music and nowt much from the past which Virgins old music on demand system was perfect at IMO.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Thats true would only be the 200 internet keeping me but could keep internet and move to sky get 50% off deal and get UHD sport

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Exactly! It just felt like it was something that differentiated us from sky. Knowing virgin it was probably to do with cost and licensing issues.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Are those of us on Full House able to use the BT Sport web app too?

---------- Post added at 11:37 ---------- Previous post was at 11:34 ----------

Maybe they are to use the money saved to pay extra to Sky to finally bring Sky Atlantic to the platform ;)

---------- Post added at 11:38 ---------- Previous post was at 11:37 ----------

Totally agree, Veto is too much of a faff to use.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Nope we have to use Virgin TV Anywhere

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I couldn't be bothered with music on TV get yourself a streaming subscription and a speaker setup in your home and your good to go.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

You can get all the old stuff and more on You Tube.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I'm glad it was you who said that, Richard! ;)

---------- Post added at 14:25 ---------- Previous post was at 14:24 ----------

You took the words right out of my mouth, Max!

---------- Post added at 14:27 ---------- Previous post was at 14:25 ----------

Some of us like watching the music videos, MM.

---------- Post added at 14:30 ---------- Previous post was at 14:27 ----------

Given that BT Sport was meant to be 'free' to XL subscribers, it would be embarrassing if they now reduced prices on that basis!

Let's hope they will take Richard's suggestion to save face!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

It would be interesting to know whether more customers would prefer Sky Atlantic to BT Sport in Full House/XL.

Edit: Have your say!

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...php?t=33705530

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

BT Sports all the way - Probably a selfish vote because I can access Atlantic via Sky Go

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Does anyone know when the current contract with BT Sport ends?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Do we know when VMs current contract for BT sport ends?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Next year in June or July perhaps.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Funny i remember posting about bt sports awhile back and was laughed at.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

16 new services have been added to the SDT according to recent scan data, with vague service names such as Test V1. All parked in the double digit graveyard section of the EPG.

At the time of the scan, none of these had been added to the NIT in ex-Telewest / ex C&W regions. They were all marked as hidden, and flagged as "Entertainment". So, something is happening, no real clues as to what it might be...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

@MartinHoscik

@VirginMediaCorp PR failed to answer my email but rumours abound that they’re going to stop giving BT Sport away for free in their XL pack.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

coming soon to virgin media

more people leaving!!!!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I suspect the rumours are out there because the existing deal runs out next summer.

VM never answer questions about deals that have not been fully wrapped up contractually, so I don't read any significance whatsoever about their failure to answer questions about it.

---------- Post added at 19:21 ---------- Previous post was at 19:21 ----------

Could any of these be new apps opposed to new channels?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Their last quarter suggested otherwise..

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I think he means if BT Sport disappears, which hasn't happened yet!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

They are all on TSID 44, which generally carries pop-up SD channels, such as the seasonal BBC RB channels. Other than that, TSID 44 is the home to apps linked to the EPG, such as You Tube, Vevo, Netflix, Worldbox etc. That's why I used the term "services" rather than "channels".

There wasn't enough information in the scan to make a guess at what they could be. I'm pretty sure that forum members will be gazing into their crystal balls and should come up with some interesting theories. ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Amazon.....!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Children in need red button?
Do CIN do red button though?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

:nono::nono:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

:bump:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Well, it has tested on TSID 44 before...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

:hyper:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Not that I'm aware of, but 16 CIN streams would be quite a lot. :shocked:

I think that, going forward, the BBC will use the connected red button for any new streamed content. Connected red button streams would not need SDT records.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I can't think what they could be then unless they're for local or international stations but i doubt it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Local stations would probably be on one of the local transport streams.

