Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

This is a continuation of the 'Changes to Virgin TV (2020)' thread which you can find here:

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/show...php?t=33708568

1. The old thread has been closed, but will remain for information purposes;
2. I will collate all the information from my various sources and post on Cable Forum;

In addition to that I will be on hand to answer any questions that arise and to provide links to other sources of information as they come up.

Thank you.

Here is the CONFIRMED Channels news for Virgin UK and N. Ireland TV:

December 2020:
27th. NOW Christmas rebrands back as NOW 80s on Virgin UK Channel 346.
27th. NOW 80s rebrands back to NOW 90s on Virgin UK Channel 347.
31st. Sky Cinema Disney HD rebrands as Sky Cinema Five Star Movies HD on Virgin UK Channel 405.

January 2021:
4th. ITVBe +1 will move from Virgin UK Channel 120 to Virgin UK Channel 162 in Scottish areas only.
4th. BBC ALBA will move from Virgin UK Channel 161 to Virgin UK Channel 120 in Scottish areas only.
4th. Channel 4 may move from Virgin UK Channel 104 to Virgin UK Channel 108 in Wales areas only.
4th. S4C HD will move from Virgin UK Channel 166 to Virgin UK Channel 104 in Wales areas only.
6th. Sky Cinema Five Star Movies HD closes on Virgin UK Channel 405.
6th. Sky Cinema Premiere +1 may relaunch on Virgin Media UK.
-Sky Nature to launch on Virgin UK Channel 280.
-Sky Documentaries to launch on Virgin UK Channel 278.

©copyright 2020 Media Boy 2006 - 2020. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Ah a new thread! Lets hope 2021 brings

1) New apps
2) Actual public statements on the future of the V6
3) No price rises
4) Shenanigans

Cheers again Media Boy for your work on here. I dont know how many years its been now...but its really appreciated!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Been here since July 2006.

---------- Post added at 00:24 ---------- Previous post was at 00:20 ----------

An newspaper web site says Discovery back GB News hope to launch in March 2021.

Still no confirmed news on what Network (Sky, Virgin Media or Freeview) will have it from launch.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Upcoming changes on Sky, most (if not all) are likely to take place on Virgin Media as well, on or around the same date:

Friday 1st January
Sky Cinema Christmas renames to Sky Cinema Drama

Sunday 3rd January
Christmas 24 renames to Movies 24
Christmas 24+ renames to Movies 24+

Monday 4th January
Sky Cinema Musicals renames to Sky Cinema Greats
Sky Cinema Harry Potter renames to Sky Cinema Feel Good

Tuesday 5th January
Sony Movies Christmas changes back to Sony Movies Classic
MTV XMAS changes back to MTV Classic
BoXmas changes back to The Box
Sky Sports Darts renames to Sky Sports Arena

Wednesday 6th January
Nick Jr. Paw Patrol changes back to Nick Jr. Too
Discovery Shed closes​ permanently
Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Home & Health +1 ​close​ permanently
Sky Cinema Five Star Movies (formerly Sky Cinema Disney) closes​ permanently
Sky Cinema Premiere +1 relaunches

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I guess these are due to the launches of Discovery + and Disney +.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

And Sky UHD

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

A sign of things to come.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

not much hope of number 3 vince

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

... but, of course, there was no general price increase in 2020.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Oh, and the promised improvement to streaming quality on Virgin Go.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I suppose the same rumours about Sky Atlantic will appear again this year...

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Watch this space...the Sky deal hasn't been implemented yet!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Just pay £1.60 per month for the entertainment channel and get a Now TV stick.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You're being ripped off! Just pay £1pm for the Entertainment Pass and watch it through your smart TV.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

What else is new? They’ll always be there until Sky Atlantic finally appears on the EPG. 😂

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I don’t believe it will appear yet on the EPG. It is possible conceivably that Sky Atlantic programmes may appear on Box Sets in the on demand section, which would be on a par with BT. I put it no more strongly than that - it is conceivable.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It'll be a linear channel OB. Plus on demand and any other medium Virgin can deliver it.

If of course it's in the deal at all.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

BT has Atlantic as a linear channel but BTs tv is now mostly NOWTV.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Ripped off for 60p :D, I don't have Now TV app on my smart TV.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I'm going to start reporting posts to Mods for anyone paying less than £4 a month for Now TV. Off topic.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

:D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I wouldn't discount that either, but then Sky wouldn't be able to claim that the Sky Atlantic channel was only on Sky and its streaming service Now TV.

