TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

..I am not receiving any ondemand/apps service due to a network availability issue..the chap on the phone has booked a tech for tomorrow.

Furthermore, the quality on HD channels is lacking- my previous Samsung V+ box was giving much better picture quality. Here's hoping the issue can be fixed, otherwise I will revert to the previous V+ box.

re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

You can't revert to the v+ unless it's still in your possesion

re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I've had the V+ moved upstairs to the kids room...the Mrs hates the new TiVo. The kids prefer V+ as is simple to use.

As a staff member at Virgin Media, I've heard many complaints from customers regarding TiVo- but others think it's great. It has potential..they need to simplify the interface/navigation and iron out network issues..we'll see what the tech has to say tomorrow, im willing to give it a chance.

re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I hate ( no I don`t) to say I told you so. In my case I just swapped them over. Put dust cover over TiVo & await the day when its up to speed.

re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

So that will be "coming soon" then......:rolleyes:

re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

:nono:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Well, it seems to have fixed itself hmmmm

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Good things take time to bed in

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

The menu options aren't as simple as V+ but there is a very good reason for this; you have a lot more options. Personally, I prefer the more options and if that requires a less simple menu, then so be it. You will soon get used to the new menus, and one day isn't really enough time to properly evaluate them in my view.

The lack of network availability does happen more often than it should but doesn't bother me too much. You can still watch live channels and play shows that you've recorded when the network connection is down though.

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Exactly right. It always amazes that people can't seem to understand why something that has more options/does more has to be "more complicated" to use. :confused:

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Quite clearly it does. Not a problem as far as I am concerned:cool:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Got the Tivo installed today and had a quick look at it. Too soon to say if I am going to regret swapping it but I am already missing the numbers for all the options (there really is no excuse for leaving them off) and the HD section of Catch Up TV - can't find it anywhere and it was very handy.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

There are a few; though un-documented

From "Home":
1 : Manage series links
2 : Planned recordings (todo list)
3 : Wishlists
4 : Search all TV
5 : Browse all TV

And I suspect that the reason for it is that there are so many options it would be pointless.

No idea, but shouldn't it be in the same place? :confused: (Don't use CU much!)

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Eh? Home > catch up & on demand > catch up TV >HD catch up.

---------- Post added at 20:55 ---------- Previous post was at 20:47 ----------

I know everyone has different things that are important to them when it comes to choosing equipment, but I consider TiVo to be so good, and v+ to be so basic, that I am genuinely staggered when I hear people talk of "regretting" swapping. I'm not looking to restart a debate that's been done to death here and elsewhere, but I do think people need to be prepared to give TiVo some time before forming an opinion. I love it, and simply don't recognise some of the problems people describe. If you don't think something is working as it should, then report it.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Unfortunately some people are happy with technology staying static e.g the V+ and become negative to change:erm:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I got mine a week ago, two questions probably best asked here as it's already covering that function. One is although Freeview users have BBC teletext on the red button we appear not to, and when we lost Sky text many years ago when analogue was replaced (and most of the games, great move Virgin) although it admits there is no current agreement with other suppliers as yet we should get it on BBC channels. Nope, just links to other BBC services. I've used teletext since it began and you'd really think after paying well over £40 a month (note the Tivo rental went up 40% to £5 the minute VHS became obsolete) you wouldn't then lose a service available for almost 40 years for nothing.

Secondly I changed the picture aspect on the old box so everyone was the same shape they are in real life. I've scoured the buttons and instructions and appears I'm stuck with matchstalk men, cars, cats and dogs. Is there any means to alter this or is that yet another basic service gone down the toilet while I am obliged to pay an extra £5 a month (till it goes up again) for a worse service?

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

The aspect ratio settings are in Home -> Help&Settings -> Settings -> Video Output. Set the Aspect Correction Mode to Panel, and TV Aspect Ratio to match your TV.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Thanks, Carl, that's really handy. I don't think the numbers on each menu would be pointless, the system worked very well on the V+ box. It's so much easier on the fingers if you can press just one number, instead of having to press the arrow several times.

As for the HD section, there is one but it lists 11 items! I haven't had the time to look through all the catch up programmes but there can't be only 11 HD ones, surely? There used to be five times that number on V+ and it was nice to browse the section for the documentaries etc in glorious HD.

