Virgin Media offers new entry-level HD set-top box - and it's 3D-ready
Virgin Media is offering new and existing customers an entry-level high-definition set-top box for £49 plus £35 installation, and no additional monthly fee.
Unlike the existing V+ box, the 'V' has no hard drive for recording – it's simply a digital TV receiver.
The Cisco-made box is also 3D-ready and includes HDMI, Scart, USB and Ethernet ports. It has a power saving function which is said to cut electricity consumption by 95 per cent compared to normal standby mode.
Cindy Rose, Virgin Media's executive director of digital entertainment, says: "Our new V HD box is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the power of HD without the extra monthly fee."
Customers will need to subscribe to Virgin's M+ TV package or above to be eligible for the V HD box. For homes already connected to Virgin's cable network, self-installation (Quick Start) will be available from April 1st 2010. It will be free during the month of April, then £15 thereafter.
Yesterday Virgin announced it had added a sixth new HD channel to its TV line-up, Sci Fi HD. This follows the news that ITV1 HD, Europsport, Discovery, E4 and Film 4 will all join Virgin TV in high definition later this year.
Virgin is also developing a next-generation HD set-top PVR (personal video recorder) with TiVo which is due for launch sometime in 2010.
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Comments
Hoof Hearted
The Virgin V+ box has a 160GB hard drive, but costs more.
Sure, 3D enabled will be great, but no HDD?
Hmm, not for me I'm afraid. The ability to see 3D (someday) and HD may be wonderful, but being able to skip the endless boring Ads - well, that's priceless.
Saves the additional £10 per month required for the V+ box.
Assuming this also gives access to iPlayer HD, ITV player and 4oD, this is a pretty good deal.