Vodafone TV retirement plan: September 2022

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31 posts

Geek

#2840937 31-Dec-2021 18:22

Apsattv:

I wonder why noone else ever bothered to make a new "Freeview" android software. It doesn't have to be "official" and approved.

There is certainly software out there that can be used for this purpose. The NextPVR software I've developed (here in NZ) is a good example. Below I've recorded a quick video for you guys to show you a NextPVR client running on an Android device. NextPVR aims to be super simple to drive, and the client acts very much like an advanced set top box.

NextPVR is a whole home DVR, so you can have a client running on each TV in the house, and they can all share the same content. ie, watch half a movie in the lounge, then resume it in the bedroom later etc.

For this demo, I'm on a small $40 android device. I've got a NextPVR server running on Synology NAS on my network. It's pointing at the Matt Huisman M3U streams, giving it the New Zealand IPTV channels.

Apologies for the crappy video, but watch it through and you should get the general idea for what NextPVR is about.

Eva888

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#2856133 25-Jan-2022 15:08

Just arrived

Kia ora

We recently announced that we're closing our VodafoneTV service on 30 September 2022. We're working closely with Sky to transition your Sky subscription to them, to make sure you don't miss a moment of your favourite entertainment – and the good news is you don't need to do a thing right now.

The transition to Sky will be in two phases:

From 1 March 2022, we’ll transfer your Sky subscription and billing to Sky. There'll be no interruption to your service and Sky will make sure you're set up with the same channels, at the same price. You’ll keep watching on your VodafoneTV box and don't need to do anything.

Sky will then be in touch about moving to a new Sky solution that works for you later in the year, including the option of their new internet-connected Sky Box.
What does this mean for my broadband?

You'll still receive a monthly bill from us for your current Vodafone Broadband plan, but without any charges for VodafoneTV or your Sky subscription.

You’ll receive more info about the changes over the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions please check www.vodafone.co.nz/tv for FAQs and regular updates.

Don’t forget when VodafoneTV closes on 30 September 2022, you can recycle your VodafoneTV box – you can find out more information on vodafone.co.nz/recycle.

Ngā mihi
Your team at Vodafone

Eva888

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#2856139 25-Jan-2022 15:21

March is looming and I guess the time has come to decide if we keep Sky or get another streaming service. I’m really going to miss that box and it doesn’t sound like there’s any plan for anything more than recycling them.

GSVNoFixedAbode

55 posts

Master Geek

#2856146 25-Jan-2022 15:36

Eva888: Just arrived

Don’t forget when VodafoneTV closes on 30 September 2022, you can recycle your VodafoneTV box – you can find out more information on vodafone.co.nz/recycle.

Still have fingers & toes crossed for a community-led reflashing of the device rather than eWaste recycling.

freitasm

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Geekzone

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#2856158 25-Jan-2022 16:14

I just bought a Panasonic LED TV mainly because it has TVNZ/Spark Sport so it will (partially) replace the Vodafone TV box.

SteveC

448 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2856159 25-Jan-2022 16:22

freitasm: I just bought a Panasonic LED TV mainly because it has TVNZ/Spark Sport so it will (partially) replace the Vodafone TV box.

I'll be interested to see how you go. Hope all the smart bits work well and get updated regularly!
Steve

SteveC

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#2856162 25-Jan-2022 16:32

Eva888: March is looming and I guess the time has come to decide if we keep Sky or get another streaming service. I’m really going to miss that box and it doesn’t sound like there’s any plan for anything more than recycling them.

http://vodafone.co.nz/recycle makes no mention mention of a partial refund for VTV boxes.
Vodafone has committed to a refund, explained more on this forum by @Sansom. No provision for an email on the RMA form. This might be difficult for Vodafone to follow up, so perhaps the refund will be 'overlooked'?

A thought @Sansom - real commitment to the process would be for Vodafone NZ to undertake giving the refund to charity if it can't find the owner of a returned VTV?

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Rickles

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#2856165 25-Jan-2022 16:35

I too got a Samsung Smart TV before Xmas, and just about everything the Vodafone TV device did is available through the TV's Apps.

We do miss the Rewind/Three-day feature, particularly stuff like Prime's Stephen Colbert but both my (separate) satellite receiver and the new TV will record that (if I remember to set up 😋).

