Virgin Media and BBC launch high-definition programming

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 01-May-09, 11:30

LONDON - BBC's high definition television shows are available for Virgin Media subscribers to view via the BBC iPlayer.

The broadcasters have signed a deal to make content available, including 'Robin Hood' and 'Friday Night with Jonathan Ross' to watch in high-definition, for those who have the requisition set-top box and an HD-ready television.

The news follows Sky's announcement earlier this week that it had crossed the one million mark for subscribers to its high-definition service, after it launched a cut-price promotion in January.

Virgin Media lets viewers watch BBC iPlayer programming through their television screens. It says that in the year since it launched, it has had 100m views.

Katharine Burns Rivington, executive director of content acquisition at Virgin Media, said: "As more households become HD Ready, we're keen to ensure that Virgin Media customers benefit from the most advanced digital TV service possible.

"We're looking forward to increasing our line-up of broadcast HD channels over the next few months and combining the very best of HD and on demand TV."