Freeview using a second hand Virgin Tivo Box

Mr_Spoon

I currently have Virgin broadband. If I bought a second hand Virgin Tivo box from somewhere (Ebay for example) and then fitted a splitter to connect the Virgin signal to said Tivo box, would I be able to pick up Freeview channels? 

Neil_Jones

No.  Tivo is not a Freeview box.

I believe (may be wrong though) Tivo boxes don't work without an active Virgn subscription?

almillar

Also, you can't buy a Virgin TiVo box, they remain the property of Virgin so whoever is selling it shouldn't be. What's wrong with an aerial and a Freeview box?

Nick_C

Why not buy a Now TV box? Then watch the main freeview channels over broadband. 

Neil_Jones

Nick_C said:

Why not buy a Now TV box? Then watch the main freeview channels over broadband. 

Now TV doesn't do Freeview.  Some of the apps on it will provide certain channels that are on Freeview (ie the BBC channels, ITV and Channel 4), but otherwise its designed as a top-up channel choice (ie adding some mostly but not exclusively extra Sky channels) at cost.

Nick_C

Neil_Jones said:

Nick_C said:

Why not buy a Now TV box? Then watch the main freeview channels over broadband. 

Now TV doesn't do Freeview.  Some of the apps on it will provide certain channels that are on Freeview (ie the BBC channels, ITV and Channel 4), but otherwise its designed as a top-up channel choice (ie adding some mostly but not exclusively extra Sky channels) at cost.

The Now TV box is a cheap way of turning your TV into a smart TV.  The apps that come with the box allow you do watch BBC, ITV, CH4 and CH5.  These are, IMO, the main Freeview Channels.

This may be sufficient for OP's needs. It is for him to say or ask further questions. 

Mr_Spoon

almillar said:

Also, you can't buy a Virgin TiVo box, they remain the property of Virgin so whoever is selling it shouldn't be. What's wrong with an aerial and a Freeview box?

I wouldn't be asking this question if I had an aerial. Long story short, an aerial isn't an option.

Mr_Spoon

Nick_C said:

Neil_Jones said:

Nick_C said:

Why not buy a Now TV box? Then watch the main freeview channels over broadband. 

Now TV doesn't do Freeview.  Some of the apps on it will provide certain channels that are on Freeview (ie the BBC channels, ITV and Channel 4), but otherwise its designed as a top-up channel choice (ie adding some mostly but not exclusively extra Sky channels) at cost.

The Now TV box is a cheap way of turning your TV into a smart TV.  The apps that come with the box allow you do watch BBC, ITV, CH4 and CH5.  These are, IMO, the main Freeview Channels.

This may be sufficient for OP's needs. It is for him to say or ask further questions. 

I can already watch these channels using the associated apps installed on my TV, but it's a bit of a faff logging in/out to change channels. 

Rodders53

Mr_Spoon said

I wouldn't be asking this question if I had an aerial. Long story short, an aerial isn't an option.

Location? Approx not exact address.  Some people can get perfectly good terrestrial TV reception with room aerials if they are in the right location and with a clear enough view of the transmitter.  https://www.aerialsandtv.com/knowledge/aerials/indoor-set-top-aerials
Do not buy amplified aerials, room aerials that work look should look much like proper outside aerials.

Otherwise you need an aerial connection (loft or external, depending on the signal available) for terrestrial Freeview or a satellite dish for free satellite reception.  Streamers are the only other option.  Some may be better than others so less clunky in use?

almillar

Mr_Spoon said:

almillar said:

Also, you can't buy a Virgin TiVo box, they remain the property of Virgin so whoever is selling it shouldn't be. What's wrong with an aerial and a Freeview box?

I wouldn't be asking this question if I had an aerial. Long story short, an aerial isn't an option.

You didn't tell us that though. No aerial = cable (Virgin subscription) or satellite (Freesat or Sky) for broadcast TV unless you can make do with a stick of some sort for on demand type viewing and streaming, but it's no replacement in my book.