Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Since Monday (March 11th) Media Boy Sources has reveal that it look like Virgin Media are set to remove V+ HD Boxes from the network soon.

My Source has told me that they have seen an on screen info saying "This is an older box" and "You need to call us to order an new box".

But my Source say they have been given no news about the new box via Royal Mail. Or been given an date on when it will happen.

Can anyone confirm when the V+ Boxes will be removed?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

They all should have been swapped by now. They've been in the process of being swapped since last year.

Anyone with an active V+ box should have had a least one mail via post or email about it. The end date for the swap was 28th February, with no guarantee of a working V+ box after that date.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

But I was told the on-screen info just appeared on Monday on they box. It an V+ HD box. I know V Boxes was axe on January 29th.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Is this all V+ boxes out of curiosity?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Yes. All V+ boxes are being swapped out.

V HD boxes are also being swapped but as yet that's not all of them

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Let the V+HD go MB or they'll send the bailiffs round ! Could there be a siege situation ? ;)

(Actually the VHD i was quite fond of, a small quite box for the bedroom. However the V+ was a noisy unreliable piece of junk....)

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Loved the VHD box excellent piece of Kit.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

My parents used to have a V+ HD box was a Cisco version I think, it was certainly better than the legacy NTL Pace box at the time that got very slow after one of the major firmware updates in the NTL era.

Given how slow the Pace boxes got eventually, I wonder how long VM kept them going for, out of curiosity sake

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

AFAIK there were some still on the network until a few months ago. Now that they've gone, channels are gradually going HD only where possible.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Given the debt piles all the UK Cable companies created digged up the pavements I think it was partly trying to spend as little as possible in order to reduce the debt. So they kept them going until they keeled over.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Those would have been Samsung SD only boxes.

I'm pretty sure the Pace SD boxes all went years ago.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

That wasn't really a factor. Most of the debt was written off very many years ago (2002-ish). Pace were still supplying new boxes up to 2004.

There just isn't any point in replacing boxes that are still able to provide all the services required of them.

A few Pace boxes were in use until last October. The batteries in them were designed to last 5 years, but some actually lasted almost 20.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Just had a really arrogant guy on the phone who said he wanted to arrange to swap out our V HD box. I asked him for some evidence that he was from VM and he became quite offensive so I told him to 'go away', errr well words to that effect, and hung up on him.

We do have a V6 box and the V HD box which I see may well need replacing so ..after a long ramble... could someone confirm that the V HD box will need to be replaced and if so what will VM replace it with.

I thought VM would be contacting affected customers by email or post so if the phone call I have just been subjected to was legitimate would I need to contact VM to arrange the swap out process.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Some V-HD boxes are being replaced now, so it probably is legit. Not sure whether you'd get a V6 or a TiVo 500GB as a replacement.

So you haven't had messages popping up on your box since Monday?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Batteries? Were they designed to work during a power cut?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

..only if you had a battery TV.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

No messages at all except the phone call. I have just rechecked and there are no messages on the V6 and can't see where they would show up on the V HD.

Jo.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Battery-backed static RAM to save the user settings etc when the box was powered off. This was in the days before EEPROM and Flash were widely available.

---------- Post added at 21:40 ---------- Previous post was at 21:36 ----------

If you were getting them, they would appear on the V-HD just after you changed channel, two or three times a day. There won't be a message on your V6.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

So no messages as yet. Will just carry on until VM get around to us. Thank you so much SP you really are very helpful.

Jo xx

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

I certainly don't want the Cisco V HD box swapped out. It has the very useful SD SCART output (down scaled on HD chanels) that I use with my DVD/HDD recorder and the RF modulator round the house.

DVD feeds through the SCART signals whilst on standby.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

No they were designed to work after power was restored

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Sorry, but when it comes to it you won't have a choice to keep it. All V boxes will be decommissioned as the whole platform that runs them will be switched off eventually.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

If you need SCART (or don't have broadband), you'll be given a TiVo rather than a V6.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Depends how quickly VM want to bin the Liberate Middleware platform that drives the VHD boxes & EPG. The VHD's were I believe upgradable to other firmware platforms, but VM opted for a pure PVR route & never developed it any more.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Thanks spiderplant. We almost never have clashes on TV progammes so no need to record more than one at any time. A TiVo would suit just fine.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

We found the problem with Tivo was that it was slow, and the apps did not always work very well. The BBC i-Player was virtually unwatchable.

