Free Vm Tv

bikeman · 04-05-2008, 09:46

I got a call the other day from VM offering me free tv (on top of my 2Mb BB and phone service).

When I found out that the box connected to my BB conenction, which is in the spare bedroom, I told them not to bother.

But I've since been thinking, maybe I should take the box anyway with a view to running a coax down to the lounge.

My question is:

If I get the tv box will my BB cable modem still be required? ie Does tv box fit between my wall socket and my BB cable modem?

If the cable modem is no longer required can someone confirm that the tv set top box has an ethernet port for my router?

Thanks

Paul · 04-05-2008, 10:22

Most likely you will keep using the cable modem, the TV box will feed from the same cable as your BB (via a splitter before the cable connects to either modem or tv box) but the engineer should check singal levels etc before leaving to make sure everything is still working properly.

JethroUK · 04-05-2008, 11:00

They would move the cable for your TV and maybe you could get a wireless modem/router - been thinking about that myself - wireless modems seem to be quite cheap now - i also understand VM do their own (maybe even free install because you're having TV)

Halcyon · 04-05-2008, 11:08

People used to have TV and broadband from the TV box but it was not always practical or could cope with all speed packages.
Now, if you have a modem they will leave the modem for the Internet and add the set top box for your TV.

the-cable-guy · 04-05-2008, 11:17

yep thats what they did with me.

bikeman · 04-05-2008, 13:20

The tv box is 'self install' and will conect to the broadband cable.

My router requires an ethernet connection, so the question is simply, if anyone has one of these set top boxes, does the modem connect to it or does it have an inbuilt modem with an ethernet connection for my router?

---------- Post added at 13:15 ---------- Previous post was at 13:13 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by JethroUK

They would move the cable for your TV and maybe you could get a wireless modem/router - been thinking about that myself - wireless modems seem to be quite cheap now - i also understand VM do their own (maybe even free install because you're having TV)

dont understand this reply - they wont move anything, the tv box is self install.
My router is wireless already but it still needs a physical connection to the BB cable modem (upstairs).

---------- Post added at 13:20 ---------- Previous post was at 13:15 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul

Most likely you will keep using the cable modem, the TV box will feed from the same cable as your BB (via a splitter before the cable connects to either modem or tv box) but the engineer should check singal levels etc before leaving to make sure everything is still working properly.

Its a self install.

Technically I cant see a splitter working because the set top box and cable moden will then be in parallel but I may be wrong - have you got this type of install?

JethroUK · 04-05-2008, 14:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeman

dont understand this reply - they wont move anything, the tv box is self install.
My router is wireless already but it still needs a physical connection to the BB cable modem (upstairs).

What i meant was they would re-route the cable to your TV downstairs (you said it was upstairs) and then you could use wireless modem/router from near your TV (i appreciate a wireless router on it's own upstairs won't make any diff)

RealDiamond · 04-05-2008, 14:34

Self install Cable Tv.

If Its VM cable and not Adsl, an Engineer will be required to install it. he has to make the extra cable, install the cable splitter which is then hidden in a white box which is then fixed to the wall (normaly).

spiderplant · 04-05-2008, 14:37

It's completely normal to use a splitter. They look something like this:

Splitting the signal does reduce the signal level available, but as long as it was set up right in the first place this won't be a problem.

For a self-install, they won't usually provide a long enough cable to reach downstairs, so make sure you tell them what you want to do when you order it.

the-cable-guy · 04-05-2008, 15:08

have a look here for how to connect f plus correctly, although its on about satellite tv the principal is the same: http://www.uk-satellite-tv.co.uk/tec...lp_154117.html

---------- Post added at 15:08 ---------- Previous post was at 15:05 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealDiamond

Self install Cable Tv.

If Its VM cable and not Adsl, an Engineer will be required to install it. he has to make the extra cable, install the cable splitter which is then hidden in a white box which is then fixed to the wall (normaly).

not at all its not rocket science & its very simple to do

Taf · 04-05-2008, 16:35

Chances are that the "free" offer is to reset you to a new 12-month contract....

Cynical? Moi?

the-cable-guy · 04-05-2008, 19:01

yes it is.

bikeman · 07-05-2008, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taf

Chances are that the "free" offer is to reset you to a new 12-month contract....

Cynical? Moi?

Just got off the phone to VM (in fact they called me). The lady said there was no catch but did say they ask that I keep the box for 12 months - it didn't occur to me that this meant a 12 month contract - doh! Anyway, I am on a retention deal with 2Mb BB and free phone calls for £20pm, which I probably can't beat anyway. A bit sneaky of her to say no catch but another 12 months with VM wont kill me.