Virgin Media customers receive free upgrade as lesser-known cheaper TV service now has more than 100 channels
Is it worth switching to save money? Get the full lowdown on internet-streamed TV below
ONE of Virgin Media’s lesser-known TV products has received a free upgrade bringing its channel count to over 100.
Stream from Virgin Media relies on broadband and Wi-Fi to beam channels into homes.
The service is cheaper than the company’s long-running cable TV offering.
It was first unveiled in 2022 as a rival to Sky Glass and Sky Stream, which both swap satellite for internet-based TV.
We will be continuing to introduce even more exciting updates and features throughout the year so keep an eye out
David Bouchier
Stream from Virgin Media can be added onto an existing Virgin Broadband subscription.
The telecoms giant has announced that customers can now access more than 100 channels at no extra cost including a range HD and +1 options.
Aside from new channels arriving, there’s also been some changes to the My Watchlist feature.
The firm says it’s been expanded to allow customers to access the content they love across different sources all in one place – from streaming services to their favourite channel.
This means you can save shows to watch now or later at the click of a button, with saved content available to watch at a later date via My Watchlist which now sits in the menu option bar.
There’s also an upgrade for Sky Sports subscribers.
Virgin TV 360 customers and, for the first time ever, Stream customers will be able to experience HD match selection, with in-game recap clips for football and F1 as well as access to the latest news and highlight clips.
“We are constantly looking to enhance our TV offering and add value for our customers,” David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said.
“With over 100 channels now available on Stream as well as the enhancement of My Watchlist and improved red button access, our customers can enjoy even more live sport and entertainment all in one place – at no extra cost.
“Virgin Media O2 now provides more IP channels than any other provider, and we will be continuing to introduce even more exciting updates and features throughout the year so keep an eye out.”
Is internet-streamed TV worth it?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Senior Technology and Science Reporter at The Sun
Internet-streamed TV is seen as the future – but it may take some time to tempt people across.
People are pretty accustom to watching TV via the internet or data on their phone but surrendering their actual living room telly still has a way to go.
Sky has Sky Glass and Sky Stream, Virgin has its own Stream and there’s a free competitor entering the market too, Freely from the creators of Freeview, which is launching in a few months.
Internet-streamed TV has some advantages – it’s a lot easier to set up yourself, less wires when using Wi-Fi and more freedom over where you put your TV.
The disadvantage is what you watch if your broadband goes down – which is still commonplace – or if the connection is slow? There is also a slight lag with live coverage compared to usual TV via aerial, cable or satellite – this shouldn’t pose much of a problem but if you’re watching a live football match you may hear cheers from neighbours several seconds before you get to see the action.