4 HD channels to launch on Virgin Media

BenMcr · 13-07-2009, 00:58

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitalt...gin-media.html

Virgin Media has confirmed that four more high definition channels will join its digital cable TV lineup.

Living HD, FX HD, National Geographic HD and MTVN HD will all become available to XL customers at no additional charge. The first channel will become available at the end of the month, but no precise date was announced and it is not known when the others will launch.

Pbryanw · 13-07-2009, 01:36

So, I assume (though I could be wrong) that if you are not on XL then you will have to pay a small subscription charge for the new HD channels? I can't see it just being an XL exclusive? So, any news on how much it will be to get the new channels on M and L packages?

v0id · 13-07-2009, 01:51

Well, those on the lower packages already have to pay extra per month for the V+ box (which you need to receive HD channels) whereas XL subscribers don't.
Maybe that's what it means? :/

Mr. Garibaldi · 13-07-2009, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitalt...gin-media.html

Virgin Media has confirmed that four more high definition channels will join its digital cable TV lineup.

Living HD, FX HD, National Geographic HD and MTVN HD will all become available to XL customers at no additional charge. The first channel will become available at the end of the month, but no precise date was announced and it is not known when the others will launch.

Not the channels I was hoping for, But it's better than a kick in the wotsits.

Sirius · 13-07-2009, 06:46

Now waits for Arthur to turn up and rant on about how good Sky is and how much he is upset at Virgin.

Begize · 13-07-2009, 07:03

Pleased to see something happening. Not an amazing line up but I suppose it's a start.

Not so pleased to see that Living is coming first and the others are (wait for it)..... coming soon

. Let's not forget, Mr Berkett said they would originally be coming within the first three months of the year, did he not? Maybe by Christmas then....

mentalis · 13-07-2009, 07:34

Will Virgin keep Living TV for itself so they can have an exclusive HD channel - or at least say it was an excuslive to them at launch?

Pushkar · 13-07-2009, 08:42

Still no ITV or Channel 4 HD, oh well - hopefully they will tie up the deal for EPSN HD if they want Â£10/m from everybody.

Mr. Garibaldi · 13-07-2009, 09:05

Personally I was waiting for Sci-Fi HD.

howden · 13-07-2009, 09:16

Still doesn't make up for losing live Premiership matches - would rather have ESPN included in XL TV than any HD channels (am happy with the picture and sound on my TV with the V+ upscaling)

Jabbs · 13-07-2009, 09:26

I don't watch any of those channels lol oh well can't expect miracles i guess.

dd11 · 13-07-2009, 09:27

its now officially announced as a Virgin press release!!

http://pressoffice.virginmedia.com/p...633&highlight=

BenMcr · 13-07-2009, 09:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pbryanw

So, I assume (though I could be wrong) that if you are not on XL then you will have to pay a small subscription charge for the new HD channels? I can't see it just being an XL exclusive? So, any news on how much it will be to get the new channels on M and L packages?

I haven't seen the details yet but it could be for XL customers only for two reasons

1)None of the channels launching in HD are in M - so it is unlikely that they would give an option for the HD versions of a channel when you can't get an SD version!

As for on top of TV L - again neither FX or NatGeo are in it, but even if they made it avaliable for say Â£5 a month on top of the Â£5 V+ rental - you are then paying Â£10 on top of L tv. XL tv is only Â£1.50 more than that so there wouldn't be much point, and it would also drive sales onto XL tv

2)To get HD on Sky you have to pay at least Â£16.50 + Â£9.75 for the HD pack so that's Â£26.25 a month for a basic tv service with HD. With Virgin XL tv is Â£21.50 a month so straight away it is cheaper AND you get a lot more (Standard) channels

Stephen · 13-07-2009, 10:01

3 of the channels will launch at the end of July with Living a couple of months later.

The channels will only be available for XL customers, if anyone on M wants the new HD channels they will have to upgrade to XL.

broadbandking · 13-07-2009, 10:33

I can see people very unhappy with having to upgrade to get the HD channels, I am glad Virgin aren't making the HD channels chargeable on top of the XL TV package.