Are virgin shortchanging tv subscibers?

Henkesghost · 30-03-2011, 20:25

Simple really if you think so post your reasons here or just say agree. If Virgin staff read it, it may finally suggest they had better get the finger out after months of inactivity and alledged talks.

clinteastman · 30-03-2011, 21:05

No, I don't.

RobboEdin · 30-03-2011, 21:09

I don't think I'm being shortchanged but you obviously do but omitted to give your reasons. Perhaps if you are seeking others views, you should perhaps give yours first.

30-03-2011, 21:21

No i do not think i am being shortchanged my TV pack is i think value for money,we all look to have extra for our money everybody does but overall i am quite happy with my tv services.

**Hugh** · 30-03-2011, 21:27

No - I knew what I was getting when I chose XL; if I felt short-changed, I wouldn't still be with VM.

muppetman11 · 30-03-2011, 21:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh

No - I knew what I was getting when I chose XL; if I felt short-changed, I wouldn't still be with VM.

Exactly , I left because I wanted a better linear HD channel range and didn't feel VM could offer it me anytime soon.

OLDGOLD · 30-03-2011, 21:34

I don't feel short-changed at all, quite the opposite to be honest. There are a few channels I would really like to see added to the XL TV pack, but the current services I receive are definitely value for money in my opinion.

I've recently switched from Sky where I was paying almost twice as much* just for their SKy+HD (with multiroom) as I do for V+HD, TVXL, broadband and phone with VM. The only real loss is a couple of channels that I did have in HD, which I don't any more.

*Sorry, this might be misleading. I did have Sky Sports and Movies with Sky, which I didn't opt for when joining VM.

Niknod · 30-03-2011, 22:10

I joined VM around four years from Sky when I moved into a VM area. At the time I believed VM was better value for money and I still think the OD service is top notch (apart from not being able to watch HD catchup!). However the value of the TV packages is decreasing. There is a worrying trend at the moment of channels being removed but not replaced, and new channels which launch in a blaze of glory remaining absent to VM to this day. I have seen the CBS channels, SKy Atlantic and soon the Sony channel launch on other platforms but remain missing from VM, whilst other channels have disappeared without replacement (Bravo, Channel 1) and some which I watched regularly removed for no real reason (MTV Classic). It is a worrying trend, and one I hope is reversed soon or I fear for the viable future of cable TV in the UK.

Chad · 30-03-2011, 22:19

I think the TV service I get from Virgin is pretty good value for money. Catch up TV is a must in my house and Virgin offer the best version of the service on the market, in my humble opinion. If I didn't think this I would have left them ages ago.

I'd like to see more HD channels however when I weight up the other services I get for my monthly subscription on the XL package i.e. ESPN, catch up TV, TV choice on demand, music on demand and Virgin Media Player (when it works) I've got to say I'd find it very difficult to have a genuine complaint.

I'm no fanboy however I believe that Virgin offer the best all round TV package out there. If you want the very best content go to SKY. If you want a bit of everything at a fair price, stick with Virgin.

my1 · 31-03-2011, 09:30

I have been with VM over 10 years I think its good value.
VMs biggest problem is the fact that every time they make an agreement with sky for channels and services sky then launch a new channel and move content.
Michael

mersey70 · 31-03-2011, 09:30

I don't think VM 'shortchange' their TV customers but I think it is important to accept their TV offer for what it is.

The linear channel lineup is fine, actually it's more than fine but as VM are not really in the content business they have to rely on striking deals to fit in with the way they have chose to market their services. For me this isn't as flexible as I would like and I personally prefer to pay extra for channels I want, particularly HD. I don't always buy the argument that is often bandied about that certain channels are locked into deals with Sky, some of course are but I merely think VM cannot afford to carry some of them but when you don't pay extra for basic HD then that's the trade off, you just cannot have it both ways. Channels like ESPNA HD that have a tiny following are (in my opinion) the domain of stand alone subscriptions, I doubt you can expect content like this to be included in XL anytime soon but time will tell.

Catch Up is a great service and indeed their offer is unique, TV Choice soon became uncompelling for me but is still a valuable part of their line up. People compare it to BT (which I have had and think is better) but BT is primarily an on demand service, that's what you mainly pay for. And if PPV movies is your thing then VM wins hands down, no doubt about that.

VM offers a really good service, the only reason I chose Sky was I wanted to decide what channels I can access, and indeed pay for but that's just my view. I got tired of the squabbles with Sky which may or may not be justified but it isn't my fight. But VM really needs to up their game giving customer information though, it is lamentable. The Sky Arts HD situation is a case in point, it simply isn't good enough to make an announcement in July 2010 then say nothing else publicly 8 months later.

I suppose the bottom line is VM isn't Sky and vice versa. I doubt VM will ever have the line up of HD channels that Sky carries, nor will Smallworld or UPC and certainly not with their pricing structure. You need to decide what is most important to your family and subscribe accordingly.

redfazer · 31-03-2011, 17:40

I've been with Virgin for years (and NTL beforehand) and am generally pleased. However (and I have complained to them about this) I have finally bought a HDTV and want to upgarde to a HD-top box. Looked at Virgins site and saw that the subscription would be free on my existing package and would have to pay Â£49-odd for "activation." Fair enough I thought. However, when I finally managed to speak to someone to order it, I was then informed the cost would be Â£70 because Virgin charge Â£20 for delivery! Incredible. Apart from the high cost, how can Virgin charge someone a delivery charge for equipment that is necessary to receive their service that I am paying for?

---------- Post added at 16:40 ---------- Previous post was at 16:16 ----------

Ok - update: Virgin just contacted me (literally within minutes of me posting my reply above and my e-mail complaint) and the issue is sorted. I'm very grateful to Virgin and must say, not many companies would contact complainents so quickly.

dgcarter · 31-03-2011, 18:09

No. they charge what they charge for the service that they advertise. That is not by any definition shortchanging anyone.

telegramsam · 31-03-2011, 18:21

No I don`t think I`m being short changed. Like everyone else I`d like more hd channels and a tivo box at a fair price but I believe these things will come eventurly. Virgin are I`m sure working on adding more hd channels and it`s also my belief that virgin will soon realise they`ve over-priced the tivo box for the majority of people and reduce the price. If they don`t then I and millions of others wont buy into tivo and it`l be virgin that`ll be the losers.

Chad · 31-03-2011, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henkesghost

Simple really if you think so post your reasons here or just say agree. If Virgin staff read it, it may finally suggest they had better get the finger out after months of inactivity and alledged talks.

I think after reading the posts so far Virgin staff who do read this thread can keep their finger firmly inserted. Seems to be that Virgin customers are a happy tolerant bunch, well the vast majority are anyway.