V+ vs. Freesat?

Macman · 13-03-2009, 13:46

Hi everyone,

I've just bought an HD-ready TV and want to press it into action. But I'm torn between going with the Virgin V+ system (I already have phone and broadband with them) and going the Freesat route. Sky is not an option for various reasons.

Here are my questions:

1. Is there a difference in quality in the Standard Definition and High Definition output between V+ and Freesat?

2. At the moment, Virgin only has one HD channel (BBC) but is promising more soon. Do you think they will increase the monthly rental fee as more HD channels come on stream? Or will it remain at the Ã‚Â£5 level?

3. Is it worth waiting for the new Samsung V+ box to be guaranteed installed?

That's it. Any and all reflections welcome.

Many thanks!

**Chris** · 13-03-2009, 14:31

Well, the quality should be the same, as they are both able to output 1080i. In practice of course different brands of box have slightly different characteristics. The thing is, there can't be too many people who have ever seen a V+ box and a Freesat HD box working side by side so it's going to be very hard to get a recommendation.

On price, I'd say it's unlikely they will try to increase the subscription when more HD channels come on stream as they will want to try to compete with Sky to some degree.

And it doesn't matter how long you wait, you are not guaranteed to get a brand new box when you subscribe to Virgin. So even when they have only been buying in Samsung boxes for months, you might still not get one.

Macman · 13-03-2009, 14:36

Thanks for your thoughts on this.

I've just spoken to Virgin and the guy guaranteed the new Samsung box. He said all new customers are getting them and that the only grumbles you hear are from existing customers who want to upgrade but are being fobbed off.

He told me that when the installer comes - if it's not a Samsung, send him away.

So I feel pretty confident of getting the new one. And have just signed up. After much negotiation, he offered to drop the installation cost from Ã‚Â£99 to Ã‚Â£49, so I'm smiling...

**Chris** · 13-03-2009, 14:40

Well done for getting the installation price cut. Cross your fingers on the sort of box you get though. Some of the sales agents will say whatever they think you want to hear to get you to sign up.

Macman · 13-03-2009, 14:43

Will cross my fingers - and brace for a battle if they turn up with the wrong box.

**Chris** · 13-03-2009, 14:45

Well, I'd be braced to sweet-talk the installer rather than battle with him. Plenty of tea and biscuits on hand. There may well be a good supply of Samsungs out with the installers already, but the sales agent really has guaranteed you something that s/he was not in any position to give you a guarantee about. If the installer doesn't bring a Samsung into your house, it's not the installer's fault. But if he doesn't, and you're nice to him, he might be able to go and get you one ...

Macman · 13-03-2009, 14:54

Yes, I suppose I was using "battle" in the broadest sense of the word - ie. plenty of cajoling, wooing, buttering up, tea and biscuits etc before bringing out the heavy artillery...

LondonRoad · 13-03-2009, 15:13

....although I found that using the manacles in the cellar while practicing my knife throwing act got a result with my installer..

Macman · 13-03-2009, 15:22

If things get really sticky, I might have to dust off my medieval rack...

Dai · 13-03-2009, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macman

If things get really sticky, I might have to dust off my medieval rack...

You know Madonna???

Macman · 13-03-2009, 19:11

Not in the biblical sense. Thankfully...

14-03-2009, 21:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macman

..I've just spoken to Virgin and the guy guaranteed the new Samsung box. ....

So long as you express a preference you'll priobably get it - If they have both it's no skin off their nose - i asked for a std samsung box when they also supplied pace box and the woman noted it down on my installation order

.

Macman · 15-03-2009, 11:15

Yeah, I figure I'm home free now...

higgsfield · 16-03-2009, 13:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macman

1. Is there a difference in quality in the Standard Definition and High Definition output between V+ and Freesat?

No-one really answered this. Of course they are both digital connections - but the picture quality can still vary wildly dependent upon compression rates used (watched Setanta lately?). Does anyone know which service has the greater bitrates per channel?

Macman · 16-03-2009, 13:43

You're right - no one really answered. Perhaps because it is very hard to compare - I'm sure the TV companies themselves would rather the consumer couldn't line up the bit-rates etc for all the different services to make a fully informed decision...I'm going with Virgin because it's easier, and I don't want a dish on my house...