Virgin Media is to extend its ‘free’ digital TV offer into non-cabled areas. The company has contracted Bridgend-based Tvonics to manufacture a Virgin-branded set-top box that will be capable of receiving the 40 or so channels on the UK DTT system. Tvonics, which also supplies the UK retail chain Currys has designed Virgin a new casing, and the receiver also runs its own Virgin EPG. The box also features a remote eye – allowing the paperback book sized unit to be hidden from view.
The receiver is being offered to new customers of the former Virgin.net business. Existing customers can also purchase the box for a one-off £40.
Next year Virgin will launch an IPTV service in areas not covered by the operator’s cable system.
