Your Complete Guide to Virgin Media TV Services
Essential Information
- Virgin Media delivers TV through its proprietary fiber optic network. Service availability varies by location—verify coverage in your area before exploring packages.
- Choose from three main tiers: M+ (65 channels), L (100 channels), and XL (160 channels), each offering progressively more content options.
- Every package includes access to on-demand content and catch-up services from major broadcasters including 4 OD, ITV Player, and BBC iPlayer.
- Select between the VHD box (HD and 3D capable) or upgrade to TiVo for just £3 monthly to unlock series recording, live TV pause and rewind functionality.
- Bundling your TV with phone service saves £6 monthly and includes the Phone M package with unlimited weekend calls to UK landlines and Virgin Mobile numbers.
- Virgin's line rental at £13.90 monthly is competitively priced. Online orders include complimentary installation and activation when you switch phone services.
- Triple-play bundles combining TV, phone, and their award-winning broadband deliver substantial overall savings compared to purchasing services separately.
- Enhance any package with PictureBox Movies (£5 monthly) or premium Sky Sports channels (additional £14.50 monthly).
- XL package subscribers with Virgin broadband gain access to Virgin Media Player—stream on-demand content across PCs, laptops, and mobile devices.
Understanding Virgin Media TV
Virgin Media TV represents a comprehensive digital television platform delivering up to 160 channels, including high-definition and 3D broadcasts. The service operates through a combination of fiber optic infrastructure and set-top box technology, eliminating the need for external satellite dishes.
Subscribers enjoy extensive on-demand libraries featuring music, films, and television programming. Depending on your chosen set-top box, you'll gain capabilities ranging from basic viewing to advanced features like program recording and live TV control through pause and rewind functions.
All packages integrate catch-up TV services from BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. The XL tier includes Virgin Media Player access, enabling subscribers to stream hundreds of hours of on-demand programming anywhere using laptops or smartphones.
Service Availability and Installation
Virgin Media's fiber optic network serves specific geographic areas. Use their postcode verification tool to confirm availability at your location. New customers in serviceable areas require cable installation to their property.
During setup, you have the option to consolidate your phone line and rental to Virgin Media. Additional services including broadband and mobile can also be transferred, potentially unlocking bundle discounts discussed later in this guide.
When switching your phone line to Virgin, you typically retain your existing BT number. However, if you prefer TV service only without phone line transfer, that standalone option is available.
For properties outside Virgin's cable network coverage, limited Virgin Media National services may be accessible through your phone line, though Virgin TV specifically remains unavailable.
Package Breakdown
Before considering bundle combinations, evaluate which base package aligns with your viewing preferences. Here's what each tier offers:
M+ Package
The entry-level M+ package delivers 65 channels including Sky 1, Dave, Film 4, Eurosport, and various BBC stations. Six channels broadcast in HD—compatible HD-ready televisions and set-top boxes unlock enhanced picture quality at no extra charge.
Like all Virgin TV packages, M+ includes catch-up services and extensive on-demand content. The PictureBox movies library requires an additional £5 monthly subscription. Parental controls allow you to restrict specific channels and on-demand content with PIN protection.
M+ Without Phone Services
Virgin's pricing structure incentivizes bundled services. Taking TV without a Virgin phone line actually costs more overall. Standalone M+ runs £12.50 monthly with the VHD box, or £15.50 monthly with TiVo.
The VHD box handles HD and 3D broadcasts but lacks recording capabilities and live TV control. TiVo, conversely, stores up to 250 hours of standard programming or 50 hours in HD. Record three simultaneous programs while watching a fourth—schedule conflicts become obsolete.
TiVo's advanced features include Wishlist for one-touch series recording and Scroll Back for browsing seven days of past listings to catch missed shows. Remote recording via smartphone apps adds convenience when you're away from home.
Without phone service bundling, you continue paying line rental to your current provider and face a £49.95 installation charge.
