The service uses the digital terrestrial television platform (DTT) and a new set-top box to offer consumers:

* over 40 free-to-air TV channels and over 25 digital radio stations
* an easy to use eight-day, Virgin branded, on-screen TV guide
* high quality reception plus access to interactive content via the red button
* customer service support online and over the phone
* plug 'n' play installation
* low power consumption using just 1/15th of the energy of a standard 60W lightbulb

The set-top box has a sleek, matt black design and measures just 19cms by 9cms - roughly the same size as a video tape. The box also comes with a stylish remote and remote control extender, which means you can hide the box out of sight, whilst continuing to use the remote.

The box will be free to any Virgin Media non-cable customer taking the up to 8Mb* broadband and Talk Anytime phone bundle at £19.99 a month. For non-cable customers taking a broadband service on it's own, a one-off charge of £40 will apply.