Virgin Media is rivalling Sky with a boost to its TV platforms. The popular provider says it is TV 360 or Stream boxes with new features, more content and an easier way to find things to watch. The changes will be pushed out via a software upgrade and are definitely worth watching out for if you have these devices tucked under the TV in your living room.
“We are pleased to announce that the latest updates (5.04 and 5.05) have been rolled out to your 360 and Stream boxes,” Virgin said in an update on its community pages.
So, what exactly is new on Virgin’s TV 360 or Stream boxes?
First up there’s the introduction of Pluto TV on Virgin’s platforms. This is a free-to-watch streaming service which includes around 100 channels with content such as CSI, Judge Judy, Hell’s Kitchen and more.
Once updated, TV 360 and Stream users will get seamless access to Pluto TV right from the home screen.
Next, there’s a useful change that makes it quicker to watch favourtite on demand content.
Virgin has now added “Skip Intro” and “Watch Next” options across a swathe of shows which means you don’t have to watch the opening titles and it’s faster to launch the next episode.
If you have opted into Personalisation (to opt in/out simply press Home on your remote and then go to Settings> Info> Personalisation), Virgin says “Now on Your Most Watched Channels” will be replaced by “What’s on Now” on the Home screen. These will be tailored to recommend similar shows based on past viewing history. If you aren’t opted into Personalisation then the current “Now on Your Most Watched Channels” will continue to show.
Finally, there are some improvements to search with users now able to see recent things they’ve looked for along with recommendations of other programs they might like as they begin to perform a new search.
There’s no word on exactly when these changes will be rolled out to each customer but if you have Virgin Stream or TV 360 you need to check for software versions 5.04 and 5.05.
