Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Agreed, up to a point, but I would expect VM to have enough common sense to keep RT off the platform. I wouldn't want to pay for that sort of misinformation.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

All Dance fans are ??? Think not the only channel that claims to play dance music on the Virgin EPG is MTV Dance and they don't even manage it half the time playing uptempo pop songs.

At least you have MTV2 and Kerrang for Metal.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Good point.

---------- Post added at 00:26 ---------- Previous post was at 00:20 ----------

In the past, the major music broadcasters like Viacom traditionally charged cable operators for their channels. I haven't heard anything to suggest that this has changed.

Perhaps things have changed with their decline and this is the reason why Viacom limit their offering to keep costs down?? (This is the reason that Zee Cafe was on Sky but not VM).

---------- Post added at 00:34 ---------- Previous post was at 00:26 ----------

There used to be a dance channel called Rapture on cable & satellite. It's sadly no longer available, but I remember seeing it when I first got cable television.

It wasn't in my package, but I could see it as it was the Guest Channel.

For those that don't remember the Guest Channel, it was a different extra channel from the top package that was made available for a month at a time.

I think it would be a good idea to bring this back, it provides extra value for lower package customers by providing something a little different each month and helps VM to upsell eg by people getting into a series or finding out that they actually like a channel that they've been given a taste of.

This was with NTL, did Telewest have anything like this?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Telewest did not offer an channel like the Guest Channel.

Base on information seen on Media Boy Blog.

-The last Sony UK Deal was signed in December 2011.
-The last CSC Media Deal was signed in February 2011.

(Sony took over CSC Media in 2014)

Seen no confirmed info on any new channels coming anytime soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

MB when is the deals up for renewal with the TV channel owners where we haven't got the HD version of these channels like History or Universal?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

YOU TUBE choose what you want when you want.... app on TiVO if needed.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Our smart TV does youtube directly, good as having another channel.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Agreed, we need a good hard rock and metal music channel as there is too much manufactured tripe with talentless so called astists who can't write their own stuff or play any instruments on the other music channels

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I think it's the inane yapping and/or adverts that ruin the radio experience for me.

I remember once on Radio 2, Chris Evans cut off the ending of Dire Straits Money For Nothing and was inundated with tweets and emails complaining about it.

He then played the 20 minute album version in it's entirety without a whisper from him :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

+1

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

YouTube is apparently being removed from older pre-2012 TVs so having it on Tivo will be useful for people in this situation. http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2051559

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Good thing ours is 2014 model Sony Bravia. Software updates should handle this though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Yep agree 100% I would like if they could get TeamRock Radio on as it the best Metal station on DAB

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I'd be happy with any channel that played Motorhead, Metallica and Def Leppard quite a bit.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I agree about some stations and their chatting. I find absolute radio quite decent, they don't play pop, have good presenters (other than two I don't like) who love the music they play, the presenters are quite witty and knowledgeable too and rarely talk over the tracks. They often play long songs in their entirety as well. They have a multitude of different types of stations as well, including classic rock. If you create an account online and then listen online as well, you will hear very few adverts too. I don't listen online as me radio provides far better quality, even if I do have to suffer the ads - but at least they sound good!;):D. They are well worth trying for a few days.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I`d be happy for there to be no new channels added to Virgin IF there was a decent reduction in subsriptions for all but I guess hell will freeze over before that ever happens!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I used to moan about VirginMedia not getting Sky Atlantic but in December from Argos for 13 quid I bought a Now TV box and for £6.99 a month (after the first 3 months free) have Sky Atlantic and loads of box set, series etc. :)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Would I need a box to watch NOW through the xBox One? Or can I just subscribe to it and watch?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Yes that`s the way around getting Sky Atlantic without having to subsribe to Sky tv. I`m thinking of getting one myself soon.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Is there a Now TV app on the Xbox One? If there is you can just subscribe and use the xbox.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Excellent, will look at that later. Might be able to use that for Sports and Movies and then I can upgrade to the XL package on Virgin. Miss having SKY 1 in HD.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Now TV can be less good for regular sport as they only sell passes by the day (24-hour period £6.99) or by the week (£10.99) and not monthly. The movies pass at £9.99pm with a month's free trial is good value.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Its only 720P is that correct? Also some ppl seem to have buffering issues with the wifi dropping out.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I`m not sure how much it is at the moment but it`s around the 7-9 quid I believe.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

haha

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Yes it is limited to 720p (live streams may even be SD? I never watch live) I've not had buffering issues on the times that I use the Now TV box, though I usually access Now TV via my LG Bluray player.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Agreed I use YouTube on my TV which also has access to Vevo , Muzu and others however I mainly send music around my house on my sonos multiroom.
I've never had any buffering issues on my connection , it had a spell of outages a while back however of late its been far more reliable.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Any news on Disney Channel HD?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

No.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

It's very reliable now, just watched True Detective, quality good, no problems. (great Show as well!)

