Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No, always paid by DD from my current account, Netflix was added to my VM services.

Rather annoying tbh, there is a link in the email to restart my Netflix subscription but that has no option to add it to my VM account. I can only do it via card or PayPal .:(

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As am I.:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Disney signs O2 deal for six months free Disney+


https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2020...-months-early/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I was able to restart my Netflix subscription through VM using the Netflix app on TV.

Still mystified as to why it was stopped in the first place. I am absolutely certain that no one here authorised cancellation?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

In which case, ring VM customer services to establish what has happened.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sounds like a scam, I've just had a similar one about VM.

What's the web address when you hover over the link?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That was my initial thought but as my services had indeed been discontinued on the exact date stated and the email link checked out, coupled with the reduction in my VM billing.

As I just mentioned I didn’t use the restart link in the email but did it through the Netflix app on my TV.


Have you checked to see if your subscription has been cancelled?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Amazon now seem to have HDR working on the V6.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'd be happy if they had Amazon working properly on the V6.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

In what way doesn't it work for you?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Here is the main link on the virgin media forum, there are several others but this is the main one. No matter what you do to get it working it eventually stops again and you have to reboot the box again:

https://community.virginmedia.com/t5...x/td-p/4041180

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That thread is 7 months old - and is NOT regarding HDR which has appeared today.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It also seems to be a dumping ground for any Amazon-related problem.

There was an outage in February where many/most Amazon users got a black screen, but that only lasted a couple of days. In general, each case like this needs looking at separately. Have you spoken to VM about it, dave?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Netflix is to cut streaming quality by 25% for 30 days

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-51968302

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Understandable, but so much for 'streaming is the future' as some claim. It has a fundamental weak link. Terrestrial doesn't struggle if too many view, use other services.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Nor satellite or cable, Mr K!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

So ISP's can shut down their CDN's now then if it is all coming directly from Netflix.
You do know what a CDN is don't you Mr K?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

<removed>

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Hope they're planning to refund us 25% too ofcourse they won't.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Your still getting 100% of the content, so why would they refund you 25% ?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I’ll be giving Netflix a miss for a month then. If the quality isn’t too much of a degradation then I’ll watch but standard definition is unfortunately offensive to my eyes alas.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yup. Look what actually happens in the real world when there is only a fairly modest increase in the amount of streamed TV content (because this is mostly coming from existing users streaming more, not tons of new sign-ups, although doubtless there are plenty of those).

But no worries, I'm sure Old Boy will be along in a minute to assure us that Netflix is stuck in its ways, unwilling to see the trends and really ought to read this digital marketing blog he's just found that says everyone should pile into streaming services right now.

---------- Post added at 21:17 ---------- Previous post was at 21:14 ----------

A 25% reduction from 1080 high def is still better than 720p. We have a shonky internet connection that frequently can't do better than to allow a 720p stream anyway, but our Samsung 4k TV does a very good job with upscaling it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

A 25% reduction in quality probably won't be all that noticeable. Netflix usually looks pretty amazing anyway.

If it stops the service getting bottlenecked or any other issues then it will be fine.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Which is why I've always said, and more than a few of us agreed, that a mix of delivery platforms works so well.

If England were to play in the World Cup final with 30 million viewers or maybe more - it suits everyone (watching or not) for the vast majority to be watching the live linear broadcast on TV. Right now, the vast majority would.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Its amazing how in times of national importance how some live linear broadcasting viewing figures rise exponentially.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Much like Coronavirus figures!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I can see why they are doing so bud Ironically the illegal streamers and downloaders won’t be affected

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Because Netflix charge extra for HD and UHD if they're reducing the quality then they are not providing what you're paying for.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think you might want to read their T&C's again, HD & UHD are simply made available, not guaranteed, plus you are also paying for more devices on higher plans.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

