Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

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

NOTE: I do not work for Virgin Media so all the information on this list is subject to change.

BOLD = New

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News.
Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: = It an Media Boy EXCLUSIVE and you can only see it on my Blog or on this thread.
Media Boy = Other Media news.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== 1st Quarter 2011 ===
Ginx TV may launch on Virgin Media.

=== January ===
11th. Virgin Media to work on their ''On Demand'' network overnight from 00.01 to 09.00 on Tuesdays to Thursdays until February 18th.
31st. BSkyB are to close Channel One and Channel One +1 on Virgin Channels 119 and 120.
31st. Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media are to move Challenge + 1 from the XL to M Package today on Virgin Channel 140.

=== February ===
1st. LIVING, LIVING HD and LIVING +1 will be rebranded as Sky Living, Sky Living HD and Sky Living +1 on Virgin Channels 109, 110 and 111.
1st. LIVINGit and LIVINGit +1 will be rebranded as Sky Livingit and Sky Livingit +1 on Virgin Channels 112 and 160.
1st. LIVING Loves will be rebranded as Sky Living Loves on Virgin Channel 159.
14th. Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: FIVE, FIVE HD and FIVE AD will be rebranded as Channel 5, Channel 5 HD and Channel 5 AD on Virgin Channels 105, 150 and 855.

=== Spring ===
The BBC will rebrand BBC Radio 7 as BBC Radio 4 Extra on Virgin Channel 910.

=== March ===
Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: Northern & Shell will rebrand Fiver and Five USA sometime this month.
Virgin Media will introduce TiVo co-branded set-top boxes (In all areas).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

=== Before 2012 ===
-Disney/ABC Television Group is to rebrand Playhouse Disney as Disney Junior on Virgin Channel 727.
-The BBC will close BBC Asian Network.
-Sky Sports red button interactive service.

=== Unknown dates ===
-BBC to add 21 hours per week to their HD Channel on Virgin Channel 187.
-Diva TV will be rebranded as Diva Universal on Virgin Channel 164.
-Virgin Media will cease all analogue television transmissions.
-UKTV on demand will launch.
-BBC iPlayer will offer subtitled content.
-Channel 4's ''4oD'' will offer HD content.
-Sky Arts 1 HD and Sky Arts 2 HD will become available on Virgin Media.
-Virgin Media will introduce an enhanced TV interface

=== The following channels are rumoured to be launching or in talks with Virgin Media (But still not confirm by Insiders) ===
-Colors.
-Premier Sports.
-BBC ALBA.
-KidsCo.
-BET.
-BET +1.
-Comedy Central Extra +1.
-NickToons Replay.
-Russia Today
-Quest +1.
-Pop Girl.
-Squirt FM.
-Eden +1.
-Eden HD.
-Good Food HD.
-Yesterday +1.
-MGM HD.
-Disney Cinemagic HD.
-Disney XD HD.
-Rush HD.
-HISTORY HD.
-Bio HD.
-Crime & Investigation Network HD.
-Nat Geo Wild HD.
-Universal Channel HD
-Luxury Life HD.
-Sky Atlantic.
-Sky Atlantic HD.
-CBS Drama.
-ESPN2 (May launch in 2011).
-ESPN America HD.
-ESPN News (May launch in 2011).
-ITV2 HD.
-ITV3 HD.
-ITV4 HD.
-Vintage TV.

=== Channels THAT still to appear in all areas ===
List was last updated on December 1st 2010.

NO. Channel Name
917. Radio: RTE Radio
920. Radio: WRN Europe

NOTE: Channels are only broadcasting in Ex-Telewest areas right now.

====== Media Boy Information =====
Media Boy - giving out information for FREE on Cable Forum.
Media Boy is part of ''Media Boy Family''.

=== Media Boy Blogs & Extra TV info: ===
Virgin Media Blogs:
See My Virgin TV Blog here - http://virgintvmediaboy.blogspot.com/
See Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See latest news about Virgin on Demand via ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/vmondemand
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: I get all my info from Virgin Media workers (NOTE: I called them ''An Insider''), Virgin Media viewers, my blogs and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: I HAVE GOT NEWS BUT I WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO SEE MY USER NAME?
A: All you need to do is pm me right now and tell me and I will post your news on ''Coming soon to Virgin TV'' for you.