Nobody outside the business actually knows whether Sky Atlantic content was in the deal with VM. All we know is that more on demand content was promised. We also know what Sky said at the time, which has already been read both ways. I guess it won't be long before we know now.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

When does the new deal with Sky start?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It was meant to be some time in 2020, but the timetabling has slipped...you guessed it - because of Covid!

According to a Virgin employee on the community forum, it should not be long to wait now. Although we’ve heard Virgin’s version of ‘coming soon’ before!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It's just waiting to be activated everything is all set in place.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Any new channels of a watery nature making an appearance? ;)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

SKY Atlantic was not in the deal, but i don't return back to work for another 2 weeks so unless anything has changed since i broke up 2 weeks ago SA will not be on VMs tv platform in any shape or form.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Is there any insight into pack availability for Sky UHD, I’m on the legacy VIP pack with Movies & Sports.

Would it likely be a part of that or additional bolt on or only for Ultimate Oooomph customers only?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

How do you get it for that price? It's advertised as being £9.99 a month after a 7 day free trial.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

We don't really deal with the consumer side of things aka packs etc but at a guess i think it'll be a add on for a fee around £6 this is only guess work though.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Pay a month then cancel it, give your reason as too expensive and see what they offer you. If you don't watch it much, I think they give you a lower price and then they roll this over for six months.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Cheers LK
My deal is up and therefore I’m dubious about staying on VIP with the prospect of adding Sky UHD services loosing any discount going forward.

Will play it by ear.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You mean you have a discount on top of the discount that is the VIP discount itself?

Just to clarify what you think you are losing.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes, for example in the past I never had movies and when adding them mid term it was going to cost about £50 more a month as I was loosing my discount so therefore never bothered

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I tried exactly that but was not offered any discount at all to continue. I had the entertainment pack plus the HD boost for a month and then cancelled stating that it was too expensive a while ago and since then... a deafening silence. I was only interested in the Sky Atlantic box sets as I get everything else from Sky on my Ultimate Oomph bundle. £12.00 per month is just too much to pay for that. I would be prepared to pay a lesser sub to keep it permanently. The cancellation ploy doesn't always work.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

There's probably some algorithm to it with usage, post code, time of the year, etc.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

VM V6 TV Guide updated to confirm:

Wednesday 6th January
Discovery Shed closes​ permanently
Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Home & Health +1 ​close​ permanently
Sky Cinema Five Star Movies (formerly Sky Cinema Disney) closes​ permanently

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The first two won’t be missed!

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

They could bin at least another 50 and it still wouldn't make a dent in the dross.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

But is it the 50+ I never watch :D and that's the problem

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

BBC Alba now Ch 120 and ITVBe+1 on Ch 162 in Scotland.

I presume the OFCOM-required PSB channel number changes to S4C and Channel 4 in Wales have happened on VM too, but I can't confirm as not my region.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes it has:D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

With the closure of Discovery Home & Health, Discovery Home & Health +1 and Discovery Shed today, Virgin Media could ask Discovery to replace them with three of their channels not available but which are on Sky (Food Network +1, Quest Red +1 and Discovery Turbo +1). +1 channels still seem to be quite popular and would bring in extra revenue for Discovery.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

If Sky didn't have a 12 month TV exclusive for Discovery+ I suspect VM would rather have that in compensation. Quite possible they'll take the missing +1s on a temporary basis. Or maybe they'll convince them to make a currently non-HD channel HD, VM has had HD versions of channels before other platforms before.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Discovery+ would be a nice addition to Virgin Media, as would the Disney+ and UKTV Play apps.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I’m hoping VM will add Apple +, which would certainly satisfy my needs for the time being.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Personally l cannot see that happening anytime soon OB.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Nope, cannot see that either, Den.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Not very good super-aggregators, are they?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Your opinion but others might share a different opinion.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

2021 will be a year mostly of on demand content for VM had a nice document come through at work, Discovery+ is on the agenda but no timeframe as of yet so could be next week, next month, next year, next decade.
Apple+ is not mentioned, it's not mentioned on any of the platforms though but we don't really deal with Apple anyway.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Thanks for the confirmation. Legendkiller.

I think we may have seen the end pretty much of TV channel launches now.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes. Only channels I can think of at the moment are those news channels - GB News plus a news channel from News UK. In the future, we might get DAZN if they acquire more rights and the BBC3 rumour tends to crop up from time to time.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Yes as Andrew said only possible launches now are GB news, News UK (presumed name) and DAZN and ofcourse the usual SKY Cinema name changes.
Don't be surprised if in the future we see all Discovery channels become exclusive to Discovery+

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Surely those hoping for Disney+, Discovery+, Apple TV etc are far better off getting a cheap streaming device rather than waiting forever and a day for Virgin to add these services

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Indeed, and that's why I have streaming sticks. However, my TV is now on a wall and we don't like all these wires coming down from the TV, which is very untidy. We also want to select all our programmes from just one search engine so they appear in the 'My Shows' list.