A reduction of 25% bandwidth would still be HD / UHD; just not quite as good as you may be used to.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Apparently the Kids iPlayer has just launched/started launching on Connected TVs. Wonder if VM are getting it soon, the press release mentions no specifics, just Connected TVs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/la...layer-children

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That's what they've just said on the Radio 4 news.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

YouTube Cuts Video Stream Quality to Standard Def.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...ndard-def.html

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

OB has been lurking, but oddly he apparently has nothing to say about this unplanned experiment in increasing the uptake of streaming TV. :scratch:

We now have hard evidence for what so many of us have been saying for years. Data infrastructure simply can’t cope with even a modest increase in use of streaming services. Providing all TV over IP would require a greater than exponential increase in capacity and we are many, many years away from achieving that.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You're right i was just grumpy yesterday after dealing with panic buyers, my apologies.

---------- Post added at 12:14 ---------- Previous post was at 12:13 ----------

Tbf i can see others doing it as PIP just posted YT are doing it now, it's only a matter of time before Amazon do it too one would think.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You underestimate the progress that will be made by the next decade. Of course capacity is limited right now, but surely you are not suggesting that it will always be thus.

I trust that you now accept that there is enough electricity to cope with streaming these days!

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But the Netflix and You Tube actions will have little effect in the UK, no one has yet mentioned the CDN's. The ISP's may as well stop them as those streamers are taking action to replace their whole existance.

I understand things can be different depending on country but again, one size fits all! Thanks EU.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Would it be worth people downgrading their subscription??

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You've also not elaborated on CDNs? If you explain it might inform future discussion. If you don't then it won't.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Here's some details on what they are

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Content_delivery_network

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Electricity consumption is actually falling in the UK - has been for over a decade. Tiny sticks, more energy efficient STBs and LED televisions contributing to this.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

This is purely anecdotal evidence but I'm not so sure Netflix's reduction in bitrates has been applied to the UK.
I'm still getting their full bitrate on UHD material today.

Pip's mention of CDN's is a bit of a red herring, all the streamers have their own CDN's or leased ones, for example BBC Iplayer has at least two leased CDN's.
ISP's optimise their infrastructure to provide a balanced delivery of all internet services,
however its not unknown for the likes of Netflix to pay to have their own infrastructure within an ISP's hence the furore in the US over the abandonment of net neutrality rules.

In the grand scheme of things whether a streaming service does or doesn't reduce bitrates or give a lesser service than we have paid for is irrelevant,
stay safe everyone here.l

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

This discussion has been going on, on this forum, for over 5 years now OB, how much more time do the networks need to provide enough bandwidth for just the existing streaming customer base to actually use it *instead of* sat/terrestrial linear broadcast? Because that’s the way you’ve always said we’re heading. Streaming continues to have a role in the mix but the infrastructure is way, way behind where it would have to be just for those who already have a Netflix account, to consume all of their tv via Netflix.

And re the power grid, don’t be silly - because the data networks *haven't* built out nearly enough capacity to support a fully IPTV delivered system, they aren’t drawing the sort of power that will blow every fuse in Britain. Only if they ever actually try, will we have to deal with that next, and rather serious, problem.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I have no problem with you thinking its a red herring.

In other news Amazon follows suit.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...g-quality.html

Wonder what Disney will do?

Apparently VM and OR can't see a problem.

https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/03...use-openreach/

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Bandwidth will be made available as it is needed, and as it has done up until now. The coronavirus outbreak and the measures that have been taken to counteract it were not expected. With the sudden increased demand for streaming services and working from home, this has put the whole system under strain.

I have stated repeatedly on here that the future I envisage is related to 2035. What you and my other detractors on here keep doing is looking at every new situation and claiming that my prediction has not come to pass. This is not 2035, it's 2020 unless I've just gone through a timewarp.

I would like to know why you guys keep up these same tired arguments, despite the progress you see all around you. I guess I have some sympathy with you though Chris because I know that you have virtually no internet capacity where you live, but if you did have gigabit broadband I dare say you would see the future in a different light.

