Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2010) Vol. IV

[DJ-SWITCH]

Originally Posted by cupcakes aka dd

I've signed up and if it means just upgrading to XL BB to get the triple and the rest comes free as per MB's info I'll go with that but otherwise I'll wait till the price drops.

Its worth having the triple XL pack

It cant be longggg now till we all no the price

[Horizon]

It's just occured to me that I have missed the main bit of news coming from VM's presentations in London yesterday and New York today...

EVERYONE will get the tivo EPG eventually. VM are to decide the rollout schedule, but the deal with tivo replaces the current Liberate supplied EPG software. The Liberate deal expires in January. What we don't know is what happens when that deal expires and when everyone will get a tivo epg on their boxes.

VM's bosses have given a few clues though, as to how this will rollout. Firstly, obviously, they are hoping lots of people will purchase the new tivo 1tb pvrs when they're released next year. Secondly, there will be different tivo pvrs with smaller hard drives introduced throughout 2011. Thirdly, VM made clear again that the new cisco HD boxes (non-pvr) are tivo compatible and will get tivo downloaded onto them at some point, probably in the first half of 2011. There are currently half a million of those boxes in circulation.

The question is what happens to all the other boxes. Well, Neil Berkett said that VM purchases a million stbs each year, so if you do the maths, everyone should be getting a new box within 3 years....hmmm. Hopefully VM will buy a few more boxes to speed things up!

To be clear, the only boxes that will run tivo are the new tivo pvrs and the current cisco HD boxes (non-pvr version). All the other boxes will need to be replaced at some point.

VM's bosses also made clear that existing customers will get the new tivo box at a discount, but as yet the details are not known, although media boy provided details from his insider of what the prices might be.

[spankysmagicpian]

Originally Posted by Henkesghost

Mods would it be possible to have a channels/HD channels coming soon to virgin thread.This thread is page after page of Tivo techy blah blah stuff now. Obviously it's exciting but jeez! All reference to channels is lost

If we are going to have a new thread (which is a good idea) can we make it two threads i.e. actually confirmed by VM and another one for wild speculation rather than peoples best guess estimates?

Should stop the build ups and let downs when someone posts 'some rumour'

Originally Posted by Horizon

To be clear, the only boxes that will run tivo are the new tivo pvrs and the current cisco HD boxes (non-pvr version).

Have the new V HD Cisco boxes got ethernet on the back for Internet access as with the new TiVo box or will it just be an middle-ware refresh?

Originally Posted by spankysmagicpian

Have the new V HD Cisco boxes got ethernet on the back for Internet access as with the new TiVo box or will it just be an middle-ware refresh?

I'd imagine not as I'm sure the 'internet' is delivered in the same single cable as the TV.

[EssDee]

Originally Posted by spankysmagicpian

Have the new V HD Cisco boxes got ethernet on the back for Internet access as with the new TiVo box or will it just be an middle-ware refresh?

The Cisco box does have an Ethernet port at the back (well, mine does..)

[alwaysabear]

Originally Posted by EssDee

The Cisco box does have an Ethernet port at the back (well, mine does..)

I can also confirm the Cisco V-hd box does have an Ethernet port and a USB port next to it. I would assume then that we will be able to use Tivo, just not be able to record programs.

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by alwaysabear

I can also confirm the Cisco V-hd box does have an Ethernet port and a USB port next to it. I would assume then that we will be able to use Tivo, just not be able to record programs.

They are disabled and if you want TiVo they will want you to get the new box.

[alwaysabear]

Originally Posted by Masque

They are disabled and if you want TiVo they will want you to get the new box.

Your comments are at odds with what Horizon has said in his post,"VM's bosses have given a few clues though, as to how this will rollout. Firstly, obviously, they are hoping lots of people will purchase the new tivo 1tb pvrs when they're released next year. Secondly, there will be different tivo pvrs with smaller hard drives introduced throughout 2011. Thirdly, VM made clear again that the new cisco HD boxes (non-pvr) are tivo compatible and will get tivo downloaded onto them at some point, probably in the first half of 2011. There are currently half a million of those boxes in circulation".

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by alwaysabear

Your comments are at odds with what Horizon has said in his post,"VM's bosses have given a few clues though, as to how this will rollout. Firstly, obviously, they are hoping lots of people will purchase the new tivo 1tb pvrs when they're released next year. Secondly, there will be different tivo pvrs with smaller hard drives introduced throughout 2011. Thirdly, VM made clear again that the new cisco HD boxes (non-pvr) are tivo compatible and will get tivo downloaded onto them at some point, probably in the first half of 2011. There are currently half a million of those boxes in circulation".

At the moment the ports are disabled but as yet we do not know if they are going to be used as even the older boxes that are steadily being replaced have these ports.