M+ With Phone Services
This configuration costs just £6.50 monthly with free installation and the standard VHD box. Upgrading to TiVo adds £3 monthly, maintaining free installation and waiving the £49.95 activation fee.
You'll pay Virgin's £13.90 monthly line rental and receive the Phone M package, granting unlimited weekend calls to UK landlines and Virgin Mobile numbers.
M+ Triple-Play Bundle
The complete bundle combining M+, phone, and broadband costs £23 monthly. This includes TiVo, unlimited weekend calling, and the Broadband L package.
Broadband L delivers 10Mb speeds, complimentary antivirus software, a Virgin Media Hub, automatic file backup, and unlimited data usage.
TV L Package
TV L functions identically to M+ but expands your channel selection to 100, including Sky 1, Extreme Sports, Comedy Central, Good Food, Nickelodeon, and Animal Planet.
L Without Phone Services
Standalone pricing is £18.50 monthly with VHD or £21.50 with TiVo. The £49.95 installation fee applies, and you'll continue paying line rental to your existing provider.
L With Phone Services
This option includes unlimited weekend calling for £12.50 monthly with VHD or £15.50 with TiVo. Installation and activation are complimentary. Virgin's £13.90 monthly line rental applies.
L Triple-Play Bundle
The bundled package costs £29 monthly, including TV L, TiVo, unlimited weekend calling, and Broadband L.
TV XL Package
TV XL mirrors the L package structure while delivering 160 channels with expanded HD options including ESPN HD, E4 HD, Sky 1 HD, Sky Living HD, and FX HD.
XL Without Phone Services
Standalone XL costs £35.50 monthly plus £49.95 installation. TiVo upgrade adds £3 monthly.
XL With Phone Services
XL with unlimited weekend calling runs £24.50 monthly with VHD or £27.50 with TiVo. Installation and activation are free, with £13.90 monthly line rental.
XL Triple-Play Bundle
The complete bundle costs £41 monthly for TV XL, TiVo, Phone M, and Broadband L. Installation and activation are free with £13.90 monthly line rental.
XL subscribers with broadband access Virgin Media Player functionality—watch on-demand content and catch up on seven days of missed programming across PCs, laptops, and smartphones.
Any package can add Sky Sports for £14.50 monthly or PictureBox movies for £5 monthly. All prices require 18-month contracts and direct debit payment.
Package Comparison Overview
| Configuration | M+ | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Only | £12.50 (£15.50 TiVo) + £49.95 install | £18.50 (£21.50 TiVo) + £49.95 install | £30.50 (£33.50 TiVo) + £49.95 install |
| TV + Phone | £6.50 (£9.50 TiVo) + £13.90 rental | £12.50 (£15.50 TiVo) + £13.90 rental | £24.50 (£27.50 TiVo) + £13.90 rental |
| Triple-Play Bundle | £23.00 + £13.90 rental | £29.00 + £13.90 rental | £41.00 + £13.90 rental |
| Add PictureBox | + £5.00 monthly | + £5.00 monthly | + £5.00 monthly |
| Add Sky Sports | + £14.50 monthly | + £14.50 monthly | + £14.50 monthly |
Custom Bundle Configurations
If the standard triple-play bundles don't align with your needs, Virgin Media allows you to combine any TV, phone, and broadband packages while maintaining bundle savings. Use Virgin's build-a-bundle tool to explore personalized combinations and calculate potential savings.
Additional Resources
- Concerned about costs? Review our comprehensive Freeview guide for free alternatives.
- Compare Virgin Media against competitors with our BT Vision guide.
- Digital Choices simplifies digital TV package comparisons across providers.
2 Comments
yeah...dontgo giving your user id out on public pforums!!!
Am an existing customer of long standing and seem to be missing out on something here. Account no. 107918701. My current monthly outlay is over £ 60. You will be able to check I only have a plus box and I think I may need to revise my package. Seems I am not getting such value for all this money when I see what is available now. Disappointed a TiVo box is required for watching on I pad etc. My son can get Sky on his as long as he is a customer. can you help?
Share Your Thoughts