General Virgin TV 360 users (Horizon) - Page 23

jfman · 07-12-2020, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

I wasn't trying to claim that it was new as a concept or that other apps or TV platforms weren't doing it in some form already. I'm not aware of official Virgin Media communications doing that either:

https://www.virginmedia.com/corporat...ing-experience

This thread is specifically about the 360 boxes, and Startover is new to Virgin TV itself as part of 360. It doesn't currently exist on TiVo/V6 outside of iPlayer, and the iPlayer app function isn't integrated into the TiVo EPG.

Not that I'm much of an authority round here but I'm happy for it to be called a "new feature" if it does something that the V6 doesn't. A one button link to catch up on it's own wouldn't cut it for me - as if you really wanted to you could search On Demand. Same with a link to iPlayer "watch from start".

However as we've established it works on (currently a select few) channels where there are no alternative methods available of watching from the start I'm content with 'new feature'. Hopefully something that they can expand on as they negotiate with third parties.

paul0363 · 07-12-2020, 10:25

It's also "new" in that on the C4 group of channels (which don't have watch from start when the programme is airing)you can scrolll back and watch a programme from immediatly after it ends. One example being C4 news on C4HD (which isn't availabe on normal All4 catch-up IIRC) can be watched after it's aired. It's definitely a scroll back as it's in HD complete with the same ads as in the live version so it looks like it has been recorded in the cloud (as mentioned earlier). C4 catchup is normally SD only.

BenMcr · 07-12-2020, 16:30

Thought I'd just mention that from today Virgin TV 360 has now launched as the new TV customer service.

Existing Ultimate Oomph customers can also choose to swap to 360 via a hardware change to a main HDD box and a mini box. Other existing TV customers can choose 360 as part of an upgrade to Ultimate Oomph.

The options for 360 for existing TV customers not on or upgrading to Ultimate Oomph will be coming next year. That'll include the in-place V6 upgrades currently in pilot.

Mad Max · 07-12-2020, 16:35

Quote:

Are VM planning to launch any tutorial videos for the new system with a guide on how to use the new features and way of doing things?..and explain what has replaced the existing tivo functions?
Only official 360 vids I can see are just promo vids.

Try this link mate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEKXTXLlphM

BenMcr · 07-12-2020, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Try this link mate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEKXTXLlphM

There is an tips video on the help page here too

https://www.virginmedia.com/help/virgin-tv-360

Skie · 07-12-2020, 22:42

Did VM consult with any disability groups when rolling this out? Would be interesting to understand how they would view the removal of the subtitle button and relegation of it to a submenu on a multi-function button.

As someone who has had experience of the aftermath of the transition from the older YouView to the newer thumbnail navigation version, I do hope VM are ready for the legion of grannies confused with the new system. Going from something largely text based to a thumbnail driven system with less text is massively confusing for the older generation and will generate plenty of support calls or just flat out frustration.

BenMcr · 07-12-2020, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skie

Did VM consult with any disability groups when rolling this out? Would be interesting to understand how they would view the removal of the subtitle button and relegation of it to a submenu on a multi-function button.

As someone who has had experience of the aftermath of the transition from the older YouView to the newer thumbnail navigation version, I do hope VM are ready for the legion of grannies confused with the new system. Going from something largely text based to a thumbnail driven system with less text is massively confusing for the older generation and will generate plenty of support calls or just flat out frustration.

Yes they have.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-an...ty-report-2020

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/asse...eport-2020.pdf

Quote:

3.6 Virgin Media have confirmed they aim to deliver the features specified in the EPG Code in their next generation ‘Horizon’ platform by the second half of 2021.

Quote:

3.31 The DAC (Digital Accessibility Centre) reviewed Virgin Media’s plans for their new Horizon platform, and Virgin Media have confirmed that they plan to work with them throughout the continued development of the platform.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/asse...a-response.pdf

Quote:

Product testing with disability groups
Last year, Virgin Media held an independent review with the Disability Action Centre (DAC) on the development of the Horizon TV platform. The review sought to investigate whether viewers with a range of impairments and accessibility needs could use the User Interface (UI), including the EPG, on both the set top box and app devices, and ensure we were considering a broader view of accessibility in addition to the requirements set out in the EPG code. The outcome of this review has led to various improvements that Virgin Media intends to incorporate within the Horizon TV platform. Alongside this, Virgin Media continues to work closely with DAC to gain their support during both testing and development.

Skie · 07-12-2020, 23:14

Good news, cheers Ben!

cheekyangus · 08-12-2020, 00:05

I'm no granny but I prefer a text-based user interface. Better use of screen space for a start.

That's good to hear though BenMcr.

Tricky Trevor · 08-12-2020, 14:00

I've just been on chat asking about 360 and I was quoated a £65 activation and installation fee. I told him to keep it especially as there is a free activation promotion being advertised until tomorrow. Besides, I thought it was self installation.

Mad Max · 08-12-2020, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tricky Trevor

I've just been on chat asking about 360 and I was quoated a £65 activation and installation fee. I told him to keep it especially as there is a free activation promotion being advertised until tomorrow. Besides, I thought it was self installation.

They're having laugh.

BenMcr · 08-12-2020, 17:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tricky Trevor

I've just been on chat asking about 360 and I was quoated a £65 activation and installation fee. I told him to keep it especially as there is a free activation promotion being advertised until tomorrow. Besides, I thought it was self installation.

If you have 2 boxes for your Ultimate Oomph bundle, then you can do a QS swap for the 360 boxes.

So you shouldn't have to pay for manned install. The £35 activation fee would still apply though.

RichardCoulter · 09-12-2020, 03:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

If you have 2 boxes for your Ultimate Oomph bundle, then you can do a QS swap for the 360 boxes.

So you shouldn't have to pay for manned install. The £35 activation fee would still apply though.

QS swap? Do you have any idea if/when existing customers will be forced onto the 360 software? The general rumour is that it will be in nine months time.

BenMcr · 09-12-2020, 07:37

Sorry that's Quickstart swap i.e. Self install.

As for a forced migration, I have no idea where that date has come from. Nothing has been said about any forced move from TiVo for any customer.

fox35 · 09-12-2020, 08:14

Hi @BenMcr, I have identified that poor performance and functionality issues seem to be mostly related to the updated ex V6 Arris boxes running the 4.28 version. Are you or VM aware of this?