They could all simply be VM internal services. 16 internal services moved from TSID 1 to TSID 104 a while back and, oddly, ghost data was retained on TSID 1. Maybe this is just another relocation. :shrug:

They didn't use cryptic "test" service names for the move from TSID 1 to TSID 104, so that part seems unusual, they simply updated the SDT as each service was migrated. I guess it's just one to watch.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I wonder if they are going to give each Worldbox channel its own EPG number to increase awareness & subscription fees??

Anyone know how many channels that has? I can't currently check as all my tuners are in use, not sure why it needs a tuner for internet delivered content...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

39? it would be a bit messy to list them all on the EPG.

Are you watching internet delivered content or just "on demand"? Or are you referring to Worldbox being internet delivered?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Yes, it's an app.

It should work even if all tuners are in use as long as you go via Apps & Games.

The Worldbox channel > Red Button route needs a tuner free

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I was trying to select Worldbox on EPG number 834, useful to know that I can get it to work without a tuner if need be- cheers Ben.

If there are 39 channels on it, maybe they're just putting the ones that don't require an extra subscription, or only the ones that do to drive up subscribers, I can't imagine that many use it at all, never mind pay extra for it!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Ok, anything accessed from the EPG is using DVB infrastructure, so needs a tuner.

I'm not a big fan of linking apps to the EPG, sure it would be a shop window to display extra IPTV channels but the type of content is limited to a relatively small audience. The majority of VM viewers simply won't care that Russian, Arabic etc language channels are available. Making them more visible won't really change that.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Is this the case for all Tivo streaming apps?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Yes.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Kix Power has been removed today from Virgin Channel 738.

---------- Post added at 16:41 ---------- Previous post was at 15:27 ----------

Cable.co.uk: Sky Cinema to celebrate Halloween with a week of scary movies

Fans of horror films are in for a treat (or trick) this Halloween as Sky Cinema is set to launch a channel dedicated to scary movies.

Sky Cinema Halloween will be available from October 23rd to October 31st using Sky Cinema Sci-Fi and Horror channel numbers.

https://www.cable.co.uk/news/sky-cin...ies-700001968/

---------- Post added at 16:48 ---------- Previous post was at 16:41 ----------

Wikipedia is reporting that Christmas 24 Channels will be with us from October 21st to January 6th 2018.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Last of the summer wine has got black lines on the sides on GOLD +1 yet on GOLD it hasn't

:confused:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

*facepalm at Sky cinema * really really really.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Thanks Ben. Good to know. :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Sky One is also being rebroadcast on Virgin Media Preview - Channel 100.

It will happen on October 25th from 9pm to 2am.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Seems odd that, it's been showing a slate saying that it'll be back at some point for ages. Looks like they may have changed their mind!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

It is still in the EPG section of the SDT listed on channel 738 but it has been flagged as hidden. It is also has the flag usually associated with a placeholder but doesn't currently have the flag generally used for end-of-service placeholders. Maybe VM are leaving the gate open for it to return at some point.

SID 4403 Test V1 (one of the 16 new services added to the SDT) has now been added to NIT of 4 VM internal networks usually associated with testing. It moved from EPG slot 17 to channel 947 and the hidden flag has been removed. 947 is in the radio section of the EPG, but Test V1 is currently flagged in the entertainment category, not the radio category. Hmmm...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

BBC Radio Cymru 2?

Any thing on the other "Test" Channels?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

The other "Test" channels are just names in the SDT at the moment, until they actually start to be used / tested and are added to the NIT tables of specific regions.

I wouldn't like to guess about BBC Radio Cymru 2, adding it wouldn't be a big secret, so why the cryptic name? It isn't flagged as Radio, so maybe a new EPG section? There is a large gap of unused channel numbers in the radio section and the channel 951+ stations could maybe be renumbered, clearing space for a new section? Just a thought...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

"Channel Moved" - Virgin Channel 144 is no longer on the Virgin Media EPG.

---------- Post added at 00:26 ---------- Previous post was at 00:24 ----------

If up to 16 new channels are set to launch it will be from the number of broadcasters.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

If I were a betting man i'd say that VM are to add more BBC local radio stations to the EPG.

