Bay TV Swansea launches on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK worker "spiderplant" has confirmed to Media Boy HQ that Bay TV Swansea did launch on Virgin UK Channel 159 (Swansea areas only). We have no confirm launch date.

Information thanks to Spiderplant/Cable Forum.

UPDATED: The Best of 2016, Virgin Media UK year in Review

Some text was updated on December 28th. Post first posted on December 7th.

The Best of 2016.

Cambridge TV changes name

Cambridge TV has changed it name to That's Cambridge on Virgin UK Channel 159.

BroadcastNow: Turner eyes rescue bid for TruTV

Story from Broadcastnow:

Broadcast has learned that US media giant Turner is considering closing the digital channel, which launched in 2014 and airs series such as Ink Master and a raft of true crime programming.

BBC: Sky and 21st Century Fox agree £18.5bn takeover deal

Story from BBC online:

Broadcaster Sky and 21st Century Fox have reached agreement on the terms of a takeover deal.

ITV: Chris Eubank Jnr to fight Renold Quinlan live on ITV Box Office in 2017

Story from ITV:

Chris Eubank’s bouts gripped television audiences on ITV two decades ago, and now his son is following in his father’s footsteps as the UK biggest commercial broadcaster announces exclusive live coverage of a world title fight with Renold Quinlan.

Rapid TV News: Sony expands flagship movie channel to Freeview and Virgin

Story from Rapid TV News:

The Sony Movie Channel is to undergo a rebrand and launch across the Freeview, Virgin Media UK, and Sky TV platforms in the UK on January 10th.

Seenit - Confirmed: Virgin Media customers won’t be getting free BoxNation

Story from Seenit:

Virgin Media has confirmed that boxing fans will have to continue paying for BoxNation, despite rival BT recently announcing it would be bundling the channel with its sports pack from next year.

Sony confirms Kix Power to end on January 15th on Virgin Media UK

Information found by "SonicMaster" on Cable Forum:

Kix Power trailer confirms that this Virgin Media (UK) exclusive will be available for 5 weeks. It will be interesting to see if is it replaced by the normal Kix channel at the end of that period, as it's available on Sky, Freeview and Freesat so I think Sony would probably like it on Virgin Media too.

Story thanks to SonicMaster/Cable Forum.

Kix Power to launch on Sunday on Virgin Media UK

Kix Power will launch on Virgin UK Channel 738 this coming Sunday.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK starts tests for Viceland

Viceland UK has started on Virgin Media UK - is now testing on Virgin Media with video and audio.

Is Sony set to axe MovieMix from Virgin Media UK and Freeview?

Both Cable Forum and Digital Spy Forum is reporting that the Moviemix licence to broadcast has been removed from the Ofcom list.

4Seven HD launches on Virgin Media UK

4Seven HD has launch today on Virgin UK Channel 203.

Channel 4 and Discovery channels moved on Virgin Media UK

The following channels has moved on Virgin Media UK today:

Broadband TV News: Motors TV founder declares business as usual

Story from Broadband TV News:

Motors TV founder Jean-Lu Roy says it’s “business as usual with benefits” for both audiences and suppliers.

Virgin Media UK to move some Channel 4 and Discovery channels next week

Virgin Media UK has confirmed that on 29 November these channels will be moving to cosy new homes:

CNBC: Why Liberty Media's John Malone thinks cable and wireless networks are destined to consolidate

Story from CNBC:

As cable and wireless companies become more dependent on each other, one media mogul says he feels positive that much larger consolidation is ahead for the industry.

Confirmed: Virgin Media UK to launch 4Seven HD and Kix Power

Over the past weekend our Media Boy Sources has confirmed that Virgin Media UK has started to test Kix Power and have also started an "full test" for 4Seven HD.

SOME TEXT WAS UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 23RD.

Sky Sports: Sky Sports brings back its dedicated darts channel this December for the World Darts Championships

Story from Sky Sports:

Sky Sports will be bringing back its dedicated darts channel this December for the 2017 William Hill World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace.

