Problem with TV streaming after upgrade to V6 box

[peterts]

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.

[peterts]

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]

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

[peterts]

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). 

[japitts · Accepted solution]

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]

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.

[Tavis75]

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.

[peterts]

Thank you Tavis. That‘s fair comment. My concern is really the 50m cable.

[Zoie_P]

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]

Hi Zoie. Many thanks - I will look out for the little envelope! Perhaps the technician can look at the position of the pods at the same time? FYI we have a very old rambling house with brick internal walls and the hub and v6 box are 50 metres+ apart so that’s the main problem. If the v6 box used the same cable as the TiVo there wouldn’t be a problem. BTW one of your colleagues, Sabrina, has been very helpful on this matter and has provided the pods.