Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Hey can we keep the rants about virgin tv to:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/11...tv-page-3.html

and keep this thread to the subject that it is for.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood news :beer::beer::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Christmas comes eaily ;);):):):p::p::dunce::dunce:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

How could they be for the ITV 3/4 as they are not even broadcasting yet:erm:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Will BBC One HD is not broadcasting yet Virgin Media are testing it right now.

ITV3 and ITV4 HD are set to launch on November 15th (I think) on Sky.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Based on what info?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Channel five HD was testing before it launched I haven't claimed it couldn't be another channel but I'm confident from info I've received it could be.
http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/itv-b...0101013884.htm

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

based on my reputetion ihabe buit uip here ;) i wont say where the info comes from

---------- Post added at 20:16 ---------- Previous post was at 20:15 ----------

lol hay ive said it before my information isnt always right but i have been right maybe 70% of the time problem is virgin chanes there minds a lot

---------- Post added at 20:18 ---------- Previous post was at 20:16 ----------

cant really lol i said hope for christmas otherwise next year not like i care if people cant accept information can change then it there problem not mine

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Stand corrected

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

There is always madness here and I don't mean the anger kind! :disturbd:

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2011/02/74.jpg

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

TV NEWS: BBC to takeover cost of BBC World Service and S4C.

The television licence fee, which funds the BBC, is to be frozen for the next six years at £145.50, it has emerged.

And the BBC will take over the cost of the World Service, currently funded by the Foreign Office, as well as the Welsh language TV channel, S4C.

S4C to be rebranded as BBC Cymru?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11572171

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2010/10/23.jpg

:)

also BBC ONE HD has name changed on epg to Test104 BBC1 HD coming soon

somethings happening.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

My Virgin Tester has just told me that all the channels tests is no longer broadcasting and has been remove from they box.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

hold on i will email my contact to see if he can see any changes,

hes only next door but his wife is hogging the phone again

what a spraff lol

---------- Post added at 22:33 ---------- Previous post was at 22:18 ----------

update:

Test 104
Test 42
Test 43
Test 44
Test 45

All still showing on his STB -all showing on demand previews

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

*cough* *cough*

:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

LOL

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

It could well have been Trumpton, maybe the fire-chief haunts him till this day with his roll call.:)
As a youngster I always thought the first two names were, "Hugh, Hugh":D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9Nf1jd1kDI

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Rumour: Virgin to launch more HD Channels soon.

Information I have been given today said that Virgin is looking to add Disney XD HD , Disney Cinemagic HD and Disney HD to bolster the family/kids HD genre but they did not give an launch date.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Very good news MB, cheers for letting us know that virgin are still fighting are corner.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Yes. Great news. At least if I have to suffer half the day I can suffer with clarity. :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I wasn't aware there was a Disney Channel HD? Well not in the UK anyway.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I think Disney are thinking about one next year.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

nit yet disney plan to launch it next yesrr with playhouse disney hd

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Good news if it happens, I can't say I have read about this anywhere though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

It may well be a deal were Virgin wait until all the Disney HD channels launch and then sign a contract.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

arcording To Digitalspy BBC ONE HD Will Launch on November 3rd 2010 Channels Numers Hav'nt Been Comfirmed Yet But Its Started Testing on Virgin Media which Is Good News Aswell as The Disney HD Channels and Sky Basic HD Channels Coming Soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Digital Spy: Yesterday broadcast hours extending.

UKTV has announce on DS that Yesterday will broadcast programmes until 3 a.m. from 1st November. (currently stops at 1 a.m.) on Virgin Channel 203.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

That would seem to make sense, I hope they sort out the DOG's on the Disney Channels too they are atrocious.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Good news :angel::angel:

Cant wait to see pat in eastenders in HD :D :LOL:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

:omg::bigcry:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Anyone thinking ITV HD channels wont end up on Virgin should read the link below. Just check out the viewing figures LOL :-)

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?t=1371483

http://www.barb.co.uk/report/weeklyViewing?_s=4

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

it's kat slater or mo you should worry about lol

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Or even worse dot.:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

These figures are for 4-10 October, it might be better to see next weeks that will include a full week's ratings, it didn't launch until 7 October although they may be a median figure. Still poor looking though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Agree mate but surely ITV will want to boost them up.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Definitely but remember that ITV2 HD is a pay channel, VM surely cannot keep adding endless basic HD pay channels as long as they don't charge extra like Sky. I am just assuming, nothing more but I would guess Sky have at least a period of exclusivity with ITV2/3/4HD as they have probably struck a deal with ITV plc over the transmission and encryption costs. This is the only reason I can possibly think why VM have not launched Eden & Good Food HD to their own customers. I am absolutely certain the channels will appear on VM but personally I don't think it will be as soon as some guys think.