I'll sit on my retail-paid VodaTV until their buy-back offer comes in.

sansom

421 posts

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One NZ

#2856185 25-Jan-2022 17:12

Eva888: March is looming and I guess the time has come to decide if we keep Sky or get another streaming service. I’m really going to miss that box and it doesn’t sound like there’s any plan for anything more than recycling them.

In March the only change will be that Sky starts sending the bill to customers who subscribe to Sky. No need to do anything, the Vodafone TV service will continue to operate for both Sky and Freeview users until the closure date. Prior to closure, Sky are very likely to make a offer their new box when it's ready to Vodafone TV customers.

Hamish

sansom

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One NZ

#2856188 25-Jan-2022 17:24

SteveC:
Eva888: March is looming and I guess the time has come to decide if we keep Sky or get another streaming service. I’m really going to miss that box and it doesn’t sound like there’s any plan for anything more than recycling them.

http://vodafone.co.nz/recycle makes no mention mention of a partial refund for VTV boxes.
Vodafone has committed to a refund, explained more on this forum by @Sansom. No provision for an email on the RMA form. This might be difficult for Vodafone to follow up, so perhaps the refund will be 'overlooked'?

A thought @Sansom - real commitment to the process would be for Vodafone NZ to undertake giving the refund to charity if it can't find the owner of a returned VTV?

We are very committed to making good those who have paid us for the VTV box but only received a limited amount of use. The refund is not being overlooked and more detail on refund is coming well in advance of the service ending.

We are also very committed to charities in NZ. The Vodafone Foundation was established in Aotearoa in 2002. Since then, we have invested more than $43 million, supporting more than 1,000 community organisations. We’re proud to be one of the largest corporate philanthropic funders in Aotearoa.

Hamish

sansom

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One NZ

#2856191 25-Jan-2022 17:32

GSVNoFixedAbode:

Eva888: Just arrived

Don’t forget when VodafoneTV closes on 30 September 2022, you can recycle your VodafoneTV box – you can find out more information on vodafone.co.nz/recycle.

Still have fingers & toes crossed for a community-led reflashing of the device rather than eWaste recycling.

We have followed up on this idea, however the news is not good. Quoting the (blunt) response from the manufacturer: "I'm sorry but products are fully secured and not rooted. There is no way to reflash device for any other purpose"

Hamish

SteveC

448 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#2856207 25-Jan-2022 17:47

sansom:
... my last post snipped ...
We are very committed to making good those who have paid us for the VTV box but only received a limited amount of use. The refund is not being overlooked and more detail on refund is coming well in advance of the service ending.

We are also very committed to charities in NZ. The Vodafone Foundation was established in Aotearoa in 2002. Since then, we have invested more than $43 million, supporting more than 1,000 community organisations. We’re proud to be one of the largest corporate philanthropic funders in Aotearoa.

Yep - that's one reason I stick with Vodafone despite the customer service (which has improved).

Surely the potential refund should be mentioned on http://vodafone.co.nz/recycle with an optional email address on the RMA form?

Eva888

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#2856283 25-Jan-2022 18:59

sansom:
Eva888: March is looming and I guess the time has come to decide if we keep Sky or get another streaming service. I’m really going to miss that box and it doesn’t sound like there’s any plan for anything more than recycling them.

In March the only change will be that Sky starts sending the bill to customers who subscribe to Sky. No need to do anything, the Vodafone TV service will continue to operate for both Sky and Freeview users until the closure date. Prior to closure, Sky are very likely to make a offer their new box when it's ready to Vodafone TV customers.

Because of the imminent end to the VF box, if someone should decide in March to divest of Sky, but continue using the Freeview portion, how would that work?

Apsattv

2380 posts

Uber Geek

#2856402 26-Jan-2022 04:29

I noticed mine still does a software update usually around 4.30 am. Is there still a REAL update each morning or its just procedure? anyone looking to cap the .bin this is where you may find the bin url.... I wonder if one could use a local proxy and redirect the unit into downloading the .bin locally...

A quick "fix" might be if Vodafone can still add apps to the device, to setup a webpage with an html player and use the public stream urls from the freeview app (with their permission)

Apsattv

2380 posts

Uber Geek

#2856407 26-Jan-2022 07:01

Oh dear what a JOKE! even more reason to keep the vodafone box going

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/127587844/freeview-satellite-customers-face-another-10-years-of-sd-viewing

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