Re: PVR release dates
 

I'm also SK6 (Romiley, Stockport) booked for 10th February.

Re: PVR release dates
 

its in the eng menu now Bravo 2 ch139;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

so how long before its on the actual EPG?

can't wait

Re: PVR release dates
 

Phoned up today, they said not available in my area until 14-Feb and to call back then.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Scrub that... A follow-up call to ntl cust serv last week revealed that roll-out has been "delayed" until further notice. I could not order it.

They would not say when the PVR/TV-Drive/V Box or whatever it is called today, will be available in NW Surrey [Groan]

Mez.
(TW20)

Re: PVR release dates
 

I give up with CS.
First call said, sorry this hasnt been released anywhere, its only on trial.
Second call said 'Yes its available from tomorrow' ill transfer you so you can book a install date
Third person I spoke to said, sorry, its not getting released on your postcode, its been put back, sometime in March/April.

What's going on here, no one knows when its available.
Im in Stoke on Trent.

** UPDATE **

4th time lucky, spoke to someone that knows what they are talking about. It gets launched in my area tomorrow and ive got a install booked for 31st, this wednesday :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

well done dude.;) day before me.

Re: PVR release dates
 

I turned over to Coronation Street tonight from BBC 1 and there was a small box which looked like a menu that had appeared in the top right hand corner. I don't have a TV Drive/V+ Box at the moment so it's not that, but what was it. I had to click on the Back button to go back to seeing a normal TV picture. I'm puzzled.

Carrie :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

It was probably the red-button application on ITV1.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Well - I'm calling again tomorrow to see if I can book a V+ box installation..
I was told I could call on 30th when I rang last week on 23rd....

Re: PVR release dates
 

Just called this morning, and it's been put back in my area now until 08th February.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Hey All,

I live in Bromley, Kent and just ordered an install for the 15th Feb via Customer Services. I asked them to put a phone in as well so I don't know if that helped. I called them on the 23rd but was told they weren't taking orders till mid Feb.

Jon

Re: PVR release dates
 

:hyper::hyper::hyper:Just booked my install for the 14th of feb. I am in Warrington BTW :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

No, it was completely different to when I click on the red button. It was a small box with a programme menu for different channels. I wondered if maybe something was happening with the software but it didn't happen again and nothing else has changed. Thanks for your reply. :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Like the favourites menu?

Re: PVR release dates
 

Hello,

I live in Camberley, GU16 area, and apparently according to a link I followed on this forum I am Langley (Whatever that means??) Anyway I got the packthrough from Virgin Media yesterday and called up and was told that I can have TV Drive/V+ now and have booked in my install for 14 Feb.

I must admit that having been with NTL for about 8-9 years now I have had some awful service, mostly in the early days of the broadband service. But I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. The future looks bright. Unfortunatley due to some 60' trees in my back garden I couldn't switch to Sky, but I now have something to brag about to my mates with their flashy Sky+ and Sky HD.

Also when I arranged my install I had two choices:-

1) To let NTL have the old Samsung box back and pay £75 for install of new machine

or

2) Pay no install fee, keep the Samsung box, get engineer to move this to another room in the house free, and then only pay £5 per month for multi room. Beating Sky who charge £10 per extra box.

Ummmm which one do you think I went for??? Doesn't make much sense to me. May be NTL have no use for/nowhere to store the old units? Or they have to pay for the 'Safe environment disposal'??

Any ideas?

Re: PVR release dates
 

I suspect thet they want people to get used to having the ability to watch 2 channels simultaneously in different rooms. So much so that they won't want to give it up after 12 months.

This gives a continuing revenue stream, using an old STB that they would otherwise have no great use for. The first year probably pays the cost of the STB. After that it's pure profit.

