Virgin Media has confirmed that Virgin Central, a hybrid linear-video on demand TV channel, will launch later this month.

Virgin Central - which Virgin Media has said will be available on a free basis - will showcase content available on video on demand, which Virgin plans to beef up with major US acquisitions including Grey's Anatomy, Nip/Tuck and the CSI franchises. By using the channel's interactive interface viewers will then be able to watch any episode of their desired series with full VOD capabilities.

The new channel will be designed to make accessing on-demand content "more exciting and intuitive than ever before," the company said today. President and CEO Steve Burch said:

"Virgin Central will offer a feast of hit shows in one place and is set to become the destination of choice for TV lovers. By combining brilliant content with the unrivalled versatility of our technology, we have created something that no other company provides. Virgin Central will make TV-on-demand the simple, compelling service it should be."

Virgin Central will launch on February 20.