Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I WAS making a point. A point that there is now a trend towards quitting streaming services, which you have admitted to being a part of. Yours, and any other individuals precise reason for quitting isn't relevant. Churn is Churn.

---------- Post added at 16:53 ---------- Previous post was at 16:51 ----------

He seems to forget that the timeline is here for everyone to see.

---------- Post added at 16:55 ---------- Previous post was at 16:53 ----------

Somewhat more that a rumour. Perhaps we'll be able to observe OB flip-flopping in the near future. ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

So let me get this straight. Sky are losing HBO content they had exclusivity to and aired on sky atlantic and NOW TV etc.

Thats moving to HBO Max launching next year? But Sky are getting the legacy shows to repeat on sky atlantic and their customers get an ad supported version of HBO Max?

is that right?

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Sky has rights to some new seasons of existing HBO series non exclusively e.g House Of The Dragon and some of newer HBO series will be both until they naturally expire but that's it.

Sky Atlantic isn't the only channel effected, Sky Comedy, Sky Documentaries and Sky Cinema (Warner Bros Pictures) are effected aswell, even Sky Max is effected and has been in recent months with DC content.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

More or less yes.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I am not part of any movement or whatever you think it is to quit streaming services. I made it very clear that I will be getting HBO Max instead of Now, which no longer provides the programming I want to see.

I’m certainly not reverting to TV channels, if that was the point you were trying to make.


I’ve not forgotten, and you two keep making incorrect assumptions. Read my post again. It is correct.


You continue to make these foolish statements. I’ve flip-flopped on nothing. And you need to stop being so rude and insulting in your posts.

I’m very happy to debate with you, but your contributions here do not constitute a debate. You are just hectoring.

---------- Post added at 16:42 ---------- Previous post was at 16:30 ----------

https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/virgin...am-box-tv-360/

Virgin is now advertising its new Virgin Flex box, which emphasises streaming over TV channels.

The article also confirms what I was saying about older legacy TiVo boxes no longer being supported by some streamers such as the I-Player.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

The point was about churn, not about you specifically. It was just a case of if the hat fits... Try not to think that everything is about you, it's not a good look.

Nobody cares whether you watch tv channels or not.

You responded to a thread about the V6 by claiming that individual devices might not be able to keep up with the technology. Where's the incorrect assumption?

You've been flip-flopping and goalpost shifting since the dawn of time. Remember your claims that Sky Atlantic would soon be added to Virgin? The trend has continued ever since...


---------- Post added at 16:42 ---------- Previous post was at 16:30 ----------

Or Goren wasn't writing that article in response to a comment about the V6 though was he? Of course the legacy TiVo is having support withdrawn, it doesn't support the HEVC codec which is required for 4K services and for many streaming services. Basically, the legacy TiVo is now a dinosaur.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Which of course I was alluding to.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Cutting through the obfuscation, just a reminder that your point followed this one. Which clearly refers to the V6.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I said 'old boxes', not old V6 boxes. I'd stop digging if I were you.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

You can obfuscate all you like, it is clear for everyone to see that the original post was about the V6. It's actually a good demonstration of your blinkered viewpoint.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

the year is 2025 and an argument has broken out in the coming soon thread about streaming being the future or not the future of television...

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2022...eJumbo1600.jpg

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

You are beyond hope.Move on.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Despite your protestations to the contrary, post #608 clearly shows that you were responding to comments about the V6. There is nothing to move on from.

---------- Post added at 17:41 ---------- Previous post was at 17:38 ----------

Where is this "coming soon" thread and where is the future of streaming and/or television being discussed? (asking for a friend..)

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Do we know how virgin medias total subscribers is looking? is it going down at all? i'm hoping it does so we can get some panicked attempt to plug the hole with some paramount plus/apple tv/ curve ball to try and entice us to stay or Premier Sports/TNT Sports.

Lets see what happens...surely streaming companies and sports providers may get more hungry for partnerships....

