HD channels rip off

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Cropstar

Interesting thread; I'm slightly confused where I stand after a call to Virgin earlier this evening.

Had a V+ box for ages, originally on XL but downgraded to M for a couple of years when I wasn't using it. Recently started using it again and noticed I didn't receive any HD channels, even the so called 'free' ones. Phoned up and was told that there was an HD charge per month, but this would be waved if I upgraded to XL, which I duly did.

I'm also unable to pause/record TV at present, and was told that if I wanted this reactivated I would have to commit for a further 12 months; which I refused (why should I have to sign up to a further 12 months when I've been a customer for years to merely receive the likes of BBC HD?)

Anyway, now receiving all the basic channels but still no HD channels. So, things I'm unsure about are:

- Do you need to sign a further 12 month contract merely to reactivate the V+ functionality in a V+HD box you previously paid installation for?
- Do you only receive the HD channels if you sign up to the V+ service; regardless of your package (as mentioned, currently have TV XL but getting no live HD channels, although interestingly HD on demand works fine)?

I am in a similar position but they explained it fully to me so I am ok with it.

I have V+ and XL and will soon be downgrading to M. They informed me I will (obviously) lose V+ functionality and also the ability to watch HD channels and (curiously) BBC Red Button which although I found that odd dosen't really matter.

I am only keeping the TV service for Catch Up so i'm happy with that.

If I did choose to go back to XL they said I would have to pay £50 to get HD activated again even though I paid £49 to have V+ installed just less than a year ago, this to me is just a ripoff as I have met all my contractual obligations but in fairness at least it was clearly explained to me, it would sadly probably stop me ever upgrading though, to V+ anyway.

[Doz007]

Originally Posted by Cropstar

Seems the 12 month contract (or extension) applies regardless of whether you're activating or reactivating HD which is kinda annoying.

Got another issue now, Virgin are denying that I paid for my V+ install originally and insisting I pay the £50 now. Waiting for a credit card statement to disprove this although I clearly don't like their inference that I'm lying. Has anyone else had this problem?

If I were you I'd tell them where to go! One thing I cant stand is bad customer service and whichever way you cut it, accusing a paying customer of lying is unacceptable.

I'm sure if you gave Sky a call and explained the situation, they'd welcome you with open arms. Sky+HD functionality and all!

[Cropstar]

Originally Posted by Doz007

If I were you I'd tell them where to go! One thing I cant stand is bad customer service and whichever way you cut it, accusing a paying customer of lying is unacceptable.

I'm sure if you gave Sky a call and explained the situation, they'd welcome you with open arms. Sky+HD functionality and all!

Yes, saying that I hadn't paid for the original V+HD installation when I knew I had really riled me. I even went as far as ordering a copy of an old statement to disprove it.

Interestingly, realising that I wasn't getting a great deal and generally hacked off with them I phoned up and said I wanted to give my notice to disconnect; pointing out the £50 charge was not worth it when I could get HD turned on with Sky for free by switching and was miffed that despite paying for TV XL I wasn't even able to use any of the recording functionality or HD channels.

Anyway, 2 minutes later, £50 waved (through a credit); upgrade from M to L broadband and £8/month knocked off my bill. Seems they can see sense but only if you threaten to leave. Oh well, job done now at least.

btw, you can't have HD on Sky for free - it costs you £7 per month.

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Hugh

btw, you can't have HD on Sky for free - it costs you £7 per month.

Do you mean VM?

HD is £10.25 on Sky, a few channels are free though.

[Harryn9000]

i thought it £10 something a month for HD on sky

[mersey70]

Originally Posted by Harryn9000

i thought it £10 something a month for HD on sky

It is, £7 for the 12 Sky HD channels on VM

£10.25 on Sky

[Doz007]

I'm sure if you explain the situation to them and mentioned you were moving from VM they would come up with a good deal.

[joff81]

im thinking of getting a standard V-box upgraded to a V-HD box in my son`s bedroom but would like to know if i will need to pay a HD activation charge.

i have a V+HD box in my front room on XL tv with the HD already included before the HD activation charge and the standard V-box upstairs. i want the standard V-Box moving to my daughters room and a V-HD box installing where the V-Box is.

does anyone know if i will need to pay to activate the V-HD box to recieve HD channels and how much extra will it cost on avarage per month ???

[Cropstar]

Originally Posted by Hugh

btw, you can't have HD on Sky for free - it costs you £7 per month.

Should have said, "some HD". To be fair I'd started comparing packages vs Sky in case they didn't budge and Virgin undiscounted seemed similar to Sky even with the HD add-on they charge (excl. premium channels).

btw. surprised it takes so long to activate, I had to get my pin reset, which was instant but 6 hours later the HD still isn't on and they say it could take up to 24 hours. Is there a way of forcing it quicker?

[RobboEdin]

Originally Posted by joff81

im thinking of getting a standard V-box upgraded to a V-HD box in my son`s bedroom but would like to know if i will need to pay a HD activation charge.

i have a V+HD box in my front room on XL tv with the HD already included before the HD activation charge and the standard V-box upstairs. i want the standard V-Box moving to my daughters room and a V-HD box installing where the V-Box is.

does anyone know if i will need to pay to activate the V-HD box to recieve HD channels and how much extra will it cost on avarage per month ???

You will have to pay the HD activation charge of £49.95 for the additional V HD box.

Assuming that you do not have a cable point to plug the third box into, there will be an installation charge of £40.

The third box will have an additional monthly charge of £6.50 (post April price).