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I completely agree, andy. I would really hate to have to go back to a "dumb" DVR like the V+ :(

---------- Post added at 23:13 ---------- Previous post was at 23:11 ----------

Yes, because there were so few compared to Tivo :)

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

It took about two to three weeks for my box to become consistent, but since then I have not looked back. Give it time, it will only improve!!

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Dang- I cancelled the tech this morning as OnDemand was up and running.. I was about to watch The Apprentice on catch up- there goes the OnDemand, AGAIN. Already getting sick and tired of this. I had V+ for over a year and NEVER had any problems. I've had TiVo for four days and we are yet to make any use of it Now I understand why our customers are frustrated.


---------- Post added at 23:45 ---------- Previous post was at 23:41 ----------

For such a 'groundbreaking' piece of kit, why should it take time for the box to settle?

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I, personally, have very little idea (I think it has something to do with the many updates needed), but I am sure there are some very clever people on here who may be able inform you

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Ive recently swapped V+ to TiVo and can honestly say I prefered the TiVo box straight away (after a few hours getting used to the remote and menu's etc) .

The only thing Ive noticed negative about it so far is the sound on the iplayer was a bit overmodulated! Never noticed that problem before on the old V+ iplayer.

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I've had a TiVo for all most a year now and I too also noticed when using a Samsung HDTV that the picture quality looked worse than the Samsung V+ box I had before it. May I recommend you take the time as I did to a just all picture settings to correct this. I found by setting my HDTV to stop using the advanced mpeg and digital filters improved picture quality.

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All the VOD is network dependant and it does sometimes depend on what time of day you are watching it and how many people are using your local network and it's capacity at the time. In an evening say between 7pm - 10pm you're more likely to get error messages saying it's unavailable but try the same content in a morning between 7am - 10am and it'll more likely work straight away.

In an ideal world it would work straight away all the time but the network simply can't handle the amount of traffic sometimes, especially in peak periods where many customers are watchin tv, VOD, online, etc.

However, if you're VOD never works on TiVo it's likely to be a fault with the signal levels which will require a tech visit to sort out.

I'd definitely recommend you persevere with TiVo, I swapped my old Samsung V+ for TiVo about 10 months ago and found some features frustrating at first but over time as you get used to TiVo and TiVo gets used to you, it is definitely superior in all ways to V+ (bar the odd missing feature although they are "coming soon").

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I Repeat its not the technology that I have a problem with , nor the picture or sound. Its for what ever reason the lack of a "working" red button - down to the BBC I take it. & the lack of reminders - I know the argument , but that in no way negates the point. For ME & way I wish to use my PVR/set top box. It falls down. When these issues are completely addressed it will be my box of choice.Until then to ME it will be second best & if I was asked to pay a premium as it stands I would not take it. However that does not mean that it is, for other people far better than the V+ . I just wish fanboys would accept that it is not quite right for some users.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

What error are you getting?

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Well put. TiVo is apparently 'changing the way you watch TV', 'innovative', 'groundbreaking' etc etc...it's all well advertising it as the next big since sliced bread- fix the damn network issues!

I rely heavily on OnDemand- so far it has been of zero use to me. Btw, my OnDemand is still not working.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

It doesn't; or at least it shouldn't. Mine certainly didn't :confused:

---------- Post added at 09:51 ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 ----------

Well it is for those who don't want to go backwards with old features like reminders ;):p::D

As I said before, do they have OD in the US and, if so, is it implemented in the same way? If not, that's why there's work to do on it.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I can completely understand your frustration, with any service you pay for, it's got to meet your own personal needs otherwise it's clearly not right for you. If red button and reminders are key to you then TiVo is probably not for you at present. The BBC red button apps for news and sport have now launched on TiVo although the sport one is limited at present but as with reminders, there is more "coming soon".

For me TiVo is excellent as the intuitive nature it records suggestions, automatically reschedules to avoid recording clashes, the 14 day EPG and larger HDD were the biggest draws.

Whilst we may not agree on TiVo we definitely agree that it is all about personal preference.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I really don't see what that has to do with it. It doesn't matter how many options you have, each screen could have numbers in front of the choices and it wouldn't be a problem. If it worked on a 'dumb V+' then surely it should work on the sophisticated Tivo. ;) 'More options' does not have to equal 'more complicated' and 'less user friendly'. (Yes, I know this is Virgin Media, but still.) There seems to be this idea that because Tivo has more options it has to be harder to navigate but why on Earth would that have to be the case?

