Originally Posted by tassiekev (Post 35804951)

Totally agree with you, Vince.

There are many, many reasons why some people need to rely on a STB, some of those are:

##Not being able to install an antenna where they live, not their property, poor access etc - but they already have Sky, VM etc installed.
##Technological illiteracy (usually due to age) - there are a number of people living nearby in this category. I quite often get asked to solve problems where an elderly person has accidentally pressed a button on their remote (usually the AV button) and are unable to find their way back.
##Sometimes the old folk just get the remotes mixed up and can't understand why nothing happens.
##Some were unable to justify the cost of a new antenna a few years back.

The best solution in the majority of these cases is to have the TV start from an HDMI source with an associated STB and leave the TV tuner out altogether, the STB box can usually operate the TV so the remote problem is solved.

Sky boxes are no problem because they carry all the channels, Youview boxes from BT carry the HD variants over IPTV so they're not too bad either. Which leaves us with VM and the despicable situation with (the lack of many) Freeview channels.

I'm no longer with VM because I got fed up fighting the Tivo - I don't have that many years left!

Not all of us have the wealth, mental health or the support to resolve problems which occur - to suggest someone needs to 'look at themselves' because VM are missing numerous Freeview channels shows a distinct lack of understanding of the problems some people face.

Originally Posted by nodrogd (Post 35804969)

As said before, 4sevenHD & ch4+1HD were launched in colaboration with Freeview with the sole purpose of pushing Freeview HD sales, with DVB-T2 becoming the sole Freeview transmission standard from 2018. There were rumours at the time they launched that the channels could dissapear again at that time, when the next block of Freeview spectrum is earmarked for selling off to launch 5G services.

Originally Posted by mike_gain (Post 35805014)

Firstly IT IS ONLY TV, it's not that important.

Originally Posted by passingbat (Post 35805066)

In the grand scheme of things, of course, that is absolutely correct.

But this forum isn't about 'the grand scheme of things' it is specifically about TV, and more specifically about Virgin TV. Therefore, in that context, it could be considered important.

I don't think that for someone who is paying a TV provider, it is unreasonable to expect all the Freeview channels to be included. Otherwise they would also need to buy a Freeview PVR.

For someone like myself, who uses Virgin for phone and Broadband, and get M TV as a free add-on, then it's not unreasonable that some Freeview channels are missing.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35804810)

Has the Arabic Hafla test been removed then? BTW, Hafla is Arabic for party/gathering!

Originally Posted by nodrogd (Post 35804969)

As said before, 4sevenHD & ch4+1HD were launched in colaboration with Freeview with the sole purpose of pushing Freeview HD sales, with DVB-T2 becoming the sole Freeview transmission standard from 2018. There were rumours at the time they launched that the channels could dissapear again at that time, when the next block of Freeview spectrum is earmarked for selling off to launch 5G services.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35805048)

Yup, I was told by a contact who works for Channel 4 that these channels were to use up capacity that would otherwise be wasted and for the reasons that you gave too.

As well as trying to promote Freeview, they also want to drive up sales of Freeview HD boxes. This is because they intend to close the SD PSB channels on Freeview in 2018. Some of the commercial channels are likely to follow suit.

It is likely that the C4 HD channels will remain (even after the reallocation of some of the TV spectrum to the mobile phone companies) as the way that the HD channels are broadcast is much more efficient.

Just over a year ago, I was told that these channels will probably be extended to other platforms in "the medium term".

In essence, it's Digital Switchover 2 as people with SD only boxes will gradually start to lose channels.

Originally Posted by DaMac (Post 35805174)

All that is as maybe but if anyone has the info structure to launch simulcasts of channels that are only SD it is VM, go and do the deals, there are a few channels out there that wokld be a big of coup, as I have suggested before what about ITV +1 HD?

Originally Posted by JMcB (Post 35804910)

Now UPC in Ireland is Virgin Media, will N.Ireland customers get any new channels

https://www.virginmedia.ie/about-us/...rgin-media-in/

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu (Post 35805260)

Media Boy, If Setanta Sports 1 is being shown in Ireland. Could that be shown in London ?

Also, do you know if there are any plans to have ALL the True Channels on VM. We only get True Movies 1, yet there is True Movies 2

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter (Post 35805081)

TV M was originally brought in to temp viewers away from Freeview, I wonder if they've abandoned this idea? If I get a TiVo, I'll drop down to M.

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35805206)

Yes the following channels may launch in Northern Ireland as they are broadcasting right now on Sky (Northern Ireland) and Virgin Media Ireland:

Entertainment:
-RTÉ One HD
-RTÉ 2 HD
-TV3
-TV3 +1
-TV3 HD
-3e

Sports:
-Setanta Ireland
-Setanta Sports 1

Kids:
-RTÉjr

---------- Post added at 16:28 ---------- Previous post was at 15:50 ----------

Viacom to give 5USA new hours from November.

DigiGuide says that 5USA begins will broadcasting from 7am-3am from November 1st.

Originally Posted by Aguero9320 (Post 35804978)

I completely agree with you, Vince. Believe it or not, I have been inspired by Freeview and Freesat. I am eyeing up their channels to be added to the VM channel guide. Along with Sky Atlantic, ITV Encore and the remaining HD channels.

Originally Posted by mike_gain (Post 35804818)

Anyone who is genuinely angry at their VM tv package missing a few Freeview channels needs to take a long hard look at themselves.

Originally Posted by vincerooney (Post 35805357)

Aye its looking like freesat would have everything youd need these days if you didnt care for sports!



Bit of a daft comment. Youre basing what you like or dont like and thinking everyone is the same and then generally being rude about it. No need for that. Personally I think if im paying for tv i should get everything out of principle. Plus spike and trutv have shown some good programmes (in my opinion)

You may not like the shows but i dont expect you to as everyone is DIFFERENT.

regards,

Vincent