Re: PVR release dates
 

I'm sure one morning I saw Press Red on Sky News...

although I convinced myself it was the EuroNews Press Red Button catching up with the real channel. lol

Re: PVR release dates
 

Bah! I'll not upgrade UNLESS they let me off the £75..I'm not bothered about the whole thing at all.I'll keep the Pace instead.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Four days to go. Friday afternoon install.
But I believe I read others are being installed Wednesday or Thursday.
Could we all send in our install experience.
On time? Colour? Working? Worth it? etc.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Hi, no it was a very small square box with TV listings in that I've never seen before. It appeared again today and had listings for BBC1, 2, ITV, Ch 4 & 5 but they were all squashed in together. I have used all of the buttons at one time or another and they've never showed this kind of menu. It doesn't appear all the time, just when it feels like it!

I just wondered if it was some kind of upgrade to the set top box, although I don't know why it would be, now.

Re: PVR release dates
 

yea getting excited now thursday cant come quick enough now theres another guy on here dont think he lives to far away getting his done tomorrow.ill let you know how i get on with ours.;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Sounds like a good idea to me this would work best under a new thread. "Install Experiences" :shocked:

Re: PVR release dates
 

I'm probably going to sound like a bit of a divvy here, but when I have my set top box installed in the upstairs bedroom, is it right that I can only watch upstairs whatever is on the V+ downstairs at that time? Or can you watch different cable channels?

Re: PVR release dates
 

you can get the £75 knocked off if you move your pace to another room thats what we are doing with our sammy.;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

I'm going to but I'm on Saturday, hopefully before 3pm. Got to watch Skysports news for scores etc.

I'm still under the impression I'm getting the other STB for free, with a full subscription for multiroom.

that's what the scottish bird told me on the blower, but I'm phoning up in a bit to varify the broadband rumors, and this offer too.

Re: PVR release dates
 

you can watch different channels upstairs.;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Really? You couldn't before, could you, if you had 2 set top boxes, one being upstairs?

Re: PVR release dates
 

yes i sometimes go upstairs if the footys on or the missus does to watch the soaps;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

as far as I'm aware, multiroom has always offered that.

the only way you would have to watch the same channel is through a booster set.

and sky nor Virgin provide them.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Brilliant, thanks gadge and grabbi. :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Nice to see I'm not on my own! lol.

Women, eh?

You pay for the TV, all the equipment, set it up, and she sits there and decides who watches what! he he.

Still, you gotta love 'em...

Re: PVR release dates
 

BlueView, Don't mind me asking but you're not far from me and Ive just been called and told my installation has been moved to the 14th, this is the 3rd time. they reckon its roll out has been moved back again. could you let us know if yours does get installed. I have a feeling they have booked too many installs and this is their excuse.

Thanks!!!

Re: PVR release dates
 

You on XBox Live Gadge? I am. My usernames are he6rt6gr6m and ashandlaura

Re: PVR release dates
 

Yeah, only live up Ash Bank so not too far away. Got a phone call (answer phone msg) this morning from the installer to say he would be here between 8 and 12pm and if there were any probs my end phone him or he will be here in the morning :) so hopefully by midday i should have it installed and up and running. Will let you know how it goes.
Im not keeping my old box, but got free installation :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Did you get free take away?

as in the box being taken, did they charge you £75?

Re: PVR release dates
 

I would suggest nobody gets too excited about what offers they "got" until after they receive their next bill! ;)

Counting chickens and all that stuff...

Re: PVR release dates
 

Well, I've not had a phonecall yet so everything's still set for Friday. :tu:

Re: PVR release dates
 

I've had the DREADED PHONE CALL. The bad news is that they can't install my V+ box on the 6th Feb :( , The sort of good news is that they've rescheduled my install for the 9th Feb :rolleyes: so at least thats not to long of a delay but I'm still pretty pi**ed off. This is going on forever

Re: PVR release dates
 

cool dont think i live to far from you newcastle u lyme hope all goes well dude just counting down now till thurs.;) ;)

---------- Post added at 18:40 ---------- Previous post was at 18:38 ----------

yea dude i am gamertag whirlingadge send us an invite dude.;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

....I was told to call to confirm my 10th Feb install nearer the time....I have a horrible feeling about it!! Think I might kick up fuss if they put me off!!

