Virgin Media secures five UKTV HD channels

Virgin Media has today announced a deal with pay-TV broadcaster UKTV for the launch of seven new channels on its cable TV platform, including five high definition networks.

UKTV, which was 50% owned by Virgin until it recently sold the stake to Scripps Networks Interactive, brings Eden HD, Good Food HD, Watch HD and Dave HD to the cable TV service, along with +1 networks for Eden and Yesterday.

Alibi HD will follow in 2012, bringing Virgin Media's HD channel lineup to 37.

Cindy Rose, the executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: "We're thrilled to be bringing more dazzling HD channels to our TV service, offering our customers even more choice and variety.

"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."

UKTV executive director of commercial Keith Porritt added: "We're delighted to become a leading supplier of Virgin Media's HD offering. These channels show the breadth of HD content we offer on our network from jaw-dropping natural history and mouth-watering food programmes to amazing magic and the best in stand-up comedy, with TV's ultimate compendium in crime to follow, all in HD exclusive to UK pay-TV."

Virgin Media has also announced the arrival of Sky Movies Classics HD to its premium Sky Movies HD subscription package.