Hi, I just got an email from VM saying that "Sky Sports are launching Sky Sports+ but that it doesn’t work on my current Virgin TV 6 box" and that "I can upgrade my box to access Sky Sports+ at no extra cost". I went to the VM forums to see what people think about TV 360 and didn't find anything good:"several major features are missing owing to TiVO patents""Don't do it. 360 is absolutely awful""All your v6 recordings will be lost"But not many specifics or whether these issues are still happening. Does anyone have any good guides on which are the main differences and issues moving from Virgin V6 box to TV 360?Thanks!

Some of the missing features are as follows; Wishlists (where you can set the box to record programs on certain subjects or featuring certain people), undelete, series link+, series link manager, suggestions, setting of series links for programs not in the current TV guide, ethernet control, keyboard support via USB, switching between tuners with constant buffering, skip-back on fast-forward, quickplay, default recording options, cancelling individual recordings from a series link, multi-channel series links, radio channels allowing recording of radio, separation of recordings between boxes, watching recordings when internet is not available and probably a few others I've forgotten.Also, extra boxes do not have their own hard disks or tuners (unless converted from a V6 box), so you lose storage space and recording ability and are also reliant on the main box being on to watch and set recordings and also on having a decent wi-fi signal (or ethernet cable) between the two boxes when watching recordings.And you will lose all your current recordings and series links (which will be difficult to set up again as you can only set series links for programs currently in the TV guide)

Virgin V6 box to TV 360, should I do it? | Virgin Media Community

Tavis75
Super solver
7 months ago

Some of the missing features are as follows; Wishlists (where you can set the box to record programs on certain subjects or featuring certain people), undelete, series link+, series link manager, suggestions, setting of series links for programs not in the current TV guide, ethernet control, keyboard support via USB, switching between tuners with constant buffering, skip-back on fast-forward, quickplay, default recording options, cancelling individual recordings from a series link, multi-channel series links, radio channels allowing recording of radio, separation of recordings between boxes, watching recordings when internet is not available and probably a few others I've forgotten.
Also, extra boxes do not have their own hard disks or tuners (unless converted from a V6 box), so you lose storage space and recording ability and are also reliant on the main box being on to watch and set recordings and also on having a decent wi-fi signal (or ethernet cable) between the two boxes when watching recordings.
And you will lose all your current recordings and series links (which will be difficult to set up again as you can only set series links for programs currently in the TV guide)
- cdturri
  On our wavelength
  7 months ago
  Thanks, that's really helpful. I use the VM TV Control App a lot to "stream" TiVo recordings to my iOS devices. A lot of times I even watch live broadcasts using the VM TV Control App because I find the picture quality much better than the relevant app from the channel (ie BBC, Sky, ITV, etc). I also find the delay using local stream to be much smaller than using a channel app. Is this feature still available with TV360?
- dickeverard
  On our wavelength
  15 days ago
  Having used Virgin 360, I can confirm that it is vastly inferior to the previous Virgin 6 Tivo box.
BlueLou
Virgin Media Staff
7 months ago
Hey cdturri

I think on a forum such as this you may find more customers with issues than those who are happy, it's the nature of the feedback forum.

Despite some people clearly preferring TiVo, the data suggests 360 is objectively a better TV service. Customers with Virgin TV 360 consistently score higher in satsifction scores than both V6 and TiVo. They also remove their TV service at a lower rate.

In terms of improvements

360 has a better and wider range of content available and integrated into the platform. Sky Sports+ is the first example, its not going to be available on V6 any time soon if at all, and wont be available on TiVo.

In addition Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and any upcoming app launches will be only available on 360 and integrated into the platform so you're going to find what you want to watch sooner.

This continues with the superior homepage on 360, with continue watching rail, puchased content/rentals, most used apps, recent recordings and Watchlist available with just a few taps down the menu/

Of course the quickest way to get around the service is Voice Control; use it to open apps, search for what you want or just say "fast forward three minutes" to sip through the adverts!

It looks miles better, without the rows of text you see on V6.

Startover is a great feature where you can start playing from the beginning of a live show, even if you missed the start.

Profiles is a great way to make the experience your own, you can even set up your own EPG with just the channels you want!

Finally HD override will always default to the best quality available in your package so you dont need to remember additonal channel numbers

All of this adds up to a much better viewing experience. I think it's important to get a balanced view before you switch, you will lose your recordings so you want to make sure it's worth it!

