Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Really? Is that how you've been reading the room?

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Have you hit your head or something Old boy old chap?
You was the one screaming from the rooftops streaming is the way tv is going.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Ah, that explains a lot…

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Much to my surprise since being house bound most of my TV viewing has been streamed.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Not the streaming (FAST) channels, though!!

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

No, no, no - let me finish!

Not THOSE streaming channels, just the other unspecified ones that I had never differentiated before…

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Never tried them , guess l never will now

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

I watch the streamers and the Virgin On Demand selection. That is all. The FAST channels are not for me.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

And that’s relevant to your original post how?

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

I was answering your question! What exactly is your point?

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

The reason it's being done is to act as a soft stick to those people who didn't take the carrot of having Sky Atlantic on the TV EPG.

In time I expect standalone and premium channels to be removed to force people to 'choose' the 360.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

. . . or another provider :erm:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Indeed.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

hhahaha yes it has been many years hasn't it. i take that as a bit of a compliment ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Sorry? I tend to read any post on a subject l am interested in for the most l then ignore them. However I must say l never jump in to the latest tech. Got taken in once and still have night. Terrers about ( that's a joke) the short lived video disks :(

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

I don't know how true this is, or if the agent has given incorrect information, however I've just been made aware of a WhatsApp message that states BBC iPlayer, Netflix and AppleTV + are being removed from V6 boxes.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Doesn't say they are being 'removed', but 'not supported'. Sounds like interweb cobblers. Either way way customers can choose not to support VM with their monthly direct debit.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

You cant exactly just choose to do that if you are in the middle of a contract.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Sounds like confusion with the withdrawal of FAST channels from V6

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Apple TV app (as its now called) has never been on V6 platform

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Thanks Timelord2018 :)
I didn't think it had. I couldn't check as I've been on the 360 since it first came out.

The last list of V6 apps that I saw was :-
5, Al Jazeera, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, Body In Balance, Channel 4, France 24, Games, Get Fit Today, ITVX, Netflix, Prime Video, QVC, Radioline, Rakuten, Slots, STV Player, U, VM On Demand Streaming, Virgin Media Store,YouTube

---------- Post added 13-05-2026 at 00:02 ---------- Previous post was 12-05-2026 at 23:54 ----------

That's what I originally thought even though I was shown the screenshot of the WhatsApp conversation, since it does state "streaming services" and not apps.


Probably incorrect interpretation from agents (either offshore or UK based) but thought I'd pass the info on since the screenshot showed actual app names and not FAST channel EPG names.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Again I can get any of them via TV looks to me that they want people to drop there TV service all together

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

It looks like the government has its eyes on viewers needing a TV licence to watch streamers soon. It was only a matter of time.

https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/tv-lic...oming-netflix/

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Nationwide VM TV service (for broadcast boxes) issue currently ongoing. All channels pixelated & breaking up. Fix time currently being given as 4pm.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/22...ive-problem-tv

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Is free to air via TV aerial working fine?

asking for someone else ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Freeview fine as are the streaming apps.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Fault Ref: F012290617
The latest update is: We have identified the problem and an engineer is on their way. We now expect to have this resolved by 2026-05-15T15:40:00

Both of my 360 boxes are affected, they updated to version 5.26 overnight, although some of the channels work intermittently.

My Stream box is working without any problems.

The apps are working as are the streaming channels. I was watching BBC News channel using iPlayer.

The TVGO app is working, as are the Sky Sports app and HBO Max (for my TNT sports)

I've connected my PC to my main TV and using an HDMI cable I can view all channels that way.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

The issue is (or rather was) with the mux encoders on the broadcast network. An issue they have had a few times before, which would only affect 360 & V6 non IP reception. As of 3.15pm the issue seems to be fixed here to the North of London.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Thanks for the info.

---------- Post added at 16:54 ---------- Previous post was at 16:52 ----------

Seems to be all back to normal now. BBC1 was the last to return (presumably as it has so many regional versions).

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Getting an onscreen message that ITV is currently unavailable (error code V53). Works fine on freeview, though. Been like that for at least thirty minutes.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

OK in Leeds

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Oddly enough, the advice on this seems to be the good old "reboot". :D

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Have you tried ITV+1? Or depending where you are there might be an alternative ITV region on 870/871.

There's also the ITVX app.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

The old classic switch it off and back on again...

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

VirginMedia are showing the three UEFA finals live and on #526 for all VirginMedia tv customers.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

i thought they werent going to be free this year? is this virgin media doing it themselves? Wont they piss TNT off?

