Virgin Media is launching what it calls “the UK’s first dedicated ultra high definition entertainment channel”, which will start broadcasting from September 17th. The channel will be exclusively available for Virgin TV Full House and VIP customers with a V6 set-top box. These customers can tune into a collection of dramas, documentaries and concerts in UHD, at no extra cost. Virgin TV Ultra HD will air on channel 999 and broadcast at prime-time until the early hours. The channel will begin broadcasting from 8.20pm on launch night.
The V6 set-top box provides access to YouTube and Netflix in UHD and is free to new customers taking one of Virgin Media’s bundles (TV, broadband and telephone). Nearly two-million Virgin TV customers have a V6 box in the UK, the company said. Full House and VIP customers without a UHD set can still watch Virgin TV Ultra HD, as the picture will automatically adjust to HD quality. The new channel continues Virgin Media’s investment in UHD programming, following the launch of BT Sport 4K UHD on Virgin TV in August.
Virgin Media has also broadcast an array of sporting events in UHD, including the Champions League Final, the 2018 French Open and Wimbledon Championships, as well as a selection of matches from this year’s World Cup.