The 'lack' of electricity and bandwidth that may exist now will be resolved over the decade and things will look very different. But hey, if you believe that we will simply continue as we are now, that's fine. We'll look back on your scepticism in 15 years, and will we laugh? Yes, we will, and we will recall with amazement all that crap they pushed out on those inflexible scheduled TV channels, inundated with commercials! We will split our sides remembering all those recordings we tried to squeeze into our space limited hard drives and wonder how we managed before VOD and bookmarking. Oh, the good old days!

---------- Post added at 20:34 ---------- Previous post was at 20:26 ----------

Virgin Media have negotiated a deal with NBC/Universal to bring their customers new cinema releases to help compensate for the cinemas being impacted by the Coronavirus.

https://www.virginmedia.com/corporat...versal-at-home

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

At £15.99 a pop

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Orange in France are requesting Disney delay it’s launch next week

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I don't need to wait fifteen years to get a laugh out of this subject.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I know! Cheaper than the cinema, though.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Our local Vue is a fiver through the day (not including 3D or IMAX).

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But cinemas are closed anyway

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yeah i lol'd at that price not many will pay that one thinks and it might further push people to alternative methods.
Samr prices on chilli, Amazon, Ratuken etc.

---------- Post added at 11:51 ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 ----------

Cinemworld for me is £18.40p/m via a unlimited card or £10 a pop.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I think it is a good price - especially as you don't have the guy two rows back constantly talking - or the girl two rows down crunching her snacks - or the oldies who keep rattling the seats as they can't get comfy.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

For anyone looking for a bit more entertainment whilst many of us are virtually confined to our homes then cdkeys have some good cheap Now TV vouchers on sale (I think the one month movie or entertainment passes offer the best value)

https://www.cdkeys.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=now%20tv

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I'm expecting Now TV offers/retention deals to dry up soon. They simply won't need to offer them!

Re: Netflix. If a 25% reduction is said not to affect the picture quality, it begs the question as to why they use this amount of bandwidth anyway??

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Steady.....:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I've not seen anywhere reliable say it will "not affect the picture quality". They say "Netflix has announced it will reduce the video quality ... while ensuring a good quality service"

"Netflix expects some customers may see a reduction in picture quality, while many will not. The small number getting its most expensive package with Ultra High Definition (4K), priced at £11.99 a month, will be the most likely to notice the difference. The vast majority of customers pay £8.99 a month for Netflix’s standard package, which comes with high definition quality."

So the more you pay - the more the picture quality will be affected.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

But how much do you pay for popcorn, drrink, etc, and do you really go to the cinema on your own?

---------- Post added at 19:25 ---------- Previous post was at 19:24 ----------

As long as you haven't got the rellies staying with you...:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As I said, it’s that price through the day, when my wife is working (I’m retired) - I don’t buy food/drink at the cinema, as it’s horrendously over-priced (£2.95 for a bag of Revels, vs £1 from Morrison’s).

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Disney+ delayed in France for two weeks

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I see that Seasons 1-30 of The Simpsons will be on Disney + from launch afterall. (Season 31 is currently airing on Sky One)
https://www.foxtv.co.uk/special/ever...ng-disney-plus

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I probably misheard what it said on the news. I imagine a lot will be downgrading then.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

No doubt that will happen across the board in other European countries.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yeah, they are working on reducing their planned bandwidth usage by 25% so i imagine there will be a delayed and phased rollout of the service.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Yes, that was announced 2-3 weeks ago, following a new deal between Disney and Sky.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

We'll come back to this Tuesday.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Signed up for Disney+. Planning to spend the next few weeks watching the entire MCU in the right order.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Think the UK is still next Week

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

It is.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Not sure exactly when it happened but Hayu has been removed from the Search & Discover menu.

The app is currently still available in Apps & Games.

