UK's Virgin Media Launches New Online TV Service Called "TV Anywhere"; Includes On-Demand Content From Nickelodeon UK And Nick Jr. UK

From C21Media:

Virgin launches ‘TV Anywhere’

UK cable operator Virgin is launching a new online TV service that will let subscribers access TV content from anywhere on different devices.

Virgin TV Anywhere will be available via PC or Mac for all Virgin TV customers, allowing them to access more than 4,000 hours of catch-up and on-demand content and to watch live TV over the web, from outside the home.

The TV Anywhere site will launch with 45 channels of live-stream content, with more to be added in time.

The launch line-up includes a wide selection of Sky channels, including Sky Sports and Sky Movies channels, which viewers will be able to stream online provided they subscribe to them as part of their TV package.

The likes of Channel 5, Disney Channel, National Geographic, PBS and a string of music channels will also be available. However, live channel feeds from the UK’s biggest terrestrial broadcasters, the BBC, ITV or Channel 4 are not included at launch.

The on-demand library includes content from networks including Cartoon Network, Discovery, History, MTV and Nickelodeon and will include integrated access to all the terrestrial UK broadcasters’ catch-up services, including the BBC iPlayer, as well as Sky On Demand.

Alongside basic web access, subscribers to Virgin’s TiVo TV packages will also be able to download a Virgin TV Anywhere app.

Initially available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, with Android to follow next year, subscribers can use the app to set and delete recordings on their TiVo box from outside the home.

When users are connected to the same home network as their TiVo box, the app also acts as a second screen service that will detect what channel a user is watching and offer additional information around shows. Users can also share what they’re watching on Facebook and Twitter.

On the app, users will be able to live-stream 25 of the 45 initial TV Anywhere channels when they are connected to Wi-Fi. The main set of channels missing from this offering is premium Sky channels, though conversations are ongoing about adding these.

Virgin’s on-demand catalogue will not be available through the app at launch, though is planned for mobile and tablet devices next year.

Andrew McDonald
07-11-2012
©C21Media

TAGS: digital, Online
GENRES: Entertainment, Movies, Sports
COMPANIES: Cartoon Network, Channel Five, Discovery, Disney Channel, HISTORY, MTV, Nat Geo, Nickelodeon, PBS, Sky Movies, Sky Sports, Virgin Media
SECTIONS: FutureMedia
COUNTRIES: UK

Also, from SlashGear:

Virgin TV Anywhere hits web and iPad/iPhone (but it’s not perfect)

UK broadband and home entertainment provider Virgin TV has launched a new streaming service for desktop browsers and smartphones, Virgin TV Anywhere, including remote control over their TiVo. The new service is a free extra for Virgin TV customers, and offers a selection of live streaming and on-demand content from Sky, BBC iPlayer, ITV, 4oD, Demand 5, Disney, Nickelodeon, and others. However, the service will only work over WiFi, not 3G connections, and mobile users will have to wait a while for on-demand shows.

There are as many as 45 channels at launch, though what you get to watch will depend on what Virgin TV package you’ve subscribed to at home. That means, if you’re a Sky Movies or Sky Sports subscriber, you’ll also get access to content from those channels while you’re out, just as long as you can find a WiFi connection.

Initial live streaming channel line-up:

Unfortunately, that isn’t the only limitation. Virgin says that on-demand access isn’t expected to land on the mobile client until sometime next year, and so until then it’s live streaming only. Update: You’ll also need to have a TiVo box in order to use the mobile app.

Initial on-demand channel line-up:

As for your Virgin-supplied TiVo, users will be able to use the remote control functionality – initially available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch users – to remotely set recordings, delete shows, and rate them. It will also work as a touch-remote when users are actually at home in front of their TV.

Subscribers to Virgin TV can find the new Anywhere app for iOS in the App Store [iTunes [UK] link]; Virgin tells us an Android version will be out sometime in 2013. Up to two devices can be used with the service at any one time, and users can change them “on a monthly basis.”

Also, from TrustedReviews:

Virgin Media’s TV Anywhere PC and mobile app goes live

The Virgin Media TV Anywhere service has finally appeared

Virgin Media has launched its long-awaited online portal and mobile app called TV Anywhere.

The service means that Virgin Media TV subscribers can access their package of channels on a Windows or Mac PC or laptop, even if you are away from home, as long as the device has a fixed-line internet or Wi-Fi connection and you are still in the UK. You can register up to two devices, which can be changed once a month.

