ITV1 HD and Syfy HD to launch on Virgin Media
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.
Upcoming programming on ITV1 HD includes the UEFA Champions League and The FA Cup, HD dramas including Father & Son, Foyles War and Lewis; factual programming including Joanna Lumley's Nile and Survival with Ray Mears, and entertainment such as Soccer Aid and Britain's Got Talent.
Virgin has also announced that the SCI FI channel will be available in HD on the platform from 13 April.
The channel, rebranded as Syfy HD, will show sci-fi programming including the forthcoming UK premiere of V, a re-imagining of the 1983 invasion mini-series, drama Human Target, and SCI FI favourites Legend Of The Seeker, Sanctuary and Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: "ITV offers some of the UK's most loved programmes and we're delighted to add them to our growing HD channel line-up. This year's World Cup promises some unforgettable games and Virgin Media TV viewers will be able to enjoy every nail-biting, heart-stopping, breath-taking moment in stunning High Definition." .
Peter Fincham, ITV Director of Television, Channels and Online, said: "The availability of High Definition content is something viewers have come to expect as standard and, as we approach the 2010 World Cup, I'm delighted that we are able to launch our new channel, ITV1 HD, on Virgin Media. All of our output will benefit from the stunning picture quality that High Definition offers, whether it's ITV's original drama, landmark factual shows, entertainment events or our live football."
Laurence Dawkin-Jones, MD (UK) Universal Networks International, said: "Our SCI FI channel audience tend to be early adopters so they will love the opportunity to watch some of their favourite shows in fantastic High Definition. The picture quality will really make the most of our new look channel and the fantastic raft of UK premiere shows we've got coming up."
Some of ITV1's HD content will also be available on demand via ITV Net Player on Virgin Media's TV platform.
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