topic Re: I tried Virgin Stream... in Sky Stream

I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:55:10 GMT

I have Sky Stream at my flat, but my gf has Virgin Media so I thought I'd try Virgin Stream as the cost for Sky Sports is only £18.75 and you don't have to pay for a hundred channels you won't watch...

Actually getting one was an amazing ball ache - despite calling them, filling in the 'call me back' form on their website and actually raising a complaint it took nearly a month to get a puck delivered.

But now it's here, it's like going back ten years in terms of quality.

Unless I'm mistaken, there's no way to watch from start on most channels. BBC jumps to the iPlayer, or itv channels that go to itv X. On sky stream when you select a channel you can always press a button to watch ANY PROGRAMME from start from sky's servers. I use this feature CONSTANTLY on stream, mostly for the golf but also for MTV etc so I can wind through adverts and eventually catch up with live.

Worse though, is that the picture quality is truly appalling. How they can call this HD I have no idea!

On channel 4 news last night, the sky stream picture is pin sharp - you can see the logos on the politician's tie clearly, but virgin stream is barely focused and far darker.

I got the Virgin puck to get sky sports cheaper, but I'm loathe to give virgin a penny more if the quality is so awful.

The tv thinks it's receiving a uhd picture at 3840x2160, so the quality issue is clearly Virgin's.

Even the TV guide is kind of fuzzy!

These two issues are absolute deal breakers, which, after the ball ache I've had getting the puck, has made me even angrier than before!

So I'll come back to Sky, but I can't seem to get them to recontract me at the £43 currently available on the website for sky entertainment, sports and netflix. They want £66!

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

MarkGoldsmith — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:53:40 GMT

You need to have been away from Sky for at least 18 months before you would be seen as a "new customer" and thus eligible for any new customer deals they have on their website.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 08:57:03 GMT

@MarkGoldsmith wrote:
You need to have been away from Sky for at least 18 months before you would be seen as a "new customer" and thus eligible for any new customer deals they have on their website.

I've been a sky customer for nearly 30 years, and recontracting used to be simple and often I'd get a better deal than a new customer.

With stream, however, it's like they aren't interested in retaining my business. It's weird.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

MarkGoldsmith — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:01:31 GMT

It's just the change in business model since Comcast took over.

For these types of industries the majority of companies tend to only focus of new subscribers and don't really care about the small percentage of customers who leave at the end of their minimum term to another provider. They then hope to attract that customer back on a new customer deal when their time with the alternative provider comes to an end.

Not saying I particularly like that approach but it is quite common in this industry and similar service based industries. Ultimately at this time all consumers need to keep on top of minimum term contract expiries and be prepared to swap providers every 18-24 months.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 09:09:18 GMT

@MarkGoldsmith wrote:
It's just the change in business model since Comcast took over.

For these types of industries the majority of companies tend to only focus of new subscribers and don't really care about the small percentage of customers who leave at the end of their minimum term to another provider. They then hope to attract that customer back on a new customer deal when their time with the alternative provider comes to an end.

Not saying I particularly like that approach but it is quite common in this industry and similar service based industries. Ultimately at this time all consumers need to keep on top of minimum term contract expiries and be prepared to swap providers every 18-24 months.

I was 'happy' to swap provider based on price, but Virgin is just appalling in terms of quality and functionality.

Worst case i suppose I sign up as a new customer at the gf's house, but it's just silly and must cost Sky in the long run

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Padam_Padam — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:09:58 GMT

@Ed.B.

Which image is Sky Stream and which image is Virgin Stream?

Difficult to judge them as they're not identical frames. Both have issues to my eye.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:16:18 GMT

@Padam_Padam wrote:
@Ed.B.
Which image is Sky Stream and which image is Virgin Stream?
Difficult to judge them as they're not identical frames. Both have issues to my eye.

The top one is Sky, but it's taken from my camera 4m from the TV and downscaled by the forum so not really something on which to judge the actual broadcast.

But believe me, once you've watched content on Sky Stream, Virgin will be unacceptable

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Padam_Padam — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:27:01 GMT

@Ed.B. wrote:
@Padam_Padam wrote:
@Ed.B.
Which image is Sky Stream and which image is Virgin Stream?
Difficult to judge them as they're not identical frames. Both have issues to my eye.
The top one is Sky, but it's taken from my camera 4m from the TV and downscaled by the forum so not really something on which to judge the actual broadcast.
But believe me, once you've watched content on Sky Stream, Virgin will be unacceptable

The Sky Stream puck is a better upscaler than the Virgin Stream box, but if you switch the output of the Virgin box to 1080 you'll likely see that they're much closer in terms of native HD output.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:25:41 GMT

The Sky Stream puck is a better upscaler than the Virgin Stream box, but if you switch the output of the Virgin box to 1080 you'll likely see that they're much closer in terms of native HD output.

