Tv Channels

[potty64]

Is it possible to get GOLD channel without having either SKY or TALK TALK?

[starone]

I've got Virgin Xcel (or something like that) and I get a huge number of channels. To tell the truth I have not explored all of them - yet. But I would think you have to subscribe to one or the other potty.

[potty64]

Thx for yr replies but I was hoping I could get it without subscribing ie FREEVIEW or FREESAT which means just a one off payment. Never mind. I'm sure I can survive with out GOLD!!

[Wak]

GOLD is listed as channel 20 on my FreeView but is being shown as SCRAMBLED SIGNAL at the moment. Does this mean that it is not being transmitted at the moment but could be available later in the day???
You could try it later this evening?
Seems strange to put it in the menu and not even transmit it!!

[aelmpvw]

i think it's saying scrambled signal because you haven't paid for it

[Buenchico]

Wak:
GOLD is (just about) available via Freeview for those viewers who've got a Top Up TV Box (and who buy their 'TV Favourites' pack). At one time access to GOLD was a major selling point for Top Up TV but it's gradually been downgraded in favour of their on-demand viewing services, with GOLD being available for fewer and fewer hours each day. Originally GOLD was available to Top Up TV users throughout its broadcasting schedule; it's now only available for just 3 hours per day, from 11am to 2pm.

That access is just about all that remains from the original plan for terrestrial digital TV, which was to have a mix of channels available both free (i.e. 'Freeview') and on a subscription basis (using set-top boxes with viewing cards, similar to those used by Sky). The sports-based subscription services couldn't get the sums to add up, and quickly went bust. Top Up TV couldn't offer enough extra channels to attract paying customers and all but abandoned live TV channels as it switched to on-demand TV. Only 'adult' services (and Top Up TV's very limited access to GOLD) remain from what was planned as major competition to Sky and cable services.

[Wak]

Thanks for the info regarding GOLD, Chris.
I've got Freeview on my TV Set and also with my DVD recorder but don't use it as I also have Virgin Cable and always use that.
My input (such as it was!!) was for Potty's benefit in the hope it might just be of some use to her. I'm sure she is now well aware of the situation from your reply.
Wak.