V+ Faq

[Chris Howell]

Q: What is the V+?
A: It’s Virgin Media's Personal Video Recorder (PVR) which contains a 160GB Hard Drive and allows cable viewers to enjoy the delights of High Definition Television (HDTV). Instead of recording onto VHS tapes, programmes you record are saved onto the Hard Drive. Welcome to the era of digital recording.


Q: What’s so great about digital recording?
A: Well, for starters, you don’t have to buy any blank VHS tapes, or worry about recording over your wedding. The Hard Drive in the V+ is large enough to contain around 80 hours of Standard Definition TV recordings, or 20 hours of High Definition TV recordings. And the quality of the recording is exactly the same as the original programmme.


Q: Any other great features? Can it make the tea?
A: It can’t make the tea. But you can watch a recording while it's still recording. Or even pause live TV whilst you make your own tea.


Q: Eh?
A: When watching TV, the V+ will silently record what you’re watching on the current channel for up to 90 minutes. You can then ‘rewind’ what you’re watching, and ‘play’ the current channel from that point.


Q: What’s the point of that?
A: Say you’re watching a football match on Sky Sports. You step out of the room for a moment and in the process, you miss a goal. With the Delay TV feature, you can ‘rewind’ the match and see that vital goal, and then if you wish, watch the match from that point (or return to ‘live’ TV).


Q: So what else has V+ got?
A: Three tuners.


Q: Yeah, so?
A: With three tuners, you can watch one ‘live’ programme, while recording up to two other programmes at the same time. (One day you might be able to record three programmes, including the one you are watching, simultaneously, but you can't at the moment).


Q: Three tuners, sounds like overkill! I’ll never use them all!
A: You’d be surprised. Compared to the standard boxes, the V+ offers total recording freedom. You can set recordings from the EPG with one button press. Did I mention the series links?


Q: No, you didn’t.
A: Instead of having to set up individual recordings for series like Torchwood, The Unit, Eastenders etc – you can tell the V+ to record all new episodes of a series. And away it will go, merrily doing exactly that when necessary, without any further instructions from you.


Q: Nice – but what happens if there aren’t enough tuners to record multiple programmes which are on at the same time?
A: The V+ will warn you when there’s a ‘recording clash’, and you can even give each series a recording priority. For example, you can tell it that in the event of a recording clash, Eastenders is more important then say, The Bill. You can even give recording priority to different types of recordings.


Q: Which are?
A: Planned Series (or series links), Planned Programmes (which you set from the EPG) and Manual Recordings.


Q: What the hell is a Manual Recording?
A: Instead of telling the V+ to record a series or even a programme from the EPG, you can set it to record from a specific time and date, from a specific channel.


Q: Sounds like a marriage saver. What else?
A: You can add padding before and after all recordings, so that if a programme starts early or ends late, you’ll have all of that programme.


Q: What about the Electronic Programming Guide (EPG)? How does it compare to the EPG on the standard boxes?
A: It's been turbocharged on the V+.


Q: It couldn’t get much slower! How many days worth of programming does it contain? On the old boxes, apparently a programme called “Searching…” was on most of the time on most of the channels.
A: The EPG in the V+ contains at least seven days worth of programming data and the dreaded “Searching…” is a thing of the past.


Q: Can I record Subtitles and/or Audio Description on the V+?
A: Yes. If the channel has subtitles or AD, they get recorded, and you can switch them on or off as required for playback. The V+ now displays teletext page 888 subtitles itself, so you'll be able to see these even if you are using HDMI or Component. Note that subtitles won't get recorded on your DVD/VCR if you use the archive feature.


Q: What connections does this V+ thingy have?
A: Two Scart sockets, HDMI output, Component video output, optical audio output, stereo phono outputs, aerial input and RF output. Plus a RJ-45 Ethernet socket, a USB port and an eSATA port.


Q: What connections can I use for HD output?
A: HDMI or Component. Note you can't get SD out of the Component output, and some copy-protected movies can't be viewed over Component.


