Digital TV in the UK
Aug 23rd
BT Vision, Freeview, Sky or Virgin Media?
The usual analogue television is being abandoned the world over in favour of the improved digital signal. This means that almost everybody will be able to receive access to Freeview TV with enhanced quality screening.
Earlier in the year, the independent watchdog, Ofcom, conducted a survey which discovered that over 93% of households in the United Kingdom are already using a digital signal to receive TV. The digital switchover is a mandatory change that is occurring on a nationwide scale, so if you are not already among those using the digital services provided by pay-TV providers such as BT Vision, Freeview, Sky and Virgin Media, you will soon need to upgrade each individual television set in your home.
The increase in the amount of consumers using digital TV services as collated by Ofcom has shown that there has been a massive swelling to each competing provider. The battleground has therefore changed to allow these service providers to sweat it out to dominate the industry by offering something further to their traditional digital pay-TV. Ofcom similarly found that there were 22% of UK households viewing television via games consoles such as the Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3.
Ofcom found that there has been an increase of 18 minutes in the amount of time that the average Brit watches TV in since this time last year – is this due to the fact that TV has become more accessible than ever through games consoles and online streaming?
Catch-up TV services are ever-more popular and ensure that consumers will never miss a moment of their favourite programmes. And where it was once something for the elite to enjoy, unparalleled access to digital content is now the norm for most households. TV providers are therefore expanding their markets to accommodate further benefits and any additional features that might sway a consumer’s choice. The outstanding question is not therefore when consumers will get digital TV but who they will get it from?
Virgin Media 12 Month Contract
Aug 4th
Return of the 12 month contract!
The digital age in which we now find ourselves living is dominated by one must-have item that no self-respecting being, from entrepreneurs to adolescents, would ever be caught dead without: the smartphone.
No longer are people restrained by insufficient means of communicating with one another. In fact, they are saturated with new interactive platforms that allow us to correspond with one another, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and LinkedIn. The archaic use of a mobile phone for calling and texting others has been shunted in favour of communal stages, which are online-based, where information can be posted and shared. With these added features, people’s perceptions and expectations of what a phone should do have changed. So too have the telecommunications retailers’, as we have seen their contract length extend over time with the product improvements.
Until now, as Virgin Media have brought back the long-grieved 12 month contract!
A renovation of their mobile phone tariffs has been noticed, with the prized annual contract returning, as well as many added features for Virgin Media customers.
The drawback with this returning offer may be an increase in price overall, however, with the endless innovations and updates in smartphone technology nobody wants to be tied into a 24 month contract with an old model.
Virgin Media’s Director of Mobile, Jamie Heywood, is reported to have stated that “Our newly refreshed monthly mobile tariffs offer a simpler way for our customers to tailor their phone packages to suit their needs, whilst giving customers greater contract flexibility, more minutes, texts and mobile data.”
In addition to this customer will be able to choose and add from many bundled extras too, like double talk time for only £2 extra a month and £5 for 5 GB of extra data usage. Other retailers are predicted to follow suit very soon as they all remain closely competitive. In order to benefit from these ideal contracts and great savings, visit the Virgin Media website today!
The Fastest-Growing ISP In The UK
Aug 3rd
Boasting an average of 77 customers joining every hour throughout the past 5 years since its inception in 2006, Sky Broadband has now connected 3.3 million customers to their online network, and has been crowned as the fastest-growing Internet Service Provider in the UK after enjoying the highest growth rate in 3 years.
Further to their inspiring TV service, Sky launched their branded Internet and phone provision as exclusive add-ons, which have since grown and developed into standalone services that can be acquired by anyone whether a previous Sky TV customer or not. In this way Sky is able to reach and serve more people with their impressive goods; 100,000 of which are currently enjoying the individual services since their launch in 2010.
Now reaching 79% of households across the United Kingdom, Sky has released a statement declaring that it intends to expand the network to reach 83% of homes by unbundling a further 400 telephone exchanges. Accompanying this will be access to The Cloud, a Wi-Fi platform accessible throughout the country to anyone with a portable device such as a mobile, laptop, iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
Sky’s network has been expressly constructed so as to support large amounts of bandwidth for entertainment content like videos, and as such is free from traffic management at peak times and usage limitations. This also means that Sky’s own services like Sky Go and Sky+ Anytime are ideal for reliable use on The Cloud. An affiliate of the Sky team stated, “Our customers have responded not only to the freedom, transparency and quality of our services…And with mobile connectivity arriving next year through The Cloud, customers are set to enjoy even more value from their Sky Broadband experience.”
With hundreds of thousands of new customers taking advantage of Sky’s successful standalone services, the company is keen to progress further by maintaining and improving their already reliable, unlimited and value-for-money services.
Virgin Media Wi-Fi
Aug 3rd
Londoners are anticipating the appearance of free Internet access across the capital from the eminent Internet Service Provider (ISP) Virgin Media very soon. It has been confirmed that Virgin Media are in active talks with local councils throughout the city so that multiple London boroughs can benefit from the service.
