Some Virgin Media customers with older TiVo set-top boxes have lost access to catch-up and on-demand services for four popular channels – but there’s good news. Those affected can upgrade to a newer box at no extra cost.
The change affects catch-up and on-demand content from U’s free channels:
These shows have now moved to the U app. While Virgin Media’s latest boxes (V6 and Virgin TV 360) support the app, TiVo boxes do not.
This comes just months after BBC iPlayer also disappeared from TiVo, removing favourites like EastEnders from catch-up.
Only a relatively small number of Virgin Media customers still use TiVo boxes, which first launched back in 2010. But for those who do, this marks another significant loss of functionality.
Virgin Media is encouraging customers to upgrade to its Virgin TV 360 box, launched in 2020, which supports the full range of apps and streaming services. The best part? The upgrade is free for TiVo users.
The Virgin TV 360 box offers:
It’s common for older technology to eventually lose support. Updating apps and services for older devices costs providers money, and when only a small number of people still use them, it’s harder to justify. That’s why companies like Virgin Media gradually encourage customers to move onto newer hardware.
If you’re still on a TiVo box, you’ll likely lose more features over time. The simplest option is to take Virgin Media up on its free upgrade to Virgin TV 360 and contact them to arrange the free switch so you can keep access to all your favourite catch-up TV and apps without missing out.
