Virgin Media brings 3D TV to UK living rooms

Eye-popping 3D Movies On Demand for the whole family; Samsung and Virgin Media team up to bring 3D TV to more UK homes

Virgin Media (NASDAQ:VMED, LSE:VMED) has today announced the launch of 3D Movies On Demand – the first digital TV service to bring cutting edge 3D straight to UK TV screens*.

From today, all Virgin Media TV customers, with a 3D-ready set top box**, TV and glasses, will be able to experience exciting new 3D On Demand content for themselves, from the comfort of their home. Following successful tests of 3D technology on its fibre optic cable network and after months of public demonstrations in key Virgin Media stores, the company is now starting to offer a selection of 3D movies and TV programmes as part of its on demand TV service.

Today’s launch of 3D Movies On Demand, powered by FilmFlex, will provide a taste of things to come for Virgin Media customers as the company looks to complement its on-demand service with more movies and shows. Virgin Media will look to build its 3D portfolio over the coming months, with a diverse range of new content as more people begin to purchase 3D TVs and programme-makers look to increase the production of 3D content.

Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: “We’re really excited to bring a taste of 3D to our customers in the comfort of their own homes. As we’ve already seen with the take-up of high definition programmes, viewers are continually looking for new ways to experience their favourite shows, and with the addition of 3D On Demand, they will be able to watch eye-popping movies whenever they want!”

To mark the launch of Virgin Media’s 3D On Demand service, Brit flick StreetDance 3D will be available from today for just £5.99 (for a 24 hour rental). With further 3D movies to launch over the coming months – including Garfield’s Pet Force 3D (October), Disney’s A Christmas Carol 3D (November), Step Up 3D (December) and Despicable Me 3D (early 2011), plus more titles to be announced soon.

Virgin Media has also announced an exclusive 3D TV partnership with Samsung Electronics today. The two companies will work together to help consumers explore and enjoy the very best 3D experience, with Samsung 3D TVs featuring in Virgin Media stores up and down the country, joint 3D showcases and further marketing opportunities.

* Virgin Media’s 3D On Demand is the first digital TV service to be commercially available to millions of UK homes.
** V HD or V+ HD required to receive 3D content.