Virgin Media to carry Channel 4 HD

Virgin Media has announced that Channel 4 HD will soon join its digital cable TV lineup.

Available for free to all Virgin Media subscribers, the channel will offer a high definition simulcast of Channel 4's main channel, delivering upscaled standard definition programming along with other high definition shows where available.

Originally launched on Sky back in 2007, Channel 4 HD has remained exclusive to the satellite platform ever since, although the broadcaster's HD programming has been available on other platforms via on-demand.

Virgin Media chief commercial officer Mark Schweitzer said: "Channel 4 is home to some of the UK's most talked-about and innovative TV programmes with a great mix of fantastic home grown shows and top imports, and we're delighted to be bringing them in HD to our customers.

"We continue to evolve our TV service, across linear TV channels and on demand content, and our growing HD lineup offers a great choice from some of the best UK and US TV series, documentaries, comedy, sport and music."

Sarah Rose, head of channel development at Channel 4, added: "We want our viewers to be able to watch their favourite Channel 4 programmes in the format they want and across multiple platforms, so we're delighted to be launching Channel 4 HD on Virgin Media.

"Our catch-up service 4oD has been a great success on Virgin Media's TV platform and, as we continue to invest in HD production, we're bringing more Channel 4 programmes to more viewers in HD."

Virgin Media has also confirmed that three of its recently announced new HD channels will become available tomorrow.

FX HD will launch on channel 158, National Geographic HD will be on channel 232 and MTVNHD will occupy channel 310, with Living HD to follow soon. All HD channels will be available to XL customers at no additional charge.

The cable operator is also currently in "active talks" with UKTV about launching a high definition version of Good Food on the platform.