homealone

The output from a standard V box is analogue, once the box has decoded the digital signal, however it only outputs one 'channel' at a time. (That is ignoring complications like terrestrial signals via aerial or 'bypass', as these will be turned off eventually - in the case of the terrestrial signals via 'bypass', quite soon, apparently.).

- the upshot of that is that it won't be very long before 'record one cable channel & watch another' isn't possible without a V+ box. (Or a separate Freeview box)

A digital DVD recorder that will decode & record Virgin Media digital cable is not separately available - only a V+ box will do what you want on a Virgin Media cable connection.