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Nothing is ever done for nothing, if only encouraging, people to subscribe. Sprat and mackerel comes to mind. Not sure it will work . Or could be the same thinking behind shop loyalty cards. Harvesting data.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

They aren't free as TV customers pay virgin media for a service . I'd imagine it's an arrangement with TNT and hardly of their own bat.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Both That's TV 2 and That's 20th Century say "Channel No Longer Available" from Monday on EPG, usually it would updated if it wasn't correct.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Hy ho , used 20th for background noise when it did 60s music:(

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

It looks like that's correct. https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/What-s-...6/td-p/5261171

Tuesday 26th May is showing Boomerang HD closes on satellite only (Satellite 603). Boomerang SD remains and moves up to 603 to replace it.
Boomerang HD remains on Sky Glass/Stream and That’s TV 2 (Satellite 181) closes permanently and Thats20Century (Satellite 183) closes permanently

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

i assume this isnt good for thats tv 1?

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Just checked & That's TV 2 and That's TV 3 closed on Virgin today.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

thats tv 2 is still on virgin on 360 anyway dont know about v6

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Attempted to correct above post of mine but something went wrong. I was mistaken it's on the EPG with programmes listed but the channel itself is just a not available slate.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Both channels have also been pulled from Sky, although they still remain available on Freeview at this time.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Info below from https://news.virginmediao2.co.uk/vir...no-extra-cost/

Virgin Media O2 is today (May 28, 2026) announcing the launch of two brand-new streaming channels (also known as Fast Ad Supported TV) – 8 out of 10 Cats and Pointless – offering Virgin TV customers even more around-the-clock entertainment, at no extra cost.

8 out of 10 Cats (Ch250) and Pointless (Ch 251) are both available to stream today to all Virgin TV360 and Stream customers, directly from their set-top box. The brand-new streaming channels offer 24/7 access to binge-worthy hit shows and round the clock entertainment.

The new channels which are operated by Banijay Rights join the existing 37 streaming channels available to Virgin TV customers already, which include U&Transport, British Screen Classics and Inside Crime.

The "new" channels are actually replacements for Deal or No Deal and Mythbusters which previously occupied those slots.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Sounds like they're doing what Sky do with their cinema channels ie trying to make it look like new channels are being offered, but conveniently forgetting to mention that the same number of channels have closed.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

How utterly 'Pointless'....

If anyone watches these channels 'round the clock', they need help, or their carer to change channel for them.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Starting to think and I include my self that anyone bothering with virgin for TV needs help:D

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

I packed in with TV in general many years ago.
There's nothing new, it's all been done before (often better), and the way things are filmed nowadays leave much to be desired with lighting and audio quality . . not to mention the pathetic overdose of morals and 'goodness' in almost every story.

*if you have been affected by what you've read in this post, please give your head a wobble*

:D

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Not to mention that the replacement FAST channels are being withheld from the V6. A sign of things to come.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Aye - things were better back then!


We had things back then you can't get nowadays - you know, like rickets, diphtheria, polio, asbestos, outside toilets, lead paint, and Hitler...;)

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Children that respected they're elders , cleaner rivers, food not filled with lord know's what , schools that imparted knowledge. Streets that you could walk in without worrying about a 11 year old on a super charged bike. See a dentist when you need to, not having to wait years for a hospital to sort you out. Not forgetting not having things Richard hates so much:rolleyes:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Also a lot is ai slop too.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8pvy7p5djo

https://www.gov.uk/government/speech...venient-truths


https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2026/05/7.gif

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Gosh, all that lot was on the TV ??

no wonder I stopped watching it :PP:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

I agree 100%. I have never watched these channels and never will.

They are a retrograde step, taking us even before VHS.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

And you had to live in a cardboard box in’t middle of road.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

A cardboard box? You were lucky . .

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

They are just programmes at the end of the day, not proper channels. An easy play for VM!

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

My 360 received the latest update a few days ago, which introduces the new Personal Home screen as explained here:

https://www.virginmedia.com/the-edit...-virgin-tv-360

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Scrolling through the epg on my V6 is a lot quicker since the crappy fast channels have gone :)

---------- Post added at 11:57 ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 ----------

They also seem to have given up on the on daily on screen message promising disaster if you dont convert to tje 360. Down to the hardcore refuseniks now, so they are wasting their time.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Don't like the term refuseniks , me I am if it ain't broke don't fix it kind of guyv:p:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Same, I'm not a Luddite or anything, but experience has shown that many 'improvements' (not just VM) lately are simply ways to improve 'their' profits ;)

If you're going to improve something, make it better, don't just throw another flashing LED on it.

I guess all the Research & Development departments need to justify their existence too, not to mention the Marketing bods with their big smiles and extravagant claims of superior products :D

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

my mum is 75 next month and she loves the 360 and says its a lot easier to use than the v6 and with better features.

i know a lot of you are saying you wont upgrade to 360 because "the v6 is better" or theres "no point" but if my mum can get used to it and like it i'm sure you older folk can too!