Sky Sports 3 will be rebranded as 'Sky Sports Darts HD' for a 24-day period commencing at 6am on Monday December 12, and will run to 6am on Thursday January 5.

The William Hill World Darts Championship will run from Thursday December 15 to Monday January 2, and the Sky Sports Darts channel will bring you every minute of the action, alongside additional footage, highlights and features.

This extensive coverage of the tournament is part of a festive season of live action on Sky Sports that includes the ATP World Tour Finals, Premier League football, 10 in 10 Test match cricket, and more.

©2016 Sky.

TBI Vision: Turner strikes new channels deal with Virgin

Story from TBI Vision:

Liberty Global-owned Virgin has secured Turner channels including Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Cartoonito, TCM and CNN International, and the Cartoon Network HD net has been added to the line-up for the first time to Virgin’s Irish customers.

BoxNation: BT Sport sign landmark boxing deal with Frank Warren and BoxNation

Story from BoxNation:

Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren and his pioneering boxing channel BoxNation have signed a multi-year deal with the multimedia and telecommunications giant, BT.

Virgin Media UK gives Clubland TV it own channel

Virgin Media UK has today axe Red Button Channel - ClublandAKAChilledNow on TiVo channel 345.

Clubland TV has been added to non TiVo viewers using Virgin UK Channel 345.

UKTV: Christmas Gold to launch on Saturday

GOLD has confirmed that Christmas Gold will launch on November 12th.

BBC News: India NDTV 24-hour broadcast ban is suspended by government

Story from BBC News:

The Indian government has suspended a one-day ban on NDTV's Hindi channel due on Wednesday, which had been widely condemned by other news outlets.

Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu took the decision, the channel said.

Confirmed: Virgin Media UK to move ID and DMAX on November 29th

It has been confirm that the following channels will move on November 29th:

BBC News: India channel NDTV to be taken off air for a day over terror coverage

Story from BBC News:

Indian news channel NDTV will be taken off air for 24 hours as a penalty for its coverage of an attack on an air force base.

EXCLUSIVE: Amazon and Bay TV Swansea starts tests on Virgin Media UK

Bay TV Swansea tests has started on Virgin Media UK - at time of posting only testing with the names appearing.

XXX Brits launches on Virgin Media UK

In the last few days we have found:

Is Virgin Media UK set to move some channels about?

We know that Virgin Media UK has sign an new deal with Discovery and Channel 4.

Channels moving packages will be down to new deals signed with Broadcasters.

Made in Birmingham to launch November 10th

Made TV has confirm that Made in Birmingham will launch on November 10th at 7pm on Virgin UK Channel 159 in the local area.

Evening Standard: Tycoon John Malone says UK firms look ripe for takeover

Story from Evening Standard:

He’s been sniffing around Vodafone for years — now John Malone, the billionaire boss of telecoms giant Liberty Global, reckons the UK has become a bargain basement ripe for a rummage from American firms.

Media Guardian: Sky and Virgin Media could be forced to give iPlayer and CBeebies better slots

Story from Media Guardian:

Labour is pushing for broadcasters including Sky and Virgin Media to do more to promote online services such as the BBC iPlayer and children’s channels including CBeebies.

Virgin Media: Viacom and Virgin Media expand programme offer with new deal

Story from Virgin Media:

Virgin Media and Viacom, owner of Channel 5, have agreed a new multi-year programming deal in the UK and Ireland.

Made in Liverpool launches tonight

A516Digital has confirmed that Made TV will launch Made in Liverpool tonight at 6pm on Virgin UK Channel 159 (Some Liverpool areas only).

Exeter Express and ECHO: Christmas 24 to launch on October 29th

News from Exeter Express and ECHO:

TV channel Movies 24 will transform in to channel Christmas 24 on October 29, and will show Christmas films for 24 hours a day up until January 3.

