Virgin Media users warned they face new streaming block - check your TV and act now

If you use Virgin Media and haven't upgraded your TV set-top box in a while, then now is a good time to make some urgent changes. It's been confirmed that homes using ageing equipment will soon be blocked from the BBC iPlayer app. Once the update comes into force, those who haven't switched to a newer device will find they will no longer be able to tune into popular shows and entertainment such as EastEnders, Casualty and Murder 24/7.

"We have written directly to the small proportion of customers with a TiVo box, who have used BBC iPlayer within the past six months, to inform them that their box will not support iPlayer from 23 July," Virgin Media confirmed in a message sent to The Sun.

So, what boxes are being hit by the block?

Virgin says that affected devices include ageing TiVo models, which were first launched over 10 years ago. Luckily, those with newer V6 and 360 gadgets won't have any issues and will be able to continue viewing BBC content.

It's worth noting that, if you have a box that's about to lose iPlayer, Virgin should have already been in touch about getting an upgrade.

If you are one of those with an out-of-date box, it's well worth saying yes when Virgin's email arrives.

If you don't, you only have a few weeks left to enjoy access to iPlayer. Once that July deadline arrives the streaming app will no longer work.

It's unclear why BBC iPlayer is losing support, but this is not a new issue for older devices. For example, WhatsApp is often killing support for its app on older smartphones as they simply can't keep pace with new features.

There is another reason to upgrade your Virgin box. The telecoms firm releases regular updates for newer devices including bonus channels. These changes recently included two services with British Screen Classics and wedotv movies both arriving on Virgin boxes.