Virgin Gets a Handful of New HD Channels

Virgin Media has announced the addition of five new HD channels.

Though it seems most broadcasters and cable providers are preoccupied with 3D and how to harness this new format, Virgin is focusing on HD content today with the addition of several new high-def channels for its customers. The arrival of Eden HD, Good Food HD, Dave HD, Watch HD and Alibi HD bring Virgin's portfolio of HD channels to 37 (including Sky Premium HD channels, which cost extra). Both Eden HD and Good Food HD are coming October 7, while Dave HD is arriving October 10, Watch HD on October 12 and Alibi sometime in 2012.

"We're thrilled to be bringing more dazzling HD channels to our TV service, offering our customers even more choice and variety," said Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media. "Our commitment remains to deliver and develop the most compelling digital home entertainment service available in the UK and we will continue to build on our great TV and On Demand offerings to give our customers the best range of services now and for the future."

The full list of basic HD channels now available to customers at no extra fee are: BBC One HD, ITV HD, 4 HD, Channel 5 HD, BBC HD, Film 4 HD, ESPN HD, E4 HD, Eurosport HD, Sky One HD, FX HD, SyFy HD, Comedy Central HD, Discovery HD, National Geographic HD, MTVN HD, Sky Living HD, Sky Arts 1 HD, Sky Arts 2 HD, Good Food HD, Eden HD, Dave HD, Watch HD, and Alibi HD. HD variants of Sky Sports and Sky Movies are available for £7 per month, when subscribing to the standard-def packs.