Virgin Media launches UHD entertainment channel

Virgin Media is launching what it claims is the UK’s first dedicated 4K ultra high definition (UHD) entertainment channel.

Virgin TV Ultra HD is due to start broadcasting on September 17 and will air: drama series like Start Up, Masters of Sex and House of Cards; wildlife and nature documentaries such as Love Nature’s The Big Dry; and concert footage from acts like the Rolling Stones and Sting.

Virgin said that the new channel continues its continued investment in 4K UHD programming, following the launch of BT Sport 4K UHD on Virgin TV in August.

The operator has also aired a selection of sports events in 4K Ultra HD, including the 2018 French Open and a selection of this year’s World Cup football matches.

“With the launch of Virgin TV Ultra HD we’re giving our customers the ultimate entertainment viewing experience with must-see shows in incredible, crystal-clear picture quality,” said David Bouchier, Virgin Media’s chief digital entertainment officer.

“From epic dramas and stunning documentaries to the front row feeling of a rock concert, our customers will get closer to the action than ever before – with four times the picture quality of HD. It really is the next best thing to being there.

“We’ve shown some of this year’s biggest sporting events in Ultra HD, such as the Champions League and Wimbledon finals and we’re now giving entertainment the Ultra HD treatment. It’s all part of our ongoing investment to give our customers the best way to watch the best TV.”

Virgin TV Ultra HD will be available at no extra cost to Virgin TV Full House and VIP customers with a V6 set-top box. It will broadcast on channel number 999 from prime-time in the evening until late each night and will kick off at 8.20pm on its launch day.