Thursday's Media News round-up from Media Boy HQ

Wee news bits from Media Boy HQ:

Sony reveals new channels names for some CSC Media Channels

We just found this information confirming the axe of True Movies 2.

UPDATE: Virgin Media UK axe BBC Three from EPG - for one day

Virgin Media UK has today axe BBC Three from Virgin UK Channel 106.

Virgin Media UK did re-add BBC Three (Red Button Channel) to Virgin UK Channel 106 on October 6th. 

THIS POST WAS LAUNCHED ON OCTOBER 5TH THEN UPDATED ON OCTOBER 10TH.

Virgin Media UK confirmed Channels temporarily available to all packages

According to the latest Virgin Media UK Channel Guide...

These channels will be temporarily available to all packages:

FT: Viceland UK may launch on Virgin Media UK 'in the coming months'

FT is reporting that Vice Media may launch it UK Channel "Viceland UK" on Virgin Media UK 'in the coming months.'

Sky Sports 4 back after Europe's Ryder Cup loss

Sky Sports has today rebranded Sky Sports Ryder Cup back to Sky Sports 4 on Virgin Media UK.

New names for local TV Channels in Birmingham and Liverpool

• Birmingham's local TV service Big Centre TV is set to be relaunched on November 1st as Made in Birmingham.
• Also Bay TV Liverpool will close on October 6th and relaunch as Made in Liverpool on October 12th.

Both channels can be found on Virgin UK Channels 159 in the local areas.

SOME TEXT WAS UPDATED ON OCTOBER 19TH.

True Movies 1 has become True Christmas

Sony has today rebrand True Moves 1 as True Christmas on Virgin UK Channel 424.

Local TV Channels update

A516 Digital is reporting the following:

• From Midnight on Thursday Liverpool's local channel Bay TV Liverpool is to go off-air ahead of a relaunch soon under new name of Made in Liverpool, which will be available on Virgin Media channel 159 for viewers in the Merseyside area in the near future.

Viacom has rebrand Nick Jr. Too as Nick Jr. Peppa

Viacom has today rebrand Nick Jr. Too as Nick Jr. Peppa on Virgin UK Channel 716.

BizAisa: UMP Movies shuts down operations in UK

News from BizAisa:

UMP Movies has closed down in the UK, ending its broadcasting operations in this territory completely.

Digital Spy Forum: Sony to launch True Christmas from Friday

DS Forum is reporting that True Movies will become True Christmas from Friday.

Bizasia: Rishtey Cineplex to launch on Freeview - but not Virgin Media UK for now

Bizasia is reporting that Rishtey Cineplex will be available on Sky and Freeview (Hope to be on Freeview by 2017).

Movies 24 to become Christmas 24 on November 1st

Movies 24 will become Christmas 24 from November 1st.

With Movies 24 broadcasting two Christmas movies per day every weekend in October.

Local TV Channels in Scotland to become STV2 in 2017

Story from STV:

STV News Tonight, a landmark new service for Scotland, will bring together for the first time all the news coverage relevant to Scottish viewers in a single weeknight programme.

Babenation launches on Virgin Media UK

Babenation has today appeared on Virgin UK Channel 981*.

Sky Sports: Sky Sports Ryder Cup channel to offer complete story at Hazeltine

Story from Sky Sports:

With Europe set to go head-to-head with the USA in the battle for The Ryder Cup, Sky Sports will bring 240 hours of coverage on a dedicated channel bringing viewers closer to one of the biggest events in sport.

Mobile Europe: Virgin Media heads outdoors with Arqiva Wi-Fi buy

Story from Mobile Europe:

Virgin Media is boosting its wireless network after signing a deal to take over Arqiva's Wi-Fi business.

F1 Takeover - BBC News; Liberty Media: Who are Formula 1's new owners?

Story from BBC News:

The acquisition by the US media conglomerate Liberty Media of the Formula 1 racing business for $4.4bn (£3.3bn) opens a new chapter for the motor sport.

