Virgin’s BBC iPlayer Goes HD

LONDON: High-definition versions of BBC programs the likes of Robin Hood and Friday Night with Jonathan Ross are now available on BBC iPlayer on Virgin Media.

Virgin Media is the first TV platform to make BBC iPlayer available in full-screen picture quality, directly to its customers. BBC programs such as Later… With Jools Holland are now available in HD and on demand. Virgin Media customers need an HD V+ set-top box and an HD-ready television with a HDMI socket to get the high-def content. Upcoming highlights from the BBC HD channel include the two remaining Doctor Who specials, the new season of Dragons’ Den and kids’ show Kerwhizz.

Katharine Burns Rivington, the executive director of content acquisition at Virgin Media, said: "As more households become HD Ready, we’re keen to ensure that Virgin Media customers benefit from the most advanced digital TV service possible. BBC iPlayer has been a huge success on our TV platform and we’re thrilled to be expanding the service with HD content. We’re looking forward to increasing our lineup of broadcast HD channels over the next few months and combining the very best of HD and on-demand TV."

Rahul Chakkara, BBC’s controller for TV platforms, said: "There’s a real appetite for BBC iPlayer on TV screens and the addition of the BBC HD programs further adds to its appeal. HD lets viewers enjoy their favourite programmes in exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures, perfect for the TV screen."