If they mean to use in the near future all well and good but as yet the only port you can use is the USB and that is only as a charging point.

[Media Boy UK]

Sky Atlantic update.

Sky are to launch Sky Atlantic on Sky on January 24th in both SD and HD.

I am hearing that Virgin Media expect to have carriage from launch, but nothing officially agreed or announced yet.

[Media Boy UK]

Keep up-to-date on the latest news on upcoming channel launches and other important events across all platforms of Virgin TV network.

NOTE: I do not work for Virgin Media so all the information on this list is subject to change.

BOLD = New

Colours on my list are as followed:

Media Boy = New Info just added.
Media Boy = Virgin Media News.
Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: = It an Media Boy EXCLUSIVE and you can only see it on my Blog or on this thread.
Media Boy = Other Media news.

=== Coming up on Virgin's Digital TV ===
=== December ===
Nov 15th. True Movies 1 will be available for free to all customers on Virgin Channel 424 until January 5th 2011.
1st. Cinemoi will be available for free to all customers on Virgin Channel 445 until January 31st 2011.
1st. GOLD will be available for free to all customers on Virgin Channels 126 and 127 until January 5th 2011.
Virgin Media will introduce TiVo co-branded set-top boxes (In some areas).

=== 1st Quarter 2011 ===
LIVING, LIVING +1 and LIVING HD will be rebranded as Sky Living, Sky Living +1 and Sky Living HD on Virign Channels 109, 111 and 110.
LIVINGit and LIVINGit +1 will be rebranded as Sky Livingit and Sky Livingit +1 on Virgin Channels 112 and 160.
LIVING Loves will be rebranded as Sky Living Loves on Virgin Channel 159.
BSkyB are to close Channel One and Channel One +1.

=== January 2011 ===
1st. BSkyB are to close Bravo, Bravo +1 and Bravo 2 on Virgin Channels 136, 137 and 138.
3rd. Coming Soon to Virgin TV 2011 Vol. I launches today.
3rd. Bravo Player and Channel One Player will be remove on Virgin Media.
5th. Sky Movies Christmas and Sky Movies Christmas HD will be rebrand as Sky Movies Showcase and Sky Movies Showcase HD on Virgin Channels 403 and 433.
5th. FX HD will start broadcasting from 8am today on Virgin Channel 158.

=== February 2011 ===
No News...

=== March 2011 ===
Virgin Media will introduce TiVo co-branded set-top boxes (In all areas).

=== April 2011 ===
No News...

=== May 2011 ===
No News...

=== June 2011 ===
No News...

=== July 2011 ===
No News...

=== August 2011 ===
No News...

=== September 2011 ===
No News...

=== October 2011 ===
No News...

=== November 2011 ===
No News...

=== December 2011 ===
No News...

=== Before 2012 ===
-Northern & Shell may rebrand Fiver and Five USA.
-Disney/ABC Television Group is to rebrand Playhouse Disney as Disney Junior on Virgin Channel 727.
-The BBC will close BBC Asian Network.
-The BBC will rebrand BBC Radio 7 as BBC Radio 4 Extra.
-Sky Sports red button interactive service.

=== Unknown dates ===
-Ginx TV to launch on Virgin Media.
-BBC to add 21 hours per week to their HD Channel on Virgin Channel 187.
-Diva TV will be rebranded as Diva Universal on Virgin Channel 164.
-Virgin Media will cease all analogue television transmissions.
-UKTV on demand will launch.
-BBC iPlayer will offer subtitled content.
-Channel 4's ''4oD'' will offer HD content.
-Sky Arts 1 HD and Sky Arts 2 HD will become available on Virgin Media.
-Virgin Media will introduce an enhanced TV interface

=== The following channels are rumoured to be launching or in talks with Virgin Media (But still not confirm by Insiders) ===
-BBC ALBA.
-KidsCo.
-BET.
-BET +1.
-Comedy Central Extra +1.
-NickToons Replay.
-Russia Today
-Quest +1.
-ITV1 +1 (England and Wales only).
-Pop Girl.
-Squirt FM.
-Eden +1.
-Eden HD.
-Good Food HD.
-Yesterday +1.
-MGM HD.
-Disney Cinemagic HD.
-Disney XD HD.
-Rush HD.
-HISTORY HD.
-Bio HD.
-Crime & Investigation Network HD.
-Nat Geo Wild HD.
-Universal Channel HD
-Luxury Life HD.
-Sky Atlantic.
-Sky Atlantic HD.
-CBS Drama.
-ESPN2 (May launch in 2011).
-ESPN America HD.
-ESPN News (May launch in 2011).
-ITV2 HD.
-ITV3 HD.
-ITV4 HD.
-Vintage TV.