I did that, but the picture is still very smudged compared to the sharpness of Sky puck.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

MarkGoldsmith — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:47:57 GMT

@Ed.B. wrote:
@MarkGoldsmith wrote:
It's just the change in business model since Comcast took over.

For these types of industries the majority of companies tend to only focus of new subscribers and don't really care about the small percentage of customers who leave at the end of their minimum term to another provider. They then hope to attract that customer back on a new customer deal when their time with the alternative provider comes to an end.

Not saying I particularly like that approach but it is quite common in this industry and similar service based industries. Ultimately at this time all consumers need to keep on top of minimum term contract expiries and be prepared to swap providers every 18-24 months.
I was 'happy' to swap provider based on price, but Virgin is just appalling in terms of quality and functionality.
Worst case i suppose I sign up as a new customer at the gf's house, but it's just silly and must cost Sky in the long run

To be honest, with all the data and modelling Comcast can do I'd expect that they have figured out this model is currently the most profitable for them.

Profitability and new customer metrics is king for these publically traded media giants at the moments to help their share price and return for shareholders.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Jporch316 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 11:49:53 GMT

@Ed.B.

I have a virgin stream box ..... thing is tiny 🤷🏻‍♂️

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:13:50 GMT

@Jporch316 wrote:
@Ed.B.
I have a virgin stream box ..... thing is tiny 🤷🏻‍♂️

It is, and my TV thinks it's an Apple TV box.

But I'd rather have the Sky Stream picture quality than a smaller box

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Padam_Padam — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:14:47 GMT

I'd love to try a Virgin Stream box but don't have Virgin broadband.

It's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of picture quality comparisons. I used to be a sucker for it but then when we started watching most content via apps (most of it in 4K HDR from the likes of Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+ and Prime) we now can't watch any UK free-to-air TV on any platform without thinking how poor it looks in comparison.

The Freeview HD image quality on my Panasonic OLED is the best we found when comparing my old Sky Stream puck, and an external Freeview box, but to be honest we now end up watching most free-to-air content (the little we do watch) via the relevant catch-up apps on the Apple TV 4K box.

If you watch a lot of content on free to air channels and those on the Sky Entertainment EPG then a Sky Stream puck outputting 2160P will generally give an excellent image quality across the board.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 12:51:48 GMT

@Padam_Padam wrote:
I'd love to try a Virgin Stream box but don't have Virgin broadband.
It's easy to fall down the rabbit hole of picture quality comparisons. I used to be a sucker for it but then when we started watching most content via apps (most of it in 4K HDR from the likes of Apple TV+, Netflix, Disney+ and Prime) we now can't watch any UK free-to-air TV on any platform without thinking how poor it looks in comparison.
The Freeview HD image quality on my Panasonic OLED is the best we found when comparing my old Sky Stream puck, and an external Freeview box, but to be honest we now end up watching most free-to-air content (the little we do watch) via the relevant catch-up apps on the Apple TV 4K box.
If you watch a lot of content on free to air channels and those on the Sky Entertainment EPG then a Sky Stream puck outputting 2160P will generally give an excellent image quality across the board.

I don't generally watch TV - just sport. So the broadcast picture has to be top notch for the fast moving ball

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

bemak187 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:00:11 GMT

Bit off topic but Virgin stream is a bit of an odd one. It has always seemed like a sort of experiment/hobby and uncertain if it will be the future for them. I know VM are working to go full fibre and have a few different delivery methods on the go like HFC, RFoG and XGS-PON. The issue with XGS-PON is there is no coax involved so VM will need to come up with something more perm as their other boxes all need a coax connection even the their minis.

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Jporch316 — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:25:03 GMT

@bemak187 wrote:
Bit off topic but Virgin stream is a bit of an odd one. It has always seemed like a sort of experiment/hobby and uncertain if it will be the future for them. I know VM are working to go full fibre and have a few different delivery methods on the go like HFC, RFoG and XGS-PON. The issue with XGS-PON is there is no coax involved so VM will need to come up with something more perm as their other boxes all need a coax connection even the their minis.