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Dont want anymore channels , recording not watched sitting at around 20% .ĺ delete after watching. If not lower cost :p:
Faster bb and better service please:rolleyes:

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Rewind TV would be a welcome addition.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

One of my followers on X has found out that an web site name of hbosports .co.uk was registered in August 2025.

Are TNT Sports UK set to become known as HBO Sports UK and TNT Sports UK set stop streaming on Discovery + and move to HBO Sports UK?

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

It was previously confirmed HBO Max UK & Ireland will become the streaming home of TNT Sports when it launches.

It's mentioned at the bottom of this recent speedway press release aswell
https://media.wbdsports.com/post/fim...rbike-events-t

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

In the great scale of things, or even the smallest. Does it matter:erm:

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Paramount Skydance and RedBird IMI (who own All3Media) may bid soon for ITV

https://deadline.com/2025/09/rts-cam...ey-1236547746/

---------- Post added at 18:50 ---------- Previous post was at 18:09 ----------

This story that I posted early may have nothing to with Warner Bros Discovery.

I have now been told an UK Charity previously named HBO Sports & Community Club is maybe set to rename as HBO Sports.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Your Mum certainly is in the know ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Virgin Media O2 may upgrade Gems TV from SD to HD this coming Thursday.

This change has been confirmed today for Sky and Freesat viewers

Note This change may happen on Wednesday for Freesat viewers (Gems TV was remove on Freesat SD boxes months ago.)

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Wow that changes everything :monkey:

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

It does ?

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Yet again people take the mickey out of MB posting EXACTLY the type of news this thread was created for.

Frankly it says more about them than anyone else that they make the effort to do it lol. Sad really.

Either don't comment or don't view the thread.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

excellently said.

I wonder if it'll be cheaper to subscribe to HBO UK to get TNT Sports once it merges over....a sort of incentive to get people onto it.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

So sad that this brightens your life.
I read his posts for on very very rare occasions, something of real interest appears.

---------- Post added at 14:00 ---------- Previous post was at 13:58 ----------

Only waiting for it to move to HD , brings a whole new interest to the offering :rolleyes:

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

SKY are moving towards streaming, vm are preparing for their streaming service to be more broadly available too.
Linear tv isn't going anywhere btw OB lol, it is just evolving.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Info was base on

https://x.com/OperationRoboc1/status...32003643044121

Your post is why I no wonder post here full time.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

If you say so, Legendkiller.

The future for linear channels is just the FAST channels, I reckon.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I know so you forget the job i used to do OB.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Ignore the idiots, MB. This thread is being used for exactly what you intended it for.

It's sad that certain people criticise it but STILL read it ;)

Keep up the good work, mate. :clap:

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Discovery+ have updated their app and many myself included can no longer sign in, some on DS also saying they have lost access to the free tier too.
The updated is suspected to be in preperation for HBOMAX launching in the UK.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

There's an online article on https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/discov...ul-hbo-max-uk/ regarding Discovery+.

It mentions some users facing login issues along with complaints about the new sports navigation, and details of a limited time annual deal for TNT Sports subscribers at £25.49 per month.

Interestingly it states. "The update is hitting virtually every platform where Discovery+ is available – Fire TV sticks, Roku devices, smart TVs, Virgin Media boxes, and Sky platforms."

They've either made a mistake or have early inside info on the Discovery+ app being released on VM as it isn't available on any of their set top boxes. The only way VM customers can access Discovery+ via their VM set top boxes is by going through the Prime app.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

What this thread is here for;

Digital Spy Forum is tonight reporting -

'Sky Replay I am told will close in October.'

NOTE to all: This rumour may not happen and not been confirmed by Media Boy UK Sources.

---------- Post added at 22:10 ---------- Previous post was at 22:09 ----------

Info from -
https://forums.digitalspy.com/discus...ment_106917125

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

dont listen to them MB i think you're great and i love your threads. Very informative and interesting.

keep being you friend!

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Cordbusters have now updated their article to say, "(Virgin Media boxes do not support the Discovery+ app)."

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I find Cordbusters usually have errors in their articles about VM. For example, their recent article about the updated voice search feature on Horizon boxes, suggests that Netflix results are included in voice searches, when they aren't.