One tip, make sure you disable Network Pings in the secret Menu, solved all my NOW TV streaming issues in one go!

---------- Post added at 19:19 ---------- Previous post was at 19:17 ----------

Just read an earlier post, I also don't bother with the live streams, not so good!. Top shows usually appear about an hour after live, correct me if i'm wrong.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I'd agree Nick, Now TV is excellent for On Demand content but the live streaming can be a bit ropey.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Except that it is only on there for a limited period. Only good for binge viewing.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

any news on star plus hd?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

No.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Depends what you use it for OB.

I'd agree that some need binge viewing as some of the boxsets that appear are only available for a month but they are improving and many are now on for longer. For example, I recently binged on True Detective which has been on since before Xmas whereas the first two seasons of The Following have appeared at the start of Feb with S1 only available for a month but S2 for two months so it's all a bit random. Both of the shows are excellent too so would recommend them to anyone that hasn't seen them.

However, I use it for two main reasons:
1) as a catch up service for all the Sky channels as I can stream episodes of my favourite shows to my tablet, phone, etc, and all of the shows are usually available for a month after they air on the relevant channel.
2) Sky Atlantic - can access the content we don't get with VM.

I think that 1) above is an area where VM are really lagging behind at present with no catch / on demand programming available via TV Anywhere and the fact you can't even stream the live channels via 3G/4G. Hopefully if Media Boy is right regarding cloud based recordings coming soon then this would definitely improve VM's offerings.

I think with the quality and content now available via the various streaming services, I can see why quite a few people are beginning to cord cut as they are far cheaper than traditional pay TV. Sky have reacted to this with Now TV and throwing around 50% discounts like confetti for their pay TV service.

So it will be interesting to see how VM react this year and what, if anything, is 'coming soon' to their services. ;)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

How do you get into the secret menu on Now TV? 😊

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Nobody will be able to tell you, 'cos it's a secret :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Ha ha :D:D
Found it - its:

Home (x 5)
Fast Forward
Play
Rewind
Play
Fast Forward

:)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Can all the Now TV chat have it's own thread please

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I`m curious,what`s in the secret menu? (or is it a secret!)

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

There's the expectation, and there's the reality.

The point is, Richard, there is a cost to this and there is no point VM paying for additional poor quality channels that people don't watch in any great numbers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Careful, you'll be accused of moderating.

---------- Post added at 14:18 ---------- Previous post was at 14:16 ----------

I agree to an extent with regards to the minor channels, but this is a channel from a major broadcaster- not sure how well it's doing ratings wise though.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

What is it?

Edit Googled it

Take it there's no word on any new HD content coming soon? Haven't been keeping up to date lately

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Nothing new on that front from what I have seen.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Its used for sideloading apps.

I used it to sideload Plex on mine

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

OK sounds useful to know

Amazon prime: Not Coming Soon to Virgin TV
 

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

So basically the talks have got nowhere and its unlikely to come this year at least.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

So far nothing has launched this year other than the missing HD channels? Did we even get those extra channels on world box... Blooming quiet again this year.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I'm not surprised. Amazon has a reputation as a very tough negotiator, and Virgin's no roll over either. It may come later once Amazon's Fire TV is established and Amazon has worked out that by being on VM it can pick up customers whom it would not reach through its own marketing efforts.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

How hard can the negotiations get, it is a matter of hosting an app which people will have to pay to use, my samsung TV has Amazon prime in its app screen and its 4k compatible as well.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Obviously quite hard or Freesat, TalkTalk, BT and EE would have Amazon on their devices as well.
To me, the issues would include:
- Who pays for development?
- How much does VM get for hosting the app?
- Who pays for advertising that VM has the app?
- How prominent is the app?
- What guarantees are there for ongoing development? (To avoid situations like the recent YouTube and iPlayer ones)
- Can a parallel deal be done for other LibertyGlobal countries at the same time?
- Any exclusitivity deals in place with other providers like FilmFlex that would have to be renegotiated?
- Tivo film search results may bring up the same on FilmFlex/Virgin Movies and on Amazon Prime. VM and FilmFlex could lose income in such situations. Can this be addressed or not?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

surely amazon dont need to get into discussions with VM? What is there to agree on ?? dont amazon want more customers? wouldnt their app being on tivo lead to more customers?? surely they have an app on american tivos so it would just be a case of modifying that a little bit?? surely the cost of doing so would be made back by having more customers??

