Virgin to Launch New HD Channels

LONDON: High-definition channels from FX, MTV Networks International and National Geographic join a new HD version of LIVING on the Virgin Media platform, available to 3.6 million customers across the U.K.

LIVING HD will feature shows such as Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, Private Practice and CSI. FX HD offers a mix of hit U.S. series and first-run drama, comedy and crime shows such as The Wire, Family Guy and True Blood. MTVN HD, dedicated to music and kids, broadcasts original shows such as MTV Unplugged alongside of host of children’s fare like SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. National Geographic HD plays host to doc series like Extreme Ice and Ancient Megastructures.

Virgin Media will make its full range of HD channels available at no extra cost to its XL TV customers. The service already offers the BBC HD channel and some 300 hours of HD content on its on-demand platform. Virgin Media is also currently in talks with UKTV about Good Food HD.

Neil Berkett, the CEO of Virgin Media, said: “As more homes become HD-ready, the launch of four new HD channels marks the next stage in the evolution of our pioneering TV service. Our lineup of HD channels and hugely popular on-demand content is a unique and winning combination and we’ll continue to bring more sport, films, entertainment and documentaries to our customers.”