May 12, 2014

Sky News, Sky Sports News,3, 4 and F1 all coming to Virgin in HD

From MediaGuardian:
Virgin Media has struck a five-year deal to carry BSkyB's TV channels – but once again failed to reach agreement to offer Sky Atlantic, home to big name shows including Game of Thrones. The new deal, a significant extension of the existing three-year deal the two TV companies have in place, is the latest move in the battle against BT Sport. 
Under the new deal Virgin Media will also offer customers five of BSkyB's new high definition channels – for Sky Sports 3 and 4, Sky Sports News, Sky News and its dedicated F1 channel. However, the new deal does not include Sky Atlantic, home to big-budget HBO output including Boardwalk Empire, Game of Thrones and Mad Men. 
The two companies have never been able to agree on a price to carry Sky Atlantic, with Sky maintaining it is much more valuable than the audience levels the channel attracts. The new deal also marks the first time that Virgin Media customers will be able to access Sky's channels through smartphones and tablets using the Virgin TV Anywhere app.

16 comments:

juicestop said...

Yes it would be nice to have Atlantic but I'm pleased Virgin won't be held to ransom (which would no doubt lead to a price increase) for a channel Sky persistently overrate IMHO.

Rob C said...

When is this released anyone know??

Nialli said...

I will let you know as soon as I hear. "Very soon" I'm told.

Jon said...

Ridiculous still no Sky Atlantic! Well at least there are ways ;)

Rob C said...

i read about this, this time yesterday. not to bothered about HD i think virgin charge to much for the channels and then the hd on top but the tv anywhere is what i am looking forward to

Nialli said...

Sorry, I was a little late with the news as I'm in the States this week. Got a great TV in my room - the HD in the US newsrooms sparkles so much more than on the UK channels!
Access on the tablet and phone is good, but not if it suffers the same calamities as Sky Go and Now TV on Sunday http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/may/12/sky-go-now-tv-users-complain-premier-league-manchester-city-west-ham

Jay said...

Great news! Waited an age to have F1 HD, along with sky sports and movies anywhere, now there isn't ANY reason to go back to Sky!

mike hogan 63 said...

Good news when do we get these extra channels what date?

Dazz285 said...

1st of June is the date

monkers said...

So will I get Sky F1 without Sky Sports 1 & 2 subscription?

BK said...

said it before... easy solution:
include sky atlantic as a bonus channel with movies collection.
will increase takeup of the flagging sky movies, with the increased competition of netflix & amazon etc

Mark said...

"Flagging" Sky Movies?

Unknown said...

MUTV is also going HD in July, according to their website.

sportex said...

Well the 1st of June has passed so when will these HD channels be available?

Nialli said...

June 1st was never confirmed by Virgin Media. There's an EPG reshuffle to be done first but I would expect them to arrive soon, with something of a fanfare, too.

David said...


Virgin Media @virginmedia · 2h

Just to confirm, that's Sky Sports 5 in HD on its way to Virgin Media this summer. Happy days.