=== Channels THAT still to appear in all areas ===
List was last updated on December 1st 2010.

NO. Channel Name
917. Radio: RTE Radio
920. Radio: WRN Europe

NOTE: Channels are only broadcasting in Ex-Telewest areas right now.

====== Media Boy Information =====
Media Boy - giving out information for FREE on Cable Forum.
Media Boy is part of ''Media Boy Family''.

=== Media Boy Blogs & Extra TV info: ===
Virgin Media Blogs:
See My Virgin TV Blog here - http://virgintvmediaboy.blogspot.com/
See Virgin Media on ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/virginmedia
See latest news about Virgin on Demand via ''twitter'' here - http://twitter.com/vmondemand
See Nialli's blog on Virgin Media High Definition & TiVo Services here - http://vmhd.blogspot.com/

=== Ask Media Boy ===
Q: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA FROM?
A: I get all my info from Virgin Media workers (NOTE: I called them ''An Insider''), Virgin Media viewers, my blogs and Web Sites (NOTE: When I used web sites I will post an link to that web site).

Q: I HAVE GOT NEWS BUT I WORK FOR VIRGIN MEDIA AND I DON'T WANT ANYONE TO SEE MY USER NAME?
A: All you need to do is pm me right now and tell me and I will post your news on ''Coming soon to Virgin TV'' for you.

Q: WHY AM I NOT GETTING ''RTE RADIO'' OR ''WRN RADIO'' FOR?
A: RTE Radio and WRN Radio do not broadcast in Ex-ntl and Ex-Cable & Wireless areas - yet.

Q: NOW THAT BSKYB HAS TOOK OVER VIRGIN MEDIA TELEVISION WILL ANY CHANNELS CLOSE ON VIRGIN TV?
A: Yes Bravo and Channel One will close soon. But us Virgin Media viewers will see some channels moving about as we have now got Sky1 HD and will be getting Sky Arts 1 HD and Sky Arts 2 HD sometime before 2011.

==== Deals with broadcasters ===
When deals with broadcasters run out Virgin Media need to sign new one to keep that Channel on Virgin TV.

Here is an list of channel that Virgin may get when they old deal runs out with that broadcaster:

NOTE: To start broadcasting soon = That channel has still to start broadcasting on Sky, Freesat or Freeview.

=== SD and Radio Channels: ===
=== Own by AETN UK ===
Bio HD
Crime & Investigation Network HD
Crime & Investigation Network +1
HISTORY HD
HISTORY +1

=== Own by ABC Television Group ===
Disney Cinemagic HD
Disney Cinemagic +1
Disney Junior + (Soon to start broadcasting).
Disney XD HD
Playhouse Disney + (Soon to be rebranded as Disney Junior +)

=== Own by ARY Group ===
ARY News
QTV ARY

=== Own by BSkyB ===
Sky 3D
Sky 3 +1
Sky Arts 1 HD
Sky Arts 2 HD
Sky Atlantic (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Atlantic HD (Soon to start broadcasting.)
Sky Movies Classic HD
Sky News HD
Sky Sports HD3
Sky Sports HD4
Sky Sports News HD

=== Own by CBS International and Chello Zone ===
CBS Action
CBS Drama
CBS Reality +1
Horror Channel +1

=== Own by Channel 4 Television Corporation ===
More 4 +1

=== Own by CSC Media Group ===
Bliss
Chart Show TV
Dance Nation TV
Flava
Kix!
NME TV
Pop Girl
Pop Girl +1
Scuzz
The Vault
Tiny Pop +1
True Enterainment
True Movies 2

=== Own by Discovery Networks Europe ===
Animal Planet +1
Discovery Home & Health +1
Discovery Knowledge +1
Discovery Science +1
DMAX +1
DMAX +2
Investigation Discovery
TLC (To start broadcast in the UK in 2011.)
Quest +1

=== Own by ESPN Inc. (The Walt Disney Company/Hearst Corporation) ===
ESPN2 (May launch in 2011)
ESPN America HD
ESPN News (May launch in 2011)

=== Own by GMG Radio ===
Real Radio

=== Own by Independent Media Corporation ===
AAG
GEO News
GEO UK

=== Own by ITV Digital Channels Ltd ===
ITV1 +1 (Soon to start broadcasting in England and Wales areas only.)
ITV2 HD
ITV3 HD
ITV4 HD

=== Own by MGM Channel (UK) Limited (BSkyB and MGM) ===
MGM HD

=== Own by NBC Universal Global Networks ===
Diva TV +1
Universal Channel HD

=== Own by NBC Universal, Corus Entertainment, Cookie Jar Group ===
Kids Co (Soon to start broadcasting.)