That was a couple of years ago now, maybe it's improved in the meantime.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

VM did an update that sped up the box since then. Due to how the update worked not everyone was happy though. As I understand it, they changed it so that the tuners not currently recording a user set programme sit doing nothing until they are required, whereas previously they continuously recorded whatever channel they were tuned to regardless of whether the user was recording something.

The annoyance for some being that they couldn't switch tuners and rewind, like the V6 still allows.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Most of the TiVo apps are covered by versions on our Sony smart TV. All the TiVo has to do is emulate the Cisco HD box functions. Anything else is really superfluous.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

iPlayer on Tivo now works fine for me, a if a bit slow to load up (used to have horrendous problems). Must be less demand on the system now more have moved to the V6.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

It's not a network change as I understand it, as I mentioned above the box is doing less.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

And to think VM used to blame the BBC for all iPlayer issues on Tivo ! I think the Beeb are due an apology....

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Given iPlayer app uses BBC servers, their servers are part of the equation, but I think the original VM Tivo hardware was pushed to its limits by the complexity of both the Tivo OS and the iPlayer app itself. The app and OS needed more memory (I don't mean hard disk) and/or faster processor to properly do their job. Which the V6 has, and the difference is obvious and significant.

The blame isn't all one party's fault.

As memory prices fell I often thought it might have been worth VM's while to get engineers to slot in extra RAM. Sure the processor would have been the same but it might have been a cost effective way to alleviate customer complaints. A stopgap of sorts.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Nice idea, but the memory is soldered in.

The first Pace boxes actually did have memory on SIMMs, but still couldn't be field upgraded for electrical safety reasons. Once the case has been opened, the box needs to be PAT tested again.

We did once consider extending memory via the USB port, but it wasn't really viable.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

I've heard of this before with consumer electronics, it doesn't surprise me. :)
Though this doesn't surprise me either, I kinda thought maybe the engineers would be qualified for this. I remember a guy going around one of my old workplaces testing stuff.
Sounds like ReadyBoost in Windows.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Most "VM" faults are actually due to external parties, because external parties do most of the work. They provide all the hardware, almost all of the software, and they own and/or manage most of the servers.

However, you pay VM to provide the service, so its up to VM to get the supplier to resolve any faults.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

True, but I was thinking more along the lines of back up batteries would have allowed the box to carry on recording...but it wasn't a PVR!

Actually, this would be a good idea for the V6/TiVo.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Depends if the local optical node & any powered amp cabinets remain outside the area that loses power, otherwise all you will get is a recording of “no signal on this channel”.

When our house loses power everything goes out except the phones, as there is an amp cabinet around the corner we rely on.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

I always assumed that VM wouldn't use localised power for their network so it wouldn't be affected, in much the same way that BT phones continue to work when there's a local power cut. Is this not the case??

Talking of phones, when VM move us over to VOIP our phones will go down too (though there are provisions for vulnerable customers).

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Aren't landlines legally obliged to have this capability so they work in an emergency?
(Though if you only have a cordless then this is irrelevant, as the base stations don't have power in a powercut usually. Always have a wired landline phone in the cupboard nearest the landline phone is my advice.)

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

There is updated guidance for that:

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultatio...ions-power-cut

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Standard BT lines go straight back to the exchange, VM telco lines go to the hub cabs. Don't know if BT Fibre cabs have UPS units.

There is a UPS in our VM node cabinet, which is over half a mile away. The amp cab round the corner, where the cable splits 4 times to different slave cab locations has no backup, just a mains transformer. I gather the VoIP backup VM has uses the mobile network, which we would all have to use anyway.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Media Boy Sources has given me an update

My Source will be getting an new TiVo via the Mail order company on sometime next week.

And also the home page was updated YESTERDAY for the first time since August.

---------- Post added at 14:37 ---------- Previous post was at 13:21 ----------

Can anyone tell me if you do not have internet will TiVo still work?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

TiVo does yes. You can't get a V6 unless you also have Virgin Fibre.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Can anyone tell me if you have to phone Virgin up to get TiVo to start working when you get an box via post?

---------- Post added at 14:43 ---------- Previous post was at 14:40 ----------

I was talking about Recordings and TV Listings. I have try to look it up on my TiVo but it do not tell you. I am puting an TiVo for someone I know next week and is looking for info.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

You can call or text to activate. Instructions will be in the box.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Thanks for your help.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

The reason Tivo boxes are given to those without Virgin Fibre is because they have a dedicated internet connection of their own. It comes in through the same cable the TV comes through.

