General : Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2015) Vol. 2

[mike_gain]

Originally Posted by tassiekev

Totally agree with you, Vince.

There are many, many reasons why some people need to rely on a STB, some of those are:

##Not being able to install an antenna where they live, not their property, poor access etc - but they already have Sky, VM etc installed.
##Technological illiteracy (usually due to age) - there are a number of people living nearby in this category. I quite often get asked to solve problems where an elderly person has accidentally pressed a button on their remote (usually the AV button) and are unable to find their way back.
##Sometimes the old folk just get the remotes mixed up and can't understand why nothing happens.
##Some were unable to justify the cost of a new antenna a few years back.

The best solution in the majority of these cases is to have the TV start from an HDMI source with an associated STB and leave the TV tuner out altogether, the STB box can usually operate the TV so the remote problem is solved.

Sky boxes are no problem because they carry all the channels, Youview boxes from BT carry the HD variants over IPTV so they're not too bad either. Which leaves us with VM and the despicable situation with (the lack of many) Freeview channels.

I'm no longer with VM because I got fed up fighting the Tivo - I don't have that many years left!

Not all of us have the wealth, mental health or the support to resolve problems which occur - to suggest someone needs to 'look at themselves' because VM are missing numerous Freeview channels shows a distinct lack of understanding of the problems some people face.

Firstly IT IS ONLY TV, it's not that important.

Secondly, as you have highlighted, there are other options. Very few are forced into a VM contract. To be angry when there are other options (and to be honest even if there aren't) makes no sense....and it's only tv

So yes I genuinely don't understand the problem as people have choice and I'd give the older generation in particular a little more credit to be able to sort their lives out themselves instead of painting some as hapless individuals.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by nodrogd

As said before, 4sevenHD & ch4+1HD were launched in colaboration with Freeview with the sole purpose of pushing Freeview HD sales, with DVB-T2 becoming the sole Freeview transmission standard from 2018. There were rumours at the time they launched that the channels could dissapear again at that time, when the next block of Freeview spectrum is earmarked for selling off to launch 5G services.

Yup, I was told by a contact who works for Channel 4 that these channels were to use up capacity that would otherwise be wasted and for the reasons that you gave too.

As well as trying to promote Freeview, they also want to drive up sales of Freeview HD boxes. This is because they intend to close the SD PSB channels on Freeview in 2018. Some of the commercial channels are likely to follow suit.

It is likely that the C4 HD channels will remain (even after the reallocation of some of the TV spectrum to the mobile phone companies) as the way that the HD channels are broadcast is much more efficient.

Just over a year ago, I was told that these channels will probably be extended to other platforms in "the medium term".

In essence, it's Digital Switchover 2 as people with SD only boxes will gradually start to lose channels.

[passingbat]

Originally Posted by mike_gain

Firstly IT IS ONLY TV, it's not that important.

In the grand scheme of things, of course, that is absolutely correct.

But this forum isn't about 'the grand scheme of things' it is specifically about TV, and more specifically about Virgin TV. Therefore, in that context, it could be considered important.

I don't think that for someone who is paying a TV provider, it is unreasonable to expect all the Freeview channels to be included. Otherwise they would also need to buy a Freeview PVR.

For someone like myself, who uses Virgin for phone and Broadband, and get M TV as a free add-on, then it's not unreasonable that some Freeview channels are missing.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by passingbat

In the grand scheme of things, of course, that is absolutely correct.

But this forum isn't about 'the grand scheme of things' it is specifically about TV, and more specifically about Virgin TV. Therefore, in that context, it could be considered important.

I don't think that for someone who is paying a TV provider, it is unreasonable to expect all the Freeview channels to be included. Otherwise they would also need to buy a Freeview PVR.

For someone like myself, who uses Virgin for phone and Broadband, and get M TV as a free add-on, then it's not unreasonable that some Freeview channels are missing.

TV M was originally brought in to temp viewers away from Freeview, I wonder if they've abandoned this idea? If I get a TiVo, I'll drop down to M.

[Media Boy UK]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Has the Arabic Hafla test been removed then? BTW, Hafla is Arabic for party/gathering!

Still testing as far as we know.

[DaMac]

Originally Posted by nodrogd

As said before, 4sevenHD & ch4+1HD were launched in colaboration with Freeview with the sole purpose of pushing Freeview HD sales, with DVB-T2 becoming the sole Freeview transmission standard from 2018. There were rumours at the time they launched that the channels could dissapear again at that time, when the next block of Freeview spectrum is earmarked for selling off to launch 5G services.

All that is as maybe but if anyone has the info structure to launch simulcasts of channels that are only SD it is VM, go and do the deals, there are a few channels out there that wokld be a big of coup, as I have suggested before what about ITV +1 HD?

[Media Boy UK]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Yup, I was told by a contact who works for Channel 4 that these channels were to use up capacity that would otherwise be wasted and for the reasons that you gave too.

As well as trying to promote Freeview, they also want to drive up sales of Freeview HD boxes. This is because they intend to close the SD PSB channels on Freeview in 2018. Some of the commercial channels are likely to follow suit.

