General : Virgin TV (2026)

I got my first TiVo from VM 15 years ago, and then got the V6 9 years ago* - I like the box, and SWMBO knows how to use it, so less hassle for me sort out any technology challenges/opportunities for her, but I’m realistic (having worked in the industry) in my expectations how long VM can be expected to support "old" technology.

When "push comes to shove", I’ll do what I always do - look at options, compare costs vs ease of use, then make a decision.

*We now pay £1.96 more a month than we did then, so it pays to have a chat with VM when it’s contract end time…

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Hugh

I got my first TiVo from VM 15 years ago, and then got the V6 9 years ago* - I like the box, and SWMBO knows how to use it, so less hassle for me sort out any technology challenges/opportunities for her, but I’m realistic (having worked in the industry) in my expectations how long VM can be expected to support "old" technology.

When "push comes to shove", I’ll do what I always do - look at options, compare costs vs ease of use, then make a decision.

*We now pay £1.96 more a month than we did then, so it pays to have a chat with VM when it’s contract end time…

Exactly my strategy too.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Most existing customers appear to want to keep the TiVo features (new customers have no choice and probably won't know any different).

As TiVo is a recording concept and, presumably, their TV's won't be able to record, do you know what difference getting a TiVo powered TV would be? Depending on what they do I may well take up your suggestion.

Unlike standard smart TVs that force you to open individual apps (like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Prime Video) separately, a TiVo-powered TV stands out through specific core features:

Universal Content Aggregation (OnePass): It combines traditional live TV channels, on-demand libraries, and various streaming services into one single watchlist or search result, meaning you can search for a show across all platforms at once without opening separate apps.

Advanced Content Discovery: It features predictive recommendations and keyword "WishLists" that scan upcoming broadcasts and streaming libraries to automatically record or flag movies and shows matching specific actors, directors, or themes.

Integrated Free Channels (TiVo+): It builds hundreds of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels directly into the standard program guide alongside regular terrestrial or cable TV.

I believe it has the Quick Mode facility as well but I need to check this.

[japitts]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Interesting. What is wrong with recording and playback on the 360? I haven’t noticed any problems with recordings at all.

If you've not used some of the (AFAIK) TiVo-specific features, you wouldn't miss them. For me, there's a few differences between the 2 platforms that have been deal-breakers thus far.

Multi-channel series links is the biggie, but also the series link manager to deal with (admittedly rare) conflicts, and background buffering of live channels.

I will miss these functions.

[ozsat]

Multi-channel series link is a biggy. It wasn't just that the link could move from channel to channel - but it never recorded duplicates if on two channels.

So a SL for Premier League football programmes - would record all current matches without duplicates - all on one link.

I don't think any other platform offers that

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Unlike standard smart TVs that force you to open individual apps (like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Prime Video) separately, a TiVo-powered TV stands out through specific core features:

Universal Content Aggregation (OnePass): It combines traditional live TV channels, on-demand libraries, and various streaming services into one single watchlist or search result, meaning you can search for a show across all platforms at once without opening separate apps.

Advanced Content Discovery: It features predictive recommendations and keyword "WishLists" that scan upcoming broadcasts and streaming libraries to automatically record or flag movies and shows matching specific actors, directors, or themes.

Integrated Free Channels (TiVo+): It builds hundreds of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels directly into the standard program guide alongside regular terrestrial or cable TV.

I believe it has the Quick Mode facility as well but I need to check this.

Thanks, i'll look into this.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

Thanks, i'll look into this.

Had a quick look not sure it's any better than most smart TVs but it was only a quick look.

[OLD BOY]

Originally Posted by japitts

If you've not used some of the (AFAIK) TiVo-specific features, you wouldn't miss them. For me, there's a few differences between the 2 platforms that have been deal-breakers thus far.

Multi-channel series links is the biggie, but also the series link manager to deal with (admittedly rare) conflicts, and background buffering of live channels.

I will miss these functions.

You don’t need the series link manager to deal with conflicts - just delete and reallocate the identified conflict to another time, using the delete/record facility.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

You don’t need the series link manager to deal with conflicts - just delete and reallocate the identified conflict to another time, using the delete/record facility.

Yet again my faff