Re: PVR release dates
 

Oh dear! Had a SECOND DREADED PHONE CALL. Now I've been told I can't have it on the 6th or the 9th Feb. My install date has now been moved til the 14th, but I was told that it will definately, DEFINATELY be installed on that day. So now I've got to wait another 2 weeks and I'm not happy :( . So watch out people in the Solent region, they told me that no installations are going ahead untill the 14th due to the network not being ready. So Blueview I'll be interested to hear whether your install goes ahead on Friday, if it does I'll be ringing ntl but I wouldn't be suprised if don't get a dreaded phonecall from ntl.

Re: PVR release dates
 

awesome.

will be sometime tonight.

don't suppose you go on poker?

Re: PVR release dates
 

texas hold em;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

excellent!

that's like, my favourite game, and I got it free! lol

in response to my call to CS just now:

STB's will continue to supply BB to existing customers, however new BB customers will be given a new Modem, even if they request it to be through a STB.

My Installation date hasn't changed, and I believe that now its 4 days to my installation, its pretty close now to be cancelled.

He said he would give me a call back once he had been in touch with Sales to varify that everything is a-ok and that the information he gave is correct.

That call back will probably never come, and no news means good news, so I now await the Installer to call and tell me when he is coming around.

Its a 12pm - 6pm Installation, but a call would be good...

They are usually quite early too.

I had a guy come at 4.15pm once.

He was due at 5pm.

I also read somewhere that someone had their's installed at 11.30am, due at 12pm - 6pm. lol

You can't fault their punctuality!

---------- Post added at 20:09 ---------- Previous post was at 19:51 ----------

Just got a call back! :O

He said no definitive answer, but I should query the Installer whan he comes around and ask what will happen and what has previously happened to other Triple-Play customers.

:D I'm a happy bunny! lol

Re: PVR release dates
 

Blueview is on the other network (Langley) and won't have the same problem. Only Solent, Southampton and Wessex are affected.

Re: PVR release dates
 

BLUEVIEW is only based around the corner from me and we are on Bromley network. Mine is being installed on 1st Feb. Had no Dreaded phone call yet. But knowing NTL could be last minute!! I hope not

Re: PVR release dates
 

Sorry, you are correct. I was confusing Fareham and Farnham :dunce: :dunce: :dunce:

Re: PVR release dates
 

Mine's not booked til the 24th February but frankly if it got delayed it wouldn't stop me. I'd rather they got it right.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Couldnt agree with you more. Suppose i should prepare for the delay. But like Scrotnig says, i would rather they got it right.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Hi Busboy

Please let me know if your installation goes ahead as planned because if you and Blueview get yours installed then I'll know that I'm just being told a load of shi*t about no installations for Solent til the 14th due to network problems :mad:

Re: PVR release dates
 

I will let you know ecw199. I am just hoping they are saying the 14th because of it being official release date!! but still it would be nice for an explanation from NTL. Reading the forum, everybody has different information.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Yeah I was thinking that maybe they were moving people back til on or after the offical date. Perhaps because yours and Blueview's installs are so close they think its too short notice to change them. What I'd really like from ntl is some honesty, if they've booked to many installs then just say so, if they haven't got enough boxes then just say so -rather than telling you that no one has it when you know damm well they have. Okay rant over

Re: PVR release dates
 

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: Just finishing the rant for you :mad:

Re: PVR release dates
 

I can confirm there is a broadcast problem that prevents TVDrive working properly in the Solent, Southampton and Wessex areas. A broadcast equipment upgrade is required to fix it.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Excuse my ignorance but is a TV Drive not just an STB with a trio of tuners and an HD? What needs to be up at the back end for it to work?

Re: PVR release dates
 

Well just returned from a dismal 0-0 scoreline at Fratton Park :o: to find that instead of being on Solent or Wssex or S**thampton network I may be on Bromley network. To be honest I had no idea what network I'm on, but as I have no idea where Bromley is I would have guessed Solent :dozey:
How do we find our network?:confused:
Anyway I still haven't had a phone call. But there's still 3 days to go before Friday afternoon ! Anything's possible with NTL though.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Bromley is the name of the main centre of half the nationwide NTL network (ex-C&W), Langley is the name of the other half (original NTL).
You can be on the Solent network but be served by the Bromley head-end.