The only way to search for Netflix programmes is by using the on screen keyboard (and then you have to fiddle around trying to move over to the box at the top right to change 'all' to 'Netflix' (even though 'all' isn't really all, as it doesn't include Nextflix).

And finally, the Netflix search results havent been updated and are still text-based anyway.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Same poster that hinted at Sky One coming back

Sky viewing relations are saying Sky Replay is closing soon aswell.

Probably isn't the last channel to close long term.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I really did not know that Sky viewing relations was saying that.

Also Sky Forum has today confirmed that Movies 24 channels will become Christmas 24 from Wednesday.

---------- Post added at 18:30 ---------- Previous post was at 18:21 ----------

Base on where Sky has them on Sky Boxes I feel the following may close by next April when Sky's HBO deal is up,

*Sky Showcase
*Sky Max > Sky One
*Sky Sci-Fi
*Sky Crime merge with Crime & Investigation
*Sky Replay
*Movies 24+
*Sky Kids (Sky are not making shows for this channel anymore)

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Or how they packaged especially Sky Atlantic which is now a cheaper package than all their other Entertainment Pay channels since last December

Considering they are increasingly broadcasting Sky Original drama especially on Sky Showcase I don't see the point, whatever newer HBO content is left (for now) isn't exclusive.

They don't even mention the channel in press releases for shows at all now.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I think Sky Atlantic is safe has Sky will put shows that cost Sky £?m to make on it when move to Sky One or Sky Witness (I see that Sky has already make cuts to Sky Witness with Car chases and Airports shows being shown from 3om to 8pm every weekday.)*

*Info found in TV Choice.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Like Sky Original The Iris Affair which is also on Sky Showcase from 16th October, like OB said there is no point,

Arguably Sky Atlantic and Sky Comedy are the most affected by the HBO deal ending, it appears they have stopped showing new shows on Sky Sci-Fi with Revival airing on Sky Max from 12th October instead.

Daytime is just filler to Sky nowadays, Sky Witness is showing Law & Order: Criminal Intent from seasons 3 onwards at 8pm daily from 13th October

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I see that I only watch Chicago, FBI and The Rookie now from Sky Witness (since Disney moves shows to Disney + I only watch TV via DVR)

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Free account option has gone for good I think even though there is several free to air channels on it

Recently hired a marketing manager and acquisitions manager for HBO Max UK & Ireland aswell.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

i wonder if we'll ever get Sky Atlantic....remember the decade of discussion on it hahhaha

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

It looks likely that we will get HBO Max, Vince. The good stuff will be on there. The older content and even some new shows from Sky Atlantic are starting to be shown on Sky Showcase now, and shows like ‘Game of Thrones’ can be found on demand on the Virgin platform.

Sky Atlantic is no longer a must-have channel - there is little to distinguish it now from other Sky channels.

---------- Post added at 11:33 ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 ----------

I just go straight to Netflix for bookmarking and searching out their content. Not ideal.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I did notice Virgin mention HBO Max in this History Of Television article
https://www.virginmedia.com/the-edit...-of-television

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Given that Sky’s strategy is to replace their HBO content with expanded output from Sky Studios, the ‘Atlantic’ name will probably change to something else. Sky One would be good.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Here is the list of Sky Basic channels based on the latest BARB data for UK TV viewing figures as of September 2025:

01 - Sky News
02 - Sky Witness
03 - Sky Atlantic
04 - Sky Showcase
05 - Sky Max
06 - Sky Comedy
07 - Sky Replay
08 - Sky Crime
09 - Sky Documentaries
10 - Sky History
11 - Challenge
12 - Sky Mix
13 - Sky Sci-Fi
14 - Sky Arts
15 - Sky Nature
16 - Sky History2
17 - Movies 24
18 - Movies 24+
19 - Sky Kids

Source: BARB’s official site.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Sky Replay and Sky Sci-Fi are the 2 least viewed pay Entertainment channels.

Movies24/+ are low aswell but that's in the movie section.

