Virgin Radio streamed to games consoles

Virgin Radio is to become the first UK radio station available on games consoles Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3.

Virgin and other SMG-owned stations Xtreme, Classic Rock and Groove are available via the consoles' browsers using Virgin's online radio player. Windows Media and Real Player are not currently compatible with the machines.

Virgin Radio digital media director, James Cridland, said: "As PlayStations and the Wii are incapable of coping with Windows Media and Realplayer, they are difficult to develop for. But we have managed to make our radio play well on both of these platforms using the mp3 streaming we have."

Users can also watch videos and sessions as well as buy CDs, tickets and tracks through the Virgin Radio Ticket Store, though the capacity of the consoles means users will not be able to listen to the station while playing games.

"This platform has great growth potential, particularly among early-adopters and 25-44 audience popular with advertisers. Playstation 3 or Wii will become the entertainment hub in your front room. We have worked hard to make the station available on as many different platforms as possible," Cridland added.