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''RTE RADIO'' OR ''WRN RADIO'' FOR?
A: RTE Radio and WRN Radio do not broadcast in Ex-ntl and Ex-Cable & Wireless areas - yet.

Q: NOW THAT BSKYB HAS TOOK OVER VIRGIN MEDIA TELEVISION WILL ANY CHANNELS CLOSE ON VIRGIN TV?
A: Yes Sky has closed Bravo and Challenge Jackpot down and Channel One will soon follow. But us Virgin Media viewers will see some channels moving about as we have now got Sky1 HD and maybe getting Sky Arts 1 HD and Sky Arts 2 HD soon.

==== Deals with broadcasters ===
When deals with broadcasters run out Virgin Media need to sign new one to keep that Channel on Virgin TV.

Here is an list of channel that Virgin may get when they old deal runs out with that broadcaster:

NOTE: To start broadcasting soon = That channel has still to start broadcasting on Sky, Freesat or Freeview.

=== TV and Radio Channels: ===
=== Own by AETN UK ===
Bio HD
Crime & Investigation Network HD
Crime & Investigation Network +1
HISTORY HD
HISTORY +1

=== Own by ABC Television Group ===
Disney Cinemagic HD
Disney Cinemagic +1
Disney Junior + (Soon to start broadcasting).
Disney XD HD
Playhouse Disney + (Soon to be rebranded as Disney Junior +)

=== Own by ARY Group ===
ARY News
QTV ARY

=== Own by BSkyB ===
Sky 3D
Sky 3 +1
Sky Arts 1 HD
Sky Arts 2 HD
Sky Atlantic (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Atlantic HD (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Livingit HD (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Movies Classic HD
Sky News HD
Sky Sports HD3
Sky Sports HD4
Sky Sports News HD

=== Own by CBS International and Chello Zone ===
CBS Action
CBS Drama
CBS Reality +1
Horror Channel +1

=== Own by Channel 4 Television Corporation ===
More 4 +1

=== Own by CSC Media Group ===
Bliss
Chart Show TV
Dance Nation TV
Flava
Kix!
NME TV
Pop Girl
Pop Girl +1
Scuzz
The Vault
Tiny Pop +1
True Enterainment
True Movies 2

=== Own by Discovery Networks Europe ===
Animal Planet +1
Discovery Home & Health +1
Discovery Knowledge +1
Discovery Science +1
DMAX +1
DMAX +2
Investigation Discovery
TLC (To start broadcast in the UK in 2011.)
Quest +1

=== Own by ESPN Inc. (The Walt Disney Company/Hearst Corporation) ===
ESPN2 (May launch in 2011)
ESPN America HD
ESPN News (May launch in 2011)

=== Own by GMG Radio ===
Real Radio

=== Own by Independent Media Corporation ===
AAG
GEO News
GEO UK

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd ===
ITV2 HD
ITV3 HD
ITV4 HD

=== Own by MGM Channel (UK) Limited (BSkyB and MGM) ===
MGM HD

=== Own by NBC Universal Global Networks ===
Diva TV +1
Universal Channel HD

=== Own by NBC Universal, Corus Entertainment, Cookie Jar Group ===
Kids Co (Soon to start broadcasting.)

=== Own by NGC Europe Limited ===
FX +1
Nat Wild HD

=== Own by Rainbow Media ===
Rush HD
Sundance Channel HD

=== Own by Scripps Networks Interactive (Run by Chello Zone) ===
Food Network
Food Network HD (Soon to start broadcasting).
Food Network +1

=== Own by Sony ===
NOTE: The following channels will become part of the ''ViewAsia'' package if Sony can sign an new deal Virgin Media:
ARY Digital^
B4U Movies^
Colors
MAX^
SAB
Sahara One
SET Asia^

^ = On Virgin Media right now.

=== Own by STAR TV ===
STAR Gold
STAR One

=== Own by TIML Radio Limited ===
Absolute 90s

=== Own by Turner Broadcasting System Europe ===
Adult Swim Channel (Soon to start broadcasting).
TCM 2

=== Own by Twenty Four 7 Ltd. ===
Luxury Life
Luxury Life HD

=== Own by UKTV ===
Eden HD
Eden +1
Good Food HD
YeSTERDAY +1

=== Own by Viacom ===
BET
BET +1
Comedy Central Extra +1
MTV Classics
MTV Shows
MTV +1
Nickelodeon HD
NickToons Replay

=== Own by Zee Entertainment Enterprises ===
ZEE Cafe

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Do you have a link to that ? Tired of waiting for Virgin to add ESPN America HD ...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

VM are still in negotiations for ESPN America HD!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Media Boy on your updated coming soon list it shows SKY Livingit HD will be broadcasting soon, surely this must be a channel we should get in the VM channel sales deal?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

The trouble is that Virgin negotiations with chennel providers take a eternity and at the end of it we still do not get what is promised.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Nope.

