all new to virgin virgin

[chunkyduke]

HELP> not just a virgin virgin but a cable virgin. Thinking of getting on cable and haven't a clue what happens. IF cable is run up path to house where does it go next, do I get multiple outlets (like old aerial sockets) and can then move box and tv to different rooms, or just single outlet? If single outlet, can I run my own extensions around later (and would these be pre v-box or from v-box?).

Also, many packages on offer talk about needing virgin phone line, does that mean actual phone line or phone service via cable? If via cable, would I need a separate extension wire around house to all existing phone sockets?

sorry to be so dumb, but still getting used to electricity out here in the sticks.
ta
chunkyduke:dunce

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by chunkyduke

HELP> not just a virgin virgin but a cable virgin. Thinking of getting on cable and haven't a clue what happens. IF cable is run up path to house where does it go next, do I get multiple outlets (like old aerial sockets) and can then move box and tv to different rooms, or just single outlet? If single outlet, can I run my own extensions around later (and would these be pre v-box or from v-box?).

Generally they just install a single socket, but if you ask nicely.

If you want multiple sockets, there are two ways of doing it. Virgin can install extra sockets from the cable. You can then plug your STB into one of these. You can install these yourself, but you may cause problems for yourself and possibly your neighbours if it is done wrong, so it is best to let Virgin do this. This givens the advantage that if you want, you can have multiple boxes, and watch different channels on different TVs.

You can also use a wire, or wireless sender to send the RF or TV Scart output of the box around the house. This is cheaper, but has the disadvantage that all the TVs connected to the box can only display what channel the box is showing. You can still control the box remotely.

Also, many packages on offer talk about needing virgin phone line, does that mean actual phone line or phone service via cable? If via cable, would I need a separate extension wire around house to all existing phone sockets?

sorry to be so dumb, but still getting used to electricity out here in the sticks.
ta
chunkyduke:dunce

There is no technical reason that you need a phone line. Virgin just require you to take the phone line with some of their packages, presumably so you'll try it, like it and ditch BT. If you want the package, and are happy paying the line rental (which is included in the package price), then there is no reason you can't have the line. Just don't have it hooked up to anything.

Of course, if you do want to replace your BT line and want the extensions, you'll need to connect them up to the Virgin Media Phone socket.

[demented]

If in a fibre optic area it goes to a green box in the side of your house. They may run additional cables elsewhere, certainly if you get more than one box but otherwise no. It's certainly possible to move the box but it's not something I've done.

Are you in a fibre optic cabled area or a non-fibre optic cabled area? That may help others answer the other questions.

If you're in a fibre optic area AFAIK it's separate copper line to your house and so you'd need extensions to all sockets. If you're not in a fibre optic area AFAIK it's slightly different. I'd advise against using the phone line unless you get a really beefy package as the price on VM is about a decade out of date on the lowest tier.

[chunkyduke]

Originally Posted by Stuart C

Generally they just install a single socket, but if you ask nicely.

If you want multiple sockets, there are two ways of doing it. Virgin can install extra sockets from the cable. You can then plug your STB into one of these. You can install these yourself, but you may cause problems for yourself and possibly your neighbours if it is done wrong, so it is best to let Virgin do this. This givens the advantage that if you want, you can have multiple boxes, and watch different channels on different TVs.

You can also use a wire, or wireless sender to send the RF or TV Scart output of the box around the house. This is cheaper, but has the disadvantage that all the TVs connected to the box can only display what channel the box is showing. You can still control the box remotely.



There is no technical reason that you need a phone line. Virgin just require you to take the phone line with some of their packages, presumably so you'll try it, like it and ditch BT. If you want the package, and are happy paying the line rental (which is included in the package price), then there is no reason you can't have the line. Just don't have it hooked up to anything.

Of course, if you do want to replace your BT line and want the extensions, you'll need to connect them up to the Virgin Media Phone socket.

---------- Post added at 19:34 ---------- Previous post was at 19:31 ----------

thanks for the replies guys. I AM in a fibreoptic cable area, formerly telewest. I was planning to have cable broadband and didn't particularly want modem in same part of house as TV outlet(s). Wireless signal won't penetrate all areas unless from one good spot. ALso, had always thought that having phone service from cable provider meant phone signal went through the cable too.

[demented]

Ah I see. I am exTW and have the green box going to downstairs and the broadband was wired to a totally different part of the house (before wireless days). The copper phone line comes through to a different location again. You'll be fine.

[tomjleeds]

Originally Posted by chunkyduke

---------- Post added at 19:34 ---------- Previous post was at 19:31 ----------

thanks for the replies guys. I AM in a fibreoptic cable area, formerly telewest. I was planning to have cable broadband and didn't particularly want modem in same part of house as TV outlet(s). Wireless signal won't penetrate all areas unless from one good spot. ALso, had always thought that having phone service from cable provider meant phone signal went through the cable too.

This will all work fine, the installation guy will ask you where you want stuff (and if he doesn't, politely inform him!).

[chickendippers]

Originally Posted by chunkyduke

Wireless signal won't penetrate all areas unless from one good spot.

Tried wireless n equipment?

[chunkyduke]

thanks 4 all the input folks- lot to consider. Think its definitely time to get with the cable age though. cheers

[on in an hour!]

if theres a BT line in your house,and theres extentions running off the master,all the installer has to do is place the VM master socket next to the BT one and they can remove the wiring going to the ext's from the BT master and connect them to your new VM socket,its whats known as a 'wire to exist'