Virgin signs deal for 'Star Trek' on demand

Virgin Media has signed a deal to add content from the Star Trek library to its on-demand service.

The deal with CBS Paramount is for hundreds of hours of the cult sci-fi franchise, including The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. It follows on from the broadcaster's acquisition of the linear TV rights to the franchise for its recently-launched entertainment channel Virgin 1.

All Virgin Media customers will be able to access episodes broadcast on Virgin 1 in the last seven days through the 'Catch Up TV On-Demand' section of the EPG, while XL TV subscribers will be able to access the entire library for free through the 'TV Choice On-Demand' section of the EPG. Content will be added progressively to the on-demand service over the coming months.

Celia Taylor, Virgin 1's director of programmes, said she was "thrilled" to have secured the rights to the show. "Virgin 1 has promised to offer a multi-platform experience to its viewers," she said, "and this deal delivers on our commitment to offer top-drawer content whenever our viewers want to watch it."

Virgin Media content CEO Malcom Wall added: "Virgin Media is already the undisputed leader of the on-demand revolution. We have the most comprehensive on-demand service in the UK, and adding the world's premier sci-fi franchise to our lineup adds even more value for our customers."