At time Virgin sold they channels to Sky - the only HD Channels own by Sky was:

Sky Movies HD (bar Sky Movies Classic HD)
Sky Sports HD (bar Sky Sports News HD)
Sky 1 HD
Sky Real Lives HD
Sky Arts HD Channels

So Virgin need to sign an new deal with BSkyB to carry the following Channels:
Sky 3 +1,
Sky Atlantic SD and HD,
Sky Livingit HD,
Sky News HD,
Sky Sports News HD and
Sky Movies Classic HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Any news on Good Food HD, Eden HD, Eden +1 and Yesterday +1?

Did anyone ever get down to the bottom of why these channels jointly owned by Virgin have launched on SKY, but not Virgin Media yet?

Maybe we should stop having a go at SKY for not providing us access to SKY Atlantic, and start asking Virgin why channels that they partly own are being withheld from us.

In fact if nobody knows the answer, does someone have an e-mail address I can use to query this with Virgin directly?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

VM have a 50% stake in UKTV, along with the BBC, but UKTV is operated completly independent from both BBC & VM.

http://uktv.co.uk/network/item/aid/605268

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I think SKY News HD should be on the list too. It started broadcasting on the 06th May 2010, almost a full month before the deal was announced and over 2 months before the deal was officially completed. I believe the launch of SKY News HD was announced towards the end of April so surely when negotiating the sale of VMtv, someone from Virgins end would have had the foresight to make sure SKY News HD would have been included as one of the basic HD channels they could access in the future.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

How do you qualify not to pay the £3 charge for Tivo box, cause I've got XL TV.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

That will be the monthly charge for the service, no charge no service.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Hey Masque, I know that you have probably no idea about channel deals and launches but I have always wondered if one day in the future we may see the appearence of Sky Sports HD 3-4. I mean, do Virgin Media still think about trying to get a deal for them OR have they left it as it is and not gone back to it.

And when it does come to signing a new deal with Sky for the new HD channels that Media Boy posted above will they try to include Sky Sports HD 3-4 in that deal?

I bet that £7 charge may rise in order for them to add them.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Fixed.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I am technical support and have little knowledge of the channel side hence why you rarely see me here.:)

---------- Post added at 19:34 ---------- Previous post was at 19:33 ----------

Even staff will have to pay for the privilege.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Someone said it was free no monthly charge with XL TV (premuims)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

The has been so much said in this thread about TiVo so it may be free on XL, but I know £3 has been mentioned as a charge, I will check when in work tomorrow.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

OK nice one cyrill nice one son.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

any new HD channels coming?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Must admit it is a bit annoying, Virgin sell their channels to SKY and then SKY will broadcast a new HD variant called SKY Livingit HD that will not be available to VM customers :mad:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Never mind the HD ,buy a decent japanese plasma and you wont be fussed.Still no red button!!!!!At the time of the agreement people on here were saying august,then the start of the champions league,then the new year now april.Doubt this is going to happen at all,we're missing content here not just marginally improved picture quality.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

In fairness to VM it wasn't them that said red button would launch in August 2010, it was the same people who said SSN HD and Sky1 HD were launching in August 2010. Just rumours.

It has been confimed by staff that a lot of technical work has been carried out both by VM and Sky to provide the red button (if anyone has seen the service on Sky they will realise it is a very sophisticated application, far more so than anything we have now) so hopefully it will be here soon.

Sky themselves have also said it will launch in 2011.

---------- Post added at 05:38 ---------- Previous post was at 05:28 ----------

Sky News HD fully launched on the day of the election, 6 May 2010. The deal to sell VMtv was announced 4 Jun 2010 but I assume all the work would have been done well before that date.

I don't think anyone knows whether the deal only covered the existing channels or if there was an option for future channels, only top level staff seem to know and of course they are not telling, more's the pity!!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Why are we waiting, why are we waiting.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Patience, patience!

