So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

ok,

So as an original adopter of Tivo I have decided to switch back to sky..I currently have 100Mb Broadband, Phone XL and Tivo XL with HD (but not the sports channels)....i have a tivo 1GB + HD box in bedroom.....

Like many people, I was excited when the prospect of Tivo technology was being resurrected by VM, I was an adopter of the original Tivo service in the UK and enjoyed its many features such as learning viewing habits etc.....

however, I can no longer tolerate the sluggish UI, lack of HD channels (it may have movies & sports etc but Sky is still way out in front) added to that the buggy iPlayer that crashes every time i use it (the PS3 version is way more stable) and in short I just don't think VM have delivered on Tivo....I hear rumours that they will 'unlock the 2nd processor core' but when? and also are many of tivo's features relevant in this day and age?

I am keeping the VM 100Mb broadband and Phone as at £45 per month I feel these are good value, however for £55 per month (discounted for six months) then £75 p.m for Sky World TV package (that actually includes the sport channels and many more in HD) + some decent 3D content (lets face it, VM does not cut it here) I feel its an improvement over my current £135 PM virgin package (no sports and less HD channels generally).....also it will be nice to go back to a responsive box......and for that I get a Sky+HD box and Sky HD multiroom box and free install.

I realise I am setting myself up for flak from VM fanboys like Carl Waring, but hey I can take it...;)

I really thought tivo would be the next best thing, and maybe in 5 years with numerous updates it will be, but at the moment it's big letdown....ok the Sky boxes may not be the latest tech, but content is king, and VM's mouthwash aint makin' it.

/end of rant

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Put him on ignore then you wont have to read it ;)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Bye Bye

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Good luck I hope you enjoy your new service, the HD content on Sky is certainly superior to that on VM.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Another member for the Sky section :D

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

£135! You should have gone to VIP and saved some dosh

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

true, but the unresponsive box, lack of HD channel issues would not be solved.....am I the only one disappointed with Tivo? I get the feeling many put up with it because its the best VM can offer (compared to the V+ box - and god they are pants!) which is sad really....

also with the amount of profit sky are making, they are bound to launch a new box soon.....

---------- Post added at 19:38 ---------- Previous post was at 19:36 ----------

Thanks, I will, and tbh while sky have their buying power I don't think this will change anytime soon, it seems VM is there to pick up the scraps when sky are happy to throw them...

---------- Post added at 19:38 ---------- Previous post was at 19:38 ----------

I would but free speech doesnt allow it!

---------- Post added at 19:39 ---------- Previous post was at 19:38 ----------

true, and looking at the beta of the new EPG its shaping up to be an interesting time...

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

My TiVo certainly isn't unresponsive, you should have reported it to faults.

Also VM hardly has a lack of HD channels now. Especially compared to 2-3 years ago.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

The tivos are a bit sluggish, but not that fussed, internees more important to me

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I would challenge anyone to do a direct comparison when navigating the EPG on a Sky+HD and Tivo box and say that the Tivo is equal in responsiveness.

Even after the initial 2 day bed in period for tivo it still runs like a dog....I have seen this on my, members of my family and on friends boxes....also saw one demo'd in a VM shop......I can't understand why VM users keep this myth going, it is way slower.... and as for lack of HD channels, VM is better than it was but its still no where near sky on this....

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I can take that challenge , my parents have TIVO so I've used this on numerous occasions , I have Sky+HD and have used the current EPG and am currently beta testing the new EPG. Moving around the menus on Sky is much quicker that said TIVO's interface is more richer and graphic laden so probably to be expected , that said I wouldn't say sluggish in my use however there seems a lot of screens to go through to achieve certain tasks.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

As they say Zarf the customer is always right. It doesn't matter what anyone else has to say about Tivo or SKY+HD, it's purely down to what you prefer. Enjoy SKY.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

What Chad said - I am perfectly happy with my TiVo, and don't think it is sluggish or "runs like a dog", but you are right to do what you think is best for you.

