4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitalt...gin-media.html

Virgin Media has confirmed that four more high definition channels will join its digital cable TV lineup.

Living HD, FX HD, National Geographic HD and MTVN HD will all become available to XL customers at no additional charge. The first channel will become available at the end of the month, but no precise date was announced and it is not known when the others will launch.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

So, I assume (though I could be wrong) that if you are not on XL then you will have to pay a small subscription charge for the new HD channels? I can't see it just being an XL exclusive? So, any news on how much it will be to get the new channels on M and L packages?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Well, those on the lower packages already have to pay extra per month for the V+ box (which you need to receive HD channels) whereas XL subscribers don't.
Maybe that's what it means? :/

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Not the channels I was hoping for, But it's better than a kick in the wotsits. :o::sulk:

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Now waits for Arthur to turn up and rant on about how good Sky is and how much he is upset at Virgin. :rolleyes:

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Pleased to see something happening. Not an amazing line up but I suppose it's a start.

Not so pleased to see that Living is coming first and the others are (wait for it)..... coming soon :dozey:. Let's not forget, Mr Berkett said they would originally be coming within the first three months of the year, did he not? Maybe by Christmas then....

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Will Virgin keep Living TV for itself so they can have an exclusive HD channel - or at least say it was an excuslive to them at launch?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Still no ITV or Channel 4 HD, oh well - hopefully they will tie up the deal for EPSN HD if they want £10/m from everybody.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Personally I was waiting for Sci-Fi HD.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Still doesn't make up for losing live Premiership matches - would rather have ESPN included in XL TV than any HD channels (am happy with the picture and sound on my TV with the V+ upscaling)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I don't watch any of those channels lol oh well can't expect miracles i guess.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

its now officially announced as a Virgin press release!! :D

http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/p...633&highlight=

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I haven't seen the details yet but it could be for XL customers only for two reasons

1)None of the channels launching in HD are in M - so it is unlikely that they would give an option for the HD versions of a channel when you can't get an SD version!

As for on top of TV L - again neither FX or NatGeo are in it, but even if they made it avaliable for say £5 a month on top of the £5 V+ rental - you are then paying £10 on top of L tv. XL tv is only £1.50 more than that so there wouldn't be much point, and it would also drive sales onto XL tv

2)To get HD on Sky you have to pay at least £16.50 + £9.75 for the HD pack so that's £26.25 a month for a basic tv service with HD. With Virgin XL tv is £21.50 a month so straight away it is cheaper AND you get a lot more (Standard) channels

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

3 of the channels will launch at the end of July with Living a couple of months later.

The channels will only be available for XL customers, if anyone on M wants the new HD channels they will have to upgrade to XL.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I can see people very unhappy with having to upgrade to get the HD channels, I am glad Virgin aren't making the HD channels chargeable on top of the XL TV package.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I don't see how people can be unhappy having to upgrade to XL. They would gave to upgrade to get the channels in SD anyway. I think it's a good deal. I wouldn't pay a penny more for HD because it's not that important to me but I do pay extra for XL because I want extra channels.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

And deprive themselves of the extra advertising revenue that the largest group of HD receivers would bring?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

That was my first thought when I heard the news!

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

not quite the channels I was after but it is a sign things are moving in the right direction. You can't please everyone, will keep an eye on the content when the channels are launched in HD and if there is anything I think I am missing i will upgrade to XL

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

But to charge for them on the M or L packages would mean customers would probably end up paying the same as if they were on XL TV anyway. So over all its a better deal.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

national geo in hd:) Thats what i was hoping for! :D:D

:D

Shame its not scifi as well but nevermind

will it be +1 as well?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

And you also need to have the V+ anyway

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Great news!... at last some HD!!!!! :):D

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

hmm, so if you're already on xl - you only have to pay for the V+ hd box + install?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

You just pay the V+ install fee which I think is £99 if it's your first V+ but £150 if it's not your first. I'm sure you could get them to give it you for the current £69 offer if you ask nicely though :)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

The V+ is £99.

The £69 is £30 off the price but is only valid if you are have all 3 services installed at the same time

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Well it's a start. At least they are moving in the right direction. There's a couple programs on FX I always wanted to watch but havent yet so this might make me tune in :) I watch the odd program on National Geographic to so all in all this is good for me :)

Btw whats MTVN ? Dont think I've heard of it. Is it a new MTV channel or just one of the standards ones in HD ?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

"Most Haunted" in HD...will you be able to see the strings?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I've seen several people say this on several sites, and I really don't understand it.
The normal channels are only available on XL, so why would they put the HD channels on a lower package? And why would anyone be upset that they have to upgrade to get a package that contains the channels to get the HD version as well?

