General : Changes to Virgin TV (2022)

[epsilon]

Originally Posted by cheekyangus

That came out of nowhere...to me anyway. Many thanks.

If you track DBR (or similar) bitrate data / graphs, it is often possible to see when services are about to be added. Null packets change from a relatively low fixed bitrate to a higher variable bitrate. As if the additional services have been added to transport stream distribution but are not being extracted and are replaced with null packets at local networks.

There are usually no indications of what these "background" additions are, so not really useful to know that an unknown service is about to be added. It has been quite some time since Virgin made HD replacements visible for days before they launched. You won't know what the new services are but may get a clue about an imminent change.

---------- Post added at 03:21 ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 ----------

Originally Posted by Media Boy UK

Are Virgin Media set to launch a new HD Channel?

I have just seen over on DBR that Virgin are "testing" a new channel called "Test Barker" on a HD Stream.

You can view it on CO56 slot 6.

https://www.digitalbitrate.com/dtv.p...&sec=0&lang=en

It has been there since the start of November, initially only on the Hammersmith internal network and later added to CDT Portsmouth (which is one of the internal networks used for new services before they are released to the wider network). Possibly just an internal test service.

---------- Post added at 03:23 ---------- Previous post was at 03:21 ----------

Originally Posted by nialli

I was surprised to see ITVX launch on my V6. I think they’re going to dangle Disney+ and Paramount+ at us 360 refuseniks in the hope that we’ll “upgrade”

But to Fire TV or Roku etc.

[TimeLord2018]

Smithsonian Channel to close on 6th January according to Radio Times

[denphone]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2018

Smithsonian Channel to close on 6th January according to Radio Times

You are joking as that is one of my favourite channels.

[Legendkiller2k]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2018

Smithsonian Channel to close on 6th January according to Radio Times

Yup digiguide shows last programme at 5am on 6th January.

[nialli]

Originally Posted by epsilon

---------- Post added at 03:23 ---------- Previous post was at 03:21 ----------

[/COLOR]
But to Fire TV or Roku etc.

Very true. I watch more via my Roku than I do my two V6s

[Media Boy UK]

Originally Posted by epsilon

It has been there since the start of November, initially only on the Hammersmith internal network and later added to CDT Portsmouth (which is one of the internal networks used for new services before they are released to the wider network). Possibly just an internal test service.

Thanks for info.

Yesterday was the first time I been on DBR in months.

[cheekyangus]

Originally Posted by epsilon

If you track DBR (or similar) bitrate data / graphs, it is often possible to see when services are about to be added. Null packets change from a relatively low fixed bitrate to a higher variable bitrate. As if the additional services have been added to transport stream distribution but are not being extracted and are replaced with null packets at local networks.

There are usually no indications of what these "background" additions are, so not really useful to know that an unknown service is about to be added. It has been quite some time since Virgin made HD replacements visible for days before they launched. You won't know what the new services are but may get a clue about an imminent change.

---------- Post added at 03:21 ---------- Previous post was at 03:14 ----------


It has been there since the start of November, initially only on the Hammersmith internal network and later added to CDT Portsmouth (which is one of the internal networks used for new services before they are released to the wider network). Possibly just an internal test service.

---------- Post added at 03:23 ---------- Previous post was at 03:21 ----------


But to Fire TV or Roku etc.

Thanks epsilon.

---------- Post added at 19:06 ---------- Previous post was at 19:05 ----------

Originally Posted by TimeLord2018

Smithsonian Channel to close on 6th January according to Radio Times

That would be a shame.

[1701-e]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2018

Smithsonian Channel to close on 6th January according to Radio Times

https://www.cordbusters.co.uk/smiths...w-freesat-sky/. It should return in the future via Pluto according to this

[Media Boy UK]

NOW 90s has been drop by it owners for NOW Rocks on Virgin Channel 348.

NOW Christmas is being broadcast on Channel 348 right now to December 27th when NOW Rock launches on Channel 348.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/now-launch...-music-channel

[Media Boy UK]

epsilon has posted on DS Forum:

Rumour has it that there may be further changes afoot for Paramount with the MTV channels, so keep an eye on those.

https://forums.digitalspy.com/discus...ment_102038101

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by denphone

You are joking as that is one of my favourite channels.

Maybe the content is going to Paramount Plus? (More £)

[Media Boy UK]

A Media Boy UK Source has reveal to me today that Warner Bros Discovery may axe QUEST HD next year.

---------- Post added at 15:54 ---------- Previous post was at 15:50 ----------

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Maybe the content is going to Paramount Plus? (More £)

Well RXTV is reporting:

Paramount will make Smithsonian Channel’s programmes available on its streaming platforms. You’ll be able to find selected content through Paramount+. And a selection of its documentaries, including Epic Yellowstone are also found in My5’s programme library.

A version of the channel Pluto TV UK is in planning. Smithsonian Channel Selects* on Pluto TV will operate in a similar way to BET Pluto TV, which launched after its BET UK’s axe on regular linear TV platforms in 2021.

https://rxtvinfo.com/2022/smithsonia...m-to-streaming

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Media Boy UK

epsilon has posted on DS Forum:



https://forums.digitalspy.com/discus...ment_102038101

As audiences decline and the fact that they are the last music channel provider to be encrypted, i'm wondering if they are to launch a FTA music channel and put it on Freeview in place of Smithsonian?

This could be one of their existing pay channels or a new channel created for FTA if they are concerned that this would tarnish the brand of their existing pay music channels??

Who knows, perhaps the decision was due to Sky and/or Virgin giving notice that they are to be kicked out of their Sub Club(s).

I really cannot see how pay TV operators can justify paying for the MTV music channels any longer.

[denphone]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Maybe the content is going to Paramount Plus? (More £)

Sooner rather then later there is going to be dotcom type bust in the overheated and increasingly expensive streaming market.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by denphone

Sooner rather then later there is going to be dotcom type bust in the overheated and increasingly expensive streaming market.

Well, it’ll be interesting. At the moment it’s the TV channels that are losing all the content, and this means they will be losing audience share.