Enjoy Sky.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I did mention on this forum a while back when Tivo was a new toy that it had far too many gimmicks (and got flamed to hell by a certain poster) and maybe all that gimickery would cause problems .Some people will find some of the functions usefull but how many use them all ? and how many of them actually do what they are supposed to all the time .Since i have moved to sky and do wish that sky would upgrade their STB because i really miss only having 2 tuners and if they had taken tivo i bet it would have worked

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

It is a little, at timea :)

Which, of course, is actually nothing to do with Tivo; and VM can't be blamed for the lack of some of those HD channels.

Such as?

Oh yes. Must have the now-seemingly obligatory personal dig at just because I don't necessarily share your opinions :rolleyes:

(Of course, you'll notice I did agree about the UI but don't let facts get in the way of those personal digs, will you? :rolleyes:

---------- Post added at 22:37 ---------- Previous post was at 22:36 ----------

Correct.

Also correct. And there's nothing wrong with SD anyway :confused:

---------- Post added at 22:39 ---------- Previous post was at 22:37 ----------

1. Nobody has said they are "equally as responsive".
2. Of course the Sky+ interface is quicker and simpler because it doesn't have to do as much :)

---------- Post added at 22:40 ---------- Previous post was at 22:39 ----------

Or perhaps it is you who are myth-taken and just happen to have a slower box. As has been said already, you should have had it looked at.

---------- Post added at 22:42 ---------- Previous post was at 22:40 ----------

Of course, one man's 'gimmick' is another man's 'useful feature' :p:

---------- Post added at 22:43 ---------- Previous post was at 22:42 ----------

I have the XL TV pack but don't watch anywhere near all the channels :)

All of them; most of the time at least :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

And there's nothing wrong with SD anyway. Oh well...

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

So that'll be a, no they don't all work all of the time then :rolleyes:

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Well if I'd've said "yes, all the time"; sure as anything someone would say "well x didn't work for me the other day". :D

My point being that no computer (which is what Tivo basicically is) is perfect and guaranteed to work 100% of the time. We know that going in. We expect it.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

My point being that no computer (which is what Tivo basicically is) is perfect and guaranteed to work 100% of the time. We know that going in. We expect it.[/QUOTE]

Oh my goodness, what is he on?:D

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

You better get your chequebook out then dear Lex.:D

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I made the same move a couple of months ago now. I loved TiVo even though the menus were a little slow but it was the lack if HD content, iOS apps and the price rise that were the final straw for me. Now I've got Sky, I'm loving all the HD channels, iPad apps and the new EPG. :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Plus of course you can now get Sky Anytime+ using your VM Broadband:)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

yes, and with the 100Mb package I'm on there should be no speed worries...i think this is the best of all worlds....

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I have moved back to Sky (reluctantly) but must say that even with ADSL 2, 10 meg broadband Sky Anytime + works great,you just select a film etc and after it has downloaded 2% you can just start watching it like a normal program,so there are no speed issues.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

If you think there's something wrong with what I posted then please feel free to tell me. You know, to discuss stuff, as that's what these forums are for.

---------- Post added at 08:42 ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 ----------

Another personal dig at my opinion for no reason. Nice :rolleyes:

Do any of your friends (Assuming you have any. See we can all do meaningless personal digs ;)) ever say "hey! here's a show you might like"?

And if they do, do you then say "thanks but I know better than you what I like to watch"? And if not, why not, if that's your attitude to any such 'Suggestions'?

And it hasn't changed. Just sits there quietly recommending programmes; which you are free to completely ignore if you want to.

Hyperbole aside, I know some people on various forums who really like that feature. Are they all wrong whilst you're right?

Again with the hyperbole. Tivo doesn't have a dozen features; never mind "1000s". Also, I'm sure most VM customers wouldn't have a clue how to build a HTPC. But then why build one when you can rent one anyway?

No. You were parroting other people's opinions.

Not in any definition of the word I have ever read.

:rolleyes:

Same here. But, to me, HD isn't as important as having a Tivo.

Never experienced either of those.

Really? What's your proof?

Well I'm not the only one to mention in this very thread, that mine isn't particularly sluggish. Are we all wrong?

It would bes yes, if you actually had to do that.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

And 1 less on VM forums :D

I much prefer the Sky EPG and how responsive it is compared to when i had Tivo

Everyone prefers different things so you are spot on

Agreed. Also the news features that Sky will be releasing later in year is also better than what VM will do

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

All a matter of opinion of course.:D

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Of course

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Seriously though, can everyone who adopted TiVo, hand on heart say that it delivers what was promised? Or are the majority simply keeping it as there is no better Product from VM? I suspect the latter is true in many cases...

