ITV1 HD Scores Virgin Media Carriage

LONDON: Virgin Media is adding ITV1 HD to its channel lineup, with upcoming highlights that include the 2010 World Cup airing in full high definition.

Further highlights for ITV1 HD include the UEFA Champions League, The FA Cup and England internationals; HD dramas such as Father & Son, Identity, The Prisoner, Foyles War and Lewis; and factual programming like Joanna Lumley’s Nile, Greatest Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones and the brand-new Survival with Ray Mears. In the way of entertainment, there are The Whole 19 Yards and 71 Degrees North, along with the return of Soccer Aid and Britain’s Got Talent.

Some of ITV1’s HD content will also be available on demand via ITV Net Player on Virgin Media’s TV platform.

Cindy Rose, the executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: “ITV offers some of the U.K.’s most-loved programs and we’re delighted to add them to our growing HD channel lineup. This year’s World Cup promises some unforgettable games and Virgin Media TV viewers will be able to enjoy every nail-biting, heart-stopping, breath-taking moment in stunning high definition.”

Peter Fincham, ITV’s director of television, channels and online, commented: “The availability of high-definition content is something viewers have come to expect as standard and, as we approach the 2010 World Cup, I’m delighted that we are able to launch our new channel, ITV1 HD, on Virgin Media. All of our output will benefit from the stunning picture quality that high definition offers, whether it’s ITV’s original drama, landmark factual shows, entertainment events or our live football.”