That's just my opinion and not based on any hard fact's, really it's based on Sky's track record with HD pay channels, not free HD channels like Channel 5 HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I see the free channels get more people watching them its only couse there on freeview if they wasnt i dont think they would get all them views, the BBC seem to get more i cant see why only thing i watch is eastenders part from that the BBC have nothing good on, give me pay channels anyday much better stuff to watch :D:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I was quite looking forward to seeing music videos courtesy of Spotify. Are you sure it's coming to us as a radio channel or is this speculation based on its present service?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Digital Spy: BBC One HD sets launch date.

The BBC has revealed that BBC One HD will launch on Virgin Media on November 3rd.

No info was given out by the BBC on channel number.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcas...unch-date.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Like you said b4 BBC1HD mite go on 108 and put BBCHD on 109 and move the living channels or channel one and +1 up

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I think we may see this happen to the Virgin EPG by the end of this year.

108 - BBC One HD
109 - BBC HD
110 - LIVING
111 - LIVING HD
112 - LIVING +1
113 - LIVINGit
114 - ITV/STV/UTV HD
115 - ITV2
116 - ITV2 HD
117 - ITV3
118 - ITV3 HD
119 - ITV4
120 - ITV4 HD
170 - DMAX
172 - Free Channel (For ITV1 +1)
173 - ITV2 +1
182 - Channel One (Until Sky axe it)
183 - Channel One +1 (Until Sky axe it)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Thats a good setup there :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

yes that would be a lot easier ....... hear us VM this is what we want lol :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

We will all know the BBC One HD channel number next Tuesday when the TV Listing books are out (I hope).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Formula 1 in a nice bitrate will be good :) I wonder what their policy of the DOG will be, maybe just for HD shows, maybe just for non-drama's, i guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

mentioning bitrate ... the pics on all the sky movies HD channels look stunning been well impressed with them even if most of the films take up 9 hours for each recording lol

---------- Post added at 23:48 ---------- Previous post was at 23:40 ----------

ye hopefully.... just makes it look neater on the epg if the channels are more together

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I read that F1 will be in HD on BBC One from next season.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

F1 in HD will only happen if a certain Mr Ecclestone gets lots of 'readies' from someone as he does nothing for nothing. I hope that F1 HD does happen as it is one sport worth watching..

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Bernie got interviewed on the BBC after the Singapore GP and said he thinks it would arrive next year but like you say I wonder how much he would want for it. Hopefully it will happen but the BBC will have to make some economies now they have had the licence fee frozen and have to pay for the World Service (actually we have to pay for it as we always have!)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Anyone think that Virgin will introduce a HD pack for extra HD channels for say £5.00 as the XL pack surely can't absorb to much more without a vast increase in subs. What do people think would they pay more for extra ?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I see something like this as the only way VM can offer the number of HD channels that so many people seem to want, there is no way they can keep adding content for nothing.

VM customers need to be realistic, maybe stop criticising Sky which in my view is pointless and get onto VM as their service provider to do what is necessary to provide the services they seem to want.

If you want most of the HD channels Sky offer you will unfortunately have to pay for them. It clearly says in VM's press releases they can have access to Sky's basic HD channels if they pay the wholesale price for them. Maybe if they do charge extra VM will be in a position to do exclusive deals too.

Personally I am quite happy with the services I get, it would be unlikely I would pay extra but I am not that bothered about endless HD channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I assume (always dangerous) that VM are awaiting the optimum time to reorganise the EPG as there has been a lot of fragmentation caused by the launch of HD, timeshift and additional (e.g. Sky) channels in recent months. If they do have a big launch in November then maybe that will be the time to do it. It would be nice to have it all done before the end of the year regardless of any planned additions and alterations next year.

MB, you didn't show it all in your plan but it will be nice to have the ITV timeshift channels grouped together on 173 ... (although maybe they could start with ITV1+1 on 171 ...).

I'm not sure about the wisdom of having HD channels next to their SD counterparts. You're either going to watch one or the other depending on whether or not you are HD equipped. They too should probably be grouped together (isn't that how Sky do it?) perhaps with the exception of some, like BBC HD and Nat. Geo. HD, which are not simulcasts and so are really separate channels anyway. That way you could just add a number to the SD channel number to to find the HD variant as you do now for the AD versions of the five terrestrial stations.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I for one will not pay extra for HD channels.

The SD picture on V+ to my 37 inch Panasonic is so good that that most HD channels look barely different from a normal seating position.