F1 Takeover - Sky Sports: Liberty Media buys Formula 1 in £6bn deal

Story from Sky Sports:

US firm Liberty Media has bought Formula 1 in a £6bn deal, bosses have confirmed.

Sky News revealed last month that Liberty was on the verge of sealing the takeover of the sport.

CNBC: Why Liberty Media’s purchase of Formula 1 might not get the green light

Story from CNBC:

The $8.5 billion sale of motorsport franchise Formula 1 could be driven off track by an ownership conflict of interest, according to one industry expert.

U.S.-based Liberty Media, which already has stakes in several sports business including the Atlanta Braves baseball team, is in advanced talks to buy Formula 1's controlling stake from private equity firm CVC Capital Partners.

BBC Sport: Bernie Ecclestone: Formula 1 boss says 'to stay for three more years' after takeover

Story from BBC Sport:

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says he has been asked to stay on for three years once a takeover of the sport is completed by Liberty Media.

The US-based company is in advanced talks to take control of Formula 1 in a deal reported to be worth $8.5bn (£6.5bn).

Daily Mail: Bernie Ecclestone offered role in Formula One after £6bn sale but he will no longer be the main man after 40 years at the top

Story from Daily Mail:

Bernie Ecclestone has been offered the chance to stay involved in Formula One management by the company who are planning a £6billion takeover of the sport.

The first part of the deal with American media giants, Liberty Global, is worth £600million and is widely expected to go through on Wednesday, with the rest due to be completed in the next six months.

Daily Mail: Meet John Malone of Liberty Global... the Darth Vader of Wall Street and the man who wants a slice of Formula One

Story from Daily Mail:

John Malone, the billionaire set to snap up Formula One, is known in the finance world as the Darth Vader of Wall Street due to his cut-throat antics.

The entrepreneur who built a fortune snapping up different cable television channels in America was born in 1941 in Milford, New England.

F1 Takeover - Advanced Television: F1 sale ‘a done deal’

News from Advanced Television:

The weekend’s Italian Formula One Grand Prix saw heightened speculation that Liberty Media’s planned acquisition of the sport was a ‘done deal’, with an announcement expected as early as Tuesday.

Sky News: Carey To Take F1 Helm As £6.1bn Liberty Takeover Nears Finish Line

Story from Sky News:

One of the media industry's top executives will be named as the new boss of Formula One (F1) motor racing early this week as a prelude to the sport's first change of ownership for more than a decade.

Virgin Media UK: Get comfy. Your Virgin TV pack just got better!

Story from Virgin Media UK:

We want to bring you the very best telly – just the way you want it. We’ve made lots of improvements so far – and there’s even more to look forward to.

Bizasia: Rishtey Cineplex to replace UMP Movies in UK

Bizasia did report the following on August 19th but Media Boy HQ found it on September 1st.

Virgin Media UK add new Viacom Channels

Virgin Media UK has today added the following channels:

Liverpool Echo: Liverpool's Bay TV set to be bought days after going into administration

Story from Liverpool ECHO:

Struggling Liverpool broadcaster Bay TV is set to be bought out just days after it went into administration.

Made Television, the largest operator of City TV Stations in the UK, is to acquire the local television station, subject to approval by the regulator Ofcom.

FT.com: Virgin Media closes in on Arqiva takeover

FT.com is reporting that Virgin Media is closing in on a deal to bulk up in the WiFi industry after agreeing to take over an Arqiva unit in a deal worth tens of millions of dollars.

Virgin Media UK launches three more Sony Channels

The following Sony owned channels has now launch on Virgin Media UK:

Cambridge TV for sale

Story from Cambridge News Online:

Cambridge's local TV channel operator Cambridge Presents, is up for sale.

Millionaire owner, Dr Peter Dawe OBE has found that control of the local licence bars him from standing for election as Mayor of Cambridgeshire, a job he wants.

Sky Sports Mix launches on Virgin Media UK

Sky Sports Mix has today launch on the following Channels numbers on Virgin Media UK:

• Sky Sports Mix has launch on Virgin UK Channel 517.
• Sky Sports Mix HD has launch on Virgin UK Channel 507.

