Can I access recorded programmes on virgin media after contract termination period has expired?

ronnie69

As heading. I am getting away from VM at last after MANY years with them. I've seen similar threads on here but from some years ago. Our box is some years old (5+ minimum years I think) and I think it's a TIVO. Virgin haven't asked for it back and I doubt they'll want it. However I wonder if the files are encrypted somehow and when they turn off the broadband, landline and telly on Monday if the recordings will then become unviewable. I know it's 'only' a hard drive recorder but I'm not too techie.  
Thanks

Peter999_2

Unfortunately they are stored on your box encrypted.  As you try and play one, it gets the decryption key from Virgin and you only get that if you have a valid subscription.    It's the same with Sky.

DullGreyGuy

Peter999_2 said:

Unfortunately they are stored on your box encrypted.  As you try and play one, it gets the decryption key from Virgin and you only get that if you have a valid subscription.    It's the same with Sky.

To the best of my knowledge the Sky ones are not encrypted (at least on a HD box, dont know SkyQ) but irrespective you certainly lose the ability to watch them once you have cancelled the appropriate subscription

Neil_Jones

DullGreyGuy said:

Peter999_2 said:

Unfortunately they are stored on your box encrypted.  As you try and play one, it gets the decryption key from Virgin and you only get that if you have a valid subscription.    It's the same with Sky.

To the best of my knowledge the Sky ones are not encrypted (at least on a HD box, dont know SkyQ) but irrespective you certainly lose the ability to watch them once you have cancelled the appropriate subscription

It is the same with Sky HD and Q as its the same signals that "feed" both platforms.

Signals are recorded encrypted (they are broadcast encrypted) and are decrypted on the fly at playback with an active subscription  That's what your viewing card is for..

Channels that are FTA are not encrypted, but regardless of that you can't play on Sky+HD without an active subscription of some sort.  Sky Q it's irrelevant because if you're out of contract and you leave you're supposed to return the equipment (or pay a wodge of money) and even then I don't think you can play anything.