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It would only work on menus with 10 or fewer options, but this isn't a problem with most TiVo menus. It is a great idea IMO :tu:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

How can something with more available options to use not be a little more complicated. Or, how can it be as easy to use if you have more options to navigate through? :confused:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Perhaps you should ask Apple because they seem to have managed it with the iPhone,the earlier iPhone 2 and 3 were very basic in modern terms but quite complicated to navigate yet the latest iPhone 4 and 4S are far simpler to "get the hang of" probably because they took a (then) premium product and built on it without the need to over complicate,just a thought...........:)

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Lovely job, I thought I'd poked every option (I don't think it's mentioned in the guide so had little choice), everyone looks normal now.

Now, any news if we're getting teletext? I'm amazed considering everyone else has it Mr Branson has been able to get away with getting rid of something just about everyone used. I could even get red button text on the old box so what's going on fighting with all the other providers (as usual, remember Sky 1?) while everyone else just gets on with things? :confused:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Red button TEXT is on TiVo via apps, just press RED on any BBC channel. There is video news reports, plus text news if you select the news menu once in the BBC News app.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Mr Branson has nothing to do with anything to do with VM other than licensing them the name and appearing in some of their ads.

Any stats to back that up? I certainly hardly ever use(d) Teletext or the Red button.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Well i've had quite a few letters and e-mails promoting Virgin Media and telling me about "exciting" new things that are 'coming soon' that have Dicky's name and signature at the bottom. :confused:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Yes. I'm sure he lets them use his signature now and again just like he does some ads. Still doesn't mean he has anything to with the business other than being an occasional "front-man" for them.

He is, in fact (and if I remember correctly) even a minority shareholder.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I also had a Tivo installed this week. Although i am happy with the interface and apps. etc , i too am disappointed with the HD channels when compared with the V+.
For me this the make or break issue . Will see if it improves , otherwise i too will be swapping it for the V+ in my daughters room.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Hear hear. That is exactly what I intend to do- swap it for my kids Samsung V+, which was originally in the living room. I've also learnt that TiVo only supports 1080i as apposed to 1080p- meaning it is NOT FULL HD! Hence the reason for poor quality HD output.

Oh and it's a week since installation- still unable to use OnDemand.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

At present Virgin Media dont broadcast in 1080p any way so there would be no difference in quality even if TiVo did support 1080p.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

At present, to the best of my knowledge, no UK broadcaster uses 1080p so VM is as "full HD" as you can currently get.

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Even in the US 1080p isn't used in broadcast TV however DirecTV and Dish Network utilize 1080p with MPEG4 AVC/H.264 encoding for certain PPV movies that are downloaded in advance via Satellite.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

BBC HD does some programming in 1080p.

http://www.reghardware.com/2011/05/23/bbc_hd_1080p/

Not sure if this is just Freeview.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Unlike the V+, TiVo does support 1080p. But as others have pointed out, VM don't currently broadcast anything in 1080p.

What error are you getting?

It is.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Will VM consider broadcasting 1080p in the future Spiderplant..? There are a few on demand film services popping up now offering the full pixel count.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Yes, it wouldn't be in the menus if it wasn't being considered as a future possibility.

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

1080i and 1080p have the same number of pixels. It is the manner of transmission that is different. 1080i is interlaced and has, in effect. half the vertical resolution. Oh and there was no 1080i until ...Sony introduced it as a cheap HD production format. It was not ratified by broadcasters and the EBU was dead against it but market forces won and the consumer lost. Interesting that is it now biting Sony on the bum.

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That is something I have not picked up on. How do you set it to do that. As far as I recall it has never happen automatically to me. I had/have to search if I get a clash:erm: or as up to now I had two working boxes use Video sender as a last resort :p:

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

I was going to reply that it does it automatically, but now that I think about it, you need to have "Overlap Protection" switched off or it will do it's best to get the first-available showing even if it clashes :)

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I've just been fiddling with the red button as I needed it, and the advice over pressing it twice just toggles between that and the TV station. All that provides is the weird video clips the BBC have just begun to provide (here anyway), I Player and that's it. No sign or hint of teletext.