So far all the PVR installs on NTL have been on Langley, I think.
Has anybody on Bromley had an install yet?

Re: PVR release dates
 

Should be getting my bromley install this morning, ill let you know.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Its in, engineer came at 9.30am this morning, installed the tvdrive, its the new V+ box, virgin branded, with all the virgin software on there.
Took over 30mins for the signal to be 'hit' but got there eventually and all worked fine, looks great at 720 wide through hdmi.
Just playing around with it now.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Congratulations:D
You're the first Bromley install.
I was old C&W so I must be Bromley as well - mine's due on Friday.
Let us know your first impressions and score out of 10 !!

Re: PVR release dates
 

Yes, but the TVDrive also needs a few extra things broadcast over the network. The first is a software image, but if this was broken I think it would affect all boxes. The second is HD channels, but I'm fairly sure NTL would go ahead and launch even if HD wasn't available right away -- and besides, I know BBC HD was on the "secret" channel list in the Wessex region over Christmas, so I don't think it's that.

So by a process of elimination, I reckon that the problem lies with the system that broadcasts the 8-day EPG.

Am I close? ;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

First impressions are that its excellent, very quiet, cant hear the thing at all, picture quality through hdmi at 720p is also very very good, far better than the standard stb's. It upscales the feed for 720p very well on most channels, although some are still abit blocky, bbc1, itv etc look very clear.
BBC HD preview channel is crystal clear.

Remote is too big, bulky, but that doesnt matter as ive got a Logitech harmony 525 so once its programmed ill be doing away with the remote.

Software seems stable although channel changing can be slow at times, and it has locked up once, waited for about 30secs then it came back to life.
From reading other posts software rollouts are coming which should speed up the guide.

Ive got the sound going from the optical output to my av receiver, crystal clear, and surround sound is v.good. waiting to see a 5.1 program on the bbc hd channel to see what thats like.

All in all very pleased with it, install went smoothly, seeing as i only ordered it on monday afternoon. 6pm, its a great service :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

@Scoobydoo[uk]: The rolling BBC HD preview film should be in 5.1. If you're not getting it, try turning on the HDMI audio override. If you get crackling when the DD kicks in, switch to a non HD channel and back again.

Hope this helps.

Re: PVR release dates
 

nice to see you get soughted dude ive just rang to confirm tomorrow all set and ready and waiting.;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Just had the phone call.
Some major problems in the Solent Region with the technical code.
Will take at least 2 weeks to remedy, maybe more.
Boxes that have been fitted recently are not functioning at all.
Engineers been returning and removing and replacing with the old boxes.
They have changed my booking from Feb 2nd to Feb 18th but will attempt to contact me by mid Feb to rebook if it's not sorted.
I asked her to check my future billing - it's as I was first told : £10 extra per month and no charge for the 'kept' second box until I have it connected.
No HD content is available at present.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Sorted thanks, did the HDMI override and my denon av receiver now gets dolby digital on the BBC HD channel :) sounds excellent, cant wait for more stuff to be released in HD and dolby digital.

Re: PVR release dates
 

I'm sorry to say that I'm not surprised. Thats what I was told too. I've had my install rescheduled for the 14th Feb and I was told by 'Chris from field support' that it will definately be installed on that day and that i can phone him personally if there are any problems. But I'm not holding my breath, it feels like we could keep getting the date put back week after week.

So the wait goes on and on and on ................ :( :( :( :(

Re: PVR release dates
 

dont forget to update your profile dude.

---------- Post added at 17:50 ---------- Previous post was at 17:48 ----------

is vod working?

Re: PVR release dates
 

Nowhere near :)

It could be a problem with the software downloads, which are regionalised. (But it isn't)
It could also be a problem with the new VOD servers, which are currently used only by TVDrive in these areas. (But it's not).
It's actually a problem with an item of normal broadcast equipment. It has no impact on the normal STBs, but stops the TVDrive from recording.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Been testing it all night, VOD is working great :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

VOD is working great?