Sony Pictures Television Networks: Movie Mix launches on Virgin Media UK

Story from Sony Pictures Television Networks:

Sony Pictures Television Networks (SPT) and Virgin Media UK have today announced the arrival of Movie Mix for Virgin Media UK Customers on Channel 425.

Liverpool ECHO: Liverpool's Bay TV enters administration

Story from Liverpool Echo:

Liverpool’s Bay TV is expected to be sold after being placed into administration.

Two new channels launches on Virgin Media UK

The following channels has launch today on Virgin Media UK:

• 836. NDTV India
• 837. NDTV Spice

Virgin Media UK reveal channels numbers for Sky Sports Mix

Virgin Media UK has confirmed that Sky Sports Mix will be on the following channels from Wednesday.

• Sky Sports Mix HD will be on Virgin UK Channel 507.
• Sky Sports Mix will be on Virgin UK Channel 517.

Telegraph: Virgin Media 'furious' over £120m BT sport contract as EE gives channels away

Story from The Telegraph:

A bitter row has erupted between BT and Virgin Media over the more than £120m a year the cable operator pays its broadband rival for the BT Sport channels now being offered free to millions of EE mobile subscribers.

EXCLUSIVE: Babenation starts tests on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy sources has just confirmed to Media Boy HQ that Babenation has started to test today on Virgin Media UK.

©copyright 2016 Media Boy 2006 - 2016. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

EXCLUSIVE: 7 new Channels starts tests on Virgin Media UK (UPDATED)

Media Boy Sources confirmed to Media Boy HQ today that the following 7 Channels are now testing on Virgin Media UK.

MB Views: Virgin Media UK set to move Film4 and Sky Movies HD Channels?

With Movie Mix and Movies 4 Men set to launch EXCLUSIVE: Six new Channels starts tests on Virgin Media UK  Media Boy HQ feels Virgin Media UK may move Sky Movies HD channels back by ten numbers and starting from Virgin UK Channels 441.

Channel 5 +24 has now become My5

Viacom has rebrand Channel 5 +24 as My5 on Virgin UK Channel 152.

BT Sport rebrand BT Sport Europe

BT has today rebrand BT Sport Europe and BT Sport Europe HD as BT Sport 3 and BT Sport 3 HD on Virgin Media UK.

Liberty Global: Liberty Global renew Discovery deal for Europe

Story from Liberty Global:

Liberty Global and Discovery Communications today announce a long-term, comprehensive renewal of their distribution agreement that guarantees delivery of Discovery’s full portfolio of fan-favorite networks, including flagships Discovery Channel, TLC, ID and Eurosport, to Liberty Global customers across its 12 European countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Viacom to launch My5 next week

Radio Times is reporting that Channel 5 + 24 will close on Virgin UK Channel 152 but Viacom will launch My5 next Wednesday (August 10th) on Virgin UK Channel 152.

It August!!! And all go at Virgin Media

Well it August so Virgin Media has launch new channels in the UK.

Confirmed: Virgin Media UK start Universal Channel HD tests

Andyland over on DS Forum is reporting that Tests has appeared for Universal Channel HD.

July 27th at 2.15pm update: Media Boy Sources has reconfirm that "UNIVERSAL CHANNEL HD" is testing and is already encrypted.

Virgin Media UK move some channels to new homes

Virgin Media UK has today moved the following channels:

a516: BBC Olympics channel numbers reveal

The BBC has confirmed the channel numbers for the Olympics games on the BBC: 

Viacom to replace Channel 5+24 with My5 linear channel

A516 Digital is reporting that Viacom will replace Channel 5+24 with My5 channel in August on Virgin Media UK Channel 152.

