Tivo V6 : Do I have to change to TV 360?

[kered10]

I've had an email from VM saying "Your TV box needs a free upgrade."
My wife and I are pretty content with the existing TiVo-based system on our two 1GB (I think) V6 boxes, including accessing Netflix and Amazon Prime Video through them. We've also got a fair amount recorded that we might like to watch at some point. The contract with discounts for two TV boxes, 1Gb broadband with one pod, landline and one O2 SIM is due for renewal in October.
Apart from losing existing recordings, what's the consensus? Go for it, or hold onto V6 just now?
Thanks for any opinions,
Derek

If you are happy with what you have, keep it as long as you can.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by kered10

I've had an email from VM saying "Your TV box needs a free upgrade."
My wife and I are pretty content with the existing TiVo-based system on our two 1GB (I think) V6 boxes, including accessing Netflix and Amazon Prime Video through them. We've also got a fair amount recorded that we might like to watch at some point. The contract with discounts for two TV boxes, 1Gb broadband with one pod, landline and one O2 SIM is due for renewal in October.
Apart from losing existing recordings, what's the consensus? Go for it, or hold onto V6 just now?
Thanks for any opinions,
Derek

Do nothing. It's a downgrade. VM are keen as it saves them money on tivo licences. Lots of ' buyers regret' threads on their forum.

[cheekyangus]

I think we had the same, or similar email. The wording elsewhere is less “needs” and more “it’s there if you want it”.

We have no interest, so are ignoring it. They sent a similar email months ago. The latest made out it was a new and the first time they’ve offer it, which it definitely isn’t.

[alwaysabear]

Originally Posted by cheekyangus

I think we had the same, or similar email. The wording elsewhere is less “needs” and more “it’s there if you want it”.

We have no interest, so are ignoring it. They sent a similar email months ago. The latest made out it was a new and the first time they’ve offer it, which it definitely isn’t.

I had the same message just before Easter, but I have no intention of accepting it.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by cheekyangus

I think we had the same, or similar email. The wording elsewhere is less “needs” and more “it’s there if you want it”.

We have no interest, so are ignoring it. They sent a similar email months ago. The latest made out it was a new and the first time they’ve offer it, which it definitely isn’t.

Haven't had any emails, but I've opted out of marketing. Which indicates the 360 is a commercial rather than required move.

[kered10]

Thanks for all the replies. I think my approach will be to keep what we've got but be prepared for the chance they might compel change at some point. If they want to do that, I wouldn't be surprised if they use Netflix as the lever - "you have access to Netflix at a discounted/free rate through us, you'll lose that if you don't change to TV360," or something.
Derek

[joglynne]

Originally Posted by Mr K

Haven't had any emails, but I've opted out of marketing. Which indicates the 360 is a commercial rather than required move.

I opted out of marketing, just checked and the optout is still in place. I still got the offer of the 360 update. Maybe they are targeting certain areas.

[nodrogd]

Originally Posted by kered10

Thanks for all the replies. I think my approach will be to keep what we've got but be prepared for the chance they might compel change at some point. If they want to do that, I wouldn't be surprised if they use Netflix as the lever - "you have access to Netflix at a discounted/free rate through us, you'll lose that if you don't change to TV360," or something.
Derek

The default box that is being pushed at new customers now is the Stream/Flex box. They can opt for V360 if they pay a £50 activation fee. Both the V360 & Stream run on the same firmware, but the latter does not record, nor does it require coaxial cables attached, as it is totally IP driven. It will be the jump to full IP operation in the legacy cable areas that will be the end of TiVO on VM.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by nodrogd

The default box that is being pushed at new customers now is the Stream/Flex box. They can opt for V360 if they pay a £50 activation fee. Both the V360 & Stream run on the same firmware, but the latter does not record, nor does it require coaxial cables attached, as it is totally IP driven. It will be the jump to full IP operation in the legacy cable areas that will be the end of TiVO on VM.

And the end of a lot of folks contracts with VM. If I had shares I'd be selling.

[nodrogd]

Originally Posted by Mr K

And the end of a lot of folks contracts with VM. If I had shares I'd be selling.

There will also be a lot of disappointed Sky viewers in a few years time when the satellites are switched off & they can no longer record TV either. SkyQ & TiVO will go on for a few years with diminishing returns. The trouble is, look at the figures. Uptake of Sky Stream vs Sky Q with new customers was 70%/30% at 3rd quarter 2024 before Sky changed the sales pitch. When does the older technology become unsustainable? When the cost of running a platform starts to outweigh the revenue that can be achieved from it.

I'm I looking at alternatives going forward. Yes. The TiVO TV platform is the only thing keeping me with VM

[Mr K]

The ability to FF through ads will disappear with all streamed content. It is a strange development , when a freeview recorder will be superior to Sky or Virgin. You'd begin to wonder what exactly you'd be paying for. I know where I'll be heading when/if recording boxes go.

Can't see the point of the Stream box they are now peddling. You don't need a box from VM or Sky to do that.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Mr K

The ability to FF through ads will disappear with all streamed content. It is a strange development , when a freeview recorder will be superior to Sky or Virgin. You'd begin to wonder what exactly you'd be paying for. I know where I'll be heading when/if recording boxes go.

Can't see the point of the Stream box they are now peddling. You don't need a box from VM or Sky to do that.

Unfortunately the last time I checked virgin bb cost more on it's own than having tv and phone ( which is not even connected at my home since needing to move to the Internet thingy what's it )

[nodrogd]

Originally Posted by Mr K

The ability to FF through ads will disappear with all streamed content. It is a strange development , when a freeview recorder will be superior to Sky or Virgin. You'd begin to wonder what exactly you'd be paying for. I know where I'll be heading when/if recording boxes go.

Can't see the point of the Stream box they are now peddling. You don't need a box from VM or Sky to do that.

The only model that would sell is the unitary access point. Just as you can bundle channels for a discount, why not the app subscriptions as well. As long as it remains flexible & allows access on other devices it could be a useful USP.

[japitts]

Originally Posted by kered10

Thanks for all the replies. I think my approach will be to keep what we've got but be prepared for the chance they might compel change at some point. If they want to do that, I wouldn't be surprised if they use Netflix as the lever - "you have access to Netflix at a discounted/free rate through us, you'll lose that if you don't change to TV360," or something.
Derek

I had Netflix-standard with my last 18month minimum-term, and "renewed" onto a new 18month minimum back-end of last year.

No mention of migrating to TV360, and Netflix-standard was retained.

It was fortunate timing actually, VM's move to Netflix-with-ads was a matter of weeks later.