it seems a bizarre stalemate. VM dont want to pay to design the app- rightly so. amazon wont even though theyll get more customers- bizarre

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

If Netflix can arrive on Virgin Media then why can't Amazon Prime as they are both streaming services in my book so l can't see why they have not reached a deal yet Andrew as it would be the same type of deal as the Netflix you would suspect.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Currently Amazon Prime is only on the US Tivo Roamio. Rumours are that it will be added to the US Tivo Premier this month. It's the Premier that it needs to be on, as that is what VM's Tivo is based on
.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

It's a tricky one mate with the firetv being extremely succesful and the fire stick selling out within hours of it's launch in the usa, the fire stick is expected in the uk soon.
I highly doubt Amazon will be in any rush to get the amazon instant video app on vm anytime soon when their own devices are such a huge success.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

The reports seem to suggest that it is Amazon that is dragging its feet, not VM. An approach to Amazon was made nearly a year ago.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

No idea.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Amazon Instant Video isn't just the Amazon Prime catalogue, but also all new releases to buy or rent. This means it ain't the same as Netflix as the new releases will compete with Virgin's own Virgin Movies On Demand service. And by "compete" I mean undercut: HD new releases (e.g. Gone Girl) on the Virgin Movies On Demand are £4.99 for 48 hours, on Amazon it's £4.49, or you can buy it to watch when you want for £9.99 (on any device with Amazon Instant Video). I can't see VM launching a competing service on its own platform, so maybe that's where the talks stalled.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

But it already has, Nialli. We have often searched for a film to find that it's on Virgin Movies at a charge and on Netflix free.

Liberty Global have gone on record as saying they want to maximise content for its customers and they have already expressed an interest with Amazon, so I don't think VM are resistant to the idea of embracing their web site. It would be a useful way of accessing HBO material, even though we'd have to pay to see it.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

:D:D:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I do not know what the deal for both the owners of History and Universal Channel is up.

But

-The last channel to launch from HISTORY was History +1 on May 28th 2013.
-The last channel to launch from NBCUniversal was The Style Network on March 6th 2013.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

At a guess i would say 2016 as i think it goes in 3 year cycles, don't hunt me down though if i'm wrong lol. :D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Will before 2013 the last deals was signed in 2010.

-OMG 5 years ago next month http://mediaboyblog.blogspot.co.uk/2...-channels.html

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

VM doesn't own Virgin Movies. It's owned by Vubiquity.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

why dont Virgin Media add WWE Network to there VOD content surely its one up to Sky with there big budget contract they signed

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

you do know sky got WWE rights for uk right it could never happen

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Its already happening the WWE network exists in the UK whilst Sky has the linear TV rights.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Presumably the benefit of doing this is outweighed by the cost. Despite the evident enthusiasts on this forum, it does not have a substantial following compared to a lot of sports.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I was watching 5USA on Sunday and instead of the usual cowboy films they where showing "Carry on Teacher" and the old British film "The Lady Killers".Strange to hear the American announcer introducing these very British films.Are Channel Fives new American owners watering down the American content on 5USA?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Because it's rubbish.......:D

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

So so true - better put on Disney channel !!!!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

True, and also true of movies shown on linear channels, too. But I think the Amazon latest releases would be in direct competition with Virgin Movies (which as Spiderplant corrected me on, isn't actually owned by VM).

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

If this is a problem, I would presume that VM could arrange with Amazon to have a watered down version of the service. For example, all PPV films could be excluded.

Unfortunately, a blanket exclusion like this would deny us the HBO shows.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

yes but sky signed for Smackdown , Raw and Main Event but Virgin could host the WWE Network side surely Sky dont own that

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

There is no way Amazon would go for a half baked service IMHO.

But if by some weird chance that they did, there would be no reason to exclude TV shows as there is currently no service on VM offering TV shows as PPV or digital purchase AFAIK.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

There is many who think the uk pay more than rest of world for WWE Network because Sky get £3 from every subscriber, rumours suggest WWE did this to keep Sky sweet.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

WWE Fastlane for Sky Sports and Sky1 this weekend

Link

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I don't know if people are aware, but Liberty has its own streaming service called MyPrime. Perhaps this may be the solution to the problem.

By the way, MyPrime is "free" on UPC's (Liberty's) top tv packages, sounds familiar, doesn't it?...