Confirm: Virgin Media UK starts tests for BBC Olympics Red Button Chnannels

Media Boy Sources has sent us photos of the BBC Olympics Red channels testing on Virgin Media UK. They will be know as:

Cable Forum: Virgin Media UK to reshuffle UKTV, BBC 4 HD and Sky Sports Channels on July 26th

Virgin Media are set to reshuffle some Channels on July 26th:

Liverpool Echo: Liverpool 's Bay TV seeks deal with creditor over debts of £450,000

Story from Liverpool Echo:

Liverpool's Bay TV is seeking a deal with creditors to enable it to continue despite owing almost half a million pounds.

EXCLUSIVE: Sky Sports Mix to launch on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK Sources has confirmed to Media Boy HQ that Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Mix HD will launch later this summer on Virgin Media UK.

BT Sport Europe to renamed BT Sport 3 on 4th August

Cable Forum is reporting that BT Sport will rebrand BT Sport Europe as BT Sport 3 on 4th August.

Sky Sports launches "The Open" Channel

Sky Sports has today rebrand Sky Sports 1 as Sky Sports The Open on Virgin UK Channel 512.

Also Sky Sports 1 HD has been rebrand as Sky Sports The Open HD on Virgin UK Channel 502.

Sky Movies becomes Sky Cinema

Sky has rebrand their Movies Channels - Sky Movies has become Sky Cinema:

Rumour: Is more channels set to launch soon on Virgin Media UK?

We have got the list of channels that may launch soon on Virgin Media UK. This unconfirmed list is from the number of Sources.

TruTV launchers on Virgin Media UK

TruTV has launch today on Virgin UK Channel 212.

More QVC Channel launches on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has today launch QVC Beauty and QVC Style on the following channel numbers:

• QVC Beauty has launch on Virgin UK Channel 741.
• QVC Style has launch on Virgin UK Channel 742.

Media Guardian: Rupert Murdoch's News Corp buys TalkSport owner in £220m deal

Story from Media Guardian:

News Corporation, the parent company of the Sun and Times, has struck a £220m deal to buy Wireless Group, the owner of TalkSport.

TBI Vision: Lionsgate has acquired premium cable net Starz for US$4.4 billion.

Story from TBI Vision:

Lionsgate has acquired premium cable net Starz for US$4.4 billion.

Viacom axe MTV Live HD on Astra UK

Viacom has today axe MTV Live HD on Sky but Virgin Media UK has move to the international version as Cable Forum is reporting that there are no UK commercials anymore on Virgin UK Channel 311.

Sky Movies to axe "Showcase" name next month

What's on TV says when Sky Movies rebrand as Sky Cinema on July 8th Sky Movies Showcase will be known as Sky Cinema Hits.

More Red Button channels launches on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has added the following channels today:

• BBC Red Button HD (Virgin UK Channel 990),
• BBC Red Button 2 (Virgin UK Channel 992),
• BBC Red Button 3 (Virgin UK Channel 993),
• BBC Red Button 4 (Virgin UK Channel 994),
• BBC Red Button 5 (Virgin UK Channel 995) and
• BBC Red Button 6 (Virgin UK Channel 996).

Advanced Television: UKTV strikes Virgin Media deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Multichannel broadcaster UKTV has agreed what it describes as a “landmark” deal with quad-play operator Virgin Media, giving Virgin Media customers access to more UKTV shows than on any other pay-TV platform in the UK or Ireland.

Guardian Media: Sky to air UK's first 24-hour eSports TV channel

Story from Guardian Media:

The UK is set to get its first 24-hour eSports TV channel as the world of competitive computer game playing takes its next step towards mainstream popularity.

Media Guardian: Sky Movies rebrand to feature one premiere a day

Story from Media Guardian:

Sky will premiere a new film every day, including the latest Star Wars film this summer, as part of a rebrand of Sky Movies as Sky Cinema.

The move will see a 75% increase in the number of films debuting on Sky from 8 July.

Virgin Media UK launches S4C HD for Wales games in Euro 2016

S4C HD is now on Virgin UK Channel 555.

Virgin Media: Virgin Media and Southampton Football Club announce three-year partnership

Story from Virgin Media:

Virgin Media has today announced a three-year partnership with Southampton Football Club.

