Virgin TV Service
 

I have just had an engineers visit and a surprising explanation of what the network will be doing over the next few months.

Currently my set-top box is the size of a laptop. This is going to be replaced by a small box about 3x3x0.25 inches in the next few months.

It is all to do with advanced network fibre optic cabling.
I am told that all TV providers are doing the same.
In fact new Virgin customers are being supplied with the small box now.

Downside, the new small set-top box will NOT have a recording facility, all will be online viewing - no recording.

In my case, I then see no benefit whatsoever in paying Virgin for my TV service and will cancel my TV package with them and simply watch FreeView.

Progress ? Yes, in reverse !!

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Yes, sounds like Virgin Stream, but you will only pay a few quid per month for that. It’ll be worth it in my view for the watchlist facility, which I find very useful for keeping track of what I am watching.

If you are happy with the Freeview offering, I agree that there’s no point in having Virgin TV, unless you don’t have an aerial, in which case Freely is probably best for you.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Just a little clarification - the 360 does still appear to be available, according to the Virgin site.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post the Virgin Stream was now Virgin Flex.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Something that no customer knows and which Virgin should have told every customer in writing.

The problem I had was this -
I had about 30 recordings and a number of planned recordings.
I was watching a recording when the screen froze and a panel came uo saying "Service not available - try later ". I tried several hours later and it still said the same.

I switched off the power and back on again. When I checked my recordings, the whole screen said "No recordings" !!! They were all gone.
Apparently if you cut the power or there is a power cut when an alert message is showing the box resets itself and all recordings and planned recordings are lost.

As an engineer THAT is crap engineering in the extreme and certainly not fail safe practice.
So Virgin have placed their customers back in the Stone Age with no recording facility and a system design that deletes all their recordings when an alert message is showing and the power is cut.
Thank you Virgin for a shameful and disgraceful future system.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Well I have been with VM since it was NTL for over 20 years now, so if it does change to "No Recording" I WILL LEAVE VM for good.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Sky Stream/Glass has no recording - non-live viewing all depends on content being available online.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Same here, I will watch the very many channels of FreeView for nothing.
Costly Virgin TV package will be cancelled. Auf Wiedersehen Virgin, have a nice day.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

As far as I know, VM hasn't announced any intention to force existing customers onto the Stream boxes.

At present, you'd only need the change your TV box to Stream if you move onto the new XGS-PON network which is currently being built because the Tivo, V6 and 360 boxes won't work on that.

I believe only customers requesting speed upgrades will be moved to the new network initially (not sure what the minimum speed required would be). It will require a new cable being laid to customer properties, new router and TV box etc, so it'd be a huge undertaking and cost a lot to move everyone across in one go without good reason.

---------- Post added at 17:43 ---------- Previous post was at 17:40 ----------

Stream is still the name of the box. But VM offers two different services on it. One is the traditional TV packages that come as part of bundles (Bigger TV etc) and the other is Flex.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

V360 is server driven. If the box cannot contact the server, it cannot access the master recording list of what is on your boxes. Horizon was designed for cloud based recording, which has had to be modified in the UK to comply with broadcast agreements that don't yet allow it. Your hard disk is therefore seen as a "cloud" location by the server, which controls all the recordings. VM has had no choice in this. Horizon is Liberty Global's TV platform, & as VMs owners, they can impose on them what they choose. Luckily, we are not being forced off of TiVO V6 yet.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

The recording facility is being withdrawn everywhere - not just on Virgin. The same is the case with Sky. Freeview will be withdrawn in a few years and we will have Freely replacing it. All content will be streamed, so there will be no recording at all in the future. Delayed viewing will be possible only through on demand services.

It’s not surprising, actually, and it’s what the industry wants. Fast forwarding capability to dodge the ads is affecting the bottom line.

So make the most of it while you can is my advice.

---------- Post added at 19:50 ---------- Previous post was at 19:48 ----------

Well, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Freeview is only any good if you don’t watch much TV.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Sky Q can record (and/or download) and I see no plans to stop that, and Q will be going for years yet.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Generic satellite boxes are also available that can record FTA linear broadcasts and receive internet broadcasts (not sure if these can be recorded, I think they can).

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

My wife has a Freeview set top box in bedroom & she records all sorts, so If I ever leave VM I should be able to sort things out, but at the mo I'm happy wi VM.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I’m afraid that is very unlikely. Once the contracts for the satellite transponders run out in a few years, that will be it for Sky Q.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

In your head maybe, but not in reality.

