A few questions about the box
 

I currently have Sky Q but I am very close to moving over to Virgin. I quite like there VIP bundle

Anyway just a few questions

1. The package comes with two boxes. I understand these work the same as Sky Q so I will be able to watch different channels, record from both boxes, etc. But will one recording be available on both boxes? For instance if I record a show on the box downstairs can I then watch it upstairs?

2. Do the boxes like Sky Q act as wireless hotspots?

3. Has the V6 box now become better? I seem to remember the interface used to be very slow and clunky?

Many thanks

Re: A few questions about the box
 

1. Yes although check limitations on channels not sure if these still exist.
2. No
3. Same interface far faster than old TiVo.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

To be honest quite dissapointed at number 2. I have found it quite useful.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

From what I understand the recording is on the box it was recorded on but there may be a way to watch the recording on the other STB if they are networked together?

however each STB does need its own cable feed. Its not like the Q where the mini boxes just stream channels and recordings from the main Q box.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Yes, I'm not sure about the significance of that question, but two or more V6s can be linked by wifi so that you can watch programmes from a second or third box.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

SO tempted now. Got a friend to give me mates rates and I can get the VIP bundle for £71 for 12 months.

It is such a good deal. As long as the router is decent I should be ok with out the hotspots

Re: A few questions about the box
 

While V6 boxes can operate on WiFi, a lot of people are finding that this is inadequate due to the high data rates required for streaming. The recommended connection method is Ethernet (either direct or via Powerline kit). I myself have just had to give up on using WiFi for my V6's as all 2.4 & 5Ghz WiFi channels are now saturated where I live.
I will also point out that all VM kit (Hub & both V6 boxes) require a coaxial connection to VM's network as well.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Mmm, my V6 loses its WiFi connection about once a week. The WiFi and other devices are fine so that's not the issue. Not a big deal as reconnecting the WiFi in settings seems to get it back. Still rather do that than messing about with powerlines etc. Maybe they can fix with an update, its obviously the box at fault, the speeds should be ample for streaming, and I don't use a lot of other devices.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Just as likely to be your WiFi environment.
Which Superhub do you have?
If Hub 3.0, Have you created separate SSIDs for the two WiFi bands?
Are you connected to the 5GHz WiFi?

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Why is it only the V6 that loses connection then ? Other streaming devices don't.

Got a SH2ac in modem mode and using my own dual band router. Was in 5ghz (which i know should be better), but now trying 2ghz, strangely seem to be getting a stonger signal with that and its not lost connection so far on that. Might try router mode though not convinced that's the issue as others in router mode have the same problem. Not finding i have to stream between boxes much anyway as the series links were all copied !

The only the other thing to try is the 'always on' power, but not really happy with that option.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

That's normal. The 2.4GHz signal gets attenuated less when going through things. But it's usually slower too.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Not sure you are selling well . Every time I read something I wonder why I should bother. My wife has just used the Tivo in the first time for over a year. Forgot how slow it was . Saw V6 at friends house. Thought its somewhat better but still very poor. Would need powerline ( yes I know) but also HDMI splitter. Seems there is just over a months wait & then I would have to collect it From a petrol station. I know its "free" but not impressed.
Will stick with TiVo for the time being. As he also has Netfix and that is so much better via TV than v6. Cant see any reason to bother.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

That hasn't been my experience at all. The slow Tivo I had was driving me up the wall, but the V6 resolved that problem. Works like lightening and actually into Netflix in no time.

I've not had a single issue with either of my two Tivos since having them set up with the right signal.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Haven't tried Netflix on V6 yet but didn't think it was too bad on old TiVo.
iPlayer (and all the BBC stuff) on the V6 is super zoomy though now, so I'd imagine Netflix would benefit the same on V6 and be the as smart tv version speed wise.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

My son has problems with the Youtube App on the V6, something about "loading the application" ?

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Not just a need for a re-boot, I assume?

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Interesting. So what wifi speed and signal strength should be sufficient for the V6?

Re: A few questions about the box
 

30Mbps is fast enough. The signal strength doesn't matter as long as the connection is fast enough and isn't dropping out

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Ok I'm getting over 50mbps on 2ghz, and the signal strength is good with no drop outs so far, so guess I'll stick with that. Maybe 5ghz isn't best for the V6 if the router isn't nearby.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

The 2.4ghz didn't work properly for me but 5ghz does, and my hub is on a different floor from my main V6.

I have concluded that there is no general rule you can apply for everyone. Each situation is different and perhaps one needs to try both if the first choice doesn't work. It's also a good idea not to put obstacles in the way of the hub signal!

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Ah, I'll knock a few walls/floors through then OB ;)

Re: A few questions about the box
 

My walls are quite thick, but the signal still gets through. But I take care not to put anything else in the way of the signal. It's a good idea not to put it in a cupboard and close the doors!

Re: A few questions about the box
 

I have had to give up on WiFi for my second box. 2.4Ghz was a no-go from the start. Despite a strong signal there are at least 8 -10 other neighbours hubs using each of the 3 non overlapping channels. When I installed in Nov last year there was only one other user on 5Ghz so despite only 40% signal strength it worked fine. 6 months later & there are now 8 users on 5Ghz, no uncontended channels & the V6 refuses to stream in HD as a result. Bought myself a cheap Powerline kit from Argos & normal service has resumed.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

not selling it to me.were I saw it is a house pretty close in layout to mine . Just doesn't seem worth the expense and mess to get it set up . His nexflix via V6 was slow against the smart TV. And he
keeps getting the red ring when on V6.wait until problems are sorted out.stay true to never get mark1

Re: A few questions about the box
 

One thing you can do with a TiVo (I have 3, one is a V6)

My mum went up stairs to watch a recorded program on the box in her room.

My dad finished his program, and started to watch the same program from the start at the same time.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

I only use when in UK for rugby.Or the odd days that business brings me over. My wife hasn't been back for two years or so.so would never Need or use two boxes.Have two TV ,s in different rooms run them both from one box (good old scart). If I want to watch in an other room I simply disconnect and move it.

Re: A few questions about the box
 

Decided to cancel Virgin within my 14 day cooling off period. For a number of reasons.

1. Was meant to get up to 350mb. I get the upto. I was getting 40mb on wireless and hit the dizzy spells of 79mb on wired.

2. Within 7 hours I had to restart the V6 box twice. Once because it couldnt get a picture but sound was ok. The info banner still appeared on the screen just no picture. And second because it refused to play a programme recorded on another V6 box in the house.

3. I couldn't get the remotes to pair with either TV and had to continue using the Sky remotes to control them.

4. The V6 interface looks very dated. I just couldn't get to grips with it. Even when I swapped from Sky HD to Sky Q I found the Q interface very easy to use.

5. The WPS button didn't work as it should. Nothing would connect when I used it. After logging into the router I was told there was a WPS error.

I have decided to stick with Sky. I may pay a bit more and get a bit less but everything works as it should.