But far worse is the BBC interactive system, reduced to one channel but still available before Tivo appears not to be available either, and it's world snooker season and I personally have the evening session on as the BBC prefer not to show it live. Some is on Eurosport but not as reliable. Have we lost this as well for the privilege of paying £5 extra a month on the bill or just another temporary glitch (if only).

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I have always said that "buying in " technology is not a great idea. Look at the inland revenue & its system ( off the shelf US tax programme) no end of problems.

So then we have TiVo. What on earth was the reason for buying into it rather than updating software on the kit you have. Along these lines perhaps?

Let me guess
Hi guys we can have great a great deal on this "new " box . It works well in the States.
It can record 3 programmes at the same time.As long as you don`t want to watch another on live tv. but you can watch something you have recorded,Ok that can be lived with.

It CANNOT support the most up to date way one of the main TV channels stream shows but who will care, when they see all the great apps it will offer just like a tablet. So you can use it like a tablet , phone calls live messenger etc.No - but you can play Hang man who would want anything else! Whats more you wont need to buy a TV guide as it goes two weeks ahead- great it adapts as programmes change?
No but who will care when you can search for what else that guy from rainbow is in!

Hasn`t it been used in the UK before,Yes and SKY the most successful provider dropped it. Well that a real good reason to get it !

Think of all the great positive write ups it will get & we can always say that it is coming soon Or blame other people because of our short slightness .
And so it came to Virgin.

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Thats just your view. When i had Tivo i loved it. I didnt want to go back to V+. Some people like Tvio and some people dont. Not everything is for everyone

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I understand that & if it was the product used to launch cable in the UK. Then it was OK
That still leaves the question WHY did Virgin take it over upgrading the software on the V+ .
What it offers as extras for the most part could have been upgraded. What it does not offer, were not though of as necessary and now attempts are being made, for the most part unsuccessfully to play catch up.With cry's of its not our fault . OF CAUSE IT IS.
Why should anyone spend time & money making things work for Virgin, Or are they footing the bill? If you choose to get rid of a service that works for a service that does not, you cannot blame any one else.
Still you can play always play hang man :D

Sorry just noticed when you had TiVo. Did you move out of a Virgin area ?

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

V+ has very limited capabilites thats why they cant keep developing int. I left VM to go to Sky as worked out cheaper for me

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Not sure what was really needed to be added to "sell" the V+ instead of TiVo.

I guess that the TiVo was not a pull for you. Does this not rather prove my point. Its not a good investment- you left over price.
I only stay with it because of price.
Take a TiVo and keep your V+ save £10.50 per month.Virgin pay me to have one ! "Whata mistaka to maka" :)

Re: TiVo installed yesterday- not a good start
 

Tivo's 3 recordable tuners, bigger HD and Whishlists, make the V+ look well past it's sell by date. And that's just a few of the Tivo's many features that are lacking on V+.

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The bigger hard drive was the only reason I got a TiVo, wouldn't be without it now. I think you're being unkind when it comes to things like apps and streaming services. The way TiVo delivers I player, for example, means access to extra content over I player on the v+. What's not to like about that?

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Wish list - no interest
Bigger hard drive - If the V+ is 20% full, we have been away !!
Apps - Hang Man, come on !!
I Player - can not recall the last time I used it . NOW the RED button is another story, O `Yes a poor version on TiVo

So for me get the red button working properly & I will move the TiVo to the main TV. At the moment its on our third TV , Freeview( Red Button) is more used by me than TiVo , The BOSS takes the main one. :rolleyes:

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I'm not sure how you managed to get teletext with or without the red button on BBC (no other station offers it besides Sky Sports, yes I really need to know the latest transfer reports or which manager's been sacked) as I just got this billet doux straight from the horse's mouth:

" Red button
Sky Sports Red Button functionality is now available on TiVo. We've been working hard to launch BBC Red Button services on TiVo and we'll be starting the roll out soon."


Well at least I now know. Why 'working hard' to get something we already had till a couple of weeks ago (despite raising our rental price by 40%) is required god alone knows, but surely if we've had it since day one why was it necessary to renegotiate the fees with BBC when everyone needed a Tivo this month?