Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2009) - Page 57

OLD BOY · 30-04-2009, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu

IF VM want to bring in HD channels, but can't as they claim there is no room, to add these channels, what is the damn point of bringing in +1 channels, that are just repeats of the main channel, it's pointless.

No, it's not pointless. Only the other day I had a clash of programmes at 10pm. I wanted the News, Flashpoint and Sarah Connor Chronicles. By switching Sarah to Virgin 1+1 I was able to record all 3 programmes on my V+ box.

You really shouldn't get so annoyed. The +1 channels are not preventing other channels from appearing on the EPG.

sammyjayuk · 30-04-2009, 22:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You really shouldn't get so annoyed. The +1 channels are not preventing other channels from appearing on the EPG.

It's worth pointing out that, if the platform is currently bandwidth constrained, they could be preventing new channels from appearing altogether.

Sam

Trent · 30-04-2009, 22:46

I dont know if this has been reported anywhere else but just noticed that sky 2 has joined Virgin Media M TV

hodgie99 · 01-05-2009, 06:25

got up this morning and v+ box channels gone up to 328 from 327 cant see ne new channels any one shed any light on this is summat testing?

Media Boy UK · 01-05-2009, 11:09

If you're an Ex-ntl Viewer:
As far as I know Virgin has signed an deal with the Beeb to carry BBC Alba as well as the missing BBC Channels that are not on Ex-Telewest areas.

If you're an Ex-Telewest Viewer:
I think Virgin are testing History + 1 for launch in Ex-Telewest areas.

---------- Post added at 12:09 ---------- Previous post was at 10:41 ----------

HD Channels on Virgin Media update:

At todays press launch of BBC iPlayer HD Virgin Media executive director of content acquisition Katharine Burns Rivington told the press:

Quote:

"BBC iPlayer has been a huge success on our TV platform and we're thrilled to be expanding the service with HD content. We're looking forward to increasing our line-up of broadcast HD channels over the next few months and combining the very best of HD and on demand TV."

http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2...r_goes_hd.html

naeskydish · 01-05-2009, 11:47

From MEDIA bOY'S Link

BBC controller of TV platforms Rahul Chakkara said: "There's a real appetite for BBC iPlayer on TV screens and the addition of the BBC HD programmes further adds to its appeal

That's good news , the number of times my Virgin + box fills up through recording HD programmes to watch later. So wait & see what the HD channls will be over the next few months.

virginruinedntl · 01-05-2009, 12:50

i guess you can remove the info about itvhd and channel4 hd launching today then as thats obviously not going to happen

Media Boy UK · 01-05-2009, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by virginruinedntl

i guess you can remove the info about itvhd and channel4 hd launching today then as thats obviously not going to happen

Done it - see post one.

Turkey Machine · 01-05-2009, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trent

I dont know if this has been reported anywhere else but just noticed that sky 2 has joined Virgin Media M TV

It has not - my M STB is still listing Sky 2 as unwatchable on my package.

spiderplant · 01-05-2009, 19:14

I think it's been added to the old Starter and Select packs rather than M. Could you be on one of these, Trent?

virginruinedntl · 03-05-2009, 10:44

its a shame Sky Box Office Sports HD isnt on virgin, would like to have watched hatton fight in hd, wwe ppv's air on that channel too. Suprised they dont have it already, would bring sky alot of Â£Â£ from those Â£14.72 PPV buys.

Turkey Machine · 03-05-2009, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by virginruinedntl

its a shame Sky Box Office Sports HD isnt on virgin, would like to have watched hatton fight in hd, wwe ppv's air on that channel too. Suprised they dont have it already, would bring sky alot of Â£Â£ from those Â£14.72 PPV buys.

Unlikely as it'd be more for those "free" thieves with illegal STBs. It's more difficult to crack it on Sky boxes, hence why Sky wouldn't be willing to let Virgin broadcast it on their network.

OLD BOY · 03-05-2009, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyjayuk

It's worth pointing out that, if the platform is currently bandwidth constrained, they could be preventing new channels from appearing altogether.

Sam

You are right, but 'if' is the appropriate word. We were told a while ago that there were bandwidth constraints, then suddenly we were told that more capacity had been added to the system and we could get up to 30 new channels. (Only some of these have appeared).

We know that VM are negotiating contracts for a number of new HD channels, which should come to us within a few months. If they were that bandwidth constrained, they wouldn't be able to do this.

I think the bandwidth argument is not one we need to worry about, and with the forthcoming analogue switchoff, if it is a problem at all it will soon go away. New contracts for new channels means more expenditure for VM, and this is the more likely explanation for the lack of channels.

sammyjayuk · 03-05-2009, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You are right, but 'if' is the appropriate word.

Indeed, which is why I used it

. However, I am unable to see any other reason for Channel 4 HD's continued absence...

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

We know that VM are negotiating contracts for a number of new HD channels, which should come to us within a few months. If they were that bandwidth constrained, they wouldn't be able to do this.

Have we already forgotten what was said last December? Or that VM have already announced (back in 2007, no less!) that they have the right to carry Channel 4 HD, linear and VOD?

What shocks me is that we have been having these sorts of discussions ever since I joined this board, and in that time I've seen very little to indicate that VM are serious about HD.

Sam

Fred Fish · 04-05-2009, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by braysoj1

there a few hd programs

Is it me or is there still very little on the HD catchup section of iPlayer. I know that this is out of virgins control (BBC have control over content not VM).

But it is now a week on and according to my planner there are 12 programs available - more than a quarter of which are childrens programs.

A total of 7 hours programming (and that is being generous as I have rounded up). There is approx 9 hrs programming per night on the BBC HD channel, so over the week a total of 63hours of programming. Even if we assume that 3/4 of it is repeats that should still be 15 hours of "catch up".

Now dont get me wrong I am happy that there is a bit more HD programming on the system (and as I said I dont blame VM for this) but it does feel a bit poor.

Granted there isnt much more on the iPlayer website - but overall pretty poor.