Virgin Media’s CEO, Neil Berkett has reportedly told Broadband TV News that “it is a real opportunity if you think about the gap that is occurring between the consumer needs outside the home and what they can get on 3G.” By investigating and developing the uses of their present fibre optic powered broadband network Virgin Media hopes to be in a position to offer their services to all consumers at a limited speed of 0.5Mbps, and at the enhanced speed of 10Mbps to their existing customers on the move.
The proposal has been induced as the ISP believes that their current Internet service is not being consumed throughout the day since a massive majority of customers are out of the house during this time. Consequently, this has led to unused bandwidth which could be redistributed as an extra Wi-Fi source for people outside of the home.
In so doing Virgin Media will be able to further challenge one of their main competitors, BT, who currently offer free Wi-Fi to their customers and other users via what is known as BT Openzone hotspots. Further to this, Virgin Media would place themselves into a position where they would be able to wholesale the product post-development, which essentially means distributing it to those other than their regular customers.
Virgin Media recently revealed their second-quarter results disclosing that there are 4.3 million customers presently using their broadband service and that could therefore potentially benefit from added free Wi-Fi provision.
A city-wide Wi-Fi connection is something that has been anticipated since London won the privilege of hosting the Olympic Games, and would therefore be welcomed into the capital.
Sky Go app for Apple iPhone/iPad
Jul 20th
Have you ever had that moment when you suddenly realise you are missing the next instalment of that new series, or that you are running late and will miss kick off?
Let’s face it, everyone has been there and done it. Once is enough though, and now you can make sure that you never miss a single moment ever again, even if you are out of the house.
Sky, the multi-channel telecommunications retailer, has released their free Sky Go application in the iTunes App Store allowing any customer who also has an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to watch TV while they are on the move.
Users now have the ability to view, pause, rewind and record live programmes on selected channels via their mobile devices. You can also search the Sky Guide to see what else is airing, and this Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) lets you continue to watch your current show in a small pop up window that stays on-screen while you browse. Supported by a new wi-fi framework called The Cloud, Sky Go can access free wireless Internet across 4,500 locations in the UK.
Sky Go is an integration of the former Sky Player and 3G based Sky Mobile TV and allows each individual user to register up to 2 separate portable devices upon which they can enjoy watching a multitude of channels. These include the popular Sky Premiere, Sky Showcase, Sky Action and Sky Family Movie channels. Even better than this though, is the fact that every Sky Sports channel is available as well, and just in time for the football season to kick off!
Sky Sports 1, 2, 3, 4 and Sky Sports News, along with ESPN and Sky News are obtainable as well, providing that they are included in your standing home Sky TV subscription package. Additional apps available are the Football Score Centre app and the Sky+ Remote Record app which will make sure that you never miss a thing.
Virgin Media TiVo app on iPhone
Jul 18th
The Apple of My Eye
It’s finally here! The new Virgin Media: TiVo service has released their application for Apple iPhone and iPad users. Much like the Android app which was launched earlier this month, Virgin Media customers who have upgraded to the fantastic new 1TB set top box that merges the popular Virgin Media services with the exceptional quality and selection of TiVo, can now also control its performance remotely.
Functioning much like the Android version, this app is free and can be downloaded from the Apple iTunes Store now. It will allow subscribers to see what is coming on TV in the upcoming 7 days and includes a detailed description of each programme. Impressively, this feature will also let users create their own personalised wish list of their favourite TV shows so that they no longer have to scroll through hundreds of channels to find what they want! When they have found something really special to watch within Virgin Media: TiVo’s cocktail of channels then they can share it with their family and close friends by text or e-mail.
Discover an improved way of watching TV from across the world with more of what you love at the simple touch of a button. This new service also keeps you up-to-date with what is going on in your world, with social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter accessible via your TV!
The service allows users to record 2 programmes while watching a third, and with the new remote application customers will be able to set up and record from their iPhone or iPad as they are on the move. According to Virgin Media’s executive director of commercial TV and online, Alex Green: “Our TiVo service already offers the most flexible and comprehensive recording options and features, which this new service complements…by ensuring you’ll never miss recording a programme whilst out and about.”
Upgrade to iOS 4.0 or later versions today to take full advantage of the spectrum of utilities that Virgin Media: TiVo have on offer in their new set top box.
Sky £50 M&S Voucher with Sky+HD
Jul 15th
Watch the TV shows that you love on the widest range of channels available in the UK in unparalleled quality with Sky HD. There are over 50 High Definition channels for you to choose from, regardless of genre, including movies, documentaries, sports and so much more. Kick off the shackles of TV schedules and take control of your viewing experience with live pause, rewind and record individual programmes or entire series at the touch of one button.
Create the TV that you want to watch with Sky. New customers joining online and selecting a Sky+ HD package will receive their set top box entirely free as well as free standard set-up, and a massive reward of £50 worth of Marks & Spencer vouchers!
All that customers need to do is go onto the Sky website and select their High Definition entertainment packages. There is a choice of six: Variety, Children’s, Knowledge, Style & Culture, Music and News & Events. The first package is a modest £19.50 a month, and any following selections are a mere £1 additional monthly cost!