Despite the app being available for ages, Prime Video still hasn't been added to the Search & Discover menu.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Nobody in this house watches Hayu, but I can assure you that if you search for a programme on Prime, it is on there.I have many programmes and films from Prime bookmarked for later viewing.

I assume you are talking about the Virgin Media platform.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Re-read my post carefully. It states that Prime Video is not on the Search & Discover menu. Look on your TV, press Home, click down to Search & Discover, you'll see the menu has Virgin Media Store, Netflix, Vevo and YouTube.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Oh, that's what you mean! I never use that menu, which is why I hadn't noticed it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Maybe it is not a 'free ride' for a service to be added there.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Disney+ goes live today in UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

And the options you can sign up for are a 7-day free trial and after that, the service will cost £5.99 a month or £59.99 for the year.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Sadly not on Virgin Media boxes. Hopefully in time it will be added so that we can benefit from the full integration like with Netflix.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Disney+ arrived on compatible Samsung smart TVs early this morning.

I now need to know what satanic arts Disney employed in order to set their UK launch date to coincide with coronavirus lockdown.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Bad news for VM viewers.

Sky has confirmed:

We’ve partnered with Disney to be the only pay-TV provider to offer Disney+ on their platform.

https://www.sky.com/help/home/sky-tv...ng-disney-plus

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

There are 4 log-ins per subscription, so it can be shared; I let my daughter have a log-in to Netflix, she let’s me use Disney+ (just downloaded the App from the Google Play Store on my Sony TV - there’s a lot of content in Disney+).

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Indeed there is a fair amount of content on Disney+ as we have set up profiles for MOH , brother and myself.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

You was saying?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

As usual l was wrong.;)

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

That's why I listed the countries.
Sorry Den.:angel:

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Great stuff, I paid for a year and hoped the app would be on V6 shortly after launch, thinking Disney would want to make it available as possible. Guess its Roku and Chromecast for me then.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Why o why did they not release the app a few days early, that way we could be sure our equipment can support it before taking advantage of the special offer.

Nothing like the last minute

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

There were lots of articles about what it would be on going around beforehand e.g.

https://www.whathifi.com/advice/disn...u-need-to-know

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

:D:D:D

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Tried the free trial but not sure I'd continue.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I've just had to physically separate my kids from it in order to get them back to their home schooling. I don't think there's going to be much else on tv in our house for weeks now.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Changing the subject completely can anyone recommend a podcast app for Fire TV devices please?
I used to use the Kodi iTunes addon but that no longer works.
In these unprecedented times I thought I would revisit listening to some podcasts for some entertainment whilst in lockdown so would appreciate any suggestions.

As an aside maybe we could add in hidden online entertainment gems others may not know about in this thread to keep our fellow forum members entertained?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Love a conspiracy theory Chris:D
Disney plus arrived on my Samsung tv and the quality of the streams is excellent.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

On my LG mid afternoon

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Very interesting you can watch on demand episodes of the simpsons now on All4 https://www.channel4.com/programmes/.../episode-guide

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Thanks Ben, I'd seen various articles but nothing that gave me enough confidence to actually subscribe. Looks like I was right not to, the article states Samsung smart TVs but unfortunately the app isn't available on mine.

Good job I didn't waste my £50. I'll have to wait until either the V6 gets it or it eventually appears on the Now TV Stick.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Interestingly, All4's Simpson's episodes end at Series 21 and Sky's end at Series 31.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Whenever i ask my Echo to play a podcast it uses Tunein

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

I got an email from Hayu today saying that after April 6th it will no longer be an included subscription under VM, and would have to be paid for separately. There wasn’t much on it I watched, a couple of documentaries, and I always intended to go in and catch up on a few series of Top Chef. But not enough to justify paying for it.

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Hayu is just intolerable rubbish to my mind. Hopefully, Virgin will replace it with something much better. Disney+ to top end viewers, perhaps, free of extra charge?

Re: Netflix/Streaming Services
 

Dream on OB.;)