Virgin Media UK Launch Broadband TV Anywhere Service At No Extra Cost

Cable operator Virgin Media has today announced the launch of its new Virgin TV Anywhere service, which allows the operators existing TV package subscribers to watch their favourite shows and channels from almost anywhere and at no extra cost; provided your fixed line or wifi can handle it (streaming over 3G is “not supported“).

The new “cloud-based” entertainment service is similar to several solutions from rival BSkyB (Sky Broadband) and is supported by a special iOS (iPad, iPhone and iPod) app for mobile devices, although only two devices can be registered at any one time (customers can change their registered devices on a monthly basis). So hard luck if you have a family that shares several computers, mobiles and tablets.

Customers with android based tablets and Smartphones should also expect a similar app to follow in 2013. As an added bonus Virgin TV Anywhere also allows users to fully manage their TiVo service when at work or out and about.

Cindy Rose, Virgin’s Executive Director of Digital Entertainment, said:

“The world of digital entertainment is moving so fast, consumers are always looking for the next ‘big thing’ to take advantage of the features and connectivity built into today’s gadgets. Virgin TV Anywhere builds upon our fantastic TV service, blending in the best of TiVo and our expertise in broadband and mobile, to bring customers a compelling entertainment experience to enjoy whenever they want, wherever they are – all at no extra cost.”

The service comes with the ability to stream live TV, with up to 45 channels to choose from at launch (depending on a customer’s TV package) and further channels are due to be added in the not too distant future.

Virgin TV Anywhere also features up to 4,000 hours of TV available to watch On Demand at any time, including Sky On Demand, featuring shows from Sky 1 and Sky Living, as well as Sky Sports and Sky Movies for those subscribing to these services. The service also includes integrated access to catch-up TV services from BBC, ITV, 4oD and Demand 5 etc.

Take note that TV on Demand content is only available online at launch. Access to TV on Demand services is planned for mobile/tablet devices in 2013.

Virgin TV Anywhere (Web Portal)
http://anywhere.virginmedia.com