Before the advent of NGTV, some areas had their own BBC local radio station on the EPG. After the introduction of NGTV, we all got BBC Radio London on channel 937.

There are currently 40 local BBC radio stations; i'm not sure how many are now IP delivered

Benefits for VM are that there would be no carriage costs on either side for these channels and that it would be a USP because Sky doesn't have them and (I think) Freeview only carries your own local station.

Benefits for VM customers would be that we wouldn't need to go via the Tune In app, "ex-pats" could keep up to date with their old home and that we would be able to record programmes, create series links etc.

Now that ViLoR is being rolled out across the UK (making local radio IP based), it's probably much easier for VM to pick up all the feeds off the internet wherever their headend/s are.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/technol...30802172702565

Perhaps there are 16 stations running on ViLoR and VM are to initially add these; this would also tie in with these "test" channels being placed in an area usually used for internet based services like apps & BBC Red Button streams.

Edit: 18 BBC local radio stations currently use ViLoR. As 2 may already be on the EPG and delivered by traditional means eg London and one of the Nations, maybe that's why they only need to create another 16??

A more worrying thought as the world seems to become more unstable/unsafe is that local radio will probably be best placed to broadcast news, information and advice than any other medium (including the TV Wartime Broadcasting Service). Maybe it's thought that underground cable is less likely to be impacted by severe weather, war, terrorist attacks etc. Let's hope to God that VM don't know something we don't!!!

Bit of a jump there, so I'm off to bed :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Maybe it's all Kim Jong-un's fault...

All of the BBC LRs are available online in multiple formats, ViLoR is more about streamlining and centralising LR infrastructure. A nice theory though.

Perhaps someone will be able to match up the pattern of the "Test" service names with some theory.

As we know, Test V1 has been added to the NIT on various networks. The following have yet to appear:

Test W1, Test W2, Test W3, Test W4, Test W5, Test W6
Test X1, Test X2
Test Y1, Test Y2, Test Y3, Test Y4, Test Y5
Test Z1, Test Z2

Any theories?

---------- Post added at 03:28 ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 ----------

Probably moved back to the graveyard section of the EPG, where it usually resides.

I would agree for new channels but will these be linear broadcast channels, EPG linked apps or something else?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Doesn't the V6 already have an internet radio app. I am sure the Radioline app was recently added which gives access to most UK radio stations including the BBC. Why would VM use up more broadcast bandwidth when the facility to receive the stations is already there?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Regional BBC variations in HD?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

BBC & ITV HD regions are carried on TS 104. TS 44 isn't regional, at least, not at the moment.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I didn't go to bed in the end as my head was hurting, so put the TV on. At exactly 6am all TV & BB went down. I tried a reboot, but it came up with a channels loading bar that stuck at 16%. Probably cos the BB was down; the V6 must need the internet to populate the EPG.

I rang VM to tell them about it, press 1, press, 2 etc and entered my password. Only at that point did it tell me they were closed until 8am grrrrrr. It was at that point that I really decided that it was time for bed :D

One thing that makes me doubt my own theory is why all the coded names? BBC local radio is hardly earth shattering :D. Maybe they are to follow Sky and use codes all the time to frustrate the likes of us!

Also, ViLoR isn't infallible:

https://radiotoday.co.uk/2017/09/eig...s-fall-silent/

[/COLOR]Sorry, I said the Tune-In app earlier, it's actually the Radioline app as you say.

All the national stations are also available in the app, as well as on the EPG.

Being on the EPG would enable us to record, set series links, set reminders etc.

Good thinking John and maybe this is why the services are being added piecemeal.

There are currently 15 local BBC1's (the three Nations are already HD) and BBC2 Scotland (the only difference is the last 20 minutes of Newsnight)

This makes a total of 16!

Only the other week, the Points Of View programme answered a viewers question about the time being taken to roll out the regional variations in HD. They said that budgetary constraints had led to them having to use "imaginative ways" to carry out the task.