I am the first to have a go at any big company but if we think about what we have got in the last 12 months it must be around 20 HD channels, 100mb broadband is rolling out and of course increased upload speeds too. Some 3D content is now available with a bit included for XL customers and very soon the Tivo box which although it dosen't appeal to me personally is very exciting for a lot of people. Also red button is on it's way too so there's quite a lot going. And the NGTV upgrades must have been a massive undertaking, huge in fact. And they have changed to a totally new encryption system to stop the tea leaves so they have been pretty busy and they need to with such strong competition from you know who and other existing and upcoming alternatives.

On the downside there dosen't appear much going on regarding new HD channels at the moment but we get them (non premium) at no extra cost so they can't just add them willy nilly like a certain provider. However it's now high time Sky Arts HD made an appearance purely because VM have said it is launching, around 6 months ago. A delay for a brand new application like red button is totally understandable but why this channel is taking so long is anyone's guess.

However I have read that Sky are creating Sky LivingIt HD which to me just seems like creating a HD channel for creation's sake.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

No you must have XL tv in order to get TiVo and you will pay £3 per month for the service.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

It isn't too bad cost wise in my opinion but having to have XL together with the £3 charge and of course the install/activation charge in addition to a no doubt new contract is why I don't think there will be a stampede for it from the average subscriber (and probably many of the 75% of customers who don't yet have V+), but those higher tier customers who are happy to pay a premium will hopefully go for it, in fact I am sure a fair few will.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

New technology is the draw and the will probably be a large take up at launch.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I agree, but only from a certain group of customers.

Probably not Average Joe who currently possibly dosen't even require XL or V+ but I really hope it's a great success for competition's sake because my word we need it. If VM and YouView can really get their acts together I think between them they can hit Sky because a lot of people will really see the benefit of a catch up service that Sky don't seem interested in offering. Let's remember that between them the networks still have a massive share of any available audience, a huge share in fact. The Freesat boxes with catch up are selling really well too so it's a feature VM should really promote to hook in new customers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I certainly wont be taking it up untill the 3rd tuner is active, i may be prepared to leave it till i can access its recorded content on the cisco box upstairs, this will probably be the only attaction for me.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Thats called choice I will take from the start , mainly for the UI and the larger recording capacity , plus I had remote record with Sky so would like that feature. I hope the remote record is released on all phones not just Apple ( mainly because I'm an Android user LOL :-) )

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

One has to ask why, in these difficult financial times, Five are spending money on re-branding to their original name simply because they are 'under new management'. Personally, I see it as a retrograde step anyway.

Presumably, MB, something similar will be happening to Fiver, Five USA and Demand Five etc.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I second that. Having remote record on Android would help me alot.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I hear that Demand Five will be rebranded later next month.

Fiver and Five USA will be rebranded in March.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

It does answer the question in some way and VM answer questions far more than many firms.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Will this be £3 per STB like those premium HD Sky channels or will it be £3 for the service to be active on all STB's.

We have 2 V+HD and 1 regular V SD STB all subscribed to the XL tier, just wondering what the deal is gonna be and will this be for existing subscribers or is it only available for new customers?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

TIVO won't work on V+HD or a standard def v box.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Good question about £3 charge... don't know yet.

All initial pricing will be just for existing customers. New customers will not be able to order until existing customers have had first choice.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

The advert does indeed say ``exclusive to sky customers`` however virgin and sky might do a last minute deal for the channel. Sky might be simply trying to lure virgin customers over to them on the pretence that only they will have sky atlantic. :rolleyes:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I'm curious but what's the big lure of Sky Atlantic anyway? I've googled around and the upcoming content seems pretty "meh" to me.

Also when do the tivo box come on sale?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Agreed mate most of the content has been on Virgin OD service.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Any word on any of the CBS channels coming? Sky Atlantic, more HD, red button? Nah? In talks? Thought so ah well let the Tivo, on demand blah blah roll.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Thank you for your, as ever, positive contribution to the thread...:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

SKY Atlantic is going to be more than just HBO content.

This tells you all you need to know about the channel:

http://www.skymedia.co.uk/_downloads...%20%28W%29.pdf

Page 44 of 60 is interesting in regards to movies that will be screened on SKY Atlantic HD. The movies listed are You Don't Know Jack, Temple Grandin, The Lovely Bones, Avatar, The Blind Side, Up In The Air, Invictus.