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

My mum is nearly 90 and could never used most of the stuff I liked on TiVo but she uses the 360 fine. She has just added a Stream box to a second tv.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Once again, it's not about getting used to it, it's about features that people value that are missing on the 360.

---------- Post added at 08:36 ---------- Previous post was at 08:34 ----------

I'm glad they've gone too but, for those that used them who want to stay on the V6, it's still possible to access them via apps, just like Sky Atlantic.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

For those V6 users that maybe do want to access some of the F.A.S.T channels, then it may still be possible to via the app shortcut on VM EPG channel 206 'On Demand Streaming.'

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

im not saying you're not telling the truth richard in your own circumstances but most people who say "its missing features!!" or "theres no point in upgrading these days!" or "the v6 is better!!" usually are people who are deflecting from the fact that change scares them and they don't want to have to learn a new system.

i deal with elderly people in my full time job and this is the classic push back to nearly everything.

for those people here who are scared about the more powerful 360 and all the additional features i'd like to make myself available to help any of you with the new software if you take the plunge whether that be by email or whatsapp etc.

i feel like we as a forum can really help those scared of jumping onto a much superior tv box etc

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Yes, I agree with that, Vince. The 360, however, is much easier to navigate than the V6, so most elderly people should find the 360 a big improvement.

It seems to me from what I have picked up is that devotees of the TiVo software tend to be those who like fiddling around with the various features, which is fine, but the features on the TiVo that are not on the 360 are really gimmicks and cannot be used on the 360 software without a licence.

For many people, cutting costs is important as long as it doesn’t affect their viewing. So when the TiVo licence comes to an end, less cost to VM and more opportunity for VM to spend on their offerings content wise or to keep prices down if that’s what they decide to do.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Can someone please tell me what I would lose and what i would gain if I changed from V6 to 360 software. The last time i looked online for this information was over a year ago so there must have been some improvements.

Thanks

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

What is difficult to navigate on V6/TiVo?
My main issues with TV360 are related to recording and playback. Pretty basic everyday stuff. Not sure how much of it is TiVo patented, rather than they couldn't be bothered to build it into TV360.
There was a post highlighting key differences and missing abilities, but that was in the VM community forums, so has disappeared.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

June Virgin TV channel guide now available:

https://www.virginmedia.com/the-edit...-channel-guide

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Just seen the 360 pros and cons thread. Doesn’t look like much has changed.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

It seems the thread has plunged into fanboy / fangirl arguments rather than a proper discussion. I'm not sure how many will be convinced to switch to the 360 because Vince's mother likes it. Maybe that could be Virgin's next marketing promotion. ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

If you aren’t simply trying to get a rise out of others you are lumping people together based on nothing but their age. Every person in this world is an individual with different takes on each and every thing.


Most people. So you surveyed/interviewed the entire Cable Forum userbase and used your Psychology Degree to individually analyse them all?

I’m not scared of learning, far from it, I used to regularly be an early adopter of new tech, but much “new” tech I find (emphasis on “l”, it is my opinion) is poorly designed, has removed features that were previously standard, made previously easy things unnecessarily roundabout and requires more button pushes to do the same thing.

The V6 Tivo interface still does things we use regularly or we prefer the way it does them, so we haven’t moved. Simple. We might use TV360 one day, it will probably be TV720 by then.

If others like new tech, great. If others think it’s better, great. (All new tech is different and cannot easily be generalised.) But everyone’s different, and we don’t need to agree, the world won’t break and will be a worse place if we were all the same.

I’m happy that you like it, but you can’t speak about or behalf of everyone, no-one can.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Excellent post.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Although it won't. This powerful new TV360 box, the great hope for the future (if you believe some of the posters) has already been withdrawn. New customers just get a stream box with even fewer features. That's the direction VMO2 is taking.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

That says it all, it's a stop gap. No doubt it's fans will be pestering virgin to move them again :erm:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Yes i was offered the stream tv when i enquired, i decided to stick with Sky stream in the end.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

The TV 360 is still available for new customers for £49.99 fee if you live an traditional cable box if you request it via phone/WhatsApp

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Looking at it , it seems to be cheaper than either box , not sure what the catch is , guessing there has to be one or two:monkey:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Depends what you are interested in, new customer deals are always cheaper

For example

Virgin broadband 300Mb+ , 200+ channels and Netflix standard with ads for £32.99
Sky Ultimate TV (with Netflix with ads, Disney+ with ads and HBO Max basic with ads) and 300mb broadband £41.99

If you are referring to Sky Essential TV that has less pay channels only the Discovery Pay channels, Sky Atlantic + Netflix standard with ads.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

