V+ : Likely V+ box exchange

[floppus]

I spoke with Virgin faults today to discuss an annoying but not terminal issue with my old (first generation) SA V+ box. It transpires that my "signal strength" is "very weak" and I would benefit from an engineers visit. I asked if this signal strength issue was a transmission issue or possibly a box fault. I was led to believe that the fault was almost certain to be due to my "old box". If this were the case the engineer would organise an exchange.

I have had my V+ box for a very long time and have around 20 hours of very rare tv moments saved on the drive. If the engineer has to replace my box can he/she transfer the stored files onto the new box. I asked the advisor on the phone but there was a problem getting her to grasp what I was asking and she deferred my question to the engineer (whose response might be too late for me to take any steps to salvage the stuff).

I also understand that my SA box was subsequently superceded by a Samsung device and that these are now proving unreliable and are not being issued. What am I likely to be offered. I am a pensioner on a limited budget and want to reduce my outgoings and not be persuaded to upgrade to a Tivo as the only solution to my present minor problems.

Regards,

[progers]

I think the answer to your question is almost certainly no to the transfer.

Best if you have a DVD recorder, or a friend with one, to record your 20 hrs onto that then burn to DVD

[MalteseFalcon]

When I had my Broadband upgraded, the engineer told me that if my V+ box went, then I would be upgraded to Tivo with no extra cost, although how accurate that is I don't know.

You could always call Virgin back, go for thinking of leaving us and say that if you need a Tivo box to replace your V+ box, what deal can they do for you. Stress the fact that you are a pensioner, and say you don't have much money to spend on the service, but like the service Virgin provide and you don't really want to leave them.

Works, trust me.

[spiderplant]

Originally Posted by floppus

I spoke with Virgin faults today to discuss an annoying but not terminal issue with my old (first generation) SA V+ box. It transpires that my "signal strength" is "very weak" and I would benefit from an engineers visit. I asked if this signal strength issue was a transmission issue or possibly a box fault. I was led to believe that the fault was almost certain to be due to my "old box". If this were the case the engineer would organise an exchange.

The box is unlikely to be the cause of the low signal strength, but the technician may swap it anyway, depending on what the fault is. It would be replaced with a Samsung V+. I don't know who told you they are unreliable, but it isn't true.

And definitely no to the transfer. Copy the recordings to DVD or video tape yourself first.

[toby53]

We have just had the same problem with the signal strength being low. An engineer visited to check but in the end he had to swop the V+ for a new one. sorry but any recorded progams are lost.
Engineer was very good and helpful, we even had his manager round to see how we were doing. Exerlant service from the engineering side ( customer services please note)

[stuartlines]

Hard disk failed on my V+ box last month. Called Virgin, engineer arrived following day with a replacement Samsung box. I thought that was good service. Minor problem with the new box but that is likely to be a separate post. Lost the recorded programmes of course.