The original VM Tivo has a cable modem built-in, the V6 doesn't so uses your VM router. At least that is how I understand it.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

UPDATE:

It took me about 20 to 30mins to start an TiVo Box with no need to call or text to activate.

Also the Instructions was so easy to follow.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Can anyone tell me if V+ Boxes are still working?

---------- Post added at 21:41 ---------- Previous post was at 21:34 ----------

An Pace box (They got it in 1998) was still broadcasting radio channels in March 2019.

Channels was cut in last January.

It was an bedroom box.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Yes, they are. But they are starting to lose VOD and interactive features.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Is V+ Boxes still working?

Digital Bit Rate says Live Events Channel has not been updated since August 5th.

---------- Post added at 23:22 ---------- Previous post was at 23:21 ----------

If Yes can you give me the full list of channels still broadcasting on V+ boxes?

I would love to know.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

All subscribed channels still work, but VOD and interactive, including live events, have now gone.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

When the engineer upgraded my V+ box to a Virgin V6 box, I expected that the engineer would take the old V+ box away, but at the time you could use it as a second box for which you would be charged if you had it connected up. I still have it but it is unconnected. Hopefully Virgin will set up some collection mechanism, rather than leaving me to recycle it through the usual channels.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Ask next time a technician visits, though they aren't obliged to take it.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Given they just said to recycle our Tivo when we took up the free V6 upgrade offer, I'm surprised they didn't tell you the same with the V+.

Actually still got the Tivo. Kept it in case the changed their minds. Sitting in a box gathering dust.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Is V+ Boxes still working?

Are all channels still broadcasting - if not what has been axed?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

No change since you last asked

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Thanks anyway for update. Hope you have an safe and happy new year.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Any updates since December?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

No.

What are you expecting to happen?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Channels start to be axe from the V+.

I know that Sky Sports HD Channels has been removed.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

There's a simple solution, get a V6!

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Or a Tivo if they don't have broadband.

Service withdrawals on certain boxes is all about nudging customers into getting their equipment changed.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

I have not use an working V+ box since last year. Someone I know moving into TiVo last April.

But I know that V Boxes was still working for 11months (Was set to close on March 2018) until January 2019.

I see on DBR that Sky Box Office do not work with V+ Boxes.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

To be frank, the TiVo boxes are no longer fit for purpose. Sad, but true.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Yeah, I agree, but it's the only box still issued for customers that don't take internet from VM. The alternatives are they introduce a new box model or stop selling TV services without internet bundled.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

There's a possibility that VM might be making plans to convert one of the tuners into a cable modem for customers without VM broadband:

https://www.forumbox.co.uk/forum/thr...7623#post87623

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

I didn't know that was possible. :)

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

That’d require a hardware change. Not a software one.

---------- Post added at 21:48 ---------- Previous post was at 21:44 ----------

It’s not.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

That was my immediate thought. But people use graphics cards for non-graphics purposes these days, so I keep an open mind these days. Though I still have my doubts.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

It isn't. You could theoretically tune one of the tuners to a DOCSIS downstream (the V6 has two spare tuners anyway), but you'd still have no upstream.

TiVo is also required for customers who don't have an HDMI TV.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Could we ever get access to eight tuners in the future?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Thanks for the clarification.
I forgot about Scart re: TiVo. I still use Scart on a number of devices, but not the Cable TV.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

I also use the SCART output on our V HD box to feed the modulator and the DVD/HDD recorder. VM want us to have a TIVO but we have no need for the recording capability as there's so little that we watch anyway.

Thinking of dumping the TV offering anyway.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

It's unlikely on the TiVo software, but who knows after that.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Update: jj20x has advised that the stream for this (DL_Sam_TiVoBL_16MB_CMstream) looks like it could be a test configuration for a new box or modified V6.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Interesting this epiphany occurred after his previous guess was debunked on this forum.

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Could this perhaps relate to the Horizon software expected to be rolled out in the second half of this year?

Re: Virgin Media UK to remove V+ HD Boxes from network
 

Sometimes new ideas/theories come to you once you have more information or time has passed. The brain doesn't work in an "all or nothing" way. Sometimes the best way to work things out is to "think out loud". Even if no one responds and debates, simply writing things out can help the writer think things through.

JJ20X hasn't done anything that I've seen to not be given the benefit of the doubt.