Sky vs Virgin - Futureproofing..

[ruddock08]

Not intending to start agressing either service.. but just thought it'd be a quite interesting discussion:

Virgin seem to have their system absolutely future-proof. No need for a dish - that single coaxial cable is able to handle 3 HD streams + a HD stream on demand. In comparison, Sky can only handle 2 HD streams (1 for each cable) - (can watch another HD stream via On Demand - but this is done over your INTERNET connection - not the TV cable!)

Virgin also have the advantage that the weather does not affect their service... Unlike Sky.

On the other side of that, Sky box is much leaner and quicker and Sky have a larger fan-base.

My question really is, yes both platforms are usable right now.. but in the long run.. surely Virgin have the upper hand in terms of future use? Sky are limited by their equipment as it does not run over their connection (whereas Virgin from your home is linked to them)

What do you guys think?

[muppetman11]

Cables major selling point has always been its two way communication which is perfect for On Demand , satellite doesn't have this luxury so requires the user to use a BB connection to access its progressive download On Demand service.

There are already ways to deliver multiple tuners over one satellite cable , Fibre satellite distribution is one method however currently the cost is prohibitively expensive , another method is SAT>IP using IP-LNB , BSKYB was involved with other companies in its development so I'm sure there looking to the future as are VM with the likes of DOCSIS 3.1.

[Tezcatlipoca]

Does VM still use MPEG2, or have they finally moved to MPEG4?

[Ben B]

Originally Posted by Matt D

Does VM still use MPEG2, or have they finally moved to MPEG4?

MPEG2 as older boxes aren't capable, only TiVo, Samsung V+ and VHD are

[MovedGoalPosts]

Originally Posted by ruddock08

Virgin also have the advantage that the weather does not affect their service... Unlike Sky.

Unless the VM street cabinet is in view of the sun and then stuff inside has been known to get a tad warm

[colin25]

Originally Posted by ruddock08

Not intending to start agressing either service.. but just thought it'd be a quite interesting discussion:


Virgin also have the advantage that the weather does not affect their service... Unlike Sky.


What do you guys think?

Not aware of weather problems...unless the sky falls down on me...as henny penny would say

http://www.authorama.com/english-fairy-tales-23.html

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by colin25

Not aware of weather problems...unless the sky falls down on me...as henny penny would say

http://www.authorama.com/english-fairy-tales-23.html

Its amazing isn't it Colin how many times the weather issue gets reiterated on this forum , in my many years of having satellite I can count on one hand the amount of weather related issues I've had , the last one was during the blizzard conditions last year.

[nstokes]

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Its amazing isn't it Colin how many times the weather issue gets reiterated on this forum , in my many years of having satellite I can count on one hand the amount of weather related issues I've had , the last one was during the blizzard conditions last year.

I agree. Only 3 times in 14 months have i been affected by weather and the total amount of minutes is no more than 30 mins

[colin25]

Originally Posted by nstokes

I agree. Only 3 times in 14 months have i been affected by weather and the total amount of minutes is no more than 30 mins

It is a virgin chat forum, so not too surprised things get exaggerated. After all, "coming soon" has new meaning for Virgin

[nstokes]

Originally Posted by colin25

It is a virgin chat forum, so not too surprised things get exaggerated. After all, "coming soon" has new meaning for Virgin

Loooool

[Tali]

I prefer cable to satellite, mainly because there is no dish and the OD selection is (was?) larger. I know Sky use the internet, but I do like the option to download an OD item and have it sitting on the planner waiting for someone to watch it.

[colin25]

Originally Posted by Tali

I prefer cable to satellite, mainly because there is no dish and the OD selection is (was?) larger. I know Sky use the internet, but I do like the option to download an OD item and have it sitting on the planner waiting for someone to watch it.

you can do that with sky i think...ask those who use it

[denphone]

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Its amazing isn't it Colin how many times the weather issue gets reiterated on this forum , in my many years of having satellite I can count on one hand the amount of weather related issues I've had , the last one was during the blizzard conditions last year.

Calm down dear as for some people it is a issue and should be mentioned.

---------- Post added at 06:10 ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 ----------

Originally Posted by colin25

It is a virgin chat forum, so not too surprised things get exaggerated. After all, "coming soon" has new meaning for Virgin

Such eloquent words for one who serves his master well.

[colin25]

Originally Posted by denphone

Calm down dear as for some people it is a issue and should be mentioned.

On that basis, I could mention that virgin is crap for gaming, as that was my experience. And i could use that as a point to convince others that virgin is rubbish. (whilst the weather problem is rarely evidenced, and usually hearsay)

Tv is poor choice (oh, another experience I have had)

That leaves broadband overall. I think lots say that BT infinity is a better experience, (so "I" hear).

So only reason you would choose sky, is like apple uses, you think it is best (despite evidence otherwise) and you will only ever choose virgin.

Best statement to cover that, "Bahhh", sheep

The weather issue is a none starter that is only mentioned in relation to Sky. It never seems to effect anyone on freesat, or any other free to air satellite set up/system.