edit: here is one of the infographics we're using to inform our staff
- cdturri
  On our wavelength
  7 months ago
  Thanks BlueLou, this is helpful although I have to say I don't or won't use any of the new features you mention. So at the moment there is nothing for me to push to upgrade.
  360 has a better and wider range of content available and integrated into the platform. Sky Sports+ is the first example, its not going to be available on V6 any time soon if at all, and wont be available on TiVo. => It is confusing to me what Sky Sports+ is but that's a VM issue rather than a Sky issue. It seems that it is just more Sports in additional to what I get already but not something I will be watching as I always watch plenty of sports. Also it's not clear if I can watch Sports+ on the Sky Sports app which will make the "upgrade" to 360 unnecessary.
  In addition Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and any upcoming app launches will be only available on 360 and integrated into the platform so you're going to find what you want to watch sooner. => By far the best App streamer is the Apple TV 4K so I don't really need VMs box todo anything else than VM content. So no disrespect to your VM TV 360 software but it can't compete with the Apple TV.
  This continues with the superior homepage on 360, with continue watching rail, puchased content/rentals, most used apps, recent recordings and Watchlist available with just a few taps down the menu => In general it seems like a dumb down of the user interface and a way to promote more sales and other content I am not interested on.
  Of course the quickest way to get around the service is Voice Control; use it to open apps, search for what you want or just say "fast forward three minutes" to sip through the adverts! => Would really want to see who uses Voice Control, personally I don't like it. I prefer buttons.
  It looks miles better, without the rows of text you see on V6. => I would agree with this but to me functionality is more important than looks as you can usually ignore bad looks but can't ignore missing features
  Startover is a great feature where you can start playing from the beginning of a live show, even if you missed the start. => Not something I need. I either watch live or record which also gives me start from the beginning capability. Also most catch up apps have this although I agree the integration with the guide is a good feature.
  Profiles is a great way to make the experience your own, you can even set up your own EPG with just the channels you want! => No one uses the VM box other than myself. The rest of the family uses streaming apps in the Apple TV.
  Finally HD override will always default to the best quality available in your package so you dont need to remember additonal channel numbers => I only watch HD/UDH channels and have already added them to My Favorites so I never see SD channels. Already solved this problem in a much more elegant way.
  Here is a question about TV 360:
  V6 boxes struggle to fast forward UHD recordings as they don't show the fast forward images and can be confusing on when to stop. Does the TV 360 address this problem?
  - Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta
    7 months ago
    cdturri wrote:
    360 has a better and wider range of content available and integrated into the platform. Sky Sports+ is the first example, its not going to be available on V6 any time soon if at all, and wont be available on TiVo. => It is confusing to me what Sky Sports+ is but that's a VM issue rather than a Sky issue. It seems that it is just more Sports in additional to what I get already but not something I will be watching as I always watch plenty of sports. Also it's not clear if I can watch Sports+ on the Sky Sports app which will make the "upgrade" to 360 unnecessary.
    Your lack of understanding of Sky Sports+ is hardly VM's fault. Sky Sports+ is essentially about additional ways to watch Sky Sports content.
    
    Of course the quickest way to get around the service is Voice Control; use it to open apps, search for what you want or just say "fast forward three minutes" to sip through the adverts! => Would really want to see who uses Voice Control, personally I don't like it. I prefer buttons.
    I often use voice control to switch between linear TV and apps, and is the best advantage over the V6.
arrgee1991
Problem sorter
7 months ago
One good reason to not transfer to 360 is the remote is impossible to use in dim light.
360 is probably worthwhile as a streaming experience like Sky Stream, but it is closed, so you can’t add apps like Now TV and GAAGO, so I use my Fire Stick which is generally superior. If only TV Go and Sky Sports were on my fire stick. It would probably be better to do that as I could ditch the virgin box.
The loss of watch lists is a drag, as is the fast forward/rewind which has four speeds rather than a means of skipping 15/30 minutes as before. Particularly useful at half time in a football match. I find I am now watching Freeview in preference to VM as I can skip recordings in 10 minute chunks.
Also, the Home Screen shows me a load of stuff I am not interested in. I don’t want to buy tickets to gigs via priority. Nor watch anything on Alibi. My Fire Stick is far less intrusive.
And gone are the days when I could just leave the TV on a channel to rewind when I need to be away from the TV for a while. Once programme changes, that’s it. No going back.
japitts
Very Insightful Person
7 months ago
VM have, on this forum, openly confirmed that the Sky Sports HD multiscreen will come to V6. There's just no timescale for it.
It's already available on compatible mobile devices for V6 users, regardless of box support.
A conversion to TV360 is no more or less an upgrade than a conversion between Apple & Android, or vice-versa. The two platforms are completely different. TiVo-software is a very accomplished recording box, whereas TV360 is designed around the streaming world.
arrgee1991
Problem sorter
7 months ago
Everyday I discover something else that is unacceptable with 360. Surely there must be a way back. Unfair that I am lumbered with this platform where I can't record radio and can't hide adult channels and have no means of getting back to what I had.
The home page is showing me a show on alibi and I don't have access to it. Likewise most of the shows in top picks. I don't need the Box Sets & Movies nor Catch Up which also show all the stuff I haven't subscribed to and don't want.
- KeithLeonard
  Rising star
  7 months ago
  The whole point of these adverts and services if you don't subscribe to the services concerned, is to try and tempt you to subscribe to them. It is the same as adverts on the tv and in the press, they are there to tempt you buy them if you don't have them.
  Personally I like the 360 box especially the voice control which I use a lot if I am trying to fast forward recordings. It is not perfect but what is. One day everyone will be transferred over to the 360 box (no decision has been made when that will be) as Liberty Global are doing away with the Tivo System as they have done in other countries.
  - arrgee1991
    Problem sorter
    7 months ago
    @KeithLeonard I pay a large monthly subscription fee to Virgin for what I want. Having the home screen showing a program I can't access without a subscription is ridiculous. Especially as I can't subscribe directly. It does not happen with Now TV. Disney plus, Paramount plus, Netflix etc. as all they show on the home screen are the programmes I can watch. Even with Amazon Prime, I can switch off non-prime shows. I even pay for boost on Now TV to not have ads on demand. With TiVo they were less conspicuous at the the top of the screen, now they have taken over.
- japitts
  Very Insightful Person
  7 months ago
  arrgee1991 wrote:
  Surely there must be a way back. Unfair that I am lumbered with this platform where I can't record radio and can't hide adult channels and have no means of getting back to what I had.
  Conversions to TV360 are completely voluntary and no-one is forced. What were the circumstances around your migration?
  - arrgee1991
    Problem sorter
    7 months ago
    I was sent an email to change to 360 otherwise I would not get Sky Sports plus. Apart from losing recordings there was no mention of losing features.
    
