High Definition on Virgin Media: FAQ

[mosseyuk]

Does this mean that I will be unable to use my DVD recorder from V+ scart as i now do - If I commit to using HDMI cable?

[nialli]

Originally Posted by mosseyuk

Does this mean that I will be unable to use my DVD recorder from V+ scart as i now do - If I commit to using HDMI cable?

Not exactly - if you want to copy content from the V+ via SCART, you need to use the Copy to DVD/VCR function in the V+ Extras menu. You can carry on watching the V+ when transfering though (just press TV) so it's only a minor inconvenience. The picture difference between SCART and HDMI is pretty incredible.

[ShadowTD]

@Losttheplot: At the risk of going massively OT, when I was in Richer Sounds a few weeks ago, I was utterly stunned to see they'd invested in a HDMI distribution system and were pumping 720p Casino Royale to *every* TV in the shop. Seriously impressed.

On topic, I think the FAQ is due a revision in the next few weeks. I'll get to it.

[allanmedwards]

5.1 Surround Sound - Does this work?
Technical support tell me the optical port has no output. This was in response to asking why mine wasn't working. The engineer installing the V+ had never connected an optical cable. Also the connection is loose unlike the other connection to my AV amp.

[ShadowTD]

I will update the faq, honest!

@Allanmedwards: This is complete cods. The optical out on V+ works perfectly. If it's loose check that the optical plug is oriented correctly. Maybe you've got a duff V+ box. If they give you any twadlle that 'it's not supported' then point them to http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html...plus/hdtv.html where it SPECIFICALLY states Dolby Digital.

[StuBill]

Mine works fine to, when the channels are broadcast in 5.1

Shame no one @ Virgin could actually answer me when I asked them what they broadcast in 5.1, I may has well have been speaking Icelandic.

[higgsfield]

Virgin told me categorically:-
1. there is no 5.1 sound on any channel, and
2. archiving to DVD is not possible if you enable the HDMI: all the scarts are dead

*sigh*

I think they do this because supporting these features is too much trouble.

[altis]

Some more, very extensive, HD FAQs:

http://www.burnyourbonus.info/hdtv-faq/

[StuBill]

Sorry if it sounds like I am repeating myself but when I spoke to Virgin on saturday all I wanted to know is what they broadcast in 5.1 seeing as there is a Dolby logo on the front of their V+ box?.. I was mainly interested in "Movies On Demand" & whether it would be worth buying an optical connector to connect to my AV amp or would I just be wasting my money?.. All this guy kept saying was "ill consult my resorces" and "Channel 4 the Simpsons" not quite what I wanted to hear over and over again . They couldnt connect me to support or technical dept eithr so in the end I bought a connector and just chanced it. It seamms to be fine on the one movie I purchased but on others it throws the sound out in prologic. Seeing as Virgin was most commonly known for record producing you would think they would know a little bit about audio to but seeing s they dont ill keep listenin to you guys.

ok now ill shutup for a bit

[higgsfield]

Originally Posted by stuartbillingham

Seeing as Virgin was most commonly known for record producing you would think they would know a little bit about audio to but seeing s they dont ill keep listenin to you guys.

Just an aside really, but for the record, as I remember it, Branson sold Virgin Records in the early 80s (?) to help finance his airline Virgin Atlantic. Branson himself and the "Virgin" logo is the only thing linking the record company to Virgin Media (and Branson never knew much about the music side of the business anyway - having the wisdom to let Draper and Heyworth drive the company artistically).

[spiderplant]

Originally Posted by higgsfield

Virgin told me categorically:-
1. there is no 5.1 sound on any channel, and
2. archiving to DVD is not possible if you enable the HDMI: all the scarts are dead

*sigh*

And I can tell you categorically both are untrue. BBC HD and HD On Demand has 5.1 sound. The VCR SCART is enabled for archiving even if the HDMI output is selected.

*sigh*

[higgsfield]

Originally Posted by spiderplant

And I can tell you categorically both are untrue. BBC HD and HD On Demand has 5.1 sound. The VCR SCART is enabled for archiving even if the HDMI output is selected.

*sigh*

Which was the point I was trying to make.

[StuBill]

Originally Posted by higgsfield

Which was the point I was trying to make.

What point was that exactly ?????????????????................

[higgsfield]

That VirginMedia's support is not very good.

[StuBill]

OK so we all have our opinions on virgins customer services but you still havnt answered my question about "Movies On Demand"