My point is that Liberty Global's vision of being a super-aggregator isn't really going very well, is it?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Absolutely, I have a steaming stick too and use in on our second TV, but it's so much better having all the apps in one place and integrated into VM's box, and it will be key to VM's success moving forward - hence why they've now got all the main free players (at long last) plus the likes of Netflix and Prime Video.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Absolutely even if they don't have a spare HDMI socket you can buy a decent HDMI switch for £15.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Totally agree but better check it works v6 have a neet lucky I spoke the owner before I ordered and told me that the cheaper model ( about a Fiver less) wouldn't work with it. Could be a con but I don't think so, the model I bought is great . And as it's v6 can use via a brick wall :rolleyes:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Think you was fobbed of mate i have a 5 port HDMI 4K switch cost £9 all devices work perfectly on it SKYQ, Nvidia shield, ps4, switch and pc.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I have a 3 port HDMI switch they have sold in Tesco for ages and it works fine with V6. It was probably £15, but Clubcard points etc, etc. :D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Just a note that anyone getting a switch or splitter should check it's HDCP 2.2 compatible and will support 4k content at higher refresh rates.

Some cheap ones that says they support 4K are HDMI 1.4 and HDCP 1.x and only support 4K at 30Hz.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

BT Sport, Sky Sports, Amazon Prime - all the Premiership games on one box. Sounds super to me.

The cable operator has never let any two bob free to air channel from satellite onto it's platform and for streaming there's no real reason to integrate content that will create the opinion they are a one stop shop for any old garbage.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Very good point Ben always read description carefully some will say 4K but if you read it you'll see the "upto 1080p" in description.
Mine is 2.2 i got it from a store closing down.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It's a splitter not switch and as Ben says this one works on uhd .

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Is this a conversion? I would never argue with that!

Everything on one box is my mantra. Feel free to join the franchise at absolutely no cost!

Seriously, jfman, this is what people using streaming services are demanding. We just want one search list covering all the TV channels, players and streaming services. This makes everything so much easier.

I am concerned that VM may miss the boat, despite the inroads they have made to date. Ultimately, this could be their USP, if they really tried. Sky is in danger of taking the lead as things stand.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Any Amazon links for recommended HDMI splitters?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Are you sure that it's a splitter you need? If so, does it need to have the bonus feature some of them have?;)

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Ha no idea what that means... I just only have two hdmi connections and with a v6 and PS4 I’m looking for any suggestions via here or pm so I can use other stuff too ha

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

If as you seem to be saying that your TV has two inputs, but you want to connect more than two devices(V6+PS4+eg Amazon Firestick), you need a switch, not a splitter. A switch takes inputs from multiple devices and selects just one input signal to be sent to the display device(eg TV or monitor).
The 3rd and 5th pictures in this item from Amazon indicates the device setup. Don't know for sure whether that one would work, but the specs are right(HDMI 2.0, HDCP 2.2, HDR, 4K60). Doesn't have a remote though.


A splitter would be used to send output from a single device(eg V6) to 2 or more display devices(eg TVs).

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

From a steaming perspective, this is what Google are trying to do with Google TV on the new Chromecast device. It seems Netflix are showing some resistance though and trying to avoid the aggregation service to force users to use their own app. Frustrating as being able to search all streaming services from one place is clearly appealing.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

A splitter would be used to send output from a single device(eg V6) to 2 or more display devices(eg TVs).[/QUOTE]

Just what i have it for .one v6 box in study , spitter is used to support a second tv in kitchen. As it's a v6 can control from which ever room I chose. ;) If you go down this route make sure it will work with v6 ,as i said before advised that cheaper model does not support v6.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

The following channels have been made available to lower VM TV tiers on a temporary basis according to JJ20X on Forum Box.

Discovery History (and +1), Discovery Science (and +1), Discovery Turbo, Sky HISTORY (and +1) Animal Planet (and +1), Crime+Inv (and +1), Eurosport 1HD, Eurosport 2HD, Sky HISTORY 2.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Ah yeah i have a splitter too from my pc so i can use it on my tv too if needed.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Sky Documentaries SD - now on 278
Sky Nature SD - now on 280

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Thanks. They took their time, they've been lurking for a wee while now apparently.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Interesting timing. Maybe related to the latest national lockdown. Strange that the main Discovery Channel is not included.

