Virgin Media takes ITV HD channels and boosts TV Anywhere

UK cable operator Virgin Media is to add the full range of commercial broadcaster ITV’s HD simulcast services to its line-up. The addition of ITV2 HD, ITV3 HD and ITV4 HD will bring the total number of HD services on the Virgin media platform to 43.

Customers with an XL TV package will be able to watch the additional ITV HD channels for no extra cost, giving them access to HD version of shows including Celebrity Juice, The Only way is Essex and Whitechapel as well as the UEFA Europa League and the Tour de France.

Virgin Media is also adding the standard-definition version of ITV’s channels to its Virgin TV Anywhere service, giving subscribers the ability to stream ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 on computers, tablets or smartphones.

“We’re pleased to be introducing such a fantastic selection of HD content to our customers as well as bringing some of the UK’s most watched channels to different screens via Virgin TV Anywhere. ITV makes some of the country’s most loved programmes and with such an abundance of contemporary and classic drama, reality TV favourites and sporting highlights, these latest channels are an important addition to our growing line-up,” said Katharine Burns, executive director of multiscreen content acquisition at Virgin Media.