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I noticed that thought it was a epg error at first lol. It could be on skysports as Sky knew it'd be pointless on box office with February being free for wwe network subscribers.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Hopefully you can now appreciate all is not as easy as it might at first look. For example:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Can't be an exclusive to sky because there's a WWE network app on the ps3.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I haven't said it is , or am I missing something ? :confused:

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

He's not said it's exclusive but probably the simplest way of describing Sky's rights would be as PPV rights.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I see no reason why Amazon would not agree to a subscription service similar to that of Netflix.

However, if they insisted on including the PPV as well, I don't see this as a deal breaker, given that Netflix films already duplicate to an extent what is available on Virgin Movies.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

FilmFlex who operate Virgin Movies may have an exclusitvity clause or may require an increase in fees if another PPV provider comes onto VM's platforms, so VM may be wanting compensation from Amazon for this. And Amazon may have an-all-or-nothing policy regarding its services.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

What's in it for Amazon ?

The video side was integrated into its Amazon Prime offering to help sell its own hardware and keep people using the Amazon ecosystem such as Kindle , Amazon Fire etc.

An app may launch but it will be like Netflix now at an additional cost in my opinion.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Given that Netflix is showing films for free that are PPV on Virgin Movies, I don't see this as the problem, personally.

Sure, clauses will have to be agreed, but don't they always with deals like this? Nothing's easy these days, in fact sometimes it's a wonder that anything happens at all!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

To be fair, I don't think anyone is expecting it to launch on Tivo without them having to pay a standard Amazon Prime or instant video subscription to Amazon to use it.

I wish Amazon would get their finger out and release the Fire TV Stick in the UK, and, at the same introductory price as the US of $19. I suspect there's fat chance of the $19 though!

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

The additional subscription take, presumably, Muppetman. it works for Netflix, why not for Amazon?

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

In the US, their TiVo Roamio Pro and Plus both have 6 tuners with the Pro having a 3TB HDD. I would certainly be impressed if VM managed to secure a UK version of these products. The TiVo we have at the moment is good, but could do with a few tweaks of improvement. I'm guessing there would be a hefty monthly fee if these were to become available :-(

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

It doesn't work like that. VM boxes are made to VM specifications by manufacturers chosen by VM. The US has never had a 3 tuner box.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I don't understand the point you are trying to make with your comment.

You knew I meant - It would be good to have a different UK/VM (specific) version of a 6 Tuner box with a big hard-drive.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I guess because Amazon, launched back in 1998 already has a significant contact with its customers as most people with we access will have used Amazon.co.uk at some stage. And if they did not, it also had the substantial LoveFiLM customer base too.
Netflix, which only launched in 2012, did not enjoy these advantages so would potentially be happier to pay to acquire customers via an app on Tivo.
In addition, Amazon has continued its platform strategy launching a highly popular range of streaming and reading devices. Netflix has adopted a platform neutral approach.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

The situation is different with the US tivo and I assume he is saying you can't compare the US boxes with ours.

In the US, tivo make the boxes which consumers then buy and then connect them up to their cable connection and get whatever services are available from their cableco. Here, VM license the tivo software/brand/technology, get someone to make the box for VM, then put the tivo software onto it.

So, he's saying you can't just have a VM version of a US tivo, because it's a totally different setup. VM could ask someone to make a six tuner box, then get the tivo software put onto it, but I doubt that will happen at least with tivo software that is...

In any case, tivo are stuggling in the US as cablecos over there now have their own advanced boxes with their own software running on them. Check out Comcast's offering, as an example:

http://www.comcast.com/x1

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Then VM could specify such a box to it's chosen suppliers :D

If I was still on XL TV, I would have loved such a box as that.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

But what would be the point ?

The cloud does away with need for expensive STB's.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

I know exactly the point he was making, but I didnt understand why. I never mentioned about using the US Tivo over here. I think we all know that you can't just take the US product and use it over here.

The major point I was getting at was if VM produced a new box - regardless of name and specs - with one that had 6 tuners and a bigger hard drive. Maybe even one with 4K possibilities, would certainly be a head turner.

It doesnt matter about the name or who makes it, but more the possilbility of VM doing this.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Well, it happened with the current VM Tivo, which was based on the Tivo Premier.

But I guess any new investment may be heading in the direction of the cloud?

---------- Post added at 12:25 ---------- Previous post was at 12:23 ----------

Exactly; see my follow up post.

Re: Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 1
 

Indeed. Virgin Media TiVo hardware was designed from scratch with three tuners, but as the TiVo Premier had two TiVo had to rewrite the software to support it http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/1092...turns-on-tuner