Just signed up for upgrade to Virgin TV 360. Cold feet

[pete_ml]

From reading this forum it appears that some things on the TV 360 aren't as good as the TiVo software.

The new remote is coming in the post. Can I choose to cancel the update before the software update applies by contacting  Virgin Media applies or is it going to apply automatically in a week's time?

The main thing that worries me is how the fast forward behaves compared to the V6 TiVo software. We find the way it works currently good for skipping adverts, the way it rewinds a few seconds when you click play after fast-forwarding.

Are there any other things that are worse that my mum will get annoyed at?

[newapollo]

Hi pete_ml 

To skip forwards/backwards 15 minutes in recordings - press MIC and say "go forward 15 minutes" or "go back 15 minutes". You can also say "fast forward 10 minutes" or whatever amount of time you want. To avoid adverts on streamed & on demand say "skip forward three minutes" or "fast forward 3 minutes"

The left and right arrow buttons either side of the OK button skip forward 30 seconds and back 10 seconds.

If you press the fast forward button above the '3' key, you have 4 speeds depending on how many times you press the button, when fast forwarding you can press the TV button to turn off the graphics, you can then press the play button to start watching.

When fast forwarding press TV button and that will switch off the fast forward arrows etc. For Stop press the back button or pause button, TV button also stops and puts you back to TV.

To play back in slow motion press pause then Fast Forward

[Tavis75]

I believe that as you've applied for the update then there is nothing that you can do to stop it, if you don't manually start the process then it will happen automatically after around 5 days. In regards to the differences:

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.

[BlueLou · Accepted solution]

Hey @pete_ml 

I think direct comparisons are difficult.  The feature you mention on TiVo is useful when forwarding recordings because there is no other way to skip through them.  It doesnt work in the same way with on demand content on TiVo so is inconsistent.  Skipping using voice control on 360 will work regardless.  

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 for some time, and wont be available on TiVo.  
• In addition Disney+, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and any upcoming app launches (HBO Max is one I'm keeping my eye on, fingers crossed!) 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!