Fantastic!

Be sure to let me know how you get on gadge.

As seen as we are both Bromley, and I have till Saturday to wait...

You lucky so and so...

:P

Re: PVR release dates
 

New V plus box installed at 9.30 today. (Bromley)
I like the one button reset/reboot feature, I don't like the fact that even though the remote has volume & mute controls they do not work and you don't appear to be able to alter the STB volume output from the Settings menu. The engineer had a slight problem with the TV persisting in switching onto AV2 instead of AV1. He sorted that out by tweaking a scart lead.

Oh, one other problem I nearly forgot to mention, V Plus does not work at all.:(

He tried everything, made umpteen phone calls but the 'You are not subscribed to V Plus ' warning came up every time.

He suspects that this is an adminstration error rather than a tech fault and has promised to ring me later.

Jim.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Just spoke to CS again, and apparently for PO9, it will be the end of February before I can order.

They are sending letters out to customers in each area as it becomes available, apparently.

Is it too much to ask for them to get their stories straight?

Re: PVR release dates
 

Well I'm PO9 and my install is booked for the 14th Feb (though not holding my breath). I'm not suprised that they're not taking any more bookings till the end of Feb as they've got some pretty major technical problems in the Solent region :(

Re: PVR release dates
 

Got mine booked for Friday 16th Feb. Warrington WA5.

Can't wait!

Re: PVR release dates
 

Hi all,

I am in London (E4) and just booked for the 23rd. It s obviously released in this area from the 8th of Feb.

Anyone from London area who is already sorted?

Re: PVR release dates
 

Im in Hove BN3, and have managed to finally book an install. It is booked for Wednesday 7th Feb.

Can't Wait. I have been a loyal Tivo customer for years, but really like the idea of the 3 tuners!

:)

Re: PVR release dates
 

Just spoke to CS. They told me they are taking orders form 20th Feb in my postcode area (PO6) and the boxes will be available from the 28th Feb. Strange that, cos when I called them a couple of weeks ago they told me Jan 30th. I don't have any faith in the information they are giving over the phone. I think I will wait till I get a letter.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Tried the V + options an hour ago, all now working, engineer phoned back as promised just after I had discovered it was now OK.:tu: :cool: :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

I`m in BD11 and just called the V+ team, i was told to phone back on the 8th Feb as bookings can be taken then, so fingers crossed again!

Re: PVR release dates
 

Hey Dranny,

You should not trust them, I have called them 3 days ago, they told me the same thing (only available on the 8th, call us on the 8th then we will book an installation appointement). So I called back yesterday evening to make sure and the guy gave me an appointement straight away. They are coming on the 23rd.
Bottom line, better call many times to be sure as you never got the same information from one to another.

Re: PVR release dates
 

No, your right i wont trust them. But it was the first time i have been put through to the fabled V+ team. We shall see next week !

Re: PVR release dates
 

I had the same problem, i was told either that it wasnt available, to being told it was only available up north.

I was told so many times either it was or wasnt available, that i just kept ringing daily, thankfully someone on here, im sorry i forgot there userid, said it was available from the 30th, and it was!

So just keep ringing, it doesnt cost anything, apart from the time it takes them to answer.

Re: PVR release dates
 

That's the way to do it, agreed. It still cost the standard local rate isn't it?

So did you get it installed Mbynwa? if yes, can you tell us what you think?
Thanks in advance.

Re: PVR release dates
 

bOf,

My install is still booked for 7th Feb, when apparantly the cable modem will be fitted. One it has been installed i will post a review up!

Isnt it free to call from an ntl phone though? I just dialled 150, its 0845 for non ntl phone lines.

Re: PVR release dates
 

150 is indeed free from ntl phone lines. :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

cheers quadplay,

Thankfully it is free as otherwise, my bill will be huuuuuggggeeee!