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Inbetween I would say, not everything deleivered. Big issue for Sky to me is lack of multiple recording ability, I really do use those 3 tuners for recording quite often so for me Sky is not an option.

Overall I opt for VM and Tivo for aspects which are important to me, but there are elements which I am dissapointed on VMs progress. Not issuing the iPad app earlier this year was a major tactical error in my view, they could have enhanced it later. And where are the "proper" apps like lovefims/netflix for films where Tivo could show off its search any content source capability, as they have in the USA today!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

That's exactly how i feel ,i really wish sky would do something about it,i miss the multiple tuners we had in the V+box .Since we take ownership of the stb i don't see that it's such a problem being able to put a better stb in

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

The ONLY reason I keep my TiVo is it saves me money. Do not like / or want a lot of the "features" that it "offers" & miss basic things that it does not.
What Virgin offer in the case of H D , lack of channels etc does not bother me.this has little bearing on what is a overrated PVR
So I say if you are thinking of changing over,go in with your eyes open.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

We were promised a Tivo and that's what we've got. I personally don't care for the Apps but some find them useful, so that's fine. It is by no means perfect but then no-one has never said it is :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

We're still waiting for some things, which in my view are taking too long. Only biggie for me is multi room streaming which Sky doesn't have anyway. And having had use of them, I can't see me having any box that doesn't have three recordable tuners and Whishlists, which rules out Sky.

I would like Sky Atlantic and more HD channels, but the above Tivo features are more important to me.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Has potential, but still quite a way to go, overhyped by many imho.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

But still far superior to any box Sky have Henke and is not everything overhyped to a certain extent.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Of cause it is. Never be taken in by adverts. Got caught out last week ! Yes I know its a great surprise - First & last time I buy a Samsung TV :( note to self remember to question whats not said!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Pretty much my thoughts too.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I'm happy with Tivo. For me I love the on-demand content and the recent app updates with content from the likes of Nat Geo is certainly a great step.

That said, as someone who moved away from Sky, the sky epg is much faster. We were on a 10+ year old sky box, and even that was faster.

The biggest annoyance with Tivo is the idiotic menu system that means hat if you want to watch, say an episode of 'Mike & Molly' from On Demand you have to do this:

- Menu
- Go down to On Demand
- Go Right and press on demand tv shows (or whatever it says
- Go down to TV XLL
- Go to 'Browse By Channel'
- Go down to 'Warner TV'
- Go all the way down to 'View All A-Z'
- Go all the way down to 'M'
- Go along to access the 'M' content
- Scroll down to 'Mike & Molly' & Press ok
- Scroll down to the episode you want to watch and press ok
- Press play
- Press play again.

Thats idiotic and could be simplified, especially where you have to press play twice!

The VHD box we have is a lot more snappy. The liberty system may look a bit pants, but its certainly more stable and fast.

The iPlayer crashing is also a pain, and there is also a bug that when you get to 99% disk usage, the entire My Shows section slows to a crawl.

I do hope these get addressed, but given VM's lackluster attitude towards these kinds of things, I doubt it'll be any time soon. That being said, what we're getting now is a million times better than what we had with Sky.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Or you could (from the manual)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Try using Search instead:
- Home
- 4
- MIKE
- Across & down to "Mike & Molly"
- Get from On Demand
- Select episode
- OK
- Play
- Enter PIN if required

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I agree with you on this :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

TiVo just doesn't seem to be going anywhere at the moment. There are several glitches. The biggest issue is the ongoing iPlayer fault (cutting off the end of programmes) and VM totally ignoring the issue/trying to blame the BBC. iPlayer is fine on other platforms.
Also there's the lack of progress on streaming between boxes. Seem to remember being told the VHD box would be getting TiVo software and being able to stream recordings to it- heard nothing for over a year. Development seems to have stopped dead.

