Virgin launches next-gen TiVo-powered box

The Gadget Show  Thursday 02 December 2010

It's all about the interface

Virgin Media has officially launched its next-generation TiVo-powered Virgin Media TV platform, finally filling in the details on the much-hyped new service we’ve been awaiting patiently for more than a year.

The TiVo PVR’s popularity in the US is largely thanks to its easy-to-use interface, and unsurprisingly Virgin places ease of use right at the top of the new platform’s appeal. But don’t mistake ease of use for simplicity, as the new TiVo-partnering Virgin box promises to deliver the country’s most advanced entertainment service when it starts rolling out mid-month.

With a built-in modem and three tuners, Virgin’s service will now be able to go toe to toe with the best in the business. And Virgin Media’s high-speed cable broadband creates the possibility for HD and 3D content to be enjoyed on demand without any download delay.

Returning to the interface, live TV, catch-up TV and Virgin’s extensive library of on-demand content and online apps will all coexist in a single graphical interface. A TiVo-powered recommendations engine surface a selection of programming to match your interests from the masses of content available.

With a full terabyte of storage on board, the PVR will have plenty of space for recordings, a good thing given that thanks to the three tuners, you’ll be able to record two things at a time while watching a third.

Just the two tuners will be on board launch devices, however, with Virgin saying the third will be on board new boxes from early next year.

The new TiVo-tastic Virgin Media TV box will be available to existing customers later this month for £199 plus a £40 install fee.