These are pretty good movies, especially if you don't subscribe to the movie channels. I wonder if SKY will continue to deliver movies of this stature on the channel on a regular basis?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

The ad says free and exclusive to ALL sky customers, purely wishful thinking but could that mean its not free on virgin and you have to be on at least tv size XL to get it, I.e not free.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Nae bother m8

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Yes that is what the ad says but:

1- It is only free till sept and then customers will have to take the variety pack to get the SD version.

2- If you want the HD version you still need to subscribe to the HD pack.

So not free to all SKY customers ( well maybe for a small period ).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

BSkyB give out list of replacement channels.

BSkyB has/will close down the following channels:

Bravo
Bravo +1
Bravo 2
Channel One (To close on January 31st.)
Channel One +1 (To close on January 31st.)

Here is list of replacement channels BSkyB has come up with:

Sky 1 +1 (Now Testing on Sky.)
Sky Atlantic (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Atlantic HD (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Livingit HD (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Livingit +1 (Now Testing on Sky.)

Info from DS Forums and my old Sky Box.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Livingit +1 is already on Sky mb, so that makes it 4.

I'd imagine as there is already a sky3+1, soon to be joined by sky1+1, that sky2+1 and sky atlantic +1 may pop up at some point in the future too.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

will vm be getting any of them

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Again it's back to the press release when the sale was made. It stated it included a carriage deal for what were VMtv channels, whether that included an option for new channels is anyone's guess.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

On a side note a deal was made for the carriage of virgins sold channels to sky plus others,i wonder what it said if anything about what would happen if sky were to close them down ! Obviously they would not be supplied then under any carriage deal.:confused: Wonder if anything was mentioned about virgin getting replacements on the platform or have sky pulled a fast one again.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Any deal should have included new channels and if not then they are a bunch of amateurs.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Any deal should have included new channels and if not then they are a bunch of amateurs.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

And the other party say no - what do you do then?

No deal and then no channels!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

What you do is state this in your press release and not leave the impression that you have access to all Sky basic channels. Badly worded press release at best I would say.

Pesonally I think VM have a right to negotiate and not complete lock out, but the agreement did not have a pre-defined commercial agreement for future channels. That is my guess on what happened. At least we have seen an email reply saying they are negotiating with Sky.

However looking at the above list of new Sky channels from Media Boy yesterday I think the first issue is access to content, not complementary channels like +1 or HD.

If you cannot reach agreement on the SD version of a channel, the +1 and HD versions are irrelevant. Taking Sky Atlantic as an example, VM really need to negotiate a deal for the SD version otherwise their customers are locked out of any channel specific content. I note posts indicating that it looks like most of the first programmes are items which have been on VOD in the past, but they are not there now e.g. I would like to look at repeat series of 24 as I missed a couple of these, plus Sky are already promoting the brand new series of Mad Men, which has been a popular programme for some (I’ve not watched it personally).

It is starting to feel like the time when access to Sky 1 was denied (a problem for all those fans of Lost at the time and could apply to Mad Men fans soon). Content access is key, any above that is a bonus. For myself, I would be happy enough to see XL package only access to content like Atlantic and even a £1 per month increase to cover (I believe I read elsewhere on Cable Forum that Atlantic will end up in the Sky variety pack after 6 months so Sky customers will have to pay an uplift?)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

The way keep closing the ex virgin channels we are going to end up with almost none of them anyway.

I remember reading that a long term carriage deal for the sold channels and sky basics was in place in the announcement of the sale, but this obviously didn't include any agreement of what to do if sky close the channels anytime within the agreement.
Sky bought the channels and then proceeded to close most of them, which would be fine if it was a case of pure cost cutting but to then launch new channels and keep them as exclusive to Sky. It just all stinks of screwing over VM and it's customers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

http://www.beehivecity.com/televisio...numbers176271/

Good iplayer numbers from VM

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

From what I`ve seen advertised so far the program content on sky atlantic looks very good so I`m hopeing we get it. Mind you if we don`t I for one wont be switching to sky. Regarding the CBS channels getting them would be good. I`m sure virgin are working hard to bring us more channels but as we all know these things take time. I also think there may well come a time when virgin feel they can no longer offer HD channels for free. Time will tell I guess.

