Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Simple really if you think so post your reasons here or just say agree. If Virgin staff read it, it may finally suggest they had better get the finger out after months of inactivity and alledged talks.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No, I don't.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I don't think I'm being shortchanged but you obviously do but omitted to give your reasons. Perhaps if you are seeking others views, you should perhaps give yours first.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No i do not think i am being shortchanged my TV pack is i think value for money,we all look to have extra for our money everybody does but overall i am quite happy with my tv services.:)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No - I knew what I was getting when I chose XL; if I felt short-changed, I wouldn't still be with VM.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Exactly , I left because I wanted a better linear HD channel range and didn't feel VM could offer it me anytime soon.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I don't feel short-changed at all, quite the opposite to be honest. There are a few channels I would really like to see added to the XL TV pack, but the current services I receive are definitely value for money in my opinion.

I've recently switched from Sky where I was paying almost twice as much* just for their SKy+HD (with multiroom) as I do for V+HD, TVXL, broadband and phone with VM. The only real loss is a couple of channels that I did have in HD, which I don't any more.

*Sorry, this might be misleading. I did have Sky Sports and Movies with Sky, which I didn't opt for when joining VM.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I joined VM around four years from Sky when I moved into a VM area. At the time I believed VM was better value for money and I still think the OD service is top notch (apart from not being able to watch HD catchup!). However the value of the TV packages is decreasing. There is a worrying trend at the moment of channels being removed but not replaced, and new channels which launch in a blaze of glory remaining absent to VM to this day. I have seen the CBS channels, SKy Atlantic and soon the Sony channel launch on other platforms but remain missing from VM, whilst other channels have disappeared without replacement (Bravo, Channel 1) and some which I watched regularly removed for no real reason (MTV Classic). It is a worrying trend, and one I hope is reversed soon or I fear for the viable future of cable TV in the UK.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I think the TV service I get from Virgin is pretty good value for money. Catch up TV is a must in my house and Virgin offer the best version of the service on the market, in my humble opinion. If I didn't think this I would have left them ages ago.

I'd like to see more HD channels however when I weight up the other services I get for my monthly subscription on the XL package i.e. ESPN, catch up TV, TV choice on demand, music on demand and Virgin Media Player (when it works) I've got to say I'd find it very difficult to have a genuine complaint.

I'm no fanboy however I believe that Virgin offer the best all round TV package out there. If you want the very best content go to SKY. If you want a bit of everything at a fair price, stick with Virgin.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I have been with VM over 10 years I think its good value.
VMs biggest problem is the fact that every time they make an agreement with sky for channels and services sky then launch a new channel and move content.
Michael

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I don't think VM 'shortchange' their TV customers but I think it is important to accept their TV offer for what it is.

The linear channel lineup is fine, actually it's more than fine but as VM are not really in the content business they have to rely on striking deals to fit in with the way they have chose to market their services. For me this isn't as flexible as I would like and I personally prefer to pay extra for channels I want, particularly HD. I don't always buy the argument that is often bandied about that certain channels are locked into deals with Sky, some of course are but I merely think VM cannot afford to carry some of them but when you don't pay extra for basic HD then that's the trade off, you just cannot have it both ways. Channels like ESPNA HD that have a tiny following are (in my opinion) the domain of stand alone subscriptions, I doubt you can expect content like this to be included in XL anytime soon but time will tell.

Catch Up is a great service and indeed their offer is unique, TV Choice soon became uncompelling for me but is still a valuable part of their line up. People compare it to BT (which I have had and think is better) but BT is primarily an on demand service, that's what you mainly pay for. And if PPV movies is your thing then VM wins hands down, no doubt about that.

VM offers a really good service, the only reason I chose Sky was I wanted to decide what channels I can access, and indeed pay for but that's just my view. I got tired of the squabbles with Sky which may or may not be justified but it isn't my fight. But VM really needs to up their game giving customer information though, it is lamentable. The Sky Arts HD situation is a case in point, it simply isn't good enough to make an announcement in July 2010 then say nothing else publicly 8 months later.

I suppose the bottom line is VM isn't Sky and vice versa. I doubt VM will ever have the line up of HD channels that Sky carries, nor will Smallworld or UPC and certainly not with their pricing structure. You need to decide what is most important to your family and subscribe accordingly.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I've been with Virgin for years (and NTL beforehand) and am generally pleased. However (and I have complained to them about this) I have finally bought a HDTV and want to upgarde to a HD-top box. Looked at Virgins site and saw that the subscription would be free on my existing package and would have to pay £49-odd for "activation." Fair enough I thought. However, when I finally managed to speak to someone to order it, I was then informed the cost would be £70 because Virgin charge £20 for delivery! Incredible. Apart from the high cost, how can Virgin charge someone a delivery charge for equipment that is necessary to receive their service that I am paying for?