Pick the Sports pack encompassing every major event, tournament and competition for only £20.25 extra, and the Movies pack for only £16 which shows a variety of old classics and new releases every day.
With Sky Anytime+ you can sit back and enjoy TV on demand with an extensive collection of the best films, programmes and more for no additional or hidden costs whatsoever to your subscription. Similarly, you can view your favourite shows in 3D for free on Sky’s 3D channel, the first in Europe – see your TV in a new way.
With Sky HD you can search for programmes on an improved Sky Guide which makes TV shows easier than ever to find and enjoy, and an enhanced on demand service showcasing the best of old and new television. Sky HD means 5 times more on-screen clarity and sharpness, superior colour vivacity, and a clearer, eminent quality of digital sound.
All of this is now available in a few moments when new customers sign up to Sky via the website, so select Sky+ HD today and receive your free set top box with free installation as well as a fantastic gift of £50 Marks & Spencer vouchers to spend as you like!
BT Sunshine Deal – An exclusive online broadband deal offering 4 months service free
Jul 14th
BT Sunshine Deal is an online exclusive deal which offers 4 months of broadband and calls service free to new customers. This deal offers broadband up to 20 MB download speed and anytime calls to UK landline its customers on an 18 month contract while they get to enjoy 4 months of this service free.
At just £16 per month, the BT Sunshine Deal offers you broadband service and phone services along with 10GB usage limit and free Wi-Fi. BT Broadband customers can access the online storage to store, protect and share their files and photographs, use the BT Yahoo! mail services and seek free 24/7 helpline along with numerous help options.
You will receive the BT Home Hub and if you opt for a new telephone from BT, you enjoy a 50% discount in price. Apart from this, new BT customers enjoy a free connection service for their phone too.
The BT Anytime Calling plan is just the right plan for you can enjoy lower phone bills to a great extent. You can call up UK landline numbers anytime and talk for unlimited period. Do remember to disconnect your calls within 60 minutes and redial again to continue your conversation. With more user friendly add-on options, you are certainly going to enjoy using BT Phone services.
Also, do bear in mind the monthly line rental charges which are to be paid on monthly basis. You could opt for the Line Rental Saver option to pay annual charges of £120 line and save almost £46.80 per year by paying in advance against the normal charges of £13.90 every month.
Join this online exclusive BT Sunshine Deal at £16 per month and save as much as possible for you can enjoy 4 months free broadband and calls under an 18 month contract.
Virgin Media launch Harry Potter app on TiVo
Jul 14th
Petrificus Totalus?
Totally petrified that the end is near? To those that are completely potty about Potter, listen up!
For ten years children and adults alike have been spellbound by the phenomenon that is JK Rowling’s Harry Potter novels, and of course, have relived the drama and suspense in each instalment of the films thereof. This epic saga is now near completion with the excitedly anticipated release of the final film, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2, on Friday 15th July.
Working in partnership with Warner Bros Pictures, Virgin Media are prolonging the magic with the release of their new Harry Potter app, available in the Apps & Games section of their new TiVo service. Clips, trailers, interviews, and behind-the-scenes media will be available to Virgin Media: TiVo customers, along with cast and crew biographies, information and photographs. Accio TiVo! At least that’s what Hermione might say; we muggles still have to do everything by hand.
You’ll be stupefied by the great content on offer in this new app but, like speeches made by Dumbledore, there’s always more to it than you realise. Virgin Media will also be making Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley apparate into your living room as they broadcast the past six films as well!
Pick from your favourite – The Philosopher’s Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, The Half Blood Prince, and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 – in the Collector’s folder devoted to celebrating and commemorating the conclusion of this enchanted chronicle.
Follow the latest chatter about everything Harry Potter related on the dedicated Twitter page, and revelio the news about JK Rowling’s plans to keep Harry alive in an expanded online universe.
Virgin Media TiVo App on Android
Jul 12th
Apply yourself, with the new Virgin Media app on Android.
Customers in the UK are now able to download an application to their smartphone that allows you to access your Virgin Media: TiVo service remotely. This facility is available from the Android Market for free, and enables users to access and view the programme guide, as well as to record shows on your TV when you are out of the house! This Android app is capable of supporting recordings of individual shows or even of Season Passes.
Make sure that you have Android version 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 in order to be able to benefit from this fantastic, newly-released service from Virgin Media, displaying 7 days worth of programmes, detailed synopses for each TV show, as well as the ability to create a ‘Favourites’ list that can be shared by text or e-mail.
Virgin Media released a statement declaring that, “We think Virgin Media’s TiVo Service is the best way to watch TV and our new mobile app enhances that experience…” The release of their remote service is timed well to coincide with their new, heightened TV viewing experience which is in partnership with TiVo, and it is expected that as the service gains momentum and prominence the Virgin Media app will be updated to allow the sharing of what you watch via social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Similarly, users are waiting with bated-breath as the development of a Virgin Media app for iPhone and iPad are underway. TiVo already have their own application which allows remote recording of shows and a detailed programme guide, whereas the TiVo app is also engineered to transform your iPad into a remote control, as well as linking to in-depth features about cast and crew members of your favourite TV shows with on-demand offers.