Q: What HD video resolutions are supported?
A: 720p and 1080i. There are also 'wide' versions of these if you are one of those odd people who like 4:3 video stretched to fill the whole screen. Note that the menus can look a bit blurry in 1080i mode.


Q: My TV doesn't have an HDMI input, but it does have DVI. Can I use that instead?
A: Yes, but you'll need a HDMI to DVI cable or adapter. You'll also need separate audio cables because DVI only carries video.


Q: How can I back-up a recording to an external device?
A: Connect your DVD/VCR to the VCR SCART output, and use the "Copy to DVD/VCR" function in the V+ Extras menu. You can continue to watch another programme or recording via the TV SCART, HDMI, or Component output whilst the back up takes place.

When you're not using the archive function, the VCR SCART socket shows the same as the main TV output, so you can feed this to a second TV. But you won't be able to see the V+ menus on the second TV. (That's a limitation of the V+ hardware design)


Q: Can I get an RGB signal when backing up to DVD?
A: Not when using the VCR SCART socket. Like all STBs, the RGB pins on this socket are wired as inputs, so that you can play back an RGB signal through the V+ to the TV SCART socket. If you want back up in RGB quality, you'll have to connect the DVD-R to the TV SCART socket, then use the normal V+ playback function.


Q: So what can I do with the Ethernet, USB and eSATA ports?
A: Nothing at the moment. None of them are enabled. The USB port uses the (very slow) USB 1.1 standard, so can never be used bulk data transfer. Some people have reported that USB keyboards work, but it's not a supported feature. Others have also powered a PC cooling fan off the USB, but that really isn't necessary. Just keep it well ventilated and it'll be fine.


Q: Can't I even have broadband through the V+ like I do with my current STB?
A: Nope. If you have broadband through the STB and you switch to V+, Virgin Media will install a separate cable modem for you.


Q: So how can I get the recordings off onto my PC?
A: You need to use a TV/video capture card, and record analogue video from one of the SCART sockets or the RF output. You can't get recordings off in digital form - without DRM, the owners of the content would never allow it.


Q: Well ok then - can I record from a source other than the Virgin Media cable channels?
A: No, you can't do that either.


Q: How can I tell how full my disc is?
A: When you are using the guide, it shows a "fuel gauge", and a rough estimate of how many hours recording space is available. But be aware that this is for SD content. HD content will eat up your disc around four times as fast.


Q: How big is the V+?
A: 400mm Wide by 285mm Deep by 83mm Tall. And before you ask, it weighs 3.7kg. But leave plenty of ventilation space around it if you're putting it in a cabinet.


Q: How quiet is it?
A: Well, mine is 5” away and is quiet as a mouse, even when recording. Others have complained of disc noise. You can reduce this by standing the V+ on something soft, such as blobs of Blu-Tac, but don't block the cooling vents. There is no cooling fan in the V+.


Q: What’s the picture quality like from V+?
A: From Standard Definition (SD) channels, it's very good, better than the standard boxes. If you have a HD Ready TV set and are connecting to it via HDMI or Component, the V+ will upscale all SD content to the HD resolution you have selected.

From High Definition content into a HDTV set – it's bloody excellent. Of course, the actual quality will vary due to a number of factors (Brand of TV; Picture enhancement hardware inside TV; Screen size of TV; Viewing distance; Number of lagers consumed ) but watching Planet Earth at 1080i is breathtaking.


Q: I’ve been told that the V+ comes with all the Sky HD Channels – is this true?
A: As of June 2008 – no. Virgin Media are often rumoured to be in negotiations with Sky about broadcasting the likes of Sky One HD, Sky Sports HD etc. But given the current dispute between VM and Sky, don't hold your breath.


Q: So what HD content can I enjoy via V+?
A: As of June 2008 – the BBC HD channel, some On Demand content (e.g. from BBC and Channel 4) and some pay-per-view HD movies. The HD movies are usually £1 more than their SD counterparts.


Q: That’s it!?!
A: Yep. Currently, Channel 4 HD is only available on Sky, and the ITV HD channel is only available on Freesat.