---------- Post added at 16:40 ---------- Previous post was at 16:16 ----------

Ok - update: Virgin just contacted me (literally within minutes of me posting my reply above and my e-mail complaint) and the issue is sorted. I'm very grateful to Virgin and must say, not many companies would contact complainents so quickly.:)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No. they charge what they charge for the service that they advertise. That is not by any definition shortchanging anyone.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No I don`t think I`m being short changed. Like everyone else I`d like more hd channels and a tivo box at a fair price but I believe these things will come eventurly. Virgin are I`m sure working on adding more hd channels and it`s also my belief that virgin will soon realise they`ve over-priced the tivo box for the majority of people and reduce the price. If they don`t then I and millions of others wont buy into tivo and it`l be virgin that`ll be the losers.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I think after reading the posts so far Virgin staff who do read this thread can keep their finger firmly inserted. Seems to be that Virgin customers are a happy tolerant bunch, well the vast majority are anyway.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

well my friend if virgin viewers are happy to settle for second best with nothing new of note for 6 months with no sign of change then good luck to you. Village of the Damned ain't got a patch on this place, blind blind unquestioning loyalty. Good luck.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Why would someone be shortchanged? If people don't like whats on offer why would they sign up?

IMO XL is the best value package of its kind and that is why I am a VM customer.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I said I didn't think VM sortchanged their customers but nevertheless I was unhappy with their HD offer so I got Sky with their attached HD charge.

I think sooner or later those with a similar opinion to me are either going to have to consider their options or accept VM's TV service for what it is. It is very good but it is what it is.

You are never going to get a deluge of pay HD channels included in XL when you do not pay extra for them. I think it's as simple as that, the current figure of 12 pay channels included in XL isn't bad but I don't know how many people expect, 20?, 30?.

I concluded it just isn't going to happen and did something about it.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

There are signs of change, it all depends whether you choose to believe it or blindly ignore it. I'm no Columbo however I detect you're somewhat unhappy with Virgin, and people who don't share your outlook.

Wait a minute are you an employee of SKY who is payed to troll these forums? If not, boy you need to chill a little. It's only TV for heavens sake.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

That's the second person you have suggested could work for Sky today, any chance you work for VM or are even a shareholder;);)

I think you might need to take your own advice and chill, it's only his opinion you know.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Maybe I just believe in better;)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Well enjoy your 55 HD channels then whilst I try and find a full series without episodes missing on TV Choice:p:

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

You would have been better starting this thread tomorrow morning. You would have got a better result i think. :)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I hope you don't like The Royle Family then!;)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Or Disney shows the little one had lots were the episode just stopped part way through.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

So, because you didn't get the answers you wanted, everyone else must be blind, blind?

Dummy, out, and spitting spring to mind....;)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

But aren't you downgrading and leaving for Sky :D

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

55 HD channels that from what I read show very little HD.

---------- Post added at 16:12 ---------- Previous post was at 16:10 ----------

Maybe they are happy to settle for a selection of channels that suits them, and doesn't necessarily believe that to be good, a series must be both American and expensive (as Sky appears to).

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Well if that's the case then neither must VM's 29 HD channels!

Or at least 28 of them anyway ;)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Ross Kemp , An idiot abroad , Mad Dogs , Bedlam , Road Wars , UK Border Force , Martina Coles The Runaway , a bit unfair to say all US shows , there were enough on here happy enough to see Sky1 HD arrive.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

So the advantage with Sky is that you have 27 extra HD channels they are showing little HD on?



Which I believe is covered by my phrase "Maybe they are happy to settle for a selection of channels that suits them".

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

If it was up to me I'd stay on cable :(.

Unfortunately I have to think of other people in the family and I can't justify the costs and inconvenience of adding all the FTA channels via a separate STB when Sky do Sky+ Box plus instal for free plus I need red button on SS asap as my dad will be visiting more often and he needs the full red button to stay entertained.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

How are they showing very little , some maybe

ESPNA HD is nearly all HD as is MGM HD , Sky Sports 3 and 4 HD show a fair amount. Universal HD , Bio HD , Eden HD , Sky Arts 1 and 2 HD. Daytime schedules are when the least HD is shown the night is mostly all HD. You seem to pretend to think you know a lot about a service you don't subscribe to, the 3 million + SkyHD subscribers must feel theres enough HD on.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Good for them.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No I do not feel short changed. I am paying for what I want. I have the option to go elsewhere if I do not feel VM provide the service I want. Yes I would like to see certain channels in HD that I currently watch from time to time but it is not a big issue. Do I want Sky Atlantic, what you haven't got you don't miss.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

The response I have come to expect from people who don't deal in facts and make silly comments they can't back up. Thanks for the input though Stu :-)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Sorry, but I thought that whether people were happy with their service or not was an opinion..

