@DrP1 wrote:
Dear japitts,
Thanks so much for your reply - very much appreciated. I can get "On Demand" programmes, but they are regularly "buffering". (I'm afraid I don't know what "PPV" stands for.) I've discovered that I need to upgrade to a V360 box
At best that's twaddle, at worst it's misleading sales-talk. Sorry to be blunt. Oh, PPV stands for "pay per view" - content that you pay specifically for, as opposed to having it in a package of some kind.
Let's explain some background here - first with reference to the 3 TV boxes that VM have... https://www.virginmedia.com/care/tv-fault/which-tv-box
TiVo - runs TiVo software and has its own in-built internet-connection. A very common issue with these is that the inbuilt modem fails without users realising - no internet connection means no OnDemand etc. It's a fault and rectified by a box replacement - but you're not going to get around the box being old and slow by current standards.
V6 - runs TiVo software but on much newer hardware. Far quicker in general operation, more recording tuners, more apps, but it doesn't have the inbuilt internet connection and so you need to have VM home broadband to connect to.
360 - VM's newest software platform, runs on the same hardware as the V6 but substantially different software and is not TiVo. Do your research on the pros & cons of both before "jumping in", because you can't change your mind if you don't get on with it.
Personal opinion - swapping from a TiVo > V6 is an absolutely valid thing to do if you can negotiate it, an upgrade in every sense. The box can be software-patched to 360 if you decide later on. Going straight from TiVo > 360 is valid, but do so after careful thought & consideration - and not just because some sales-person has told you that it's necessary. The chances are it's not.
So back to the original query... if you have a TiVo and OnDemand is regularly buffering, there may be a reason for this. Check the front-left of your TiVo and there's a series of green lights. The "heartbeat" light is the online indicator and if it ever flashes, that's your inbuilt net connection failing.
There's also plenty of other posts & threads on TiVo/V6 vs 360, but it's a whole can of worms. Let's stick to your TiVo fault for now, and see if it's just the on-board modem failing.
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