Cable Forum - View Single Post - Dad in a muddle over alternatives to Virgin Media TV

kitkat · 04-10-2008, 03:29

Hello everyone,

I'm having a little trouble picking which service to buy with enough cartoons to keep the lad quiet!

On Friday morning Virgin Media installed the TV M package. My main problem is that with my 16:9 LCD TV, the built in freeview is very snappy, i've really been spoilt there.

Virgin installed an SA 4200DVB, I understand these are some of the better machines but i still find the silly thing very sluggish! The whole system seems dated, and it is quite frustrating to use.

Another big problem is that my freeview will take a 4:3 program and zoom in to the picture, making it widescreen and just cropping a bit off the top and bottom of the image. From my own efforts and searching these wonderful forums

I have found that the 4200 is unable to do this.

Just imagine trying to explain to a boy why Rupert the bear seems to be constantly having an adventure at nightime!

I have gathered from Virgin that if I upgrade to their XL TV package I will not receive a new set top box. I was wondering if someone could tell me how a V+ box would perform compared to the more basic 4200 if I chose to upgrade?

Also, Sky TV is looking very appealing with getting the lad the Kids Mix and me the Variety mix for Â£18 a month, but with a Â£60 installation charge. Could someone tell me how fast and reliable the basic Sky box is in the Birmingham area please?

Could someone tell me if the Sky service supports 'smart' screen/zooming in on the 4:3 program to make a widescreen picture?

It would be a shame to lose Virgin's on demand services with the XL package but judging on the performance of their M TV package, it isn't worth the hassle.

If anyone could give me some input on what to do I'd be really grateful! Thanks everyone.

04-10-2008, 03:29	#1
kitkat Inactive Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Birmingham Services: Virgin Broadband L Virgin TV M Virgin Phone L Posts: 8	Dad in a muddle over alternatives to Virgin Media TV Hello everyone, I'm having a little trouble picking which service to buy with enough cartoons to keep the lad quiet! On Friday morning Virgin Media installed the TV M package. My main problem is that with my 16:9 LCD TV, the built in freeview is very snappy, i've really been spoilt there. Virgin installed an SA 4200DVB, I understand these are some of the better machines but i still find the silly thing very sluggish! The whole system seems dated, and it is quite frustrating to use. Another big problem is that my freeview will take a 4:3 program and zoom in to the picture, making it widescreen and just cropping a bit off the top and bottom of the image. From my own efforts and searching these wonderful forums I have found that the 4200 is unable to do this. Just imagine trying to explain to a boy why Rupert the bear seems to be constantly having an adventure at nightime! I have gathered from Virgin that if I upgrade to their XL TV package I will not receive a new set top box. I was wondering if someone could tell me how a V+ box would perform compared to the more basic 4200 if I chose to upgrade? Also, Sky TV is looking very appealing with getting the lad the Kids Mix and me the Variety mix for Â£18 a month, but with a Â£60 installation charge. Could someone tell me how fast and reliable the basic Sky box is in the Birmingham area please? Could someone tell me if the Sky service supports 'smart' screen/zooming in on the 4:3 program to make a widescreen picture? It would be a shame to lose Virgin's on demand services with the XL package but judging on the performance of their M TV package, it isn't worth the hassle. If anyone could give me some input on what to do I'd be really grateful! Thanks everyone.