Maybe not soon but Sky Comedy will close , all signs point to that

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Looks like Humax will be coming to the rescue for those of us who don't want to eventually transfer to a streaming only box:

https://www.t3.com/entertainment/str...nnels-for-free

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Apparently, Disney are relaunching Disney Junior HD on Sky, no word on whether it's returning to Virgin yet, but I imagine it will do as pre school children's channels still rate well compared to channels for older children (who tend to use streaming these days).

If it does return to cable, whilst the launch date is TBC, it's said to be very likely this month (October).

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

As far as i was aware this is still under a NDA so must've been lifted.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

It would be part of the standard TV packs this time, rather than a bolt-on bundle of Disney kids channels which I recall was what it was last time. Theoretically a wider reach as there are more people with access.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

It appears Sky Sports HD is now included as standard with HD add on removed?
https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...ikes-to-4.html

---------- Post added at 10:17 ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 ----------

The other Kids Channels (Sky Kids, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon , Boomerang) are paid subscription add on

On Sky it's £8 including Baby TV.

On Virgin it's £5 excluding Baby TV which is additional £3.50

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Ah. Okay, thanks. Still got the Kids Channels as had them prior to them being part of a seperate pack so I don’t really know for sure what’s not “standard’.

The SD Sky Sports channels will be removed from VM then if HD is the same price now. Amazed it’s taken so long, it surely would’ve made things simpler and cheaper for both Sky and VM.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Think this was done on Sky years ago.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

What was done by Sky years ago?

Sky still have Sky Sports in SD and charge add a small charge for HD.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Not in the UK. Sky Sports has only been available in HD for a number of years and there is no longer an extra charge.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I still have £6.00 charge for Sky Sports HD on Sky with a £4 discount - that's on top of their regular HD charge.

All Sky Sports SD channels are still there except Main Event - but SD sport channels do NOT show up in an HD sub guide.

Still got a couple of them manually added to my box - picture is terrible.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

You may be on a legacy package but there is no longer any extra HD charge for UK residential subscribers. The Sky Sports SD channels are still there for Irish customers who still have to pay more for HD, and can opt for SD only to save a few € per month.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

I think you have to recontract to get rid of the HD charge.

It was still an active charge on my September bill - as was the regular Sky HD charge.

I've just recontracted. The Sports HD still shows as £6 but with a £6 discount. Sky HD is still £9pm with a £4 discount.

HD should be standard with no extra charge.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Mine still shows Sports HD Subscription Discounted by £4.00 (making it £2.00).

I last re-contracted in July 2024.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Well they aren't supposed to , some people have received emails about a refund for still being incorrectly charged.
https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Account...il/m-p/4785274

---------- Post added at 23:57 ---------- Previous post was at 23:51 ----------

And Looks like some on Sky were still incorrectly getting charged when they shouldn't have been.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

The details of Virgin’s repackaged bundles is set out here.

https://www.advanced-television.com/...eshes-bundles/

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

any big changes old boy??

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

They do have to recontract - Virgin will give you a 24 months deal.

https://www.advanced-television.com/...eshes-bundles/

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

In the TV bundles on their website

Sky Sports including HD can be added as a 30 day rolling contract - £31.75

Looks like the HD add on has been removed entirely.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

24 months- sounds like they are desperate to stop people leaving when they realise how bad they are.

---------- Post added at 17:27 ---------- Previous post was at 17:25 ----------

That's expensive, by playing the cancellation game people get Sky Sports for as little as £17.99 with Now TV.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

---------- Post added at 18:11 ---------- Previous post was at 18:10 ----------

That is a 12 month contract though, best prices for Entertainment and/or Cinema are 12 months aswell now , I can work out why they are doing it..

24 months is standard now for Sky and EE TV beside Flex/Sky Stream.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Sky Replay said to be closing on 30/10/25.

All MTV music channels reported as closing on 31/12/25.

Re: Virgin TV (2025)
 

Yep, MTV is shutting down 5 channels at the end of 2025.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdr612yz8p0o

Not just on Virgin.