Majority of people aren't interested in youtube, red button , gimmicky cr(apps) etc.They just want a tv box for tv with a fully functional tv/recording/catch up service. VM have taken their eye off the ball.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Streamed records will be in later in year i think and thats only if its tivo to tvio not to VHD or V+HD

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I certainly agree with you.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I also agree with most of this However would like the Red button to enhance TV shows ( One comes to mind - for me at least)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

You Think or know? Everybody knows that the V+ can't take the TiVo software, but all the big noises on these forums originally said that the V HD could and would.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Back when Tivo Commander worked I was completely satisfied with Tivo. Being able to tidy up recordings, search and set up new recordings during the boring parts of programmes while they are being watched was the killer app for me.

Then they deliberately broke it.

That alone makes me want to move back to Sky in a few months when my contract is up. Not because Sky offers more, but because I've had enough of the broken promises and the Tivo Commander slap in the face still hurts. If a comparable Android app is out this summer then I'll stay.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Can anyone give a definitive answer as to whether the Tivo soft/firmware can or will be implemented on the VHD? Given that they are both manufactured by Cisco it would be reasonable to think that this might be feasible.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I wish they'd introduce that functionality via a web interface :(
Both; can and (eventually, at some as-yet un-known point in the future) will. This has been confirmed by VM themselves.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Don't get me started on TiVo Commander. An excellent app which VM sabotaged and lied about the reasons why. They also had the cheek to call the sabotage an 'upgrade'. The fact they still don't have anything to replace it is a disgrace. They really do shoot themselves in the foot a lot which is why Sky will always be dominant.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Good afternoon Mr K and what a pleasant surprise to hear your views again.;)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Of course, try making an un-official app for Apple and see how far you get*. Why should Tivo be any different? :confused:

(* And before the pedants start, I mean on a standard iDevice, not a jailbroken one.)

Oh, and how do you know they lied?

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Actually there is an official android TiVo app available in the US with similar functionality to TiVo Commander. Probably take less than 10 mins of development time to make it available to VM UK customers, but that would be too easy.

At first VM said that TiVo Commander not working was an unfortunate side effect of the 'upgrade' and totally unintentional. They'd work to to fix it in the next update (ha, ha !). Then they has to admit it was intentional and the main reason for the 'upgrade'. There was probably a commercial reason behind it which we'll never know (perhaps a deal with Apple to give them a monopoly, or them introducing a charge if they ever do launch an official app). Either that and/or incompetence, both are believable reasons with VM.

Rearrange these words for VM :- in a, manage, brewery, p*ss up, couldn't, a

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Is that a "from experience" comment or a wild guess? There was an article somewhere on why the UK port of the iPad app has taken so long but I can't remember where I read it :(

Fair enough; and now I think about it I seem to remember reading that somewhere at the time.

Sounds reasonable to me, though. I wouldn't want anything to possible break my Tivo :)

So just more speculation then.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Given that software/firmware rewrites are quite complex and can lead to unanticipated consequences for the devices, is this not a circular argument? You fix one aspect and perhaps break another. There are certain shortcomings with regard to Tivo, although not for me unacceptable. Tivo works pretty well for us, I'm more concerned with the fix for the Superhub, different thread though.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I know that and you know that. Some others don't see to though :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Although Carl, I for one would say (and hope that you would agree) that VM have been somewhat less than on top of their game in certain regards. No technology is perfect yet some companies try harder to resolve the problems. Tivo is not the pinnacle of pvr anymore that the Superhub is ideal. Nonetheless, they are trying.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Virgin said some time ago now that they have TiVo buddy, and it all works. The fact that it still isn't available is a farce.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

l am sure there is some good reason why it is not available andy.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Can't say I've noticed really. But then I don't go looking for problems. My Tivo works fine for me, so I'm happy :)

(Though please don't mis-interpret that as an "I'm alright Jack" attitude as that is not what I mean at all.)

True. I have even pointed this out about the Tivo myself and, IIRC, someone ridiculed me for ir. Funnily enough they never replied as to why :rolleyes:

That being the case, why do some people seem to think that some of us think the Tivo is? :confused:

How do you know they're not trying hard to resolve the problems? :confused: Some problems can't be solved quickly.

You know of something better that works with cable? :D

---------- Post added at 20:29 ---------- Previous post was at 20:28 ----------

As am I.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I think that most of us would agree that there could be improvements made. I am not interested in starting an argument, selective quotes aside. It's not perfect and may never be so.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

True.

