Digest

Virgin Media is to add ITV1 HD to its portfolio of high definition channels on the digital TV service on 2 April, in time for this summer's World Cup which will be broadcast in HD on the channel.

ITV1 HD is to make itself available to both Sky and Virgin households. The decision means Freesat will lose its satellite exclusivity on the channel as the commercial channel also extends its presence through the terrestrial Freeview HD. The addition of ITV1, along with the launch of further high definition services, Hallmark Channel HD and Sky…

Virgin Media is taking its 50 Mbps broadband service above ground with a trial using telegraph poles. The Berkshire village of Woolhampton has been selected for the trial that will run for approximately six months. In addition to the broadband service, villages will also be offered Virgin?s digital TV service, including 5,000 hours of catch-up…

Samsung Electronics has struck a deal with the French audiovisual institute INA to bring its entire online video library to its Internet@TV connected TV sets. It has also renewed its connected TV application. The Internet@TV application is now available in Samsung Blu-ray sets, offering the same connected capabilities as its TV sets. This makes it possible…

Panasonic has announced it will sell its Full HD 3D1 home entertainment system in the US exclusively at select Best Buy stores via Magnolia Home Theater. The new range of Full HD 3D capable Viera Plasma HDTVs and a fully-featured 3D Blu-ray Disc player will deliver a full 1080p-resolution image to each eye. Like the Samsung…

The majority of Hungarians take a positive view of the transition to digital broadcasting, according to a study undertaken by Ariosz Ltd for the country?s National Communications Authority (NHH). According to the study, cable remains the most popular way of receiving subscription TV services, with 59.8% (2,392,100) homes being connected in H2 2009. Although 820,000 homes…

 

US consumers want their Internet TV, according to market research firm, In-Stat. A multi-client research study by the company found that 26% of US consumers view Internet TV more than once per week. However, rather than a substitute for traditional pay TV services, consumers want their Over-the-Top (OTT) Internet video to compliment their traditional TV offerings, according to the survey.

 

Virgin Media has announced the upcoming launch of Film4 HD and E4 HD on its digital TV platform. Virgin's digital TV customers will be the first to watch Film4 in high definition (HD).