Smart TV and V6 box compatibility

[Wyvern2]

I have recently purchased a Smart TV. It supports DVB-C, and allows both PVR and Time-Shift functions via USB ports.

At the moment, my TV 6 box is connected to an HDMI port and is defined as the Cable Source.

The Smart TV has a single Antenna input connector for Analogue, DVB-T or DVB-C.

Is it possible to combine the Virgin Media and the Freeview signal cables using a filter/adaptor to achieve a single feed for the Antenna input?

If this indeed works, it would appear to make the TV 6 box redundant. It would also allow all the functions to be controlled using just the TV remote.

Supposing the above could be achieved, would there be a reduced-cost contract if the TV 6 box were no longer required?

[newapollo · Accepted solution]

Hi @Wyvern2 

It isn't possible. VM TV services need the VM set top box to tune into the cable system and unencrypt them so they are viewable.

[nodrogd]

DVB-C tuners in sets are for the free channels provided on an “open” class cable system (such as Ziggo provides in The Netherlands). The free channels are unencrypted, with some additional services provided via the CAM module in the TV set.

Cable services provided by Virgin Media are on a “closed” system. This is a fully encrypted end-to-end broadcast system with rented STBs & no third party equipment access. So if you did plug your TV in directly it won’t decode any channels (including BBC & ITV) apart from one or two that are there for test purposes only.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES combine the signals from Freeview & Cable services. These use frequencies that will conflict with each other (VMs cabling is designed to keep them out). If the ingress happens to track back to the street cabinet all your neighbours TV & Broadband services will suffer interference.

[Wyvern2]

Hi 'newapollo and nodrogd'.

Thank you both for your clear and helpful replies to my post. The key point is obviously the difference between open/closed, unencrypted/encrypted, free/paid systems.

The warning regarding any attempt at 'mixing' the Freeview and Virgin cable signals is duly heeded!

[Matthew_ML]

Hey Wyvern2, thank you for reaching out today with your question.

You can change your package anytime you wish and get rid of the TV if you wish.

You can do this by going to this link Thanks