Which VM box?

Question

Apologies if my post is not in the correct place as it does not solely relate to Virgin Media's TV 360 box.

I was with Virgin Media up until around 18 months ago when I switched to Sky. I am now looking to return back to Virgin Media. I have a Sky Glass TV and I will likely be choosing to have Virgin Media’s M350 Entertainment + Netflix package.

So far, from what I can gather, Virgin Media are able to provide different boxes but I cannot determine what each of those boxes do or which one I would need based on my requirements. Am I correct that Virgin Media provide a streaming box which I think they call a Flex box? and that they also provide their TV 360 box which has an element of streaming but also gives the ability to mainly record programmes which can then be played back?

Do Virgin Media provide any other boxes and if they do, what do those boxes do that is different to their Flex box and TV 360 box?

Currently, I have Ad-Skipping as part of my Sky Glass package and once I have re-joined Virgin Media, I would like to be able to fast forward any adverts that come on during programmes ie on the likes of ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 etc (just to clarify, I am not talking about fast forwarding adverts when I am watching live TV or whilst watching Netflix). Is it possible to fast forward all adverts on all of the boxes that Virgin Media provide or would I need to pay for their TV 360 box instead of their free to provide streaming/Flex box?

I look forward in anticipation of any responses received.

MisterM · Answer

Thanks for your reply.Apologies if I have mis-communicated. I don’t necessarily need to be able to record. I don’t have any preference between having a streaming box or a having box that can record and/or stream and record. I just mainly want the ability to be able to fast forward adverts whether that be via a streaming box or via a box that can record.Do both of the latest boxes that have been mentioned ie the Flex box and the TV 360 box both allow for adverts to be fast forwarded or is it one or the other of them?

jpeg1 · Answer

The standard box supplied with new VM packages is the small streaming box that doesn't record. You may be able to negotiate for a 360 box at extra cost that is designed around streaming but does allow for recording. Many existing users still have the older box which is primarily for recording but also has streaming, but VM is trying to phase these out.

I suggest you read the forum for comments on these, because it's very much a personal preference.

Richardr1 · Answer

On a Virgin Stream box, you can pause a channel for up to 25 minutes, and start playing again, but you can't fast forward any ITV channel from the point of pausing, other channels do allow it.

Most so called catch-up on the likes of BBC, ITV, C4, and U& is purely a link to their app.

Virgin Media doesn't sell an ad-skipping facility. ITVX and C4's app sell separately their own subscription to allow that on their apps, you have to subscribe to and pay for those directly.

japitts · Answer

I just mainly want the ability to be able to fast forward adverts whether that be via a streaming box or via a box that can record.Broadcasters don't want you skipping adverts, they've never liked it but apart from the BBC - this is how the get their programming budget.To skip adverts, you'll therefore either need to record programmes and watch them delayed.. or pay the broadcaster for a premium-subcription to their branded app.

MisterM · Answer

Is that situation the same with the TV 360 box? If programmes are recorded on the TV 360 box (as opposed to them being streamed), can the adverts then be fast forwarded? I don't want to go to the expense of buying a TV 360 box if I cannot fast forward adverts, even on recorded programmes.

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Which VM box?

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