Q: Can I watch HD content if I don't have a HDTV?
A: You can watch BBC HD (downscaled to SD, of course). You can't watch HD On Demand content.


Q: There must be some flaws with V+, surely?
A: There are. As previously mentioned, there's the lack of HD content. And V+ does have its… well, ‘features’. At the end of the day, it's a pretty complex computer, and it will have bugs. But there have been several software updates to fix these, and it's pretty reliable now. The most troublesome remaining ones are the box being slow to respond after midnight whilst it processes the next day's EPG data, and when archiving, it sometimes the recording picks up the live TV audio partway through. (Check your archive is OK before deleting the original)


Q: Anything else I should know?
A: Some people have complained about the series links not working properly. The data for series links are supplied by an external company, and are occasionally wrong. Other complaints are recordings that refuse to play back, constant rebooting, fuzzy menus in 1080i mode, and the volume setting creeping downwards by itself.


Q: Will those bugs get fixed?
A: Eventually, via software updates sent to your V+. The creeping volume is a fault with the remote control - see the "mute icon" question below.

Report any incorrect series links by posting in this thread and the EPGDevil will work his magic.


Q: Where can I buy a V+ box from?
A: You can't. Like all hardware from Virgin Media, you rent it.


Q: How much?
A: Have a look here: http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html...lus/index.html


Q: Is it available in my area?
A: Yes, as long as you are in a digital cable area.


Q: How long does installation take?
A: How long is a piece of string? For me (an existing customer), it took around 40 minutes.


Q: OK, I've signed up. What should I watch out for when it's installed?
A: Make sure the 'online' light to the left of the channel number is on, and that the words "LiveTV" are displayed. Check you've got the channel package you were expecting. Get the installer to show you that On Demand is working.


Q: What's the difference between the black and the silver V+ boxes?
One's black, and the other's... you guessed it! Inside they are exactly the same. However, the black and silver remotes aren't the same. The black ones can control the volume on the V+; the silver one can't.


Q: How can I programme my V+ remote to control the TV volume?
You'll find the instructions in the 'Help' screens in the V+ menus. If you have a Samsung TV but can't find a code that works, try 0079 and 0145. You can set a black remote to control your V+ volume by using code 0683. You can also change the V+ volume through the Settings menu, but only if it's in SD mode.


Q: I have a HDTV with a HDMI connection. Do I have to buy a HDMI lead for the V+?
A: No, the installer should bring one with him, but it's a good idea to confirm that you want a HDMI lead when you ring to make your installation appointment.


Q: I have a HDTV with a Component connection, but no HDMI. Do I have to buy a Component lead?
A: Yes. Virgin Media won't provide Component leads. In fact, officially Component is not supported by VM at all. (But there are some helpful people on this forum)



Q: I don't get any sound on BBC HD, but the rest of the channels are fine. What's up?
A: You've got the V+ set to output Dolby 5.1 audio where available, but your TV doesn't support it. To fix it press Home, then Settings, then Display and Audio Settings. Set "HDMI Audio Override" to Off, then press OK, then TV.


Q: So what does "HDMI Audio Override" actually do?
A: When you connect your TV using HDMI, the TV tells the V+ what features it supports. If the TV says it can't support Dolby 5.1 audio (and most can't), the V+ will output stereo instead. However, you might actually be listening through an amp connected to the optical port, so you still want the V+ to output 5.1. In this case, set the Override to On. You won't get any sound out of your TV, but you'll get 5.1 through your amp whenever it is broadcast. (5.1 is broadcast on BBC HD, and the HD movies)


Q: Why can't I record radio channels?
A: Technical reasons! The speed of playback off the disc is controlled by looking at timecodes in the video stream. Which is a bit of a problem if there's no video. It may be fixed in a future software update by recording separate timecodes for radio channels.


Q: Help! My V+ has a fault and I think VM are going to swap it for a new one. How can I keep my precious recordings?
A: All you can do is copy them off to your VCR or DVDR using the archiving function. Virgin Media can't keep the data or swap the hard drive over for you.


