Those who control HDMI port 1 control the TV lol :)

Disinfo:

 

I'm not sure vodafone gets to make that call - if a device stops working then why shouldn't I be able to return it to the retailer who sold it to me?

 

It won’t stop working (glitches aside) until Sept 2022. VF will have announced their settlement plan before then.

I literally bought one in July to turn my parent's dumb TV into a smart one.

I thought of the purchase more like an appliance, than as a service. It didn't even occur to me it could be "shut down".

tripp:

 

Those who control HDMI port 1 control the TV lol :)

 

I thought it was the remote. That thing I seldom touch 😄

MikeB4:

 

I thought it was the remote. That thing I seldom touch 😄

 

Seldom allowed to touch? 😀

sansom:

 

In terms of getting a replacement service before VTV stops later next year, we anticipate the best replacement will be Sky's recently announced new box that will be available next year.    So we recommend you keep using VTV until the replacement options become clearer. 

 

Do you know if the new Sky box will be able to work in similar way to VTV, i.e. without the use of a satellite dish and all services available via streaming?

MikeB4:

 

@sansom I feel it would be a good PR and damage control idea for Vodafone to run a collection and managed disposal of these devices so they are dealt with appropriately.

 

According to Vodafone's FAQ:

Do I need to return my VodafoneTV box?
Once you’ve stopped using your VodafoneTV, we recommend you recycle your VodafoneTV box via our recycling programme and we’ll send you a pre-paid return courier bag.

I have the gen 1 box bundled with my broadband and use it to get Sky Sport which I don't want to give up so interested to see what the offer will be to retain the same deal with I assume with the new Sky box. I've quite liked it as it gave easy access to streaming apps via our older non smart TV (though I do have a PS4 and PS5 for those, but it was easier for my wife to only have to learn how to do it on the same device as the live TV). I quite liked it being via fibre rather than satellite as it cut out the weather interference which often happens in Wellington rain and wind. Found the 3 day catchup really handy for anything we watch on Freeview as there was no need to remember to record things, and sometimes it's more handy that way than going to TVNZ or TV3 on demand as you can fast forward the ads.

Another thing that worries me is the scammers unloading these on Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace to unsuspect consumers who don't follow the tech news...

Rushmere:

 

Do you know if the new Sky box will be able to work in similar way to VTV, i.e. without the use of a satellite dish and all services available via streaming?

 

All I can suggest is you search for the details publicly released by Sky around the end of October on their new box, sorry! 

I think someone here is under NDA and is already using the new Sky box 😄

freitasm:

 

Another thing that worries me is the scammers unloading these on Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace to unsuspect consumers who don't follow the tech news...

 

It's a good point. 

We (specifically an amazing Vodafone staffer with the initials S.R.) already work with Trademe to prevent or take down listings when she sees customers try to resell the VTV boxes that were bundled with their broadband (as those can't be re-used, only the ones sold standalone without broadband are easy to reset and re-use).   I'll discuss with SR how we intensify this in the coming months.

invisibleman18:

 

I have the gen 1 box bundled with my broadband and use it to get Sky Sport which I don't want to give up so interested to see what the offer will be to retain the same deal with I assume with the new Sky box. I've quite liked it as it gave easy access to streaming apps via our older non smart TV (though I do have a PS4 and PS5 for those, but it was easier for my wife to only have to learn how to do it on the same device as the live TV). I quite liked it being via fibre rather than satellite as it cut out the weather interference which often happens in Wellington rain and wind. Found the 3 day catchup really handy for anything we watch on Freeview as there was no need to remember to record things, and sometimes it's more handy that way than going to TVNZ or TV3 on demand as you can fast forward the ads.

 

Thanks for the positive assessment!  Where were you when I was dealing with the mainly negative comments on the other VTV thread on Trademe?!  (oh, that's right, that was the Gen2 thread, and you're the invisibleman number 18 after all!)   

Keep using the Sky on VTV and the details on the new Sky box offering and options for VTV Sky customers will become clearer later next year.  

This is awesome, but so sad as well, Its a great little box and system, its a pity for it to be closed down and then to throw away all that technology. Will VF introduse another system like this?

sansom:

 

Hi Guys, we are preparing a box buy back process all customers who purchased these via a Vodafone retailer.