It's a discussion. It's what we do on forums ;)

Again, huh? I have quoted the relevant bits I wanted to respond to. No point in quoting everything if there's no need.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Going back to the original post on here, in general I have to say I think TiVo is a disappointment. I am not a Sky fanboy (actually quite the opposite), but all the hype there was at the beginning you could believe the box would make you a 3 course meal besides all the "normal" things. Yes, the UI is an improvement. But what happened to all the promised apps (crap games you have to pay for weren't quite what I expected)? It doesn't really matter why they are delaying the TiVo buddy, but it was promised at the end of last year. And sorry, their reason of people not being able to use it, due to the box not being close to the router, is pants! This would/should have been obvious from day one that some customers wouldn't be able to use it. And are they going to give every customer an iPad if they haven't got one, so they can use the TiVo buddy too? Suggestions didn't do it for me either. Mostly the box recorded old episodes of e.g. The Simpsons, because I gave it the thumbs up (even went down from the 3 to 1 thumb). I had a series link for new episodes and I really don't care for old ones to be recorded.
I can't really complain about amount of HD channels as I hardly use any besides ITV, BBC, National Geographic and ESPN. And there is only so match TV I can watch. But again I think Virgin Media promised a lot more than they have got now. Sometimes it seems they are over enthusiastic newbies, full of energy and ideas, who think they will deliver whatever they want to, only to realise that there are "evil" enemies like Sky, who have exclusive rights to HD channels, or there being the obstacles of connecting a tablet with the box.
In the end I don't pay extra for my TiVo box, so I'm not overly fussed. But the way it is now, I don't think it can be justified asking customers to pay a fiver on top.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

:rolleyes: Enough said. Ignoring rest of post.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Find me another box that can get a good selection of pay channels, has 3 recordable tuners, automatic search for repeats on recording clashes and whishlists and I will pay attention.

The last three features alone make the Tivo box, for me, way ahead of the competition by miles.

Yes, I'd like the other things, and I think VM should be severely critisised for being very slow to get them sorted, but the core functionality that is already present on Tivo, make the missing bits seem relatively insignificant.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

People like you can't just sit there and say nothing? If you have got nothing to say, why bother posting?

Why should I find another box? I have never claimed there is anything better out there. But like I said suggestions for me are no added bonus, I personally don't need a 3rd tuner (do people watch TV 24/7?). If you think the three features you mentioned are worth £3, £5 or whatever you pay a month, fair enough. I don't think it is.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Geez. I can't win. I say something and I'm branded a 'fanboy'; I don't say anthing and still get compaints :D

Because after the complete and utter stupidity of your opening sentence, anything I could have posted would be a waste of my time. Besides, passingbat has said pretty-much what I would have anyway :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Just to pick up on Denyo's point about suggestions, I actually think they're one of TiVo's best features. I regularly watch a suggestion, and in fact find myself watching less and less on demand as a result. I do, however, think that there is an issue with the way in which Virgin have explained suggestions which has resulted in people not understanding how to get the best out of them. You saying that you've reduced the number of thumbs up for the Simpsons just to stop it recording episodes of it is a case in point. I know it's annoying, but you have to be prepared for your suggestions folder to be full of stuff you don't want otherwise there's no chance it will ever be full of stuff that you do. You really only should give a programme thumbs up or down because you do or don't like it, and for no other reason, and then most importantly, you need to give it some time. Your TiVo now thinks you only like a show a little bit, when in fact you like it a lot. Hardly fair to complain about the suggestions it's making when you're not telling it the whole truth.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Not sure where "Tivo is a disappointment" is stupidity. And I clearly said you COULD think it would make a 3 meal course after all the hype.

Btw, I changed it from three to one thumb as I read somewhere that apparently the box wouldn't record exactly that program (old episodes) again. I know it didn't change it, so I simply switched suggestions off. I fully understand that suggestions won't be spot on and it might end up recording stuff I don't like. I just don't think it's done in a good way that I have got a series link for Simpsons for new episodes, I gave it the thumbs up and it continues to record all the old ones too in suggestions and to top it all off, I can't stop it from doing that.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

"We think it's the best way to watch TV, ever". You could certainly make a case for it being overhyped.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I'm gonna be a happy bunny at some point anyway when the TiVo buddy is ready and hopefully let's me watch live TV and/or recordings :D

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

To clarify, I did not insult anyone. I said the comment was stupid.[/QUOTE]

---------- Post added at 18:56 ---------- Previous post was at 18:54 ----------

No. That wasn't the stupid thing.

