DS Reports -
Virgin Media has unveiled a new set top box offering access to its high definition channel lineup without the need for an additional monthly fee.
Launching on March 22, the new HD receiver, named the V HD Box, will be open up access to the cable operator's HD channels at no further subscription cost for consumers.
New and existing customers across all pay-TV tiers (M+, L, XL) will be able to 'purchase' the receiver for ?49 plus a ?35 installation fee, but then pay no monthly HD fee.
The receiver, created by Virgin Media's partner Cisco, includes HDMI, SCART, USB and Ethernet ports, and is also geared to support 3D services.
It joins Virgin Media's existing receiver lineup, alongside the basic V Box and the V+ HD Box incorporating HD capability with a personal video recorder. As Virgin Media retains ownership of all its set top boxes, customers are covered for warranty repairs should anything go wrong.
Yesterday, Virgin Media announced the forthcoming arrival of Sci Fi HD, marking its sixth new HD channel in 2010 following announcements about Eurosport HD, Discovery HD, E4 HD, Film4 HD and ITV HD.
Freesat and Freeview aside, current industry practice stipulates that access to HD content carries a further cost beyond the pay-TV packages. However, Virgin Media wants to kickstart a 'sea-change' in how HD content is made available in the UK.
Virgin Media's executive director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose said: "We want to make the best high definition TV available to more people at affordable prices and without the additional monthly subscription fee.
"If you really love telly you'll probably want our V+HD box because then you can then record programmes on up to two channels while simultaneously watching another.
"Our new V HD Box is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the power of HD without the extra monthly fee. We think our superb range of TV content gives our customers a real choice and makes Virgin Media the best value TV offering available."
Customers can pre-register now for the V HD Box at Virgin
Unlike other providers, Virgin Media does not charge for HD channels, with all XL TV customers able to receive HD versions of their favourite channels at no extra cost. A V+ HD digital video recorder is required to decode HD channels, as well as an HDMI connecting lead and an HD-ready TV.
* New and existing customers need to subscribe or upgrade to the 'M+' TV tier or above in order to be eligible for the V HD Box.
From 1st April 2010, self-installation (Quick Start) may be an option, where available, for homes already connected to Virgin Media's cable network. Quick Start is free to existing customers throughout April or ?15 in all other circumstances.
Installation by a Virgin Media engineer costs ?35. Customers wanting more than one set-top box, or wanting to add to an existing box, require an engineer visit and will also be subject to the standard additional outlet charge of ?5 (?5.50 from 1st April 2010) per month.
There are no on-going monthly HD subscription charges for customers whose sole set-top box is the V HD Box.
Media's website.
Snazzy new website from VM: www.virginmediapeople.com/hd
Virgin Media has unveiled a new set top box offering access to its high definition channel lineup without the need for an additional monthly fee.
Launching on March 22, the new HD receiver, named the V HD Box, will be open up access to the cable operator's HD channels at no further subscription cost for consumers.
New and existing customers across all pay-TV tiers (M+, L, XL) will be able to 'purchase' the receiver for ?49 plus a ?35 installation fee, but then pay no monthly HD fee.
The receiver, created by Virgin Media's partner Cisco, includes HDMI, SCART, USB and Ethernet ports, and is also geared to support 3D services.
It joins Virgin Media's existing receiver lineup, alongside the basic V Box and the V+ HD Box incorporating HD capability with a personal video recorder. As Virgin Media retains ownership of all its set top boxes, customers are covered for warranty repairs should anything go wrong.
Yesterday, Virgin Media announced the forthcoming arrival of Sci Fi HD, marking its sixth new HD channel in 2010 following announcements about Eurosport HD, Discovery HD, E4 HD, Film4 HD and ITV HD.
Freesat and Freeview aside, current industry practice stipulates that access to HD content carries a further cost beyond the pay-TV packages. However, Virgin Media wants to kickstart a 'sea-change' in how HD content is made available in the UK.
Virgin Media's executive director of digital entertainment Cindy Rose said: "We want to make the best high definition TV available to more people at affordable prices and without the additional monthly subscription fee.
"If you really love telly you'll probably want our V+HD box because then you can then record programmes on up to two channels while simultaneously watching another.
"Our new V HD Box is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the power of HD without the extra monthly fee. We think our superb range of TV content gives our customers a real choice and makes Virgin Media the best value TV offering available."
Customers can pre-register now for the V HD Box at Virgin
Unlike other providers, Virgin Media does not charge for HD channels, with all XL TV customers able to receive HD versions of their favourite channels at no extra cost. A V+ HD digital video recorder is required to decode HD channels, as well as an HDMI connecting lead and an HD-ready TV.
* New and existing customers need to subscribe or upgrade to the 'M+' TV tier or above in order to be eligible for the V HD Box.
From 1st April 2010, self-installation (Quick Start) may be an option, where available, for homes already connected to Virgin Media's cable network. Quick Start is free to existing customers throughout April or ?15 in all other circumstances.
Installation by a Virgin Media engineer costs ?35. Customers wanting more than one set-top box, or wanting to add to an existing box, require an engineer visit and will also be subject to the standard additional outlet charge of ?5 (?5.50 from 1st April 2010) per month.
There are no on-going monthly HD subscription charges for customers whose sole set-top box is the V HD Box.
Media's website.
Snazzy new website from VM: www.virginmediapeople.com/hd
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