Upgrading to Virgin+

[admin_exported]

We got our new 42PZ81B plasma yesterday, upgrading from a 20 year old 26" Sony. I was thinking of upgrading our 7 year old Telewest box to a V+ box. The reason for doing this would be to get a HDMI out from the box into the TV instead of the scart.

My 2 questions are, would having a new V+ box with HDMI improve the picture quality?

And does the V+ box allow you to use as video sender with it? I don't care about being able to change channels and use a remote, I just want to send the picture form the V+ to another room.

 

[John Duncan]

skyjackers:
We got our new 42PZ81B plasma yesterday, upgrading from a 20 year old 26" Sony. I was thinking of upgrading our 7 year old Telewest box to a V+ box. The reason for doing this would be to get a HDMI out from the box into the TV instead of the scart.

My 2 questions are, would having a new V+ box with HDMI improve the picture quality?

And does the V+ box allow you to use as video sender with it? I don't care about being able to change channels and use a remote, I just want to send the picture form the V+ to another room.

Well I wouldn't bother with video senders, they're rubbish - but you can have an STB installed in the other room for an extra fiver a month (or you may get it for free if you have the highest package, I forget).

And yes, on the whole HDMI will be better.

 

[margetti]

Definite improvement in PQ using the HDMI - especially with the main channels. And yes you can get a box in another room (although it won't be V+) for free with the XL package.

 

[Anonymous]

I already have the XL package so getting another box in a different room sounds great. My only question is, how is that signal sent? Do they have to run another cable to make the connection?

 

[John Duncan]

skyjackers:I already have the XL package so getting another box in a different room sounds great. My only question is, how is that signal sent? Do they have to run another cable to make the connection?

Yes, though they'll do it on install obviously.

 

[rob_981]

You'll need to check if they still do it, but I used to be on their VIP package - XL TV plus sports, movies, etc, 20meg broadband and phone with special discounts, and two V+ boxes for £85 per month. I didn't have two V+ boxes though (only got one TV, so 2 V+ boxes would have been a bit of a waste of time!!!), and that caused endless problems with billing, but if you want two V+ boxes and all the rest of that stuff, this could be the way to go.

 

[Anonymous]

margetti:Definite improvement in PQ using the HDMI - especially with the main channels. And yes you can get a box in another room (although it won't be V+) for free with the XL package.

ÿ

Are you sure? I just spoke to there 'help' desk and was told that I could get V+ for half price if I keep my original STB at £5 a month. So half price for the V+ but then charged for the old box!?! I'm on the XL TV package so was just hoping I could get V+ for £75 with no monthly charge.

 

[kena]

You are correct £75 installation and £5 a month for the original STB in another room. I've had V+ just over a week As well as using HDMI you could run a scart (from V+ VCR scart socket ) and connect video sender to that .

Yes they run another cable where you want it , they split mine in attic and came into sons bedroom alongside the boadband.

 

[Anonymous]

Thats good to know because I already use a Video sender and it works perfectly. I'd still want to use this via scart with the V+.

So is the V+ service worth the 1 off price of £150 and free subscription if you're on XL? I have a feeling it is, so I don't know why I'm waiting really!?!

 

[kena]

Yes but why not take the 1/2 price offer and pay the extra £5 and get cable in another room. You could cancel after 12 months and still be £15 better off.

 

[margetti]

Well, that was the deal we got on a new connection (moving from another supplier). And further to your most recent post, I would try and haggle with them, if you're comfortable doing so (say you'll move to Sky if they won't do a better deal). We certainly didn't pay for the V+ box, but did pay for installation (can't remember what, but managed to get that knocked down too).ÿ

skyjackers:

margetti:Definite improvement in PQ using the HDMI - especially with the main channels. And yes you can get a box in another room (although it won't be V+) for free with the XL package.

ÿ

Are you sure? I just spoke to there 'help' desk and was told that I could get V+ for half price if I keep my original STB at £5 a month. So half price for the V+ but then charged for the old box!?! I'm on the XL TV package so was just hoping I could get V+ for £75 with no monthly charge.

 

[kena]

You could try and beat them down I tried but they wouldn't move . But anyway it's worth £75 and the extra £5 .

 

[Anonymous]

anyone know what hd channels we get on v+ as far as i know it's bbc/hd and and extra stuff on demand like blue planet! i paid 75 sheets for mine and have used my old box for the bedroom for an extra fiver!

 

[kena]

Thats it at present darkside and they don't be in any hurry to add at the moment

 

[Anonymous]

that really sucks