If the SD versions were in the L pack, then yeah maybe I could see people not that happy, but they aren't, you have to have XL to get them, so ofc you're going to need XL to get the HD versions.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Its a HD version of MTV but isn't a simucast of an existing channel.

It stands for MTV Networks HD.

Good news on the channels. :)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I dont mind but people aren't going to be happy as they have the V+ for HD but will not get any channels without upgrading, I know there not but people will complain thats all I was saying, I dont mind I have XL TV.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

No, those not on the XL package have the V+ for the PVR function with the boxes 3 tuners

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

So did the people on the XL and they still complained about not having HD.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitalt...living-hd.html

VMTV are in talks with Sky about Living HD being on Sky. I wonder if Sky HD channels coming to VM are being talked about too?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Interesting, where's your info from? The official press release only commits to saying one to lauch at the end of July..... :confused:

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Check my sig to see where I got my info.:D

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

My predictions that I made after seeing there plans for the future are coming true. This one cost them 10mil. Upgrades and expansions were the other plans and also internet on the v+ boxes with a free keyboard should be coming.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Why on earth would that be coming? The EPG struggles as it is, without trying to do the internet!

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

What happened to the old TV Internet service? I have also noticed that I can get TV email but someone who has only recently joined Virgin cannot.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

The TV internet got stopped several years ago - because no sites would work with the STB's browers anymore (too complicated)

The TV E-mail was withdrawn last year

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

More HD Channels to come?

According to Virgin Media's Twitter page:

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

ooh :) I wonder how soon is soon.....

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I think I have mentioned that there would be more a couple of times today.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I am NOT saying a word.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Anything else you know? Would the be trading with sky? A few sky hd channels for living?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Arthur, I do believe that's your first ever post without a comma... ;)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I am really looking forward to Burn Notice in HD when it comes back on FX :D

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

And only one full stop. :D

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Thanks for clearing up the XL situation BenMcr and others. in that case it would cost me an extra £16 (I assume - I'm currently on M+ TV) to get access to the HD channels. Hmm... I'll have to think about it, and see what content there is when all 4 channels are rolled out.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Indeed, you've said enough :)

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/34816050-post7.html

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

But Arthur we have been waiting all day for one of your extra special rants. Please don't let us all down now :LOL:

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

It's a start I suppose... ;)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I have to agree, it is a start. Many here will feel better late than never, I agree.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Only £10.50 more if you currently have a V+ box as you don't have to pay the £5 a month for that.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Yeah, there being launched on Monday:D

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

For everyone who likes me, here we go, VM you don't go far enough, what about the text, and we want ESPN HD BEFORE August, red button and we want Sky channels in HD THIS year - is that enough.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

What about ch4, ITV, and five HD?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Alas not and I'm disappointed that Channel 4 HD is not among these launches.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

nothing there to tempt me back ;)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

VM are in no position to bargain HD channels. VM need to have there channels on Sky.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I wish people would stop saying this because it's completely untrue when it comes to linear HD channels.

What extra revenue are VM going to get from having an HD version of their channels on Sky?

The answer? Just what Sky pay them for them.

There is pretty much zero added ad revenue from a HD channel (which is the only reason you want your channels on as many platforms as possible) as you're not gaining enough new viewers to demand more for ad space.

This is the exact reason why Sky can withhold their HD channels, they don't need the Sky basics or premium channels in HD on VM because they're still generating the ad revenue from the SD varients. There's no incentive to offer them as the only thing it will do is stop people switching to you to get them.

Offering HD varients of channels to other providers only has the possibility of LOWERING your revenue, not increasing it.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

What about the extra money Sky charge for HD content. Do they keep that all?

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Pretty much yes, that pays for the cost of them developing their HD platform in the same way that their EPG fees to broadcasters pays for them developing their EPG.

You may get Sky paying you for carriage, but it's questionable if that makes up for the loss of exclusivity on your platform, especially if you have channels that are in demand, as it will be negligable ontop of the existing carriage deal (not to mention that in some cases you'll actually have to pay Sky for them to carry the channel).