---------- Post added at 11:05 ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 ----------

Discovery History (and +1), Discovery Science (and +1), Discovery Turbo, Sky HISTORY (and +1) Animal Planet (and +1), Crime+Inv (and +1), Eurosport 1HD, Eurosport 2HD and Sky HISTORY 2 are free until 9 February.

Sky Nature SD and Sky Documentaries SD are both now included with the Documentaries Personal Pick and the Mix bundle.

Press release:

https://www.virginmedia.com/corporat...uring-lockdown

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Space x is finally rolling out in uk but it ain't cheap £500+ for equipment and £85p/m speeds are between 80mb - 110mb.
And people thought VM were expensive speaking of which talks have begun with VM and Disney+ Also ROKU channel should arrive on VMs platform this year too.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I shudder to think what Max will say about the Roku channel! Not for those of weak disposition :D:D:D

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Easier for who?

None of the streaming sticks I use (Chromecast, Fire Stick, Now TV stick) operate in the manner you describe and neither does my Smart TV.

Sky have always pushed their content primarily with third parties getting pennies in wholesale revenue and lower prominence in the EPG.

While your wet dream of an all streaming future clearly needs a leg up from the incumbent providers my question is why would they bother? What’s the big alternative product that everyone will leave for?

They’ll naturally add streaming services where there’s value add for them. They’re not going to do it out of some altruistic virtue.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Now we're talking! Thanks for this, LK! So maybe Sky did have a 12 month exclusivity agreement with Disney + after all.

The Roku Channel was unexpected!

---------- Post added at 09:06 ---------- Previous post was at 08:56 ----------

I am not sure why you are arguing and what your argument actually is. Perhaps you are thinking that I am saying something different from what I clearly have said. This won't be the first time you have deliberately tried to twist an argument out of all recognition.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt, I will explain it to you. VM already permits you to bookmark all the programmes on your wishlist from the likes of Netflix and Amazon. Those bookmarked shows then appear under the 'My Shows' list with all your recordings. That's why it is easier to have all the streamers on one box.

Argue the toss as much as you like, but many of us find that very convenient indeed.

The streamers themselves recognise that the key to keeping customers lies in helping them to find their content more easily, and they also recognise that they will have more success if their content is available on multiple platforms.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Almost - I think Sky and O2 had it exclusively but it was as clear as mud at the time. Of the streaming services, it is the main app not on VM yet.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

No need to give me the benefit of the doubt I’d rather you just answered the questions as presented however as usual it’s evasion, avoidance and pushing your pipe dream on the forum.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

What is evasive about my post? Where did I not attempt to help you understand?

Help me here, jfman, because you are doing my head in.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Questions you didn't answer:

What's in it for them (to assist you here this is meaning Virgin and Sky)?
What's the big alternative product that everyone will leave for? (You will note my previous reference to streaming sticks and Smart TVs not offering the experience you describe).

While Sky are regulated to provide EPG slots resulting in hundreds of third party channels Virgin are not. Virgin haven't, to date, decided to carry these channels on the basis that they exist.

You want Sky/Virgin to provide YOU exactly with YOUR vision of that YOU think television should look like. They are commercial entities who have built their platforms into millions of homes - they're not going to hand that on a plate to any two bob streamer like Eleven Sports (RIP) if there's no commercial value to them as platforms.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

What's in it for them (to assist you here this is meaning Virgin and Sky)? Well, as they are already doing it, that is a pointless question. You can already search for shows on the main streamers and bookmark them on Sky and VM. As far as getting more streamers on Sky and Virgin Media, clearly that would be in their interests because such a choice would attract new customers to their platforms. Liberty Global is committed to becoming a super-aggregator, and I think the same can be said of Sky. Why would they have said that if it didn’t benefit them? I am puzzled as to why you cannot see this.

What's the big alternative product that everyone will leave for? (You will note my previous reference to streaming sticks and Smart TVs not offering the experience you describe).

The easier it is to stream and find what you want, the more attractive the product will be. That means more business for platforms offering it.

While Sky are regulated to provide EPG slots resulting in hundreds of third party channels Virgin are not. Virgin haven't, to date, decided to carry these channels on the basis that they exist.

What’s that got to do with the price of eggs? It’s not a point that I made. I said I wanted the recordings listed with content from the streamers. I didn’t even mention EPG slots.