And no . . . my eyes do not need testing.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I'm with you on this, sure HD is better but I couldn't justify paying extra but if customers do want more HD channels then I cannot see how VM can keep adding them all for nothing.

It dosen't add up.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

i would be reluctent to pay more as i already pay £7 month for sky hd channels..

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

That's fair enough but as long as you are quite happy with the choice of non premium HD channels (like me) then I understand your position. I just think that if customers want a bigger choice of basic HD channels they are going to have to be funded one way or another.

It would be unfair to increase the XL sub to cover the cost for more HD for the customers without V/V+ HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Channels people want to see ESPNA HD , ITV HD channels , Universal HD, Nick HD , Disney XD HD , Nat Geo Wild HD , History HD , Sky Sports news HD and Sky News HD. Can't see all them being added to XL.

Sky charges £24.00 plus £10.00 for HD and charge for ESPN.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Will that be the same Digital Spy who told the world that Sky Sports News HD and Universal HD would be on VM at launch? And who are seemingly reporting this story as fact even though the BBC haven't yet announced it officially?

I look forward to seeing if this is one they've actually got right for a change.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

This is a better source (BBC Engineering), it confirms the launch date on satellite but we already know it will be available from launch on all platforms.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/reception/info/...quencies.shtml

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Yeah I have seen that before, but who's to say that's not a placeholder date or a test date?

Certainly the information released by the BBC isn't clear - the press pack for TV for Week 44 (30/10-5/11) only has reference to BBC programmes in HD on BBC1 being simulcast on BBC HD.

Week 45 information is due to be released today, maybe we'll learn more with that.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

In the interest of balance, I dont have any desire to watch any of those in HD ;)

I suspect Sky will probably drop their HD change soon enough in any case whilst insisting Virgin continue to pay £7 for the basics

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I guess you are right but nevertheless it will launch to everyone at the same time, no exclusive deals here!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I thought the £7.00 was for Sky Premium HD channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

A lot of Sky customers suspected this was going to happen when they changed the structure of the HD pack but it didn't happen, a rough calc says they generate about £300m a year from the HD charge, I personally don't think the charge will be dropped anytime soon but we will see.

If they did drop their charge but insisted VM customers paid it I think even the pretty ineffective OFCOM would intervene.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

The HD channels on Sky are all over the place. For example sky Movies Classic HD is not with the other Sky Movie HD channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I just had a problem with the LCD display on my V+ and called faults and the automated phone service referred me to the fix it assistant in the help menu, I have never seen it before, is it new or has it always been there?

Anyway it fixed the problem so it must work!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Bring on the HD the more the better :clap::clap::clap::clap:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

It's new, but I can't think of any display problem it would fix. What was the problem?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Can you please tell us how to get into it please.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Press home, help and info, virgin tv, got a problem and then fix it assistant.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

BBC give out channels numbers for BBC One HD and BBC HD from November 3.

The BBC today announces that BBC One HD will launch at 7pm on Wednesday 3 November ON Virgin Media channel 108.

November 3rd will also see BBC HD moving to Virgin Media channel 187.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pre...bbconehd.shtml

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

When playing back the time elapsed wasn't displayed, also not all three digits of a channel number was displayed.

It did work though, unless it was just a temporary fault.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

We Won't See Eastenders in HD Until Xmas Day on BBC ONE HD. Further Details Go On www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Thats a funny number for BBCHD 187, there waiting for channel one to close and put it back down next to BBC1 HD :tu:

---------- Post added at 15:26 ---------- Previous post was at 15:26 ----------

Cant wait for that :beer::beer:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Thanks for the update Media Boy

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Now that Sky issue HD boxes to new customers as standard (like VM), more and more customers will be able to view the HD variants (even without an HD TV).

I can see Sky closing the SD channels that have a HD variant and dropping the HD charge.

I would assume that the lost revenue would be more than offset by the savings in transmission costs and payments to Astra.

As VM own their transmission system, they wouldn't save as much by doing this, but it would free up capacity and EPG space.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

It's going to take years, and years before the whole of the UK is HD ready. I remember reading recently that only 47% of UK homes have a HDTV. SKY and Virgin will eventually drop SD channels as I'm in no doubt that every UK TV channel will broadcast in HD. Give it 10 years and HD will be the only format.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

i'm still waiting for personal hovercrafts..someone told me years ago that would happen..been disappointed every year that passes :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

What about all the +1 channels do you think they will be +1HDs :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Yup...but they will be called double Ds...more opportunity to see what you want, or..more than you can handle :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I think the point Richard was making though is that once most of the STBs are HD capable (which will probably happen as older STBs are decommissioned and replaced with HD boxes) it won't matter if people have HDTVs as they'll be able to watch the HD channels downscaled by their STBs, rendering the SD channels surplus to requirements.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Does anyone know if the upcoming BBC One HD will have a constant DOG digital on-screen graphic similar to BBC HD ?