First of all, "a few years" is what I just said ("years yet").
Sky has already confirmed it has a deal with SES until 2029.

Secondly, Sky Q boxes will/can function without satellite anyway.
You can download from all the major catch up sources, plus they can stream to them (which is exactly how sky sports + works).

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I’m done arguing with people on this. If you are happy to believe that existing methods of broadcasting will exist for the rest of your life, that’s up to you, but sooner or later, you will have to face reality.

2029 is just four years away, by the way.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Good. Make sure you stick to that. :sleep:

I can count thank you. :dozey:

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

In my case it quite well stay the same. :rolleyes: Things change nothing we can do about it. Get over it.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I’m just pointing out what is plain for all to see. Personally, I’ll not lose any sleep over it whichever way it goes.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Sky have recently renewed the contracts, you're done with arguing because once again you've been proven wrong.
What will likely happen is a skyq hybrid box that has both streaming live channels and viewing sattelite channels with a option to record from both.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I can't see them bringing out another Sky Q product.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

One has to wonder (if there is no future in satellite broadcasting) why SES is launching two new satellites in 2027 (SES26 and Astra 1Q)?

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I know that, Legendkiller. How does that conflict with what I have said?

Your second point about the hybrid box is beside the point, and such an announcement has not been made by Sky. As far as I know, Sky Q viewers will be moved over to Sky Stream.

It is highly unlikely that Sky would want to pay for costly transponder space when the alternative of streaming is available.

It’ll all come out in the wash.

---------- Post added at 20:42 ---------- Previous post was at 20:34 ----------

The contract with SES will have expired by 2030. While I accept that there might be one more extension after that, Sky will no longer be using satellites for their broadcasting by 2035.

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.ph...ntil-2029.html[EXTRACT]

Global satellite provider SES, which operates a network of nearly 70 satellites that can deliver video and data services to 99% of the world’s population, has today announced an extension of their existing partnership with Sky that will see them continuing to provide capacity to support the Sky Q TV service in the UK and Ireland until the end of 2029.

Sky UK has spent the past couple of years putting a lot more effort into pushing their new internet-based streaming platforms, Sky Glass (Sky integrated streaming TV set) and Sky Stream (streaming set-top-box), which are standalone products that use your home broadband ISP and WiFi connection to stream Sky’s on-demand video content and live TV channels – without the need for a satellite dish.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

You are stating your opinion as fact…

Nothing in that linked article supports your statement.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

You are obsessing about this, aren’t you, Hugh? You are grasping at straws and you don’t provide any links to support your view.

Well, here’s one of many that supports mine. Over to you.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2024/how-soon-i...tv-switch-off/

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

You appear to be confusing "obsessing" with "I’m pointing out you are stating an opinion as fact"… ;)

Some information in that linked is contradicted by events that happened after it was published - such as

Which comes from a linked article which was published in 2022.

Previously, you pointed out that the contract was extended to 2030, and I pointed out that SES was launching two more satellites next year.

You are the one obsessing with a "streaming only" future by 2035 - nearly every one else thinks it will be a hybrid model.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Not as much you are. :dozey:

---------- Post added at 23:56 ---------- Previous post was at 23:54 ----------

They have no need to, Sky Q works just fine for them.
It could be improved of course, but thats down to software updates.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I acknowledge the two additional satellites and Sky’s contract with SES. By the way, I also accept that the 2029 date was extendable, but the article makes clear that this will be only a time limited extension that is unlikely to be extended further.

The article I attached also explains that Sky will not want to be continuing to pay for expensive transponder space when they have Sky Stream available. Sky has stopped promoting Sky Q already, concentrating on their Stream and Glass alternatives.

If you want to fantasise that nothing will change, that’s fine, Hugh. I’ll leave you to comfort yourself with that thought.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Those are for the orbital position of 19.2°, so not aimed at the UK.

Once Sky decide to drop satellite broadcasting, Freesat will become unviable and mainstream DTH satellite broadcasting in the UK will end.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Thanks, Richard. That’s how I see it as well.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

And that's the difference between you and I on this subject - I point out factual fallacies, you resort to ad-hominem attacks. Please be reassured that any fantasies I may indulge in feature neither satellite DTH or you... :rolleyes:

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

OB i literally used to work in the industry and have contacts, SKY are already working on their next box and guess what it's satellite based.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I find that both surprising and encouraging as I prefer satellite to internet distribution. I wonder if it will be a hybrid box capable of both?