That was; because you clearly could not make that case at all.

Apologies if you thought I was calling you stupid. I clearly was not.

---------- Post added at 18:57 ---------- Previous post was at 18:56 ----------

No you really couldn't. It's statement of opinion. They think it is. I think it is.

Of course, you could say that all advertising is hype to some degree but that's just the nature of the beast :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

The 3rd tuner is not about watching TV 24/7, it's because most new shows are shown in the 9-11 pm time slot; there's not much new content before or after that time slot. This is why Tivo's automatic searching for repeats when there are recording clashes are good. That would be even better if they included the +1 channels in the search.

Most people compare overall price when evaluating Sky/VM costs, so the £3/5 per month Tivo charge is to a certain degree irrelevant. But I would be willing to pay £5 more if VM worked out to be £5 more than Sky for similar services, just to get the functionality that Tivo offered.

I actually think VM were out of order to increase the tivo fee from £3 to £5, as from what I've read, they only pay Tivo £3. And they should also have kept it as per account in my view. As an early adopter, I just pay £3 per month, which covers both my Tivos.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Carl, can I just ask, are you actually employed by VM to trawl these forums and make them look good? it seems every (valid) negative comment is easily dismissed by your sarcastic remarks.....if you aren't employed by them then you damn well should be as I cannot think of a bigger fanboy.....

---------- Post added at 19:57 ---------- Previous post was at 19:52 ----------

Erm lets not forget that these boxes aren't free (or they werent for initial adopters like myself) and we paid for something substandard that we have to give back.....also don't you think sky with all of its profit (remember that word VM) aren't or haven't stripped a tivo box down to build something that will ultimately destroy it? because if i had their money thats what I'd do....and given their content with a new STB they will kill VM.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

But is not everything hyped up in our modern world.:)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

A point I also made which Zarf2007 did not comment on when I made it in the same post he has already replied to. I wonder why not? :confused: One has to wonder if he just likes to put the boot in instead.

All of which is, of course, a load of nonsense when you actually look at my posting history as a whole and not in isolation. You will see that I am quite happy to agree with other peoples complaints when I ... erm... agree with them.

In this case I simply do not agree that it was "over-hyped" any more than advertising is hype in the first place.

Then why do you still have one? Assuming you're now out of contract you could simply give it back and get a standard VHD box instead. They might let you go back to the V+ but I don't know for sure.

I certainly do not agree that it is "substandard" at all. Of course it's not perfect and no-one (least of all me) has said it is.

Which, by definition, means I simply cannot be a "fanboy"

Why the pointed dig at VM over that word? IIRC this year is actually the first one in which they have made a profit.

The real question is why has Sky not done a deal with Tivo before VM. They had ten years to do so.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

So Sky coulda gone for TiVo but didn't. Agree Carl that is indeed one I'd like to hear the explanation to.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

---------- Post added at 22:01 ---------- Previous post was at 21:38 ----------

Also on the subject of customer service, while I agree this is subjective, my personal experience of subscribing to sky and VM a number of times over the years, sky has so far (touch wood) been far more professional with installation, faults/issues and general customer service issues.....the last two times I have joined VM, the 1st resulted in the VM muppets cutting the cables to my flat door entry system when installing the phone service and more recently taking weeks to sort out speed problems with my broadband..... I am always nervous in getting one of their engineers out to my property as they are 90% muppets.....sky on the other hand have always been a pleasure to deal with and their engineers have been prompt and professional...

waiting for a CW standard issue response!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I know, like a bunch of schoolkids.....:notopic:

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Just a quick update, had my sky+HD box & skyHD multiroom box installed today. The engineer turned up during the allocated time slot (which I was notified by email this morning) which was a two hour slot in the afternoon (better than VMs morning or afternoon only timeframes). The installation was professional and tidy and anytime+ is a nice feature (a change from ondemand which seems to be down 80% of the time) and the most important things, lots of HD channels and a very responsive STB!

