General : Virgin TV (2025)

[ozsat]

In the UK there are about 30 channels on SkyQ which do NOT appear on Sky Stream.

The difference between VM linear and VM Stream is (I think just) two channels - LFCTV and MUTV.

Originally Posted by vincerooney

they're missing channels on sky stream? whats the reason given for that?!

[vincerooney]

Originally Posted by ozsat

In the UK there are about 30 channels on SkyQ which do NOT appear on Sky Stream.

The difference between VM linear and VM Stream is (I think just) two channels - LFCTV and MUTV.

is there a reason why sky stream dont offer them? or just they feel no one cares for the channels enough or is it some sort of extra cost with streaming them?

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but it is my understanding that you cannot record from a Freely box. However, you can do so with a Humax.

Humax's new box for 2025 is the Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder, a hybrid Freely device that combines live TV recording with streaming app support via Android TV. It is expected to launch around December 1, 2025, and will feature 1,000 hours of storage and the ability to record four channels at once. This differs from older models and other Freely boxes, which do not have recording capabilities.
Key features
Recording: Record live broadcast and streaming content.
Storage: Offers 1,000 hours of storage.
Tuner: Includes three tuners, allowing for recording of up to four channels at a time.
Platform: Runs on Android TV, providing access to apps from the Google Play Store.
Connectivity: Features an aerial port to bridge traditional Freeview with streaming, an Ethernet port, and Wi-Fi.
Voice Control: Includes a smart voice remote with Google Assistant for searching and controlling the device.
Compatibility: Supports 4K UHD resolution and is compatible with HDR10.
What to know about this new box
Launch: The name "Aura EZ 4K Freely Recorder" and a support page indicating support starting December 1, 2025, suggest a potential launch around the holiday season, though the exact date isn't confirmed.

So a Humax box that will record Freely ? (whatever that is).

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Paul

So a Humax box that will record Freely ? (whatever that is).

Yes. Freely is a box that receives Freeview, Free satellite channels & internet delivered TV. Just noticed that it can record internet delivered content, which is a bonus for when, in years to come, DTT & satellite channels are switched off. I wonder if it can record VOD?

For any Sky etc stuff I want I'll dip in and out of streaming services.

[Legendkiller2k]

No date has been confirmed on the Humax freely recorder, the only freely box out now is Netgems version.
Humax haven't even named theirs yet nor said what os it'll be running.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by Legendkiller2k

No date has been confirmed on the Humax freely recorder, the only freely box out now is Netgems version.
Humax haven't even named theirs yet nor said what os it'll be running.

Bet VM/ Sky buy it out and make sure its removed from the market. It'll kill a lot of their business.

The future isn"t streaming, Its what the customer wants and is prepared to pay for. The latest streaming Sky/VM boxes are aimed with advertisers in mind, not customers. However if they leave, so will the advertising revenue.

[Dingbat]

It runs on Android? i wonder how long it will be before someone cracks it, now that Amazon are locking-down Firesticks.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Legendkiller2k

Tubi is pretty good quite a lot of stuff on it.

Just found out that it's not on the V6, probably a nudge to try and get people to move to the 360.

There is a (unverified) rumour going round that forced migration is happening in January.

If this is true, then I think I'll have to accept this (don't want to) until the end of my contract as their t&c's say that they reserve the right to change STB's.

I don't personally think that this rumour is true as the usual procedure is to close the premium channels and then gradually reduce the basic channels before it is closed for good.

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

There is a (unverified) rumour going round that forced migration is happening in January.
.

Forced migrations would mean deleting recordings without the agreement of customers. That would lead to lot of unhappy punters. Fair enough if they agree and are warned before proceeding.

Thats why they are so keen to get the customers agreement to the 360 software downgrade. ("call it an ' upgrade' and the mugs will fall for it....")

[1701-e]

Another forced migration rumour Richard. Is this rumour in the room with you now?