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I'm suprised to hear it, simply because Sky Q boxes can already do both.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

So when Sky stop using satellites, could they simply switch Q customers over to Sky Stream?

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Working on and wether it'll actually release is to be seen, working could just mean plans.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Very strange if true. I’ve certainly not heard of it and this runs contrary to everything I’ve read about what is going on.

Of course, given that you only have the word of your contacts for that, we can’t verify the story. I guess this comes under the ‘you heard it here first’ category.

I remain skeptical.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

In a month it will be the end of an era as the Eurosport channels are to close:

https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/broad...201168.article

AIUI Eurosport content will go on the current TNT channels, and the Eurosport channels will cease broadcasting, meaning that those in the current basic channel packages will lose access, unless they begin to take TNT Sports.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Seems that some base-tier customers with heavy use of Eurosport but no TNT subscription, are being offered discounted TNT for the remaining duration of their minimum term.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

A ploy we will probably see again. Carrot this contract, stick the next.

---------- Post added at 15:35 ---------- Previous post was at 15:13 ----------

V360 boxes could certainty go IP only in a transition phase, so there is no reason SkyQ could not do likewise. As far as satellite distribution goes, it's not just the kit up in space that is expiring, the number of broadcasters prepared to pay for linear distribution is also falling.

It looks as if 2030 is also the "drop dead" date for Sky News in it's present form, as Comcast wants to go down the road of a "Premium digital service" going forward.

https://pressgazette.co.uk/publisher...m-2030-vision/

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Will get for "free" until contract ends then have to pay if still wanted.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

And even offering it to those out of their contract period for the remainder of their contract period. Quite some logic by VM there.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I did hear about that box from my sources late last year.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Just cause a row:rolleyes: I know of a company that is working on a flying car , have been messing about for years doesn't mean it will happen :dozey:

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Stand up isn't your strongest point is it buddy lol. :p:

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

So correct Sarcasm and being bloody minded are two that come mind are.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

While coherent sentences are not. ;)

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Typing on a touch screen is a definite problem. At largest setting its still a problem.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...ToP4YdkdNIgw&s

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

That's one of the problems I did. Damaged nerves are another, lastly the dogs lying on me doesn't help. My virus protection will not let me load on PC strangely the same one is happy when on tablet. Seems that autocorrect is messing about, know I put the word let in but on reading after posting it's was gone . Old age doesn't come alone.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I'm beginning to wonder if VM have given up on the tv side. If streaming is the future, and recording is history, that makes their 'service' redundant. You can stream without a monthly sub from smart tvs. Freeview beats them on price for live tv.

The phone business is dead as everyone has mobiles.

Broadband, they no longer have a monopoly on fast speeds.

Maybe they are trying to slowly wind the business down and minimise losses?

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

i dont really know what they're trying to achieve. they need to get into bed with big streaming providers since they couldn't be arsed starting their own streaming service when it was new.

virgin have shown they can do that with netflix. they now need to get into bed with disney and paramount etc. all those providers are desperate for growth.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

VM is doing fine things are in the pipeline, see it more as evolving rather than winding down.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Hi Guys, I just got new 360 boxes and new remote controllers, all is good and working fine, but does anyone know how I cancel Premier Sports via the remote? Or do I have to phone someone to do this, which I find rather strange in this day and age of all the advancements we have in tech. Thx

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Just about every add-on on every platform can only be cancelled with a phone call

So for this one you'll need to call

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

They like to make the process as much work as they can, so you cannot do it online. Sky are just as bad.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Ok, thanks guys.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Of cause want to try to talk" you" out of it :erm:

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

The offer seems to be to anyone within a minimum-term, for the remainder of that minimum term.
Once minimum-term expires, so does the time-limited discount.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

So, if Angus were to apply for it, it would be refused (or maybe be given for a month for 'out of contract' rolling monthly contracts)??

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

As understand its for people that used euros port( * give up on auto correct )
Alot

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

The daft thing is VM’s systems could tell our household watch Eurosport a lot but not that we were out of contract. The latter should have ruled out the email being sent, or an alternative offer provided (if they wanted to have one).

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Should try using a E :p:

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

I'm not sure it's something that's "applied for" so much as reactively offered.

If you're within your minimum-term, it's offered until the end of that. if you're already outside of minimum-term, then I would imagine a re-contract would be offered instead.

Re: Virgin TV Service
 

Correct and only offered to regular viewers ;)