Virgin Media has unveiled a raft of new technology that will be added to its TV subscription service.
In addition to an updated set-top box, Virgin is launching an on-demand viewing app, a kids app, a TellyTablet and a film rental platform.
The new 4k-ready V6 box is half the size of the former TiVo box, and is packed with new features. It allows viewers to record six programmes at once, while viewing a seventh.
Subscribers will also be able to access Netflix and YouTube through the new boxes.
The new set-top box is fully compatible with old TiVo boxes, so customers can upgrade to the new system while keeping their saved recordings and settings intact.
The Virgin TV Anywhere App works in tandem with the set-top boxes, enabling subscribers to watch live TV, box sets and recordings over wifi at home.
When outside the home, viewers can access selected box-sets and live TV over a wifi connection.
In addition to this, there will be a dedicated Virgin kids app, containing 1500 hours of kids on-demand programmes, interactive games and picture books. The kids app has no ads and no in-app purchases.
Virgin has also unveiled their 14” TellyTablet, where users can watch recordings, on demand shows and live TV.
The tablet, which costs £299, provides full access to the Google Play Store, where users can download apps such as Netflix, Sky Sports and Hayu, in addition to the new Virgin apps.
The coolest tech features from the new launch
Set top box
The box has a remote-finder button, which when pressed, makes your lost remote bleep.
The set-top box can be controlled by remote even if it’s stowed away in a cupboard.
If a household has multiple set-top boxes, a programme can be paused in one room, then resumed in another.
TV Anywhere App
The app can be used as an advanced remote control. Users can change channels, browse the on-demand library and then ‘flick’ programmes onto to their TVs.
Users will be able to pause, rewind or fast forward programmes using gesture controls.
Recordings can be remotely set, cancelled and deleted via the TV Anywhere app.
Kids App
Children are kept from straying from the Virgin kids app by a new security feature, which requires users to answer a question if they wish to exit the app.