Maybe they meant that it will be delivered over the internet??

The use of codes may be that they want to keep it secret before making a formal announcement for all platforms.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Fun times, at least you didn't get through to the call centre in India only to be advised that you can use the downtime to make a cup of tea or coffee. So helpful...

Indeed, using coded names would make sense, such as with the abortive Amazon Video tests. Maybe not for BBC services though.

Yes, I remember that. Unfortunate that a fault with centralised equipment can lead to the whole network falling over. So much for progress...



Don't forget that BBC Two also has variations for Wales & NI and VM probably wouldn't be interested in HD variations for the Channel Islands, not having a cable tv service there. The important point here is that they aren't going to get 16 HD streams on one "national" transport stream. Technically. HD & SD channels can co-exist on the same transport stream, although VM usually keep them separate. TS ID 44 usually carries pop-up SD channels.

It sounds like another excuse to kick the can further down the road.

Although, in theory, an Ofcom licence should be issued before any broadcasts start. Not that Ofcom are 100% reliable at publishing the details promptly.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

A chap who works in the industry has offered me his thoughts on the theory (but also has his doubts):

"For Virgin to deliver all BBC 1 regions in HD, would still require the Beeb to upgrade the distribution and contribution circuits to each regional studio to HD, and equip the SD regions with upscalers and downscalers, which is a large chunk of the upgrade work they do not have the funds for.

Unless, Virgin are going to take the current BBC1 HD England feed, and 'splice' up converted regional feeds during the opt out slots. I can't imagine the BBC agreeing to that, and I'm not sure Ofcom would be too happy from a service licensing perspective".

Maybe VM are to somehow make channels 108 and 162 swap over to the SD feed for the local news etc instead of the holding slate currently provided??

That's a good point about the Channel Islands, I never thought about that!

So, from a VM point of view there are only 14 regional BBC1's plus 3 BBC2's which adds up to 17. If VM show BBC1 London news on the proper BBC1 HD channel 108, that gets it down to 16 again!

Here's hoping that this is correct and that any Ofcom & service licensing issues have been overcome!

Whilst viewers outside London, Scotland, Wales and NI wouldn't get their local programmes in HD, at least they wouldn't have to faff about changing from 108 to 101 and 162 to 102.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

BBC2 Scotland is quite different to BBC2 England - not just 20 minutes of Newsnight.

From 7pm to 9pm tonight (19th Oct) - BBC2 Scotland is different to the main BBC2.

Saturday and Sunday evening are also different.

Most evening the BBC2 nations have variations from the BBC2 England service.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Thanks for the correction.

If this is what's going on, because of their platform neautrality commitment, I imagine that they will want to do the same on satellite and DTT, however, when 700MHZ is eventually cleared aren't the PSB channels expected to emit in HD only? If this theory is correct, it would be scuppered by this. Maybe the BBC expect to be able to afford to make the regions operate in full HD by 2020??

---------- Post added at 19:48 ---------- Previous post was at 17:48 ----------

@ jj20x Do the scans give any indication of any DVB type that might be used?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I highly doubt BBC channels would be among the 16 hidden channels. This is a bit of a mystery, but I think POP Max may be one of them. This is because Kix Power disappeared and data is still available for channel 738, so I wouldn't rule out the likes of Pop Max and Chart Show TV.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Freesports hopefully is one of them.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Basically very expensive and at the moment, with most of the local news studios still not upgraded to HD, a lot of expense to upscale SD at source.

Unlikely that VM would go to this much trouble if the BBC isn't driving the change. The BBC has the PSB remit, not VM.

Not every VM customer gets the correct local region on 101. For some, their correct region is offered as an alternative on channel 858. Introducing the sort of channel swap you describe would probably need additional local networks set up within VM to make it work properly. Not really likely to happen.

But it ignores the fact that all BBC One & ITV HD regions are on regional TS ID 104, not on national TS ID 44.