=== Own by NGC Europe Limited ===
FX +1
Nat Wild HD

=== Own by Rainbow Media ===
Rush HD
Sundance Channel HD

=== Own by Scripps Networks Interactive (Run by Chello Zone) ===
Food Network
Food Network HD (Soon to start broadcasting).
Food Network +1

=== Own by Sony ===
NOTE: The following channels will become part of the ''ViewAsia'' package if Sony can sign an new deal Virgin Media:
ARY Digital^
B4U Movies^
Colors
MAX^
SAB
Sahara One
SET Asia^

^ = On Virgin Media right now.

=== Own by STAR TV ===
STAR Gold
STAR One

=== TIML Radio Limited ===
Absolute 90s

=== Own by Turner Broadcasting System Europe ===
TCM 2

=== Own by Twenty Four 7 Ltd. ===
Luxury Life
Luxury Life HD

=== Own by UKTV ===
Eden HD
Eden +1
Good Food HD
YeSTERDAY +1

=== Own by Viacom ===
BET
BET +1
Comedy Central Extra +1
MTV Classics
MTV Shows
MTV +1
Nickelodeon HD
NickToons Replay

=== Own by Zee Entertainment Enterprises ===
ZEE Cafe

Next weeks update will be the last one of 2010.

[Mr-S]

Just doing some comparison prices on our current VM package with other platforms and noticed that ESPN prices were down M/L to £6 for Sky Sports Subcribers & £8 otherwise. Check prices on other platforms and they are the same.

Not sure whether to read anything into this or its just a deal they have cut with Virgin to push paid subscribers outside of XL package but on Sly the prices are £9 and £11. With the rumoured ESPN 2 launching I wonder if we will get this on Virgin and thats the reason the price drop possibly? Hope not did hope rumours of the ESPN 2, ESPN VOD, Red button and ESPNews as well ESPN America HD coming to VM were all true.

Hasnt been a sniff anywhere in media sites and publications about this and I'm wondering if ESPN are still going to launch those extra services in early 2011.

I also noticed different platforms had extras/deal... apart from deal on VM XL package and prices I mentioned above, BT Vision offered the channel for free with any of there packages and had ESPN catch up on some rights as well as ESPN Classic on demand; Talk Talk TV subs got ESPN and ESPN America for £9.99 and on Sly you get ESPN Classic on demand as well as ESPN America HD; Top Up TV was 12 months for price of 9 etc.

I'm a member of ESPN fan forum and attended a focus group they did back in September and many people asked for VOD, Red button and ESPN 2. They did a survey online on espnfanforum.co.uk a couple of months ago as well asking about the above and asking people to vote about what rights people would like on the channel... everything from South American Football; Indian Test Cricket; Magners League Rugby; TNA Wrestling; Tennis; Darts etc as well ultlising existing rights they currently have such as Serie A; Europa League; Bundesliga; Top 14 Rugby etc on an ESPN 2 and via Red button to make sure as much sport as possible is shown. As everyone knows at the moment there are massive schedule clashes at the weekend on the channel and another option they mentioned was a weekend only channel or showing games via VOD either on TV or online. Also mentioned making PTI 5 days a week and a Saturday afternoon results show on the channel and asking what hosts people would like etc.

Interestingly they never mentioned ESPNews channel at any point that I've read about on here and other forums during the surveys.

Anyone is interested go to espnfanforum.co.uk and they email out various surveys for you to fill out on there site.

[r94yan]

i keep hearing of MB's confirmed pricing of tivo, but cannot seem to find it!!
can someone tell what he said about it please???

[Chad]

Originally Posted by r94yan

i keep hearing of MB's confirmed pricing of tivo, but cannot seem to find it!!
can someone tell what he said about it please???

Use the search facility at the top of this thread. You'll be able to find the post from Media Boy regarding TIVO prices within 60 seconds.

[DJ-SWITCH]

Originally Posted by r94yan

i keep hearing of MB's confirmed pricing of tivo, but cannot seem to find it!!
can someone tell what he said about it please???

There you go

Media Boy EXCLUSIVE: Media Boy given TiVo Prices.

Existing Customers
VIP = Free - Set-up fee £0 - Install fee £0 - Monthly fee waived on XL
XL TV/Triple = Free - Set-up fee £0 - Install fee £0 - Monthly fee waived for 12 months
Existing XL TV = Discounted - Set-up fee £149 - Install fee £40 - Monthly fee £3/pm

New Customers
(Joining from Sky/Freeview) Set-up fee £149 - Install fee £40 - Monthly fee £3/pm
(new to Digital TV) Set-up fee £199 - Install fee £40 - Monthly fee £3/pm

These prices are all subject to change.