Virmin basic v freeview

[k.jacko]

Hi all,

i have freeview, but was wondering if the basic vm box (that they offered to me for free) is any better as in quality of sd picture and number of channels.

I'm having sky+HD installed on monday with multi-room, but i thought if i can get a free box from virmin as well, then that can go into one of the bedrooms, as i have distributed the cable feed around the house. I actually have virmin broadband and phone so the services are live.

Thanks for any advice.

[TheCoder]

Either way, why would you turn down a free box ?

Just get the thing and then compare for yourself. In most cases, you'll find that the picture quality is indistinguishable between terrestrial freeview and cable. They actually use the same chipsets so as long as the incoming bitstream is comparable (which they roughly are) then you see the same picture.

Channel wise, I think the VM free offering covers most if not all the same channels as freeview. There may even be some extras (though I doubt you'll ever watch them).

The good thing about the VM box is that they own it so if it ever goes wrong ,then a quick phonecall and its either replaced/fixed without any cost to you.

The bad thing, of course, is that you only get to keep the box for as long as you subscribe to VM. Stop subscribing and the box is gone !

[peljames]

Basic virgin gives a lot af extra channels than freeview so is well worth it as its free

[k.jacko]

It was quite a few months ago when they offered the box. Can't remember why i turned it down tbh.
My dad got one though, but has never done owt with its, so i might nab his.....as well as his Sky HD box that he's ditched cos he fell out with Sky. he uses FreeSat now and loves it.

[Fspiders]

Don't forget that once you activate the box you are tied into a new 12 months contract.

[Ant1942]

I checked out the differences before making my decision.
The Virgin box does get the same channels as Freeview plus they
do give extra channels for a couple of months to temp you into
subscribing to an enhanced package. Recently they gave away
National Geographic when they were showing the new Aircraft
Accident Investigation series.
The main free extra is the 'Catch Up TV' which is well worth having
for nothing. Also, if you really want one of the PPV movies you can
watch it (and pay).
For me 'self repairing' the cable box wins every time especially as it
comes free with the phone.