To receive Virgin Media Cable Television you need the following:
- Television (preferably HD)
- You have to be in an area that has has fibre optic cables
Optional - If you subscribe to Virgin Phone service this reduces the price you pay for the Cable TV. However, you have to take into consideration that it costs another £11.99 per month for the privilage.
How it works
The Virgin V+ HD Box connects to the cable line and the digital media is delivered through fibre optic cables to your television. So if you are in the country it is doubtful if this service is for you as the fiber optic infastructure is mainly found in the cities.
If its available in your area, you will find that it is a better option than Sky as there is no additional charge to receive HD broadcasts. It is well worth looking into.
It is also worth noting that the box is HD and all 7 HD channels are provided FREE with several more coming in the next few months. You can pause, record and rewind live TV. The equipment allows you to record two programmes whilst watching a third.
Packages offered
There are three Packages available:
- M+ 65 channels including Euro Sport and Sky1
- L provides you with 100 channels including the above and Si-Fi
- XL offers160 channels plus above and Discovery, ESPN HD, FX and National Geographic
In addition to the above you get FREE catch up TV. To see what is on offer for each of these packages see below and the column opposite
What does it cost?
The Freeview channels don't cost anything, but you have to take out a contract for a year - the cheapest being the M+ package. After a year you can discontine the contract and watch the Freeview channels for free.
In all instances the one-off cost of the Box and installation is £49
Their are two main tarrifs as follows:
With a Virgin Telephone line (at 11.99 a month):
- M+ - 65 Channels Free! - £5.50 per month inc. HD Channels
- L - 100 channels - £11.00 a month inc. HD Channels
- XL - 160 channels - £23.00 a month inc. HD Channels
Without a Virgin Telephone line:
- M+ - 65 Channels Free! - £11.00 per month inc. HD channels
- L - 100 channels - £17.00 a month inc. HD Channels
- XL - 160 channels - £29.00 a month inc. HD Channels
† The M+ package (£5.50) includes 20 extra channels above the normal Freeview lineup. They are all marked with a red dagger. |
