[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by pip08456

@BenMcr I wish you would check as AFIAK even Tivo boxes will allow reception of channels 1-4 (or 5) with the overlay message.

I could be wrong though.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Yes, it would be interesting to find out. This is just my curiosity though, as I very much doubt that my friend will be upgraded to TiVo whilst not subscribing to any package at all

Sorry what I meant was that on TiVo the channels will be shown but with the message.

That's because the channel source is currently the same across all STBs

My point was that you can't view them completely in the clear on TiVo as you can on the V boxes as on TiVo you cannot remove the overlay message.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

So are they definitely going to withdraw the V HD boxes Ben? I remember when TiVo first came out that the CEO said that the TiVo software could be dropped onto the V boxes.

In some respects it's already happening. As from last November you must have at least one TiVo box as part of any core bundle change that includes Virgin TV. So if you don't have TiVo, to make any change to your core bundle you need to take it.

And the older SA V+ HD boxes are currently being swapped out due to change to Sky Premiums HD.

I have no doubt that this sort of change will continue and the swap out activity will increase.

It's the same as happened with analogue. When Digital Cable was first introduced it was demand led i.e for new customers only. But as time went it was pushed deeper into bundles and services until eventually it was a required change in order to keep cable TV.

I have seen posts from people who claim to be able to connect digital cable to a TV that has a cable tuner for the FTA channels.

It may be possible but only because the channels are currently unencrypted.

If / when Virgin Media get to a point where all their customer reception equipment doesn't work without an active subscription and connection there will no need to keep them FTA, as you'll either be able to get them decrypted in your active subscription or the kit won't work.

This needs a landline, so if he has to have that put back on, could he get the free TV M package? Would it still be 'free' if he has to take a TiVo?

TV M is only currently available within bundles including broadband as far as I'm aware. And although there is still no specific cost for the channel line up itself, the TiVo fee does technically add £5 the cost - before any bundle calculation.

They are coming to replace my V+ box tomorrow, which surprised me, I thought that they'd now be wanting everyone on TiVo (I don't take premium sports or movies).

Fault swaps are still like for like (unless in the case of SD V boxes there aren't any left, in which case a V HD is installed instead)