sapper
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V+ Connection Queries:
The V+ box, should be installed by the engineering staff of virgin's installation dept. However, it seems that they often are not trained, or experienced in the use of V+ connections.
As such I hope this sticky will be a list of valid methods, and fault finding advice.
There are numerous ways this box can be connected to a TV, or existing AV system, but in my experience, if possible it Is best to install it in the most simple manner to begin with. Here is the link to the V+ manual. http://www.virginmedia.com/customers/pdf/V+Manual.pdf
Change Display & Audio Settings Menu.
Finally, it will almost be necessary for you to access the settings menu with in the V+ menu system. The key strokes required to access the menu are
“Home” --> “8” --> “4”
This should leave you at the “change display and audio settings” page.
Sound Connections:
The V+ has two types of audio only output, namely the typical left/right channel audio leads, and an Optical out.
If you do not have an AV system, but you have a home stereo amplifier with a spare set on inputs, using these outputs into your amplifier/system will generally give you a much better sound than using your TV boxes.
Hover if you have a dedicated AV amp, and then simply connect your AV amp to your V+ box by a quality optical audio lead. This will give you improved sound, and when available 5.1 sound as well; e.g. BBC HD channel. A quality optical lead should be available from a quality AV specialist dealer, or alternatively check out the cable power buys else where in the thread, or EBay?!?!?!?!?
We will come one to this in a minute, but if you use a HDMI lead, you will need to set the HDMI audio over wide on in the settings menu of the V+ box as described above
Picture Connections
The V+ box has three picture outputs, and in order of ascending PQ:
Scart:: Outputs RGB and composite
Component: Outputs Hi Def via component
HDMI The modern version of the Scart, carries RGB and hi-def signal
There are various methods for connection the V+ box to a standard TV. However always use the best method available, open to you, but often you will have to connect via scart initially.
Standard TV
If your TV whether flat screen or CRT only has scart connections, then this is the only system you can use. You will not be able to take advantage of the Hi-Def stuff, but it is also the simplest to set up, effectively connect and press go. Even if you intend to connect you're your Hi-Def TV to the V+ box, initially, at least you do need to connect via scart. If your plasma is a display only model, then you may need a Scart to composite connection to establish a picture on your display, so you can view the menus.
If you wish to toggle between 4:3 etc, then navigate through the settings menu to the picture/audio settings as stated above. You will then need to change the “TV Display Format” setting to your preferred choice.
Component Connections:
These are the three chunky leads normally in red green blue colours. These will allow Hi-Def signals into a component display (and DVD recorder?). Connect the V+ using both a scart and these leads, and turn on the display, with the scart input.
Then navigate through the settings menu to the picture/audio settings as stated above. You will then need to change the “TV Display Format” setting to Hi-Def Component setting. Follow the onscreen instructions, and you should finish with the TV receiving the Hi-Def signal on your TV
A ward or warning, using component will restrict access to some of the Hi-Def on demand content that Virgin offers, primarily films due to anti-priracy software contained within the specs of HDMI. However, AV-sales offer a gadget that may help solve these issues. I do not know how well it works but information can be found here at the AV-sales website.
HDMI Connections
Note: there have been several cases of people trying to connect the HDMI first time through the amp with no success. To minimise possible hassles, I would advise you to connect through directly to the TV first if you can. When you have a HDMI picture on your TV, and then add the AV amp into the loop, chain.
The HDMI lead is the one that resembles a modified USB lead of sorts. It is small and flat, and can only be inserted in one way. Having connected your V+ via scart, then connect via the HDMI lead.
There are several cases reported on these forums of the lead being faulty supplied by virgin. I would recommend a quality lead as recommended from an AV magazine for example. Alternatively check the cable power buy thread for a cable.
Once your V+ box is connected via both sets of cable; switch on both boxes, and navigate through the settings menu to the picture/audio settings as stated above. You will then need to change the “TV Display Format” setting to Hi-Def HDMI setting. Follow the onscreen instructions, and you should finish with the TV receiving the Hi-Def signal on your TV. You will then have to select the “V+ box Hi-Def Output” to an option of your choice from the four offered. This thread is not to discuss whether you select, 720, 720-Wide, 1080 or 1080-wide. Try them yourself, and use the picture that you prefer.
Other connections:
Scart – a Recorder.
It is possible to connect your V+ box to a DVD recorder or even a PC with a video capture card to archive your content. At the moment, it is my understanding that you cannot archive Hi-Def in HD quality, though you can archive in SD. DVD recorders again, as far as I understand can only record in stereo. Connect your scart lead to the DVD Recorder (or PC) and follow the instructions within the V+ TV Drive menu system. I have never used this facility, so I cannot help you further.
USB/SATA/Ethernet Connections.
These are currently disabled by the V+ software. Hopefully these will be enabled soon, and as and when they are, I will update this section.
Remote Control and Volume Settings:
Another regualr query is the remote control, and setting up the remote volume control to work on your TV volume.
Finding your YV volume code in the V+ system:
In the Home menu press...
9 Help & info
8 Help with your remote
Find the TV make you are looking for
Entering the code
Press and hold Vol + and the Mute button for 3 or 4 seconds until the yellow light flashes
Enter the four digit code
The light will flash and the volume up and down should then work, if not try the next code. More information on this feature can be found here
And Finally:
Please feel free to contact me if I have made an error, or you have further details to make this thread more useful. Moderators, feel free to make this a sticky, and to have all connection issues added to this thread if appropriate.
Adrian