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Pretty much got it stitched up haven't they. :(

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

hi there,
where do you get the idear you pay for a xbox?
When i got mine i payed £25 and no extra a month.
Tex

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I am very confused! I have seen a post where somebody is looking forward to watching DAD'S ARMY in HD! Surely, the only programmes that will benefit from HD (as opposed to upscaled SD) are those that are filmed and broadcast in HD, which will be only some programmes made recently.

We know about those that are on BBC HD, but, for instance, is EASTENDERS filmed in HD? I suspect not since it is not broadcast on BBC HD.

The point I am making is that surely HD channels will only be as good as the technical quality of the programmes broadcast. What percentage of programmes being made at the moment are actually filmed in HD quality?

I suspect having lots of HD channels will mean filling them up with programmes not made in HD which will be of little or no benefit.

I am sure somebody will put me right if I have got it all wrong!

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

It's £5 a month unless you have the XL package according to their website:

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html...us-hd-box.html

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

There are many programmes on the HD channels that are upscaled SD, however as with old moviees now on Blu-Ray they can make a HD copy by scanning the original 35mm film in to a computer. Probably doesn't apply to old TV stuff though.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Further to my previous post about the technical quality of programmes on HD channels, I note on BBC HD that the improvement in sound quality in those programmes that are broadcast in true 5.1 (not all of them) is a bigger bonus to me than the better picture quality. (I have my V+ connected by digital sound cable to an old Yamaha amplifier with 5 speakers and sub woofer).

I wonder how many programmes on these forthcoming HD channels will be broadcast in true 5.1.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I think that post was mine, and it was tongue in cheek about how the quality of shows on the "british" channels that people are crying for in HD doesn't match the output that made British TV world reknowned.

However something doesn't have to have been "filmed in HD", it just has to have been filmed on film rather than videotape. Some old stuff will have been shot on film, and so can then be resampled at a HD resolution. If it was shot on videotape then yes it'll just up upscaled.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

In order to be part of the Sky EPG all HD channels must carry Dolby Digital, but yes not everything has to be 5.1, theres a lot of 2.0

The best thing about MTVN HD is the fact that it currently has no adverts, (and is 5.1 or 2.0 where appropriate).

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I am sure every HD channel on any provider is Dolby Digital. Same goes for all the On Demand HD stuff.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Not everything on BBC HD is Dolby Digital

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

my amp says otherwise, it might only be 2.0 and not 5.1 all the time buts still dolby digital.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

How many (apart from On Demand) are using DD as they have to because they want to be on Sky.

---------- Post added at 17:33 ---------- Previous post was at 17:31 ----------

Yes it is on the main audio. The only none Dolby audio carried on any HD channel is the Audio Description which is PCM.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Can't have what don't exist (Five HD). ;)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

What a load off rubbish source please.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Any analyser you care to tune into any of the HD transponders. I used to work for the company that make Sky's encoders.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Its not rubbish, I think its part of the HD service no matter the provider that the sound is also of a high quality and has to be Dolby Digital.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

This is a slight smokescreen. There's precious little difference to most end users between DD 2.0 and MPEG2 audio that DVB-C/S would normally carry. In fact, I'd have thought that DD 2.0 would take up less bandwidth.

However, when most people talk about wanting DD on HD programs, what they mean is 5.1. Which is sometimes sadly lacking.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Its 384kb/s for Dolby whether its 2.0 or 5.1. The MPEG encoders don't compress DD audio, it comes into the encoder as a data stream already.
PCM audio whether MPEG1 or MPEG2 is typically 192kb/s.

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Hi


I have the XL package.

This does not include a HD capable box and I have been told by VM Support that to "upgrade" to a V+ box will cost £99.

So much for VMs "... at no extra cost to its XL TV customers."...

I think I will be taking my phone, broadband and tv requirements elsewhere.

Regards

Pete

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Pete! It's £49 for the V+ if you keep your existing box for £5 a month at the minute. What it means is you need to be on XL to get the HD channels IF you have a V+ box which you don't so will need to pay £49 for one. The £99 price you have been told is wrong.

Ben :)

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

The installation will cost £99 if you elect not to keep your existing STB for £5 a month. If you do install will be £49

What they actually say is that the V+ itself costs no more rental per month for XL tv customers

Bye then

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

Bye Bye

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

That's great!

Re: 4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media
 

I don't understand the need for the hostility?

----

Anyway, am pleased that Virgin seemed to have sorted themselves out now with regards to the extra HD channels.