What evidence do you have that a lot of other people would not also appreciate the enhancements I have advocated? You cannot see very far beyond what is already on offer and how things work at the moment. Clearly, it is unlikely that VM or Sky will ever offer all the streamers available on Roku, and they probably wouldn’t want to, but they should offer at least the popular ones, and those with promise such as Apple+, Acorn and Britbox. Otherwise, why talk about being a super-aggregator of content?.

I trust that this clears that up for you. However, you don’t have to agree with me. Clearly, that would be too much to ask.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You're pushing for them to carry every streaming service, not some, or most, but all. Fully integrated into their search facilities.

"Everything on one box"

I'm glad you have conceded that no such product exists offering this in competition to Sky or Virgin Media.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Article on Virgin TV Edit about the addition of Sky Documentaries SD and Sky Nature SD to VM:

https://www.virginmedia.com/virgin-t...hannels-launch

It's actually great timing, as these 2 channels are much better than the closed Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Shed.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I said that they should carry at least the popular ones and those with promise. I said that very clearly.

I also said that integration of searches from the likes of Netflix and Amazon on VM and Sky is already happening.

I have never said that no such product exists offering this in competition to Sky or Virgin Media.

Either you are not reading posts properly or you aware deliberately trying to skew the argument into one you would prefer to have.

Or maybe you are just being argumentative.

---------- Post added at 17:14 ---------- Previous post was at 17:12 ----------

It’s a pity that Virgin don’t offer HD as standard. UHD should be the premium service now.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Old Boy I fail to see why you call me argumentative when you move on to claim you made a point that is substantively different from the one made at first almost every time you are challenged.

What is this alternative product that has all the apps all integrated into one search function, and if such a product exists why didn't you answer the question directly the first time?

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Could you please clarify in which post I actually said there was such an alternative product? I have never said that - this is your point, not mine.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

You asked me what points you had been evading - this was one of the direct questions that I've asked twice.

I can't work out from the post above if you are either unable or unwilling to answer direct questions. I'm not sure the difference matters substantively.

The reality is the Virgin Media product (and Sky product) exist in the actual marketplace and there's no incentive to become a one stop shop for any and every streamer going. There's no incentive to push minority interest junk into into search results on behalf of streamers regardless of whether people subscribe or not.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Well, I answered your questions. Did you actually read the responses?

Not that I care, this is another of your wind-ups, so I’m done here.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

I was viewing them more as a replacement for LoveNature, as Sky Nature showing LoveNature content is probably indirectly responsible for the departure.

2 SD channels with adverts for 1 HD channel without ads is a mixed result. Sky Documentaries looks decent, but I'd rather have LoveNature back.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

It took three attempts, and an initial denial that you had.

I’m not sure how it can be described as a “wind up” to ask you to point to alternative products when you claim Virgin are failing to provide something there’s such obvious demand for. :confused:

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Streamers are more than just content providers and content aggregators. They generally own the relationship with the customer and the application that enables customers to access that content. It is not usually in an individual streaming company's interests for people to navigate this through a third party interface as it makes it easier to navigate between different providers and people say "I saw this great series on Sky" as oppose to "I saw this great box set on Discovery +"

That is why they want people to stay in their own ecosystems and not to stray to other providers' services. Helping customers find their content more easily works in the confines of their own apps but beyond it can work against them. They don't want customers to see over the walls of their walled gardens.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Must admit, I'm not sure I'd want to have SD wildlife & nature content given an HD choice...

I'm guessing that these channels are fed to VM in HD, and downscaled to SD - not sure if Sky carry an SD equivalent or not.

That said, I agree the SD versions are a good lower-tier addition...

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

As with all Sky channels there are SD versions, and that is what people get if they don't have the HD pack. It just took VM a while to add them.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Exactly. Even BBC shows with a big BBC logo at the start of every episode (and efen on the show tile) get mistaken for other services output. I keep being amazed at the number who mistakenly associate UK shows with likes of Netflix, and I'm not talking about those that are co-productions.

And there a so many stories you read about people only discovering well known shows on Netflix, it's astounding how many seem unwilling to exit the app to look at other services, it's a virtuous circle for them, one every other broadcaster now realises they have to break.

Re: Changes to Virgin TV (2021)
 

Virgin TV Channel Guide updated:
https://www.virginmedia.com/virgin-t...-channel-guide

Desktop PDF: https://www.virginmedia.com/content/...nuary_2021.pdf
Mobile PDF: https://www.virginmedia.com/content/...nuary_2021.pdf

Personal Picks updated:
https://www.virginmedia.com/content/...nuary_2021.pdf