Tag: Virgin Media
Energy-efficient lightbulbs causing TV channel change chaos … sort of
Got a TV that's been acting a little erratically recently? Try checking any nearby energy-efficient lightbulbs, as some are reporting that they are causing their TVs to change channel and switch themselves off seemingly at random. Take the case of…
Virgin get the sexy new HTC Desire and Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 handsets
Virgin have today announced plans of a big push for Android phones on their network, having nabbed the highly sought after HTC Desire and Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 handsets. The HTC Desire (pictured) was one of the stars of the…
ITV HD headed to Sky+ HD and Virgin Media services in time for the World Cup
After long negotiations, ITV HD is finally coming to Sky and Virgin Media TV services on April 2nd. The news means that almost all of the 64 World Cup matches from this year's tournament in South Africa will be available…
Virgin Media aiming to launch 100 Mbps broadband service in the UK
Virgin Media are setting in motion plans to roll out a 100Mbps broadband service across the UK. Beginning with 50Mbps trails in the Berkshire village of Woolhampton, as many as one million homes could be set to benefit from the…
Film4 HD headed to Virgin Media boxes
Keen not to fall behind the pack of blossoming high-definition channels that keep popping up on Sky+ HD and Freeview HD, Virgin Media have secured the rights to broadcast the new Film4 HD channel, as well as E4 HD. It's…
7.2Mb mobile broadband on the way from Virgin Media
Users can pick up the new dongle on a range of different contracts, from rolling 1 month deals right up to extended 18 month programs. Usage limits from 1 to 3Gb a month apply.
BBC iPlayer on Freesat confirmed – coming before Christmas
Now slated to launch next month the service will enable owners of Freesat satellite TV boxes to access the iPlayer's on demand programming via a TV. The iPlayer is already available to Virgin Media and BT Vision box owners but both of those services require a subscription whereas Freesat is free after the initial purchase of the equipment.
Virgin Media to bring TiVo back to the UK
Not a great deal has been offered by Virgin as to how the arrangement will work, however company CEO said "Our fibre-optic network combined with TiVo's capabilities will allow us to offer consumers the most significantly advanced and compelling TV service available in the UK."
In the US TiVo boasts a few features that aren't available in the UK on any DVR, such as the ability to search for shows by actors and the option of accessing music services like Rhapsody though a TV set. It'll be interesting to see how many of them make it to the UK box.
BBC iPlayer coming to Freesat TVs this month
Freesat customers need never miss Strictly Come Dancing again.
Switch on to switch off, Virgin Media research claims
A new report commissioned by Virgin Media and carried out by The Future Laboratory claims that two thirds of the UK loves being connected at all times and feels more relaxed when connected than when not.
These people have even been given a media friendly name: 'SOSOs' – those who switch on to switch off. Apparently SOSO behaviour is not only reflected in a love of being connected to technology but also by anxiety caused by the implications of not being connected.
Over a third (35 per cent) experienced anxiety when not able to use technology to stay in touch with their family, around a third (31 per cent) was most anxious about not being able to make money/work online and 27 per cent was most concerned with not being able to connect to friends. Anxiety is also apparent when technology can't be called upon to provide advice, whether through online maps (25 per cent), dating (21 per cent) or shopping for the best deals (15 per cent).
Says psychologist Nik Simpson: "At any moment, an urgent email may ping into an inbox, a client may call, an old friend may get in touch via Facebook or a family member may want to get in touch. Therefore, to disconnect from technology may mean missing something we cannot afford to. Always being connected actually becomes increasingly essential for peace of mind, further reinforcing SOSO values."