    Your TV box needs a free update
    Otherwise, you’ll miss out on Sky Sports+
    We wanted to let you know that Sky Sports are launching Sky Sports+. It’s included in your subscription but doesn’t work on your current Virgin TV box. Don’t worry you can upgrade your box to access Sky Sports+ at no extra cost.
    Sky Sports+ is included in your current subscription, but you won’t be able to get the new features on your box as it is.
    What do I need to do?
    Update your TV box to Virgin TV 360 at no extra cost
    You can do this using the ‘Upgrade now’ app on your TV's home screen. Simply follow the steps on the screen. We’ll send you a new 360 remote, and an ‘Install now’ app will appear to help you finish setting things up. Here’s how it works.
    If you don't upgrade, you'll still get your current Sky Sports subscription but won't get the new features of Sky Sports+.
    Enjoy your recordings before you switch
    We can’t transfer your recordings and settings when you switch to 360, so make sure you watch the shows you need to before you hit that button. You can still watch many of them on Catch Up or On Demand (depending on which TV pack you have).
    To learn more about Virgin TV 360, head here.
    Thanks,
    The Virgin Media team
    Virgin Media
    
    And the link makes no mention of what you lose as a result of the "upgrade"
    https://www.virginmedia.com/tv/virgin-tv-360?utm_source=itg&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cable_cus_email_compass_upgrade_C05404_D010
ryansm
On our wavelength
7 months ago
Is it safe to say that those who haven’t had the email will be able to access the new Sky Sports offerings? I’ve got a V6 box but no email!
- BlueLou
  Virgin Media Staff
  7 months ago
  ryansm wrote:
  
  Is it safe to say that those who haven’t had the email will be able to access the new Sky Sports offerings? I’ve got a V6 box but no email!
  
  Hey Ryan, if you are a Sky Sports subscriber and have a V6 you should get the email before the launch of SS+, but if you're concerned just contact us via Web Chat and request an upgrade to 360.
japitts
Very Insightful Person
7 months ago
The emails & marketing are to drive conversions from V6 > TV360.
Development of the new Sky Sports HD multiscreen for V6 will continue regardless, and will launch whenever it launches.
If you need the multiscreen or Sky Sports+ in-time for the new football season, you either need to convert to TV360 or use the service on a mobile device.
The facility will launch in V6 whenever it launches.
arrgee1991
Problem sorter
6 months ago
Don’t upgrade.
All 360 does is allow you to watch what was on at the time the programme was due to be broadcast. If that programme was not broadcast or delayed, it won’t show you what you wanted to watch. It is pretty dumb. Sky Stream does show you the actual programme. Even Now TV does. 360 is absolutely useless.
ydoistickatvirg
Tuning in
4 months ago
Might be a bit late, but my opinion - Don't.
It's obvious Virgin only think of 'what can we do next' ?, without thinking 'should we?'.
With TV 360 you'll be pressing various buttons several times, to achieve the same as one button with V6.
It's clearly geared only to those that prioritize streaming, So we can assume those in charge, consider streaming options, apps etc as priority, (not in my house).
If you accidently delete a program - and it's very easy to do
, it's gone, no undelete on 360. - V6 not so easy to mistakenly delete, plus undelete available.
There was no ability to transfer over from V6 to 360, series recordings nor already recordeds.
As far as I can work out, there's no un installing 360 back to V6 either.
One last thing - As we have become accustomed, there is no easy chance of communicating with Virgin, no emails, no forms to fill in, just 'phone this number to speak to an call centre in India'.
With upgrades and additional services from other companies, one usually gets a 'do you like your new product' survey!
From Virgin 'Do you like your upgrade to TV360 survey' is non existent, they care the same as they cared when I was shanghaied to O2 Mobile services, which was 'don't care'.
Roger_Gooner
Alessandro Volta
2 months ago
I expect the V6 to be gone within a few years. In any case recordings are not meant to be permanent.
- Mr_K
  Knows their stuff
  2 months ago
  A company that doesn't listen to what the customer wants, or cons them with the word 'upgrade', is a company doomed to fail.

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