Besides, I already made clear that I had read that (on here, amongst other places).

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Exactly what's good for one person isn't for another however you seem to be the one trashing Sky's service when you don't use it. I have never stated Sky is a perfect service but at least have a decenct knowledge of it before trashing it.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Sky would have to pay me to take them up.

But that's my intense dislike of the Murdoch Empire giving voice.

I'll stick with VM XL TV because they aren't Sky.;)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

You stick to your beliefs LOL :D

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

If its the FTA channels you are after then i guess you would need to go over to sky to get them all on the one box.

But if Red Button on sky sports for your dad was an issue well that is arriving on vm very soon without the need to go to sky for it.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

yes sky sports red button is coming this month so no need to go to sky for that

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I think there will still be some differences in the red button on VM from Sky not sure what though.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Yes the main difference will be that it is on VM and not only SKY:erm:

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No meaning in functionality mate , ask DF he knows more. :D

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Yes I know what you mean and DF will be unable to say anything in regards to functionality at the moment.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Still a great addition for VM subscribers.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

True and I have to say that I left SKY after 13 years and have not missed the red button as the web is a wonderful thing and also Match of the Day E.T.C:D For Football ( I do not watch a lot more sports like Cricket and Tennis )

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

VM's red button may not be available in full until next footy season. Unfortunately I need it immediately so I have no choice.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Yes they are for the top tier.

All general channels/all sky sports/movies/HD/ESPN

Virgin £67
Sky £71.25

Yet sky have something like 20 more HD chanenles for that money and Virgin have Film 4 HD.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Crumbs the football season is almost over this year you must REALLY want the Red Button badly:shocked: as in june/july/ there is no football and by mid august full Red Button will be available for next season.;)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

But it's the business end of THIS season.

I fully understand where the guy is coming from, it's his choice so don't worry about it!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Who said i was worrying.:confused:

Its a forum so i was just posting and yes now i guess you have to be a football fan to get it.!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I am sure he knows the football season is nearing it's end.

I'm guessing that's why he REALLY wants red button, as you stressed ;)

They sometimes throw games on it on the final day of season, particularly if a number of teams are in contention for a title/promotion/relegation.

Maybe it will be his team involved, or maybe not!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I think VM are shortchanging there customers.

They take off channels, they don't offer better quality channels, The Red button scenrio is typical, VM are well behind with everything, so nothing surprises me with them.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Ok, I didn't read all the posts on this thread, so this may have been said


But am I missing something here, or do people just like to moan and bitch about virgins service and prices. (and this goes slightly off topic)

Because at the moment we are paying £75 for sky+ in 2 rooms, and £28 for BT internet + line rental (we cant get any isp other then BT as its a locked exchange.

Yes sky does have more channels, but when we've looked through the channels on sky and the full package channels on virgin, virgin just seems to have the good channels that sky has and none of the crap that no body even watches. for about half the price.

Then comes the internet.

I'm currently on BT's none infinity "up to 20 mb/s"

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2011/04/98.png

This is the speed we get, at all times and it disconnects frequently (no line faults) £28 a month.

I may be missing something here, but after we have moved 2 weeks time, april 20th, well be having the full virgin tv package in 2 rooms, and 50 mb internet that in general is 50 mb for around £75 a month I think it came to in the end which is infinitely cheaper then anything we are paying at the moment for what seems to be a better service.

and I see endless threads on here of people complaining about prices, or being speed limited for downloading illegal content.

seriously? or am I missing somthing.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Maybe their exchanges have LLU providers and they can take Sky for all 3 services , sky is cheaper for some and VM for others it depends on your needs.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Just wait until you use it as as you have stated in your post the TV has not got the same amount of channels but the catch up service makes up for it?
Also I have had not had any problems with the net and have always had the speed that they have said that I will get?

The price is nothing as you will get a better service in my eyes as I left SKY after 13 years and have not looked back since.

This is just my opinion!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I said that there is less channels but it seems to only have the good channels :)

and that i cant understand why people complain about the internet service when in general people seem to get 50, but im paying at present for 20 mb and getting 1.68 LOL


And the same with sky, weve been with them for 14 1/2 yrs though :)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Having very recently switched my TV service from VM to Sky I don't really understand how you conclude VM's TV service is half the price of Sky's but for your package maybe it is. It is cheaper but to me there's a very obvious reason it's cheaper but no way is the package I had with VM (XL) half the price of an equivalent package with Sky. Maybe yours is though so I don't blame you for swapping, it's a no brainer.