TV Anywhere is available to all Virgin TV customers for no extra cost. In addition, if you have the Virgin Media TiVo box, you can also use the new accompanying mobile app on an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Android support is said to be following in 2013.

The app contains the same programme guide and live viewing features as the web portal, as well as remote control functions (when at home) and the ability to manage recordings at home or away, including scheduling recordings and deleting shows. However, you can’t use it to send TiVo recordings to another screen.

Virgin says its service can be viewed anywhere in the UK, though it will not currently stream over 3G/4G connections. The cloud-based TV Anywhere carries up to 45 live TV channels, depending on your home subscription package, including Sky Sports or Sky Movies if you have added these channels. Virgin Media says it “will be adding further channels to the line-up in due course.”

The service also incorporates TV on-demand features via the web portal, with up to 4,000 hours of programmes on tap, including shows from BBC, ITV, 4oD, Demand 5, Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Sports, Sky Movies, Disney, Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

Virgin says its TV on-demand services will expand to mobile and tablet devices in 2013. The TV Anywhere portal and mobile app has been in the works for more than a year and finally brings the cable provider closer to its satellite rival Sky, which offers a Sky remote control app and the popular Sky Go service.

[...]

Also, from MediaTel Newsline:

Virgin TV Anywhere launched

Virgin Media has launched Virgin TV Anywhere, a new 'cloud-based' entertainment service exclusively for Virgin TV customers giving them the flexibility to enjoy their favourite TV content on computers, laptops, and Apple tablets smartphones.

Putting customers in control of their TV viewing and planning, Virgin TV Anywhere takes advantage of Virgin Media's cutting edge home entertainment services, calling on its expertise in television, broadband and mobile to deliver a compelling new TV service that can to be enjoyed anywhere in the UK, even beneath the capital's streets using Virgin Media's public Wi-Fi on London Underground.

With two-thirds of Virgin Media's TV customers regularly using Virgin's TV On Demand service, Virgin TV Anywhere now gives customers the ability to enjoy their favourite channels wherever they want too. Embedded with social media functionality, the service will allow users to share their thoughts on their favourite TV shows and includes a fantastic new app for mobile/tablet devices alongside a brand new online destination for laptops and PCs. Virgin TV Anywhere is available to all Virgin TV customers at no extra cost.

The service comes with the ability to stream live TV, with up to 45 channels to choose from at launch, depending on a customer's TV package and method of access. The line-up includes a wide range of popular channels covering entertainment, kids, sport, news and factual, music and movies, and includes access to premium channels such as Sky Sports or Sky Movies for subscribers to these channels. Virgin Media will be adding further channels to the line-up in due course.

Virgin TV Anywhere also features up to 4,000 hours of TV available to watch On Demand at any time, including Sky On Demand, featuring shows from Sky 1 and Sky Living, as well as Sky Sports and Sky Movies for those subscribing to these services. The service also includes integrated access to catch-up TV services from BBC, ITV, 4oD and Demand 5 while kids will also have a range of great shows from channels including Disney, Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: "The world of digital entertainment is moving so fast, consumers are always looking for the next 'big thing' to take advantage of the features and connectivity built into today's gadgets. Virgin TV Anywhere builds upon our fantastic TV service, blending in the best of TiVo and our expertise in broadband and mobile, to bring customers a compelling entertainment experience to enjoy whenever they want, wherever they are - all at no extra cost."

Customers will be able to access Virgin TV Anywhere through the web or through a mobile and tablet app if they have Virgin Media TiVo. The online service is available to all Virgin TV customers, with extra features for TiVo users to manage their boxes through a range of exclusive tools such as remote record and managing 'My Shows'. The mobile and tablet app, initially available on iPad, iPhone and iPod, offers the ability to fully manage TiVo boxes including scheduling recordings and deleting shows. The app also allows customers to rate shows with TiVo's trademark Thumbs Up/Down, view their suggested shows, and also acts as a touch/gesture-based remote control when at home.

The service is launching initially on iPad, iPhone and iPod and available to download from the App store, with Android support to follow in 2013. Up to two devices (including laptops or computers) can be registered at any one time with customers able to change their registered devices on a monthly basis.