My tv does not like them.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

it'll take years until virgin replace all the SD boxes, they've only recently started or are just about to start giving hd capable boxes to new customers. When older boxes get faulty hopefully virgin will replace them with new hd boxes, then we'll be left with say 30% of all virgin boxes being SD, virgin will then have to decide whether to bite the bullet and replace them all with new boxes, that way they can close the SD channels and also move over to mpeg4 instead of mpeg2, there would be room for probably all channels to be in HD if that was to happen. Can't see if happening for 4+ yrs though. The sooner new customers are given hd boxes the lower the cost in the long-term will be in upgrading all their customers to new boxes.

Can't believe virgin still have their menu still in fullscreen, lets hope that goes widescreen soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I would expect Sky would be the first ones to go ALL HD. They have more money and can afford to go all HD first although with them the customer buys the box

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I know you can almost get VM cable tv for free on the lowest subscription with just paying line rental, but I feel most people who pay for their tv viewing through VM or SKY probably have HD tellies in the next five years so what will be the point of having a SD channel variant!

The problem platform for HD is Freeview, there will never be ever enough bandwidth to go completely HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Even if all the SD broadcasts were closed they would have to find a lot more bandwidth to provide a HD only service. The US have had HD for 8 years and are nowhere near getting rid of SD, it will be quite some way off yet.

There are shed loads of channels particularly on Sky that don't even broadcast in widescreen yet let alone HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

I think we will see on November 3 unless I get told if they appear on Tests on Virgin or Sky.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

It can all happen very quickly, when someone does it the second person can do it alot quicker & more effciently so when the US does it I can't see the UK being far behind.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

thanks MB

I would like all to see all D.O.G.S. removed from all channels as my nice HD box has an epg
telling me what channel/and any info im on.
Maybe time for me to purchase a new tv that doesnt have logo retention, having to zoom in on the picture on some channels is getting a bit annoying.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Sky will need to get Astra or whoever to launch a few more satellites before they can do it, or compression will have to come on leaps and bounds. Can you imagine the cost of renting transponders for a full HD service?

I cannot see the endless shopping, religious or any low budget broadcaster for that matter having any urgent need to go HD. 405 line VHF was around for 15 years+ after 625 line UHF was introduced and we were only talking a handful of channels not hundreds.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

3 new satillete all dvb-s2 with enoguh capicty to launch in the regiosn off 800+ hd channels will be online by 2014 and the satillete are owned by itv/bbc as with astra so expect a freesat boom aorund then but dnt expect hd switchove then it will still be some time away

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Satellites owned by BBC/ITV? Behave yourself mate!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

well maybe i never made myself clear the satilletes are owned by astra but itv and bbc control them sicne they paid to get them put up

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Final post of the week

Full info from my Virgin Tester:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

They must have some cash then, no wonder the licence fee was frozen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Wow this really is a quiet day today ...:sleep:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Its clocking off time for the weekend:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

And you had to wake us up :sleep:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

It worked....:sleep:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

Another day, Another week, Another month that Virgin Media ignores the Standard definition platform they've provided for so long.

How difficult is it for Virgin Media to perhaps ADD some SD channels, seriously?

They're focusing on HD which they charge a premium for to its customers to recieve as well as a requiring a new box which they charge for too if you're not a new customer, but fail to realise they have millions of Non HD customers too?

With Bravo and Channel One closing, what do they plan on replacing them with? Oh yes, more HD Channels.

How about Virgin use some subscriber money and get some more SD channels on the system. Perhaps the other 2 CBS channels, and more that Sky have and offer to customers but Virgin seem unable to like offer?
(In before comments like OMG SWITCH TO SKY LOLOL)

I think its ridiculus the way Virgin are acting. I know some Virgin fanboys will try and attack my post but honestly why are Virgin IGNORING SD channels in favor of HD ones? Point above.

Wake me up when Virgin start catering to existing customers and there are millions of us who dont have a HD Box nor would we want to pay a premium to get some upscaled goodness(You cant honestly say that every HD channel has native HD shows, most are upscales).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV
 

VM being attacked now for adding too much HD :).
Although you have every right to complain if channels aren't being carried that you want, the thing is that VM isn't a satellite service. VM gives us all the channels with viewing figures above about .05% (that's a guess), HD channels, ESPN in a package that is similar in price to a Sky package that for me isn't the same vfm. I can't see VM adding those channels any time soon so yes you might have to move to Sky to get them. From someone who is a realist not a "fanboy".