Virgin Media Close To Launching Own Freeview Box

Virgin Media will launch its own Freeview box, which could be a “stop gap” measure to provide digital TV ahead of its IPTV service to be launched next year, according to reports in the trade press.

The company is thought to be considering several options, including a Freeview box combined with PVR, similar to its V-Plus box, or launching subscription channels over the DTT platform. The service would feature a Virgin branded electronic programming guide or EPG.

It is not known how Virgin Media would market the platform, although the report says sources have suggested it could give boxes away to add a “free television” element to customers subscribing to mobile, home telephone or broadband service. Further news regarding the launch is expected next month.

Sir Richard Branson’s company has failed to stay out of the news in recent weeks, after a much publicised spat with Murdoch’s BSkyB over channel carriage charges (see Virgin Media Threatens Legal Action Over Sky Channel Dispute).

Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com