Virgin Media vs Freeview?

[another annie]

So Virgin Media cable tv is going up another ?3.50 a month from September. I hardly use any of the extra channels, box sets etc and the new Tivo box is slow and not that easy to use. How does Freeview work? I can see what channels are available on Freeview from looking in the Radio Times (yes, I'm that old), but how does the signal get in to the house? Through the same cable? Anyone's experiences or advice welcome, thanks!

[fishbiscuits]

You just need to get a TV aerial installed (if you don't have one already). https://www.freeview.co.uk has the complete list.

Personally I don't bother with any broadcast TV (just use streaming), but I know some people still like it...

[Springer]

If you have a modern telly you should have free view pre installed depending on your signal a good indoor aerial should be sufficient

[another annie]

Thanks Springer, fishbiscuits, that's really helpful.

[Tractorlad]

How old is your TV? Its likely that it already has Freeview installed. If so, disconnect Tivo from the back of the TV and connect your set to the aerial socket to try before you make a decision.

You might need to re-scan for channels if you've never used the built-in tuner before.

Tivo however will have a recording facility. To continue that capability you can buy a freeview set-top box with built-in hard-drive. Standard definition units start from about ?50, with HD ?150/200 and up.

As mentioned earlier, the main terrestrial channels have streaming "catch-up" services. If your TV is "smart" it will have those included. If not, the more modern set-top boxes will have this feature although if you don't need recording, a cheap blu-ray or digital media player like a Amazon fire stick or Roku would be sufficient and cheaper.

The latter of course relies on broadband. If you're thinking of discontinuing Tivo, Virgin will bundle the price of cable broadband with the TV making broadband on its own more expensive than a no frills DSL service. You might therefore want to look for a deal from Plusnet or Talktalk as a replacement broadband provider.

The main thing though is that other than the broadband (and the TV license), after the initial outlay your TV viewing will be completely free and without subscription.

[another annie]

Tractorland - thanks so much for taking the time to write all this down. Our phone/broadband comes separately from BT, guess thats why paying over ?50 a month on top for Virgin tv seems a lot. Our Samsung tv probably dates back to about 2006, so could be on the edge there, but will have a try. Gradually getting our heads around this. Thanks again - Annie