If mine was half the price of Sky's I very much doubt I would have left as i'm not crazy!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

From my experience it will be a switch well woth making as are you going on to the VIP50 pack?

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

£31 is approximately half of £75 right? thats how much it costs for TV XL with 2 V+ box's (minus line rental) opposed to sky £55 for the full package, of which a virgin has a majority of the channels worth watching without the likes of "god channel" e.t.c and then because were in a rolling contract they seem to deem it ok to charge is £10 a month extra for the sky+ box in the living room then £10 a month for the sky+ box in the second room.

---------- Post added at 18:58 ---------- Previous post was at 18:57 ----------

Were going on the custom package, broadband XXL, tv XL, phone XL + 2 V+ box's.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

God Channel is on Virgin!

It all depends on what you subscribe to, I only have one box so obviously I don't pay anywhere near twice what I paid VM.

VM sounds a better option for you particularly if you get such poor ADSL speeds.

Personally I required Sky Arts HD and Sky Sports 3 and 4 HD amongst quite a few other channels which I obviously don't consider rubbish but it's all down to taste.

Did you pay for HD with Sky?

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No, just the standard definition sky+ box's :)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

How come your Sky TV package is so expensive then? What channels do you subscribe to with Sky.

How much are you paying to get 2 V+ boxes installed, the going rate is £149.90.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

The full sky package is £55, then £10 a month for the multiroom, then they charge £10 month extra on one of the box's just for having sky+ because we have been in a rolling contract with them since 2006 they have not dropped the sky+ charge for us.

and were paying the £149 installation charge :)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Nobody should be paying for Sky+ as a Sky subscriber.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

But the package you are getting with VM (XL) dosen't include any Sky Movies or Sky Sports channels though.

XL dosen't include any of them, unless they are giving you them for free!!

They cost another £29.50 a month.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

From what TJS has stated what they are getting it seems that they are getting the VIP50 with a extra V+ ( I may stand corrected )?

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Perhaps, but the prices he is quoting don't relate to a VIP package do they? VIP is over £80 a month with just 30mb broadband and just an additional non PVR V HD box, plus £13 line rental.

If he did get what he said at those prices I made a mistake leaving, where do I sign up!!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

It's probably the first six months half price deal....

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Maybe, they usually slap a 18 month contract on those deals.

As long as he's happy with what he got. It was just when he said VM's TV offer is half the price of Sky.

If it was I would have stayed with them for ever, sod a few extra channels!!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Those same few channels that Sky fans keep telling us are of such importance that they can't live without, and must to move to sky for? Those few extra channels? :D

(Just kidding)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I didnt take into account sky movies + sky sports, even so the price is lower then we are paying for sky :)

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

He he, I would have forgone those channels as important as they are to get 50mb, XL phone, sports and movies and another V+ at that price.

And no mistake!!

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Them are the ones like Sky Sports 3 and 4 HD , ESPNA HD , ITV hD channels , Sky Atlantic HD , SS Red Button , Sky Sports News HD and Sky News HD should I go on LOL , all ones people have stated they want on here :D

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Quite a big difference then, another £29.50.

It was just when you said VM's TV is half the price of Sky's.

As a seasoned VM customer there's no way it's that much cheaper.

But the TV is cheaper though but as I said there's a reason why, nevertheless it's an excellent service overall and you'll love the broadband.

Watch out for the landline though, add £2 for caller ID if you want that and no 0870 calls are included but you can get around that by getting another add on but it adds to the cost.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Actually the TV isn't cheaper if you don't have HD 24.50 XL and 24.50 6 mix , but Sky sports and movies are cheaper on Sky.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

I guess you are right, I always take into account HD but of course the poster didn't have it with Sky anyway.

Multiroom is a bit cheaper on VM though, if you have XL anyway.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Did you miss the 'just kidding' bit of my reply? It was a humourous response to 'sod a few extra channels!!'

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

No I didn't miss it hence my :D and LOL :D

---------- Post added at 20:24 ---------- Previous post was at 20:23 ----------

Multiroom is much better value on VM , Sky need to sort that. It doesn't bother me as I only have one box

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

Multiroom is much better value on VM if you are on XL with it's inclusive HD channels. You can save quite a few bob.

But non XL customers who want V+ in another room pay £11.50 a month which is more than Sky charge. Both would provide simlar free HD channels but you do get Film4 HD on VM. And of course they have to pay £5 extra for the first V+.

Re: Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?
 

i have phone xl
broadband xxl
xl tv
3 multiroom boxes

multiroom boxes are brillaint keeps the kids happy lol and value for money !