I have an xgs-pon installation with the new hub 5x. Vm cabled up to my street last summer then ran the final cable along the existing lampposts. You are right .... there is no co ax the fibre optic is run from the outside wall socket in either of two lengths - 5m or 10m. The only tv option is sky stream. All works fine though

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Ed.B. — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 15:34:43 GMT

@Jporch316 wrote:
@bemak187 wrote:
Bit off topic but Virgin stream is a bit of an odd one. It has always seemed like a sort of experiment/hobby and uncertain if it will be the future for them. I know VM are working to go full fibre and have a few different delivery methods on the go like HFC, RFoG and XGS-PON. The issue with XGS-PON is there is no coax involved so VM will need to come up with something more perm as their other boxes all need a coax connection even the their minis.
I have an xgs-pon installation with the new hub 5x. Vm cabled up to my street last summer then ran the final cable along the existing lampposts. You are right .... there is no co ax the fibre optic is run from the outside wall socket in either of two lengths - 5m or 10m. The only tv option is sky stream. All works fine though

Lol, you need to be careful typing about your xgs-pon installation!

As for Virgin, it seems a bit dim not to allow multiple stream boxes given the future is wireless around the home. Maybe they still only have about 500 in the country! They can have mine back, it's toilet

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:34:38 GMT

@Ed.B. One of your points refers to the fact that Virgin stream does start from beginning only through BBCi player - so does Sky stream. BBC doesn't permit cloud recording which would be required not to use BBC iPlayer on either Virgin stream or Sky stream.

Secondly - you state that the picture quality is inferior on Virgin steam v Sky stream, I find the opposite - if the Virgin box is set in HD it does a better job of upscalling than sky stream on my LG OLED. I am thinking you may have a faulty virgin stream box or HDMI or poor tv panel.

Virgin stream is a free service for those that have Virgin media broadband. - there is no requirement to have a base pack of £27 to £30 extra that there is on sky stream. It also has the advantage that it allows the FF and RW on some programming without paying extra for it, as some programmes can be accessed via Virgin on demand rather than the broadcasters on demand application

Virgin stream also includes many more channels than sky stream - premier sports, that's tv, talking pictures, now music 80s etc and the majority of + 1 channels.

There are some clear disadvantages of Virgin stream - exclusive to VM broadband, only one box permitted and having to deal with VM who are awful. VM stream pricing has also recently increased (a lot) sky sports is now £24.60 and Sky cinema has increased to £11.40 or £36 for both, up until last week sky sports was £18.75 or both sports and cinema for £28.75.

For customers that don't want to have all the base channels and only want sports or cinema on a month to month basis without having to return the box (as per Sky stream) it's perfect. I would be interested to hear from others have VM stream in respect of picture quality - as contrary to the OP - I find it Perfect. Vm stream FF AND RW also work perfectly unlike sky stream. My thoughts. J

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Jporch316 — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:31:50 GMT

@Ed.B. wrote:
@Jporch316 wrote:
@bemak187 wrote:
Bit off topic but Virgin stream is a bit of an odd one. It has always seemed like a sort of experiment/hobby and uncertain if it will be the future for them. I know VM are working to go full fibre and have a few different delivery methods on the go like HFC, RFoG and XGS-PON. The issue with XGS-PON is there is no coax involved so VM will need to come up with something more perm as their other boxes all need a coax connection even the their minis.
I have an xgs-pon installation with the new hub 5x. Vm cabled up to my street last summer then ran the final cable along the existing lampposts. You are right .... there is no co ax the fibre optic is run from the outside wall socket in either of two lengths - 5m or 10m. The only tv option is sky stream. All works fine though
Lol, you need to be careful typing about your xgs-pon installation!

As for Virgin, it seems a bit dim not to allow multiple stream boxes given the future is wireless around the home. Maybe they still only have about 500 in the country! They can have mine back, it's toilet

When the engineer installed my fibre he said that Virgin were planning to allow multi room stream boxes. They basically gave me the stream box for free and I have it plugged into my sky glass. I've used it a few times and seems to have a lot more channels including the +1 s than the sky epg

picture seems fine on the various streaming apps in uhd

Re: I tried Virgin Stream...

Anonymous — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 17:58:47 GMT

@Jporch316 @Yeah thanks I agree the picture for me is as good if not better than sky stream