MORE Virgin Media customers will be able to access a free streaming service on their boxes as part of a new deal.
The firm has just signed a new agreement with UKTV, the broadcaster behind popular channels U&Dave and U&GOLD.
Almost all of Virgin’s customers will soon be able to use the U app on their box[/caption]
UKTV’s U streaming app allows viewers access to even more hit TV series.
At the moment, the platform is only available to those with a Virgin TV 360 or Stream box.
But over the summer it will finally land on Virgin TV V6 boxes too.
The fresh contract between the two means UKTV’s channels will also continue to be available on Virgin TV.
This includes pay channels U&GOLD and U&alibi, home to Brit classics such as Murdoch Mysteries, Miss Scarlet, Hudson & Rex and The Red King, Only Fools And Horses, Dad’s Army and The Vicar of Dibley.
The free channels – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY and U&eden – are also part of the package.
More recently, viewers have been able to access UKTV’s extra internet streamed channels too.
The announcement will be welcome relief to telly lovers who have suffered a number of big channel losses in the last 12 months.
Big names such as The Box, London Live and more recently Eurosport have disappeared from UK screens, leaving a void on TV guides.
Virgin TV and Entertainment boss, David Bouchier, said: “Providing our customers with access to the latest and greatest TV content sits at the heart of Virgin TV.
“From the launch of new FAST channels to offering access to apps and streaming platforms, we’re committed to curating the very best entertainment lineup for our customers to enjoy.
“This deal demonstrates the evolution of our fantastic partnership with UKTV and brings brilliant updates for our customers.”
Bouchier recently spoke about the future of cable TV in face of streaming.
He told the Connected TV World Summit that as many as 50 internet-streamed channels could be added to Virgin in future.
The firm is also planning to complete a shift of its broadcast technology later this year, meaning users will have smaller TV boxes.
“There is no longer a need to have that cable running around the house if you want more than one set top box,” he said.
“It allows us to be as kind of nimble as the S watts themselves and connect to a TV wherever it is in the home using again a great install experience that we have with Virgin Media where our engineers will ensure that your broadband travels around the home.”
This is just the start – more changes ahead
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Broadcasting is going through an almighty shift at the moment with the push toward streaming at a key point.
Eurosport and TNT Sports owner Warner Bros Discovery is making some big changes next year.
And it’s likely Discovery+ will disappear as a result.
The streaming service has closed in several countries already to make way for a replacement, Max, bringing HBO and Discovery content under one roof.
The UK is one of the few big markets where Max hasn’t launched yet because of existing agreements with Sky, allowing Sky Atlantic to air big HBO-made hits like Game of Thrones and The White Lotus.
But the pair recently announced a new deal that will pave the way for Max’s launch in the UK early 2026 as a standalone app, while Sky customers will get access at no extra cost.
So expect even bigger changes in the TV and streaming world next year.