It is likely that the C4 HD channels will remain (even after the reallocation of some of the TV spectrum to the mobile phone companies) as the way that the HD channels are broadcast is much more efficient.

Just over a year ago, I was told that these channels will probably be extended to other platforms in "the medium term".

In essence, it's Digital Switchover 2 as people with SD only boxes will gradually start to lose channels.

Media Boy HQ thinks that 4Seven HD will launch when Channel 4 deals with Sky and Virgin Media are up.

The last deal with Virgin Media was signed in late 2012 when More4 +1 was launch on January 2013.

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by DaMac

All that is as maybe but if anyone has the info structure to launch simulcasts of channels that are only SD it is VM, go and do the deals, there are a few channels out there that wokld be a big of coup, as I have suggested before what about ITV +1 HD?

Why bother just strike deals and make the content available via 30 day catch up in HD.

[Media Boy UK]

Originally Posted by JMcB

Now UPC in Ireland is Virgin Media, will N.Ireland customers get any new channels

https://www.virginmedia.ie/about-us/...rgin-media-in/

Yes the following channels may launch in Northern Ireland as they are broadcasting right now on Sky (Northern Ireland) and Virgin Media Ireland:

Entertainment:
-RTÉ One HD
-RTÉ 2 HD
-TV3
-TV3 +1
-TV3 HD
-3e

Sports:
-Setanta Ireland
-Setanta Sports 1

Kids:
-RTÉjr

---------- Post added at 16:28 ---------- Previous post was at 15:50 ----------

Viacom to give 5USA new hours from November.

DigiGuide says that 5USA begins will broadcasting from 7am-3am from November 1st.

[Arthurgray50@blu]

Media Boy, If Setanta Sports 1 is being shown in Ireland. Could that be shown in London ?

Also, do you know if there are any plans to have ALL the True Channels on VM. We only get True Movies 1, yet there is True Movies 2

[Media Boy UK]

Originally Posted by Arthurgray50@blu

Media Boy, If Setanta Sports 1 is being shown in Ireland. Could that be shown in London ?

Also, do you know if there are any plans to have ALL the True Channels on VM. We only get True Movies 1, yet there is True Movies 2

Satanta Sports 1 has the same lineup as Premier Sports bar one (The EPL Saturday game at 3pm).

We have seen no plans on Virgin Media UK being set to launch all the True Channels. But we feel they may launch when Sony Pictures Television (Who now own them) deal is up with Virgin Media UK.

Last Sony Pictures Television deal was done in December 2011.

[nodrogd]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

TV M was originally brought in to temp viewers away from Freeview, I wonder if they've abandoned this idea? If I get a TiVo, I'll drop down to M.

TV M was offered as part of DSO. As long as you took a phone line, there were no additional costs. I think you will find having a TiVO on M incurs a TiVO charge of £5 a month (just as there is still a £5 charge for V+ boxes not used on XL).

[cj136uk]

Originally Posted by Media Boy

Yes the following channels may launch in Northern Ireland as they are broadcasting right now on Sky (Northern Ireland) and Virgin Media Ireland:

Entertainment:
-RTÉ One HD
-RTÉ 2 HD
-TV3
-TV3 +1
-TV3 HD
-3e

Sports:
-Setanta Ireland
-Setanta Sports 1

Kids:
-RTÉjr

---------- Post added at 16:28 ---------- Previous post was at 15:50 ----------

Viacom to give 5USA new hours from November.

DigiGuide says that 5USA begins will broadcasting from 7am-3am from November 1st.

media boy. RTE 1HD. TV3(HD) and 3e do not broadcast in Northern Ireland on any UK platform- just the PSB channels RTE/TG4. You missed RTE News Now. RTE signed agreement with Sky for News Now and RTE1 HD to join sky NI soon

[vincerooney]

Originally Posted by Aguero9320

I completely agree with you, Vince. Believe it or not, I have been inspired by Freeview and Freesat. I am eyeing up their channels to be added to the VM channel guide. Along with Sky Atlantic, ITV Encore and the remaining HD channels.

Aye its looking like freesat would have everything youd need these days if you didnt care for sports!

Originally Posted by mike_gain

Anyone who is genuinely angry at their VM tv package missing a few Freeview channels needs to take a long hard look at themselves.

Bit of a daft comment. Youre basing what you like or dont like and thinking everyone is the same and then generally being rude about it. No need for that. Personally I think if im paying for tv i should get everything out of principle. Plus spike and trutv have shown some good programmes (in my opinion)

You may not like the shows but i dont expect you to as everyone is DIFFERENT.

regards,

Vincent

[mike_gain]

Originally Posted by vincerooney

Aye its looking like freesat would have everything youd need these days if you didnt care for sports!



Bit of a daft comment. Youre basing what you like or dont like and thinking everyone is the same and then generally being rude about it. No need for that. Personally I think if im paying for tv i should get everything out of principle. Plus spike and trutv have shown some good programmes (in my opinion)

You may not like the shows but i dont expect you to as everyone is DIFFERENT.

regards,

Vincent

I think you've missed my point completely. Put simply if you are paying for a service that is being delivered as advertised and are still angry pay someone else to give your money to. Making the explicit choice to stay angry makes no sense.