Virgin Media has rolled out an upgrade to the search functionality on both its Stream and TV 360 platforms, replacing the old text-heavy results with visual tiles that should make finding content a bit easier.
The update, which began rolling out last week, changes how you browse through search results by displaying programmes, films, and other content as image tiles rather than the previous text lists.
It’s a sensible change that brings Virgin Media’s interface closer to what most other streaming services have been doing for years.
If you’ve got a Stream box or TV 360 system, the update should already be on your device – Virgin Media has pushed it out automatically, so there’s nothing you need to do.
- August 20 Update: We’ve been advised by Virgin Media that, contrary to earlier announcements, this upgrade has not been rolled out yet and will instead be coming soon.
What’s Changing
The search upgrade tackles one of those everyday annoyances – finding what you want to watch when you’re not quite sure where it might be.
Virgin Media’s previous search results were functional enough, but they presented everything as text lists that you had to read through.
Now, when you search for content (either by typing using the magnifying glass button or using voice search with the microphone button), results show up as visual tiles with programme artwork, poster images, or channel logos.
It’s more intuitive than reading through text. Instead of scanning “EastEnders – BBC One – 7:30pm” in a list, you’ll see the EastEnders logo, which you can spot immediately.
The same applies whether you’re searching for a specific programme, actor, or even a genre like “comedy”.
Virgin Media hasn’t removed any search functionality. Your results still include live TV programmes, on-demand content, catch-up shows, box sets, and content from streaming apps like Netflix or Prime Video where available. It’s just presented differently.
This visual search upgrade essentially brings Virgin Media up to speed with what most other TV and streaming platforms have been doing for ages.
Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, Disney+, and Sky Stream have all been using image-based search results for a while.
Virgin Media’s text-focused search results were starting to feel a bit dated compared to these services, especially on the Stream platform where you’re likely switching between Virgin Media’s interface and various streaming apps that all use visual approaches.
Where Virgin Media Stands Today
This search tweak comes at an interesting time for Virgin Media’s TV services.
As we covered back in July, the company has shifted how it approaches new customers, making the Stream box the default option for all new TV bundles rather than the traditional TV 360 system.
It’s been quite a journey for Virgin Media’s streaming efforts. The Stream box launched in April 2022 as what felt like a side project – a compact streaming device that delivered Freeview channels over broadband and provided access to popular apps.
Back then, it was positioned as an alternative to the main TV 360 platform, not a replacement.
Now, that “alternative” has become the main event. New Virgin Media TV customers automatically get a Stream box, with the TV 360 system relegated to a “by request only” option that usually costs extra for installation.
The shift mirrors what Sky has been doing with Sky Stream, pushing their streaming platform over traditional Sky Q boxes.
Both companies are clearly betting that streaming-first television is where things are heading, even if it means losing some features that traditional TV boxes offered – like proper recording capabilities and ad-skipping.
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Would be great if they could add some parental controls onto the stream box profiles, the tiles they currently have often advertise inappropriate/scary content that we have no interest in. I’m hoping this change will improve it but could make things even worse. I tried speaking to virgin about this but the person couldn’t understand what I was trying to say! A kids profile like streaming services would be perfect.
Until the streaming system finds a way of recording programs efficiently I cannot use it
Sky Q is at least efficient if very expensive
Just got 360 total load of rubbish don’t want to watch tele any more everything is small can’t understand remote please give me back the old text
Virgin can do what they want with the boxes or prices but until they lay some cable in my road, or allow use of other broadband providers I can’t be a Virgin customer
Been with Virgin since it was born and known as Telewest.
Never interested in loyal customers only New Customers Only. Just had pour old box replaced by the 360 and it is rubbish. Can’t find programmes. Can’t record easy and the remote control white digits are already dropping off. Try and contact them. I would probably die of old age before getting through.
Update from me
George. My wife has just found the tiles and says it’s an improvement. Nearly all white digits have dropped off remote now. But we can use ‘ voice’