Also, from Engadget:

TiVo TV Anywhere app, multi-room streaming launch for Virgin Media viewers

British TiVo owners with Virgin Media have sometimes had to watch as their American counterparts get first crack at the latest extras, not the least of which have been the mobile apps. The UK has just caught up, and then some, now that Virgin has rolled out a finished TV Anywhere app for iOS, Macs and Windows PCs. While the software has the obligatory DVR queuing and remote controls, the "anywhere" portion comes through a selection of as many as 45 live TV channels accessible from most any broadband internet connection. Reinforcing that connected vibe is fresh multi-room streaming to share recorded shows with that TiVo in the basement. TV Anywhere and multi-room support are both gratis parts of a subscription, so Virgin customers have every excuse to liberate their TV viewing.

[Virgin Media Press Release:]

Take your Virgin TV service with you wherever you go

Entertainment, drama, kids, sport, movies, news and factual on the go

Virgin Media today launched Virgin TV Anywhere, a new 'cloud-based' entertainment service exclusively for Virgin TV customers giving them the flexibility to enjoy their favourite TV content on computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Putting customers in control of their TV viewing and planning, Virgin TV Anywhere takes advantage of Virgin Media's cutting edge home entertainment services, calling on its expertise in television, broadband and mobile to deliver a compelling new TV service that can to be enjoyed anywhere in the UK1, even beneath the capital's streets using Virgin Media's public Wi-Fi on London Underground.

With two-thirds of Virgin Media's TV customers regularly taking control of their telly viewing through the largest and most advanced TV On Demand service in the UK, Virgin TV Anywhere now gives customers the ability to enjoy their favourite channels wherever they want too. Embedded with social media functionality, the service will allow users to share their thoughts on their favourite TV shows, and includes a fantastic new app for mobile/tablet devices2 alongside a brand new online destination for laptops and PCs. Virgin TV Anywhere is available to all Virgin TV customers at no extra cost.

The service comes with the ability to stream live TV, with up to 45 channels3 to choose from at launch, depending on a customer's TV package and method of access. The line-up includes a wide range of popular channels covering entertainment, kids, sport, news and factual, music and movies, and includes access to premium channels such as Sky Sports or Sky Movies for subscribers to these channels. Virgin Media will be adding further channels to the line-up in due course.

Virgin TV Anywhere also features up to 4,000 hours of TV available to watch On Demand4 at any time, including Sky On Demand, featuring shows from Sky 1 and Sky Living, as well as Sky Sports and Sky Movies for those subscribing to these services. The service also includes integrated access to catch-up TV services from BBC, ITV, 4oD and Demand 5 while kids will also have a range of great shows from channels including Disney, Disney XD, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr to keep them entertained.

Cindy Rose, executive director of digital entertainment at Virgin Media, said: "The world of digital entertainment is moving so fast, consumers are always looking for the next 'big thing' to take advantage of the features and connectivity built into today's gadgets. Virgin TV Anywhere builds upon our fantastic TV service, blending in the best of TiVo and our expertise in broadband and mobile, to bring customers a compelling entertainment experience to enjoy whenever they want, wherever they are – all at no extra cost."

Customers will be able to access Virgin TV Anywhere through the web or through a mobile and tablet app if they have Virgin Media TiVo®. The online service is available to all Virgin TV customers, with extra features for TiVo users to manage their boxes through a range of exclusive tools such as remote record and managing 'My Shows'. The mobile and tablet app, initially available on iPad, iPhone and iPod, offers the ability to fully manage TiVo boxes including scheduling recordings and deleting shows. The app also allows customers to rate shows with TiVo's trademark Thumbs Up/Down, view their suggested shows, and also acts as a touch/gesture-based remote control when at home5.

For further information on Virgin TV Anywhere, head to http://anywhere.virginmedia.com.

Notes to Editors

1 Streaming services on Virgin TV Anywhere can be used anywhere in the UK using a fixed or wireless broadband connection. WiFi recommended for mobile devices. Streaming over 3G is not supported. Whilst there is no charge to use the Virgin TV Anywhere service for Virgin TV customers, charges may apply for using public Wi-Fi or mobile networks.

2 Launching initially on iPad, iPhone and iPod and available to download from the App store. Android support to follow in 2013. Up to two devices (including laptops or computers) can be registered at any one time. Customers can change registered devices on a monthly basis.

3 Initial live streaming channel line-up below. Channel access is based on the TV package customers have and the method of access (online or through the mobile/tablet app). Certain channels may not be available on mobile/tablet devices at launch due to rights restrictions. Virgin Media will be adding further channels to the line-up in due course.

VIA Virgin Media Forum
Source Virgin Media (1), (2), (3)