Q: Well can I swap the hard drive myself then?
A: No, it won't work. The recordings are encrypted on the hard drive, and each V+ has its own unique encryption. Not to mention taking the lid off being against VM Terms & Conditions.


Q: How do I reformat my hard drive?
A: Think long and hard about whether you need to do this. You will lose all your recorded programmes, plus all planned recordings and series. But it might be necessary if your V+ is playing up badly. Remember that if Virgin Media swap the box you'll lose your recordings anyway, so it's worth a go as a last resort.

If you decide to go ahead with the reformat, this is how you do it. You need to do all this using the remote, not the front panel buttons.
1) Press the Home button.
2) Press and hold the Play/Pause button until the display says 'E-00'.
3) Press the 'V+' or 'TVDrive' button. The display will say 'E-01'.
4) Press the 'ch-' button 4 times. The display will say 'hdd4'.
5) The V+ will then begin the reformat, and the display will say 'rft'. This may take up to 5 minutes. Afterwards the V+ will reboot normally and all should be well.

If you get in a muddle when pressing the buttons, press Reset on the front panel, let the box reboot, then try again.


Q: My V+ keeps rebooting every couple of minutes. Help!
A: Try removing the smartcard from the back of the STB, then reformat as described above. Don't forget to replace the card afterwards. If that doesn't work, try unscrewing the cable feed from the back of the box then reformatting.


Q: Why can't I see the on-screen menus?
A: Because you are using the wrong SCART socket. The TV needs to be plugged into the top socket (unlike all other VM STBs). If you have a second TV connected to the VCR SCART socket, you will not be able to see the menus or subtitles on it.


Q: Why can I only see the on-screen menus, not video?
A: The HDCP copy protection mechanism has failed, maybe because of a bad connection. Power off both TV and V+, then reverse the HDMI lead (or replace if you've got a spare handy). If that still doesn't fix it, ring VM.


Q: Why has a mute icon appeared on the TV screen?
A: If you accidentally press two buttons at the same time on the V+ remote it can send a "volume down" command. Do it enough times, and the box will mute.

If you have a blue remote for another STB, you can use that to turn the volume back up. Or if you've got a black V+ remote, you can deprogram it (by entering code 0683), and use that instead. Or use the volume control in the Settings menu - but you'll need to temporarily switch the video output to SCART to make this setting available.


Q: When I press the red button, it just says "Please wait" but nothing else happens. What's wrong?
A: Your account probably hasn't been set up properly. Ring VM about this.


Q: How do I set the V+ output to HDMI? I've tried but it keeps going back to SCART.
A: There's a knack to this. After you've selected HDMI output from the Settings menu, the box does a test to make sure you really can see HDMI. You need to press the 'Text' key on the remote during the test, otherwise it will revert to SCART output after a few seconds. This is to try to stop you accidentally putting the box in HDMI mode when you haven't got an HDMI telly - but see below if you still manage!


Q: I've set my V+ output to HDMI or Component, but I don't have an HDTV and now I can't see any pictures
A: Hold in the Stop and Play/Pause buttons on the front panel, and press Reset. Keep Stop and Play/Pause held in until the display says 'boot'.
After a few seconds the display should say 'outpt'. Press the Fast Forward button several times until the display says 'Sd', then press OK. Wait for the V+ to reboot then you should be back in SCART mode.


Q: I hear a new V+ model is on the way. What can you tell me?
A: Not much. It is expected to be available towards the end of 2008 but no other details have been released.



Sources and useful links:

V+ user guide: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/files/vplus_user_guide.pdf
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%2B
V+ Box (8300DVB) at Scientific Atlanta: http://www.sciatl.com/customers/Source/7004921.pdf
Virgin Media V+ page: http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html...lus/index.html
V+ at Cable Forum: http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/fo...play.php?f=104
Virgin-branded V+ box: http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3...vis33ewel6.jpg
Advice on setting up HD connections: http://www.virginmedia.com/help/tv/h...ction-help.php


Issues arising from this article are discussed in this thread. Please post any new questions there