Virgin Media users who have not updated their TV set-top boxes in a while are advised to do so promptly. The BBC iPlayer app will soon be inaccessible to households utilizing outdated equipment. Popular shows like EastEnders, Casualty, and Murder 24/7 will no longer be available to those who fail to switch to newer devices.
Virgin Media has notified a small number of customers with TiVo boxes that their devices will not support iPlayer starting July 23. The affected devices include aging TiVo models introduced over a decade ago. However, users with newer V6 and 360 models will not experience any interruptions and can continue enjoying BBC content.
Virgin Media should have contacted users whose boxes are affected by the upcoming block to arrange upgrades. It is recommended to respond positively to Virgin’s email if you possess an outdated box to avoid losing access to iPlayer, as the app will cease to function after the July deadline.
The reason behind BBC iPlayer losing support for certain devices remains unclear, but this issue is not uncommon with older technology. For instance, WhatsApp frequently discontinues support for its app on older smartphones due to compatibility issues with new features.
In addition to maintaining access to services like iPlayer, upgrading your Virgin box brings benefits such as regular updates and bonus channels. Recent enhancements have included the addition of British Screen Classics and wedotv movies to Virgin boxes.