Forum Discussion

peterts's avatar
peterts
Tuning in
2 years ago
Solved

Problem with TV streaming after upgrade to V6 box

We were recently upgraded to a V6 box from TiVo. Because the V6 box uses WiFi and not cable (as the TiVo did) we find that TV streaming is interrupted by buffering. The only solution proposed by VM is to install pods. However, VM have gone ahead and actioned this without telling me that I would be charged for it! I only found out when I had a eContract emailed to me. VM want £28 pm EXTRA for this! So...I am being asked to pay for getting back the service I had before the 'upgrade'! This after I found that the VM digital line means that my external phone bell no longer works. All in all, not impressed. There doesn't seem to be a way to contact a person any longer and I've been sitting on the chat app for ages already today, waiting for a reply.

  • japitts's avatar
    japitts
    2 years ago

    The legacy TiVo had an internal 'net connection which was fed over the same co-ax which carries live TV broadcasts, and was split out internally. The newer (and much improved) V6 doesn't have this and relies on your home-hub instead.

    A hard-wired Ethernet connection is always best if at all possible, as it would be with any semi-permanent equipment needing online connectivity. If that's not possible, then wireless often suffices - but does rely on a reliable wireless signal. This would be the same as any other wireless device - laptops, tablets, phones etc. Powerline adapters can often be a good compromise.

    The V6 allows you to check wireless signal strength via the network connections screen - Home > Help & Settings > Settings > Network > top-right corner.

  • peterts's avatar
    peterts
    Tuning in
    2 years ago

    Now sorted! VM have said they will provide a pod foc. The increase in monthly payment was primarily due to my contract ending in a couple of months and we have agreed a more reasonable monthly payment. I said that the eContract could have been clearer and that I had to go to the 'Want to cancel' option to get to speak to a person. However, she was very helpful when we spoke.

  • Tavis75's avatar
    Tavis75
    Super solver
    2 years ago

    You can connect the V6 to your router with an ethernet cable, it doesn't have to use Wi-Fi.

    • peterts's avatar
      peterts
      Tuning in
      2 years ago

      Thank you Travis. I thought of that but (a) it would be at least 50m of cable and (b) all four network connections on the hub are used (Hive, Sonos, NAS and dLan powerline). 

      • Tavis75's avatar
        Tavis75
        Super solver
        2 years ago

        OK, yes that distance would be an issue! From the point of view of the ports though, you can always add a network switch to get as many ports as you're ever likely to need, I've got 3 switches and 15-20 wired devices plugged into my VM system.

  • japitts's avatar
    japitts
    Very Insightful Person
    2 years ago

    The legacy TiVo had an internal 'net connection which was fed over the same co-ax which carries live TV broadcasts, and was split out internally. The newer (and much improved) V6 doesn't have this and relies on your home-hub instead.

    A hard-wired Ethernet connection is always best if at all possible, as it would be with any semi-permanent equipment needing online connectivity. If that's not possible, then wireless often suffices - but does rely on a reliable wireless signal. This would be the same as any other wireless device - laptops, tablets, phones etc. Powerline adapters can often be a good compromise.

    The V6 allows you to check wireless signal strength via the network connections screen - Home > Help & Settings > Settings > Network > top-right corner.

    • peterts's avatar
      peterts
      Tuning in
      2 years ago

      Thank you Travis. Please see my recent comment as cable not practical as VM say they wouldn’t fit one of that length. Wi-Fi is the only practical answer unless I buy a mesh 6  system. My fault for having a house which is too long and has two ring mains! All was OK before the TV box upgrade.

      • Zoie_P's avatar
        Zoie_P
        Forum Team (Retired)
        2 years ago

        Hi peterts,
        Thank you for your post and I am so sorry to hear you are having issues with your V6's streaming, I know you have been discussing cabling with our members but I have checked your hub stats and there are some issues with your hub power levels which could be causing some connection issues. 
        We can get a tech out to get this sorted for you and will pop you over a PM.
        I can also see your pods are struggling as they need to be repositioned to best boost their range.
        So do not place Extenders near the outside walls of the home. The Extender should not be blocked by metal, placed near mirrors or placed in the path of thick construction material that can attenuate the WiFi signal. If possible, reposition the Extenders to be closer to the core/middle of the home. For more info on pods, you can try here
        Keep an eye out for the little envelope 👀📩
        Thanks,
        Zoie

    • peterts's avatar
      peterts
      Tuning in
      2 years ago

      Thank you - TV problem solved by adjustments in the nearby VM cabinet by technician visit on Friday so that’s OK now.

      • Martin_N's avatar
        Martin_N
        Forum Team
        2 years ago

        We're glad to hear that is all sorted for you now peterts.

        ^Martin