ITVX/ITV Hub Tivo

[benlynx]

Yesterday 08/12/2022 was the launch date of the ITV Hub replacement ITVX.

Checking this out, I sadly found that the Tivo Box I have is not supported by ITVX. Worse than that, ITV Hub no longer works.

A message comes up I can use a V6 box or can watch ITV programs via catch up.

Is there a way for my Tivo box to be exchanged so I can keep up with technology.

Thank you

Ben

[japitts · Accepted solution]

Are you able to access ITV OnDemand via the VoD menus? Home > OnDemand > CatchUp

Or are you able to record the programmes you know you'll want to watch?

Saying that, the TiVo is an old box now and has long since been superceded by the quicker V6. VM would also very quickly offer you the alternative TV360 which is different.

Do you have VM broadband and are you out of minimum contract?

[benlynx]

I can access itv programs missed via Home >catchup/channels/itv catch-up. but I won't get the boxsets etc specially for ITVX

I have VM broadband, tv and phone..
I am out of contract.

[newapollo]

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@benlynx wrote:
I can access itv programs missed via Home >catchup/channels/itv catch-up. but I won't get the boxsets etc specially for ITVX

I have VM broadband, tv and phone..
I am out of contract.

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Hi @benlynx 

Having the VM broadband means you are able to upgrade to either of the V6 or 360 boxes. 

Even better is the fact that you are out of contract. You should be able to call and speak to VM and negotiate a new deal and at the same time ask for a free swap to the V6 boxes.  The V6 boxes are based on Tivo which you used to. The 360 boxes (which VM agents may try and push you to) use a different interface called Horizon. The V6 boxes have double the storage for recordings, also the Amazon Prime app which isn't available on Tivo's,  and 6 tuners. It's also a darn sight faster in operation.

The 360 boxes are missing a few of the Tivo/V6 box features.  The thread <<< here >>>  lists some of the differences. 

I would suggest calling VM. The best route is to call 150 from a Virgin landline, or 0345 454 1111, options 1,1,4 and 4 (thinking of leaving) but it's best to call at 8am to avoid call queues

This should put you through to Retentions (thinking of leaving) however your call may be picked up first by a front line agent. If this happens be firm and say you want transferring to Retentions. Retentions are generally based in the UK and do far more than cancellations. They have a greater degree of knowledge and flexibility, along with a larger range of discounts than the front line agents (regrades) so you should ideally speak to them to negotiate a new deal and box upgrade.

[PaulH2011]

Very useful for me as I need to switch to V6 to access ITVX.  Do they insist on taking the Tivi box away?  I have quite a few recordings I want to keep.

[japitts]

When a replacement V6 is activated, the legacy TiVo will be deactivated.

Also bear in mind VM's recording boxes are designed for timeshift viewing of programmes, not long-term archiving. Losing recordings is standard in any box-swap scenario.

[PaulH2011]

I'm afraid that doesn't answer my question, which is the same as when I asked it months or even years ago now when they were offering free upgrades to V6.

I know the Tivo will be deactivated, I don't even intend to have it connected to the coax.  I proved to my own satisfaction previously that with it powered down, unplugged from everything i.e. mains, coax and TV, then reconnected just to the mains and the TV that it will play recordings.

So the question remains, when installing V6 will they insist on taking the Tivo box away, or not?

[japitts]

A TiVo without a co-ax connection, in all likelihood, won't complete the boot sequence but probably get stuck at "loading channels 16%".

VM don't take TiVo's back now, but advise recyling.

If you can keep the TiVo booted up after it's deactivated, then good luck to you. But once it's powered down, consider it dead.

[PaulH2011]

Are you really saying that if it loses connection with the network you can't play recordings?

"I proved to my own satisfaction previously that with it powered down, unplugged from everything i.e. mains, coax and TV, then reconnected just to the mains and the TV that it will play recordings."

[japitts]

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@PaulH2011 wrote:

Are you really saying that if it loses connection with the network you can't play recordings?

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No, I'm not saying that. I've done the same thing myself when I swapped from TiVo > V6.

TiVo left powered up with co-ax removed, recordings still worked. Once it was powered down or rebooted, game over.

If you can boot a TiVo without a co-ax, you're doing well. More so if the box has been deactivated.