I dunno if they pay sky engineers more but they always seem more knowledgable and better trained, they also don't look like reformed hoodies!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I think thats really harsh, and tbh, pretty insulting to the many decent and very good engineers that Virgin have, anytime i've had an engineer round to fit a new box or whatever they have been well informed and very pleasant, anyway i thought this was the cable forum for matters related to cable tv etc, not $ky!!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Knowledgable about what, pointing a stupid dish at a satellite in the sky, my child could do that!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Don't take it persoanlly jb, we all know your one of the good ones ;)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

And running a cable from a plastic box on the wall is tougher? The fact remains that myself and nearly everyone I know who has dealt with VM have had shoddy installs either by botched cabling or missed appointments. Their customer service is a joke.....I won't even start with those call centre fools in India......

---------- Post added at 20:45 ---------- Previous post was at 20:43 ----------

I think you could count the decent ones on one hand, certainly in London in my experience.

And this thread is about dumping TiVo, do keep up.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

I completely agree re Sky STB software and the new HD EPG improves it further , however I would have to disagree re VM engineers , in my time with VM we never had a bad one , they've always been polite , took shoes off before entering property and been generally helpful that said I live nowhere near you. Enjoy your Sky TV. :)

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

you say that and yet forums like this are full of complaints where they have botched the cabling....and if technicians are being overbooked then doesnt that show how disorganised VM is? if they can't even give the correct number of jobs to engineers then theres no hope.....the fact if the matter is if you did a poll comparing customer service experience of sky and VM I can guarantee sky would win hands down....

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

And my dad did too. Saved himself a fortune he did. And he got the right satellite first time, too :D

---------- Post added at 22:51 ---------- Previous post was at 22:50 ----------

If that was all that was involved then you might have a point. But it isn't, so you don't.

---------- Post added at 22:53 ---------- Previous post was at 22:51 ----------

And how many people is that exactly? Probably not more than a dozen I suspect. Which is hardly indicative of anything really.

Though do agree, in principle if not in general, with your points.

---------- Post added at 22:58 ---------- Previous post was at 22:53 ----------

Yes, and forums such as this are mostly populated by a self-selecting bunch of people who are affected by something called negativity bias.

Put simply, people will join forums to complain more than they will to praise.

If that is, indeed, a "fact" then you will have no problem proving it with appropriate and verifiable figures from a reputable source. So I await them with interest.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

So why the long winded update about your $ky install,you think anyone on a cable forum is interested? and your subsequent ill mannered jibe at the VM engineers, petty stuff indeed!

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Well its hardly rocket science is it? if it was difficult the engineers wouldnt get paid the crap they do...


Turning that around, how many companies have you come across that have a bad reputation for customer service from a dozen people you know? there aren't many, and that in itself tells you something.


But there is no smoke without fire....and there are many people who have had just as crap service but who don't frequent these forums...

Here you go:

http://media.ofcom.org.uk/2011/11/25...vels-revealed/

---------- Post added at 08:44 ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 ----------

Because this thread is about dumping Tivo for sky, if you don't like it don't read it.....

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

So how much do they get paid then; and how does that compare with Sky installers? Facts and figures please.

And whilst you're at it, don't forget the figures to prove your previously stated comment that...

I assume you need more time to do this as you haven't provided any yet; as requested.

I have agreed that you have a point, in principle. However, there's no evidence to suggest that such bad installs and crap CS is the norm.

But, turning that around (see, we can both do that!) I'm sure that there are many more people who have had perfectly good install/service from VM who don't post to forum either.

Here you go:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networki...tats-40092600/

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

[/QUOTE]

My linked article is nov 2011, yours is april 2011.....i win!

---------- Post added at 09:29 ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 ----------

Well I don't work for either but I doubt its above 30K......

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

:rolleyes:

Thanks for confirming that you're basically trolling 'cos you don't have a clue.

Re: So Long Tivo - Back to Sky - Close but no cigar!
 

Not tocause (more?) dissention, but
Zarf2007 linked survey of "customer service satisfaction for landline, fixed broadband, mobile and pay TV providers"

Carlwaring linked survey of "landline and broadband provider" (no broadband or pay TV).

as with all surveys, it depends what question you ask (and how you ask it).