---------- Post added at 12:43 ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 ----------

I agree any new channels should of been included in the deal,especially when they`re replacing existing ones.Virgin had alot of pulling power when they had Living,Virgin1 and Bravo channels and should of got a better deal than they got. When sky removed sky1 and their other channels they lost 4.5 million viewers and their advertisers weren`t happy,so it`s unlikely they`l do that again. I think sky Atlantic will certainly come to virgin,in sd at least.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Sky were only interested in the Living brand, the freeview slots and Bravo programming.

Personally i'd expect Sky Atlantic(HD) to be an exclusive on Sky, until it goes into to Entertainment pack later in the year.

Sky's aim is to get as many Freeview viewers as possible to take at least a basic Sky sub. This is were Sky make the most money.

They will then sell it on to VM once the initial "must have it's" have moved over to them.

Enemy number one to Sky is Freeview. Closing Channel One (Virgin1) on Freeview was the next step

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I always thought is was Virgin

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

It used to be... but Virgin Media and Sky have a common enemy... Freeview

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010...skyb-five-sale

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Virgins enemy is Sky but its like putting a 10lb gorilla against a 100lb one. Virgin need to merge with somone like Bt to compete with Sky.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Yeah like that would ever happen or be allowed to happen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

From February 1st.

" MTV finally loses pretentions of being a music channel by being reclassified as a general entertainment channel and moving from channel 350 to 126. However, MTV Networks is at the same time launching a new sub brand MTV Music, which will take the old 350 slot that leads the Music section within the Sky EPG, though MTV Shows will close."

Not yet sure if it will do a similar thing on Virgin Media.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

As I told you last week:
Channel 5 refreshes logo.

Channel 5 has unveiled its new logo ahead of a wider channel rebrand scheduled for mid-February.

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/b...e?referrer=RSS

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

MTV (channel 311) is morphing into MTV Music, which will hopefully only show music. MTV Shows is morphing into MTV, now a general entertainment channel, and as the channel was dropped from VM a few months ago it means us VM customers will miss out on the non-music programmes, like The Hills and new Jersey Shore, that currently air on it (well those of us who watch them anyway :red face: ).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Or we will miss out on MTV Music has it just an rebrand of MTV Shows - Hope to have info from my insiders soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Top programming then! lol

It does just sound like a re-brand on MTV Shows. Moving the shows off MTV is a good thing though. MTV is supposed to be a music channel after-all. :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

New Channel 5 logo for those who don't have access to the above site.

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

That is the same logo that has been shown when advertising what programmes are on the channel daily next to tv guide in the papers:erm:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Very american TV looking.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I just found this ''MTV Shows will be rebranded as MTV Music from the 1st of February, 2011.'' so by the look of that MTV Music will NOT launch on Virgin Media.

Top story on link (at time of posting): http://www.overnights.tv/public/content/News.aspx

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Not more bad news :shocked: I am already recovering from the loss of other channels and new Sky HD channels.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

At least with the re-branding it means more music on vm, not my specific taste in music but at least more music on vm which is needed :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Virgin Media do not carry MTV Shows anyway so MTV Music will not be on unless the owners of MTV ask Virgin Media to drop an other channel for it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Doh I read the channel switch as the other way around, shame :dozey:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

mb we losting 6 channels so how come we wont get mtv shows

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I had a feeling there would be a figure 5 in it, so did channel 5 not rebrand a couple of years ago to 5 to then rebrand back again, nice way to waste money.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Comcast in $13.8bn (£8.7bn) takeover of NBC Universal.

A new television powerhouse looks set to be created after American regulators cleared Comcast's proposed $13.8bn (£8.7bn) takeover of NBC Universal.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12221922

The new ''Powerhouse'' will own the Following Channels here in the UK and Ireland:

Comcast:
E! Entertainment Television
Style Network (Broadcasting on Sky)

NBC Universal:
CNBC Europe
Universal Channel
Universal Channel +1
Universal Channel HD
Syfy
Syfy +1
Syfy HD
Movies 24
Movies 24+
Diva TV
Diva TV +1 (Broadcasting on Sky)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Is it true we won't get Sky Living HD though we had Living HD - a HD loss :(

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I doubt that's true. Pretty sure we will keep it

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Are you getting confused with Sky Livingit HD?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Looks like something out of thunderbirds.:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

maybe I am - never noticed the it on the end

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

We will still get this channel. it's just getting a Sky branding that's all.

