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Author Topic: End for Volo TV?  (Read 12449 times)
bobm
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« on: April 12, 2014, 20:20:52 »

The content seems to have become a bit stale on the Volo TV (Thames Valley, or TeleVision, depending on context) screens leading me to wonder if it is to be phased out.

Looking at this tweet today on @FGW (First Great Western) it would seem to be the case.



I have grown tired of most of the programmes on Volo - but I will miss the moving map.
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ChrisB
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« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2014, 20:29:35 »

No surprise there....it was out of date before being installed.
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LiskeardRich
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« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2014, 23:03:00 »

It hasn't worked on the last 2 or 3 services I've tried using it on.
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JayMac
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« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2014, 00:10:18 »

I wonder if the service will continue on the Night Riviera?

Even there, the programme selection has not changed in well over a year.
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Btline
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« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2014, 00:18:27 »

The map doesn't stay on! It goes back to the home page after a few mins.
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Southern Stag
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« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2014, 00:29:44 »

If you press the zoom button every now and then it will stay on the map, it's still a bit inconvenient though.
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TaplowGreen
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« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2014, 09:52:24 »

Never watched it so wouldn't miss it - WiFi a much better idea.
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centralman
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« Reply #7 on: April 13, 2014, 12:39:14 »

Hey!

I have just asked them on twitter and got this responce

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@platypusfighter Hi. That's correct. It will be removed and replaced with WiFi. There is no official start date yet though. TJ
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Brucey
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« Reply #8 on: April 13, 2014, 13:14:01 »

I wonder if the service will continue on the Night Riviera?
I would imagine most passengers would prefer investment to be made in fitting plug sockets*.  Then at least you can provide your own entertainment (downloaded programmes, DVDs, music etc) on your own device.

* = is this technically possible on the sleeper stock?
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bobm
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« Reply #9 on: April 13, 2014, 13:23:00 »

There is a 240v mains supply to each compartment for the shaver socket but probably not designed to take much current. 

Replacing the shaver socket with a mains socket in its current location would not be either very convenient for users or indeed safe given it is just above the wash basin.

There is also a greater chance of misuse given the nature of the compartment compared to the sockets in HST (High Speed Train (Inter City class 43 125 units)) stock - after all you wouldn't want people plugging in hair dryers or straighteners!

Some sockets in the lounge car would be a start however.
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JayMac
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« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2014, 13:35:44 »

The Draft ITT (Invitation to Tender) for the next Caledonian Sleeper franchise issued by Transport Scotland specifies power sockets throughout the train (provided at minimum of per berth, per couchette/seat, and with a reasonable number in the social/catered area), be that in the existing stock or new build.
« Last Edit: April 13, 2014, 14:41:52 by bignosemac » Logged

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« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2014, 23:45:35 »

I have grown tired of most of the programmes on Volo - but I will miss the moving map.

I've accidentally boarded one of these carriages then swiftly moved to the next one. I didn't like the idea of a screen right in front of me distracting me with flickering images that I haven't asked to see. I've no problem watching a film or TV (Thames Valley, or TeleVision, depending on context) on my mobile (or tablet if I ever get one) though because I am in control of that.

A moving map? Just use the wifi and watch Google maps on your phone to see where you are.

Incidentally I didn't see any mention about whether the wifi will be free or chargeable.
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JayMac
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« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2014, 02:23:01 »

I didn't like the idea of a screen right in front of me distracting me with flickering images that I haven't asked to see.
 

It has an 'off' button.  Wink

Incidentally I didn't see any mention about whether the wifi will be free or chargeable.

WiFi will be free aboard all 53 FGW (First Great Western) High Speed Trains and the Night Riviera fleet.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/About-Us/Media-Centre/2013/December-2013/First-Great-Western-announces-major-WiFi-expansion-plans
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Rhydgaled
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« Reply #13 on: April 15, 2014, 13:46:32 »

I have grown tired of most of the programmes on Volo - but I will miss the moving map.
A moving map? Just use the wifi and watch Google maps on your phone to see where you are.

Incidentally I didn't see any mention about whether the wifi will be free or chargeable.
The maps are the only thing I've used on the Volo screens. Not everyone has a smartphone (I don't, my mobile is just for calls/texts) or wants to pay for downloading all the Google Maps data (although the latter will be resolved if FirstGW install free WiFi). Also, I don't know if the Volo maps use GPS or are actually linked to the train's speedometer. If the latter then a phone is never going to provide the same information.
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« Reply #14 on: April 15, 2014, 17:00:32 »

Loading Google Maps over Train WiFi is also a very bad idea... Uses a huge amount of Bandwidth and it would never work reliably. You'd be best using 3G, H+ or 4G if available. But even then that will be slow and use a chunk of your Data Allowance.

A few apps will do a speedometer on Android and iPhone devices which uses GPS. Pretty accurate from what I've seen too.

Then of course there is Google Location History which plots where you go (or where your phone does)...

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