With streaming you cannot record and it's delivered via the internet, but just watch what happens when they've moved all their customers (who accept this) onto stream. Just like the streamers such as Netflix, the price will go up & it will cost extra to remove additional adverts.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Although the amount of adverts from Sky channels On Demand even in HD appear to have reduced in the last 6 months which you can fast forward, a lot have no adverts at all.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Why would anyone want to record a show that is easily found via streaming? The main down side to this I guess is being unable to skip advertising.. have recently watche a number of shows via streaming, not a big deal , just ignored ads ie did something else. However I still would look closely at freely+ something like Now . Still that is for the future, and given my age may never need to decide :angel:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

You said the reason yourself, it's so we can skip the adverts, that's the benefit of being able to record programmes. Being able to watch a 60 minute programme in under 45 mins is ideal.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Agreed. I've just watched "The Penguin" via On Demand on my 360. The length of the individual episodes all varied, and averaged around 45 minutes in length, but they all played advert free.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

You can also pause programmes. Skip back (say) 30 seconds if you miss a bit of dialogue. Equally, if you get bored, FF to the end.

The best bit, you can re-watch it at your leisure.

As I've said above, streaming is technology from the 1980s.

Thanks

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

It has a ad skipping subscription already £5p/m

---------- Post added at 21:56 ---------- Previous post was at 21:55 ----------

I'm on a offer with them £20p/m gives my SKY Ultimate with Netflix, HBOMAX, Discovery+, Disney+ and HAYU when it's added.
They often dangle the Sky sports carrot to for £15p/m but i never take it as I got alternative tv for that.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Discovery+ still only being in 3.5m homes doesn't suprise me , suggests most on Sky never activated it , the next released figure will drop with TNT Sports moved to HBO Max.

---------- Post added at 22:11 ---------- Previous post was at 22:05 ----------

Isn't just HBO

Ponies and FROM season 4 are 2 others I am aware of in HD with no ads.

In UHD, I don't think anything does

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

I like to record programmes because I can FF through the adverts and use QuickView, also VOD programmes can disappear before i've had time to watch them.

---------- Post added at 00:57 ---------- Previous post was at 00:54 ----------

If you have TiVo & use QuickView, this can be reduced to half an hour!

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

No, Itshim, it’s progress. Virgin Flex is designed with the move to streaming in mind. Same as Sky Stream. It’s the direction in which things are moving.

I’m afraid this is what the future looks like - constant change as we gain knowledge and know-how at an ever more rapid speed, helped by the increasing influence of AI.

If you are happy with the V6, stick with it while you can. Nobody’s forcing you or anyone to do anything at present, so I’m not sure why people are getting upset about it.

---------- Post added at 09:26 ---------- Previous post was at 09:16 ----------

And that’s exactly it. The ability to skip adverts doesn’t make sense to commercial channels, who rely on advertising income to fund their content. If people tend to fast forward through ads, why would advertisers want to advertise that way in the first place? The situation is unsustainable.

That’s why now we are being charged for the removal of ads, which enables the TV channels to maintain their income. Streaming is the means by which this is achieved.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

The younger generations aren't watching on TVs but are watching everything on mobile phones, Hollywood is investing billions in vertical content. Streaming platforms are embracing this new format, with Disney, Netflix, Paramount, NBC etc, even the BBC launching short form vertical formats. That's the future. Prepare to throw out your TV and watch everything on your phone. That's the future OLD BOY. Obviously, you will embrace this as you do every other development because, "this is what the future looks like". Welcome to your future!

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

That's true, if the younger generation is anything to go by, the mobile phone has everything you need at your finger (or thumb) tips.
TV, music, gaming, numerous AI buddies, social chat (27 texts per minute minimum), and a host of other brilliant things.

All it's missing is a warning if you're about to walk into a lamp post, step out onto a busy road, or your unemployment benefit is an hour late hitting your account ;)

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Easily managed both on the shows I streamed, can't recall the last show I rewatched , but I as I say probably left this mortal toll before I need to decide. TV dieing would be the only trigger, then it would be freely or not::erm:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Hello

Are we talking about the same thing? I am on about FAST (or streaming) channels; some can be found on 220 - 254.

On my 360, I can not pause, rewind or FF.

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

Clearly not . Talking about the streaming box from virgin replacing 360 . Never even looked at FAST channels, would opt for paint drying over them :shocked:

Re: Virgin TV (2026)
 

yes. all joking aside i spoke to a lot of people via private message and have got a substantial amount of users agreeing with me where i can make these sort of statements. a lot also wanted help or advice on moving to the 360 software etc

also yes i do have a psychology degree haha

i didnt think you'd all get so defensive for a v6 box which will BE WITHDRAWN shortly anyway?!

calm down dear its only virgin media tv!

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/efl5pFTFnBU/mqdefault.jpg