BBC and Virgin sign new HD deal

BBC’s high definition television programmes will now be available to Virgin Media subscribers via the iPlayer.

The two broadcasters have signed a deal to make high-definition content available, including popular BBC shows such as Robin Hood and Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, to subscribers who have the requisition set-top box and a HD-ready television.

Virgin Media already lets viewers watch BBC iPlayer programming through their television screens, which has racked up 100 million views in the year since it launched.

Katharine Burns Rivington, executive director of content acquisition at Virgin Media, said: “As more households become HD Ready, we’re keen to ensure that Virgin Media customers benefit from the most advanced digital TV service possible.

“We’re looking forward to increasing our line-up of broadcast HD channels over the next few months and combining the very best of HD and on demand TV.”

The news comes a day after Sky announced that it has managed to add 80,000 new customers to its subscriber base and persuade 243,000 of its customers to take up its HD service (see BSkyB adds 80,000 new customers despite downturn).

The Murdoch-owned satellite broadcaster has seen an impressive take-up of its HD services after it slashed the cost of a Sky+HD box to just £49 in a bid to counter the economic downturn.

Sky now has more than 1 million households with its HD television service.