An incredibly expensive method to avoid having to press a few buttons.

---------- Post added at 01:46 ---------- Previous post was at 01:33 ----------

That theory is popular on DS Forums but not really anywhere else, more a case of wishful thinking by certain posters than the actual plan. The end of simulcasting in SD & HD will free up cash resources which could be used to fund HD only infrastructure. There's no actual indication that it will happen at the same time as 700 Mhz clearance. Remember that clearance has already started in some areas and that those areas haven't been converted to HD only for the PSBs.

The DVB type is for the whole transport stream rather than individual services and hasn't changed.

---------- Post added at 01:56 ---------- Previous post was at 01:46 ----------

When channels are removed, it is normal for a limited amount of residual data to be left in the SDT. Users will have made recordings from these channels, so some data is generally left behind to support that.

Usually, when broadcasts cease from a channel, the data has a couple of flags, indicating that it is a placeholder and that it is at the end-of-service. 738 only had the placeholder flag. That state is normally used for pop-up channels, likely to return at some point, such as the BBC Red Button additional streams.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

From what I remember it was Ed Vaizey, when he was a minister, who put the idea forward that SD for the PSB channels should be switched off to cut costs and to create space to help with the loss of the temporary muxes.

Not heard anything about this though after he was no longer in post.

I do hope that it does happen as they may not be enough space for channels like Talking Pictures, Keep It Country etc to continue on Freeview. Without exposure on Freeview, I fear that some channels like Talking Pictures may not be commercially viable and may end up closing on VM & satellite too (incidentally I was talking to someone from Talking Pictures earlier and they were very pleasent to deal with).

Maybe the local inserts into the sustaining HD feed won't come from TS ID 104, but be sourced from TS ID 44 as regular daily pop up channels at 18:30, 22:30 and derived from the internet in the same way as the BBC Red Button services for events like Wimbledon etc.

Do you think that could be possible? It could switch 108 from HD to raw SD from 18:30 to 19:00 so that no upscaling would be involved??

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

It was, but it doesn't really matter. A throwaway comment made by a minister can easily be taken out of context by a forum member and used to support their view of how things should happen. A mandatory switch to DVB-T2 would require funding from the Government, he didn't reveal any plans to do that. As things stand, the Government are quite happy to avoid funding a mandatory conversion and to leave the decision to the broadcasters. The Government would probably prefer to auction off the entire UHF broadcasting spectrum to mobile operators at the earliest opportunity. The uncertain long term viability of the platform will hold back funding from the Government and from commercial operators.

Arqiva don't feel that the time is right to convert the commercial DTT multiplexes to DVB-T2 and there's little chance of it happening until they are ready. They will keep the temporary multiplexes running for as long as they are allowed. Unfortunately, when the temporary multiplexes close and these low budget channels are faced with the cost of financing carriage on a national multiplex, I fear we may well see a few departures from DTT.

The local SD channels are already there on TS ID 101 for the BBC. I can't see VM setting up 16 additional SD streams for a few minutes each day on a national transport stream. In any event, switching would be clunky and horrible, switching between screen resolutions and between streams which are out of sync with each other by several seconds.

With a lot of coding and a vast amount of wasted bandwidth if they were to follow your idea. There would still be fairly large areas switched to the wrong local channel. Where a regional network carries overlapping BBC regions there is no easy way of knowing which is the correct region for an individual viewer.

Just let the viewer select the appropriate channel. The BBC put the annoying red slate up for a reason, to prompt the viewer to change channel.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

I think it's unlikely SD will be switched off for some time. There are still a lot of people who do not have HD ready TVs, particularly the elderly.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

The PSB channels will continue in SD for the foreseeable future. A forced move to MPEG4 was discussed, but there are many standard DVB-T only sets still out there & this is unlikely to happen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin Media TV (2017)
 

Yes you are quite right OB as there are millions out there still who do not have HD ready TV's.