(Image Credit: Virgin Media)
Virgin Media has introduced its response to last year’s Sky Q rollout with the new V6 set-top box, continuing to use TiVo’s software as its platform. The V6 brings native 4K support and will gain HDR compatibility through a firmware update next year as more HDR content becomes available.
The standout feature is Series Link+, which marks a move toward unified, omnichannel viewing. Series Link+ allows users to indicate which series they want to follow and then aggregates new episodes in one location regardless of where they are broadcast or streamed. Whether an episode airs on linear TV or appears on a streaming service such as Netflix, it will appear together for easier viewing.
A practical example is Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror, which began on Channel 4 for two series before moving to Netflix for a later exclusive season. That change in distribution would have made it easy to miss new episodes; Series Link+ eliminates those barriers by tracking and collecting episodes across platforms.
The V6 continues Virgin Media’s focus on flexible viewing. Similar to Sky Q, the V6 supports multi-room viewing so you can stream content to a second box or a mobile device while someone else uses the main TV for gaming or other activities. Unlike Sky, Virgin Media is not charging an additional monthly fee for multi-room access.
The V6, as you would expect, supports 4K out-the-box and will be further enhanced with HDR compatibility
Another feature shared with Sky Q is the ability to download recorded shows from the set-top box to a compatible tablet or smartphone for offline playback. This makes commutes, flights, or other times without reliable data more convenient and provides an easy way to keep children entertained away from home.
Virgin Media is also launching a new dedicated app for iOS and Android aimed at younger viewers. Due in February next year, the app will let children stream or download selected shows in a child-friendly environment.
Instead of introducing a dramatically different user interface like Sky Q, Virgin Media has kept a familiar layout to help existing customers transition smoothly. Current TiVo users will retain their settings and Series Link configurations when they upgrade. Virgin Media highlights improved responsiveness with the V6, claiming it operates up to ten times faster than the previous model.
The V6 includes 1TB of internal storage, which the company says can hold up to 500 hours of programming for pause, rewind, and recording. It can record up to six shows simultaneously while streaming a seventh, and the hardware itself has been reduced in size by about 50 percent compared with the prior box.
Existing customers on top-tier Full House or VIP bundles can upgrade at a promotional price of £49.95, while the standard one-off upgrade cost is £99.95. New customers will have the option to order the V6 when selecting their TV bundle starting in January 2017.
Are you impressed with Virgin Media’s V6 set-top box? Share your thoughts in the comments.