14 DAY TRIAL // Video-on-demand content seems to be making its way into every living room out there, Virgin Media just launching, in the UK, what it calls to be the next generation entertainment platform that pairs a TiVo together with a Internet broadband connection to offer video-on-demand and web-based programming to its users.
The content will be delivered via a dedicated 10Mbps cable broadband modem which is built into the personal video recorder, allowing for instant streaming of video programming as well as downloading onto the 1TB of internal storage the TiVo comes with.
According to Virgin, the new platform aims to enhance the regular TV experience with the help of the online content available, as well as via a an app store that will initially come with apps from major web brands including catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer, videos from YouTube, shopping from the online marketplace eBay, Tweets from Twitter and photos from sites such as Facebook.
In addition, the list will grow even bigger in the coming months, the applications being built using an Adobe Flash-based platform.
For now, Virgin Media's TV powered TiVo box will come with just two tuners following to receive a third tuner in early 2011.
"This is a landmark moment in the UK's digital revolution and vividly illustrates how Virgin Media is the only company who can provide the ultimate digital lifestyle,” said Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media
For the first time, viewers will have a truly personalized viewing experience so they can get the most out of the wonderful worlds of the Internet and TV all in one place.
We're really excited to bring our customers what is just the first of successive generations of transformational services based on this unique TiVo-powered platform," concluded the company's rep.
As the company states, the service will begin to roll-out from mid-December, the TiVo box coming with an £199 price tag plus a £40 installation fee, the XL TiVo package which features over 160 channels coming in at £26.50 per month when taken with a Virgin phone line.