---------- Post added at 12:17 ---------- Previous post was at 12:16 ----------

I don't know about Sky Livingit HD... no news about that channel.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

thanks for the reply

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Guardian: Jeremy Hunt unveils plan for new national television channel.

The culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, will today unveil plans for a new national television channel to help deliver his ambition for a network of local TV services.

Hunt will also investigate whether "must carry" obligations on BSkyB and Virgin Media are an "appropriate" measure to ensure the widest reach possible for the new channel.

Media Boy: Look like Virgin Media will need to move BBC 3 then...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011...vision-channel

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I`ve never stopped calling it channel 5,don`t know about anyone else?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

I've always called it "Channel 5".

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Sorry must have missed that, when did Channel 5 stopped being called Channel 5!!! Have always called it that, I must have been in a time warp!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Here is more on Channel 5 rebranding over the years: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_5_(UK)#Branding

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Channel 5 logo looks very American-like if you get where I'm coming from?
Looks pretty good though!

Oh, I've just noticed that with the Filmflex previews, in replacement of the "500 films at your fingertips" (was very annoying), there is now a new clip that says
"Sorry this channel is currently having difficulties", followed by the advertisement of the OD services.
I must say, this is pretty good and is less annoying than the Filmflex clip it had before.
:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Insider Confrim Channel One closing date.

-Channel One is available on channel 119 in the M pack until 6am on February 1st 2011.
-Channel One +1 is available on channel 120 in the M pack until 6am on February 1st 2011.
-Channel One Player will also be removed from Virgin On Demand from 6am on 1st February 2011.

There will be customer information TV slates played out for 14 days from February 1st advising customers that the channels are no longer available.

That time of posting Virgin Media are not able to offer a direct replacement for this channel.

---------- Post added at 16:44 ---------- Previous post was at 16:28 ----------

More info @ http://help.virginmedia.com/system/s...CUSTOMER_TYPE=

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Thanks for the update.

Ah well we lost:

Bravo
Bravo +1
Bravo 2
Bravo On Demand
Challenge Jackpot

from 1st Feb we will also lose:
ChannelOne
ChannelOne +1
ChannelOne On Demand

and we only have ITV1 +1 as a replacement. I think i can see people moving to Sky. And also getting left out of all the Sky channels plus HD we havent got.

I feel like getting Freesat+HD on my 19th birthday because I wont be able to keep paying for Virgin Media especially with the loss of channels. Plus there are alot of channels on Freesat that Virgin Media has NOT got which is shocking with it being the number one cable TV platform. :(

I just wish Sky could have a heart for once and that we ARE ALL HUMAN no matter what provider we are with and give everyone the channels because we only live once.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Loss of channels and loss of content are different things.

It has been posted before that the expectation is for the popular programmes to be moved to Sky 2 and Sky 3, what may be lost is endless repeats of rubbish hardly anybody watches anyway.

So you may well not be losing programmes, just fewer channels carrying the most popular ones.

That said, getting Sky Atlantic (SD would be enough for content access) and Sky1+1 and Sky OD would be good replacements

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Agree,Vm should have worked overtime to get Sky Atlantic.All they seem bothered about is tivo at moment to try and get more money out of us.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Sky have lost thoses channels too.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Must admit i am seriously thinking of moving from Virgin TV to Sky. Im happy with Virgin broadband so ill keep that but i just got a new 3D TV at Xmas and the 3D content on Virgin compared to Sky is laughable.
Plus now losing these channels and more HD and new channels to Sky only.

I am not interested in the Viao or what ever its called and imho it seens Virgin has taken its eyes off the ball in regards to TV and is falling ever further behind.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

Yes I know but my point was is there a future for Cable TV? :(

Sky are replacing Channel One which we lose with Sky Atlantic and HD which we dont get.

This will happen a lot, In the future all the channels may be owned by Sky. Like Sky 1-2-3-4-5 for the main channels. And Sky Toon Network. Sky Shop Tv. Sky Gold. etc.

If Sky refuse to let Virgin Media have it because thats the way they are what luck have cable TV customers got in the future than to have to go to Sky.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2011) Vol. I.
 

It was 5 poxy channels that no-one watched, not the end of Cable. There's Ofcom and anti-competition laws preventing anything like this. We'll have Atlantic and HD immediately if not within a year.