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NEWS: Virgin Media to offer Channel 4 in high-definition

Andy Clough
Mon, 8 Oct 2007, 10:15am

V+ Box
Cable TV operator Virgin Media has struck a deal with Channel 4 to offer a selection of C4 programming in high definition via Virgin's TV-on-demand service.

The deal also gives Virgin Media the option of carrying the soon-to-be-launched C4HD linear channel.

Malcolm Wall, Virgin Media's CEO for Content, says: "We are delighted to be adding Channel 4 to our growing line-up of high-definition programming."

Virgin Media customers can already catch up on Channel 4 shows free of charge for up to seven days after transmission, and watch the latest US dramas and comedies on a pay-per-view basis, via the 4oD service.

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Comments

bobbys Mon, 8 Oct 2007, 10:50am

can anyone tell me what HD programmes you get on virgin media on the basic M package that are not charged at xtra rates. sky has BBC Hd does virgin and is it included or does it cost xtra

Andy Clough Mon, 8 Oct 2007, 11:19am

To receive HD broadcasts on Virgin you have to pay for the V+ box - they charge £50 for installation for existing customers, then you pay £10-£15 per month rental for the box depending on which TV package you subscribe to.

Some HD content (including the BBC HD channel) is free, some of the existing C4 HD material is pay-per-view (99p/episode) and films generally cost £3.99 each in high-definition.

bobbys Mon, 8 Oct 2007, 2:14pm

thanks just got of phone to virgin and its now £150 one of fee for install and then £5 a month for m and l packages and free for xl. if i choose a hd film what sound will i get will it be 5.1  and what connections for sound output to amp does the box have ( any pics of the back of box will help).can you archive to dvd recorder the recorded content. will the new audio formats that the new amps ie onkyo be supported.

thanks

Andy Clough Mon, 8 Oct 2007, 2:22pm

Thanks for the update. Most (though not all) the HD films have Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtracks, accessed via the optical digital output on the back of the V+ box. None so far (to my knowledge) use the new  HD audio soundtracks, and most of the movies will be copy-protected so you won't be able to record them to DVD.

bobbys Mon, 8 Oct 2007, 2:29pm

thanks. What about archiveing the normal stuff from the box to dvd like eastenders (not that i watch it) for example

lusky Tue, 9 Oct 2007, 12:43am

You can archive your box's recordings to DVD or VHS no problem. It's a gerat piece of kit, as it has three tuners and I really like the VOD. If you are used to sky, then you might find it very slow in changing channels etc , but I'm used to it.

aidey68 Tue, 9 Oct 2007, 6:31pm

Well, they'd better "take up" the option to add CH4 HD linear, it is not as though it is that extensive, ok it's fine that it records two channels at once, but I/we would like some HD content too to go with the BBC HD