Virgin V+ Box: Scientific Atlanta on New Install

Originally Posted by borrissey

I'll ignore what you said then about the TV cause that doesn't really apply in this thread, thats for another conversation.

I've heard that the SA box has a better up scaler than the Samsung but I've never had a Samsung box or seen one in action so couldn't comment myself. I'd imagine though that when the TIVO box launches that will have the best PQ being newer tech etc, but might not be the case. The Samsung is newer than the SA.

True, the general consensus is the S/A does have a better upscaler then the samsung V+,but the samsung is more responsive.

One would hope the TiVo will be better then both of the previous models regarding PQ as most of the reports i have seen rave about it, but we will have to wait and see one thing is for sure virgin are investing in the tv service and that is a very good sign as it shows it is still very important to them,and as consumers we will benefit.

[borrissey]

Yep lets hope we get it all with the TIVO good PQ and good performance all round.

[bw41101]

When I went on to V+ I was given a Scientific Atlanta box and the consensus is that it's pretty good. The only problem is with these boxes is that they're a wee bit too sensitive when it comes to fluctuations in signal level, I.e. they have the tendency to look at the incoming signal and if there's any deviations over a short period of time then the box assumes there's a problem and promptly re-boots.

The likelihood of this increases when you're recording and watching a programme in HD at the same time - irritating to say the least especially when your recording is cut into two portions with the loss in between.

Changing the box would probably fix this issue, however the Samsung boxes don't have an RF output - something that I use (on the SA box) to divert the signal so I can watch TV in my bedroom, in addition, I've a load of stuff recorded that I don't want to lose. One of these "learn to live with it" scenarios.

Sigh................!

Si thee

[roger skillin]

I used to have the S/A box and i hated it, it was slow at changing channels and the menu with horrible slow, got it changed to the Samsung, although only after complaining as they wouldn't change it to start with, tried to tell me i just need to switch off the mains power each night, so what happens if i want to record programs over night then lol, love the Samsung as it's much faster

[Nsewell]

Found this guide produced by VM its called V+ STB Comparison Document thought it might br usefull.
http://www.slideshare.net/Jasmeet_18...0-presentation

[swapshop1]

Dirty boxes,

I was an early adopter of the V+ SA box, it was new and after however many years, it still looks new.

Had a Viewsonic monitor break after 15 months, 3 replacements, all referbs. All were in very poor condition. The last one looked like it had lived in a bin for its life. What the hell do people do with their boxes? Why are they so cruddy looking?

After the viewsonic experience, I will not accept a poor looking box. After all looks are important to everyone too!

OP: It's too late to change it now, but next time just refuse. You're the customer. Take a photo and email to CS and tell the installer to leave.

In the end I complained (to viewsonic corporate in the UK instead of the usual CS dept in poland) that the 3rd viewsonic was broken (it was) and the condition was unacceptable = received a brand new replacement.

[Rik]

Just out of interest will the new Tivo box have component output like the SA box?

If not then that is going to be inconvienent for me and my setup, till i get my new TV

*edit*

No it doesnt just look on VM site.

[DubDays]

Any indicator on price yet?

---------- Post added at 18:59 ---------- Previous post was at 18:58 ----------

Or box spec?

[squealy]

£239 inc. install. According to The Register:

http://www.reghardware.com/2010/12/0...in_media_tivo/

[Peter_]

Originally Posted by squealy

£239 inc. install. According to The Register:

http://www.reghardware.com/2010/12/0...in_media_tivo/

Well that fits in with all the earlier posts saying £199 for the box and £40 for installation.

[Nedkelly]

We were told that they are not going to do any deals thats the price if you want it no discounts

[Mach_One]

You have discovered, just like I DID, That the SA box is a piece of [Mod Edit] by comparison with the Samsung. Having done some background research, I knew this before signing up - so I got Virgin to agree to supply a Samsung box. HOWEVER when the engineers arrived they only had the SA box. Against my better judgement, I decided to give it a go - and now, having fulfilled my obligation, I have told them to come and get it - I bought a Panasonic twin satellite recorder which runs rings around the Virgin box - and for free.

I CAN understand why Virgin need 2 different suppliers - to guarantee supply - but they SHOULD have similar specs. I KNOW the Samsung box is better, and MUCH quicker - as my son had one. Virging have lost my custom for their TV services because of this.

[jb66]

There's TiVo now so doesn't matter

[zekeisaszekedoes]

Seems odd to bump a thread from a year ago to have a moan, but to each their own...