:D

Re: PVR release dates
 

well had mine installed half hour ago very nice v+ functions arnt working yet he said give it an hour,overall very pleased nice bit of kit love the virgin guide so fast.credit where credits due sky should be worried.;)

Re: PVR release dates
 

in the Bn2 area booked in for 8th for free thank you :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

:mad: Got the dreaded phone call from NTL yesterday. Apparently network problem, given know date except "it will be available in 2 weeks"!!!! Anyway still needed extra box installed so installation was for today between 1pm and 6pm. Waited until 6.30pm no engineer appears (waited until 6.30pm, got to think about the old traffic excuse!!!!) As you can imagine quite mad considering they called me less then 24hours before V+ installation. Rang customer services!! Guess what Installations have gone home, they shut at 7pm i have to call tomorrow...!!!!!:mad: :shocked: :mad: Anyone else havethis sort of problems??

Re: PVR release dates
 

I did not know about the 150 :erm: I always used the 0845....How silly. Anyway, I finally got my install appointement. i don't understand how some people phone the CS then got an install 3 or 4 days laters, they gave me mine in 3 weeks! (23rd of Feb).

Re: PVR release dates
 

Speaking to the engineer it all depends on how busy the area is. He was saying that hes been working in London for the past 2 months due to the high demand, hes back in Stoke on Trent for a week and then back off down to London. They are really short on engineers down there which will account for the longer install date.

Re: PVR release dates
 

Just called CS and have now got my V+ installation booked for the 16 Feb,
CS where very helpfull and seemed to know exactly what I was talking about, which made a very nice change from usual.

I am in the TW20 (Bromley) Area

Re: PVR release dates
 

spoke to CS seems V+ available from 20th feb in my area [poole dorset {wessex} so shall prob call back later on

Re: PVR release dates
 

In Shoreham, near Brighton. Have been ringing daily for last 9 days. Eventually, last night someone admitted it is available in my area. Made the booking for install last night, had it installed 8.20 this morning!!:)

Engineer said it was strange that not many people were booking in my area. I told him it was probably due to customer services denying it was available here yet!!

Abs

Re: PVR release dates
 

Unbeliveble!!! 95% of the people of th CS are useless!
How lucky you are, I still have 22 days to wait and I have booked on tuesday. So tell us how it is? is it good what about the picture quality in HD?

Re: PVR release dates
 

It's actually better than I was expecting after reading some posts. Changing channels could be a little quicker, but it's not too bad. Certainly much better than when I was using with a stand alone PVR. EPG is like lightning!

High Def is very good. I would probably say stunning compared to the Samsung box, but i use an external video processor anyway, so I am used to having my picture upscalled to 720/1080. I disconnected the processor (£2500 worth) to see how good the V+ box upscalled standard definition TV channels. I was extremely surprised at how well it did it, definitely an awful lot better than any SKY HD box I have personally seen.

Also got the new software on the V+ box and all of VOD as well. There is only BBC HD content in the High Definition VOD selection at the moment, but there are also menus for Ch4 HD and Bravo HD, although no content in them as yet. All other VOD content (plus more) is there as well.

Just to put the iceing on the cake, I saw in another thread about the Virgin Media VIP pack. This means I get everything I had before, plus all Sky Sports channels, plus mobile & international call plan, plus V+ box, plus second STB (Samsung), all for £1 less than I was paying before!!!:)

Abs

Re: PVR release dates
 

Had the dreaded phone call this afternoon. Was due an install tomorrow morning. Now they dont have any boxes for my area and wont have any more till 8th Feb.

As it happens my contract is also up now (Sky+ is looking tempting).

What miffed me more than anything is I am self employed and cancelled a whole mornings work. Now rebooked for the 9th in the morning. If they let me down again can I claim for loss of earnings?

If they cant supply it thats fine, I understand that, but giving less than 24 hrs notice is no good to me and cost me 6 hours work at weekend call out rates.

Rant over :)

Re: PVR release dates
 

abs, can I ask, before the V+ install, did you get your broadband via a STB or cable modem ? If it was via STB, did they install a cable modem as part of the V+ install, or does it still come though the STB ?

thanks,

Pete