Virgin media possibly getting serious on dodgy boxes? - Page 15

Stuart · 10-02-2009, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaiLZ

Then why are they still around today?

The fact they are still around does not mean that Virgin haven't detected them. All it means is that Virgin haven't acted against the owner of the box. They tend not to act against against individual people, preferring to gather evidence and prosecute those who supply.

sparkrs · 10-02-2009, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart C

The fact they are still around does not mean that Virgin haven't detected them. All it means is that Virgin haven't acted against the owner of the box. They tend not to act against against individual people, preferring to gather evidence and prosecute those who supply.

Possible the best way currently, i can imagine it costs a small fortune so why go for the 1 person who has spent about Â£100 when the real profiteers are the suppliers making Â£1000's

Stuart · 10-02-2009, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkrs

Possible the best way currently, i can imagine it costs a small fortune so why go for the 1 person who has spent about Â£100 when the real profiteers are the suppliers making Â£1000's

After all, if it comes out in court that you had one box , you *could* argue that you had a legit box and they just got their results wrong. If they turn up and find 100 in your garage, it's a little harder for you to wriggle out of it.

Note: I am using the term "you" purely for conveniance. I am not implying that you (or anyone) is actually stealing service.

sparkrs · 10-02-2009, 19:52

haha cheers

sparky621 · 11-02-2009, 01:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart C

They have their methods. They won't discuss them (for obvious reasons) but they do have them.

Bit like the "TV detector vans" then

Funny how TV licensing now advertise their "Hi-Tech database of every household without a license" instead! I suspect VM are the same, just trying to frighten people into not stealing services.

If they have got some method of detection then why don't they just send someone out to pull the plug at the street cab

Maribel · 11-02-2009, 03:08

I had a look on e-bay, you can get (brand new) VM cable modems flashed with a variety of firmware (no sure, what's the difference) .... They are also sold wholesale, 100 modems at discount.

If VM was slightly serious, this would not be happening...

**Chris** · 11-02-2009, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparky621

Bit like the "TV detector vans" then

Funny how TV licensing now advertise their "Hi-Tech database of every household without a license" instead!

Not really. The BBC are quite open about how and when they use 'detection equipment' (which these days is as likely to be hand-held as installed in a van).

The database is simply more efficient in most cases. It tells the TVL people which doors to knock on. But in a few suspicious cases where they believe a TV is being used illegally and can't get access to the house to prove it, the BBC has stated that it prefers to use detection equipment rather than trying to get a search warrant.

Turkey Machine · 11-02-2009, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Not really. The BBC are quite open about how and when they use 'detection equipment' (which these days is as likely to be hand-held as installed in a van).

The database is simply more efficient in most cases. It tells the TVL people which doors to knock on. But in a few suspicious cases where they believe a TV is being used illegally and can't get access to the house to prove it, the BBC has stated that it prefers to use detection equipment rather than trying to get a search warrant.

The detection equipment is becoming more of a non-issue these days. In halls of residences in particular, they can't do much because they can't pinpoint where the signal's coming from because there's so many signals in a small area. So when "they" send letters addressed to "The Present Occupier", I file it appropriately (under BIN); sure some of them purport to have unique IDs for each and every flat and each and every room, but IMO it's bulls**t what they get away with. I don't watch much TV anyway; most of the stuff I watch is downloaded or VOD.

And before you start stereotyping me; I have a legit Virgin STB.

Arthurgray50@blu · 11-02-2009, 14:24

I would suggest VM go round to Car Boot sales, as l have seen quite a few being sold.

mr,m · 12-02-2009, 10:30

A mate of mine,living in the same apartment building where all the residents have VM (not allowed dishes grrrr) has had a chipped box for at least 3 years,he gets every channel going and has never been questioned and his box has never not worked.Unbelievably he doesn't even have a tv license.I wonder if all this detection stuff actually is just a smokescreen to panic people into paying??
By the way I have a legit box and tv license,I can easily get a dodgy one but don't like cheating.

**Chris** · 12-02-2009, 10:36

No, it isn't a smokescreen. There just aren't that many detectors available and individual apartments within buildings are difficult to target.

TVL's main strategy is to scare/bully people into paying up because actually proving someone's evading the licence is an expensive and time-consuming process.

nemesis01 · 12-02-2009, 13:43

I know at least 3 people running dodgy virginmedia hardware, they are all friends so when I go round I kinda have to bite my tounge becuase it really ****es me off. I struggle to pay my bill each month, but it always get paid and to see people getting more than me for free really grinds my axe.

I would never report them though, I don't see the point as nothing would be done about it from what I can gether in this topic, plus I am not one for reporting people for that kind of thing, especially people who I know and consider friends.

Russ · 12-02-2009, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemesis01

I would never report them though, I don't see the point as nothing would be done about it from what I can gether in this topic, plus I am not one for reporting people for that kind of thing, especially people who I know and consider friends.

From what I pick up on the grapevine, they go after people who they have the most information on. If someone gets in touch with VM and says "the bloke in number 6 reckons he's using a dodgy box", that gives them very little to go on.

If you chose to report someone then the more information you can collate the better.

ShadowTD · 13-02-2009, 09:33

Like most people, I know someone using a Dodgybox. It's horrible. He's got it plugged into a 37" plasma and the picture is just grim. I couldn't get RGB over SCART working, or anamorphic widescreen. Not having On Demand sucks big time! In fact, about the only thing it's been good for is laughing at the terrible 'adult' entertainment when we get back from the boozer.

I'll stick to V+, thanks!

Nedkelly · 13-02-2009, 11:51

Its amazing how many people know of someone who has a chipped box