MB Views: Virgin Media UK to move Sky Sports channels on July 11th?

Sky Sports has also confirmed that from July 11th Sky Sports are set to renumber they channels numbers on Sky.

Sky Sports: Opening tee shot of The Open to be shown live on Sky Sports

Story from Sky Sports:

The opening tee shot of The Open will be shown live for the first time as part of Sky Sports round-the-clock coverage of golf's pre-eminent Major.

Radio Times: BBC Breakfast to become Olympics highlights show for Rio 2016 as medals decided in the early hours

Story from Radio Times:

The BBC Breakfast sofa is going to look very different this summer, with Olympics highlights taking over the morning news programme throughout Rio 2016.

The Box Plus Network rebrand some channels

The Box Plus Network has rebranded the following channels today on Virgin Media UK:

• The Box Plus Network has rebrand Smash Hits as Box Hits today on Virgin Media UK.
• The Box Plus Network has rebrand Heat as Box Upfront today on Virgin Media UK.

Confirmed: Arabic Hafla and That's Solent still testing on Virgin Media UK

We can confirm that both Arabic Hafla and That's Solent are still testing on Virgin Media UK.

S4C HD: Great content in High Definition

Story from S4C:

The best drama, entertainment, news and sport in Wales are about to be upgraded as S4C announce the launch of a HD service.

Recombu: Virgin Media scrapping Sky Sports 1 and 2 solo this summer

Story from Recombu:

You won’t be able to buy Sky Sports 1 or 2 on their own with Virgin TV from June onwards.

The Box Plus Network: The Box Plus Network announces the biggest refresh ever!

Story from The Box Plus Network:

The UK’s largest music television network, The Box Plus Network has today announced the biggest strategic move in its 24-year history with the introduction of two new linear TV channels; Box Hits and Box Upfront, and a new bespoke social-first digital channel, BeBox.

EXCLUSIVE: Two more channels starts tests on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy Sources has confirmed today (May 19th) that truTV and S4C HD are now testing on Virgin Media UK.

EXCLUSIVE: Two more channels starts tests on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy Sources has confirmed that NDTV Spice and NDTV India are now testing on Virgin Media UK.

©copyright 2016 Media Boy 2006 - 2016. An ''Keep it real and free'' Production.

Virgin Media UK rebrand BT Sport Freeview

Virgin Media UK has rebrand BT Sport Freeview as BT Sport Showcase on Virgin UK Channel 548.

Pocket-lint: Virgin Media TiVo 2 coming with 4K, new set-top-box to take on Sky Q

Story from pocket-lint:

Virgin Media is soon to replace its current TiVo box as the flagship set-top-box in its TV line-up.

Channel 4 Takeover - Guardian Media: Government drops full Channel 4 privatisation – but may sell off stake

Story from Guardian Media:

The government has backed off from a full privatisation of Channel 4, but is looking at other options including the sale of a minority stake.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK testing new broadcasting streams

Media Boy Sources has told us today:

Virgin Media UK have started to test new streams out.

Channel 4 Takeover - Guardian Media: BT 'most likely' UK company to bid for a privatised Channel 4

Story from The Guardian:

BT is the most likely UK company to bid for Channel 4, according to a new report that estimates a sale protecting the broadcaster’s model might only raise about £500m for the government.

The Telegraph: Virgin Media turns up the television volume to transform its neglected pay-TV business

Story from The Telegraph:

For a company calling itself Virgin Media, it has been a long time since Britain’s number two pay-TV operator had much to say about television.

Virgin Media UK: Prices increased for Sky Movies and Sky Sports customers

Virgin Media UK has confirmed the following:

Virgin Media UK axe Ukraine Today from Worldbox

Virgin Media UK has axe Ukraine News channel "Ukraine Today" from WorldBox on Virgin UK Channel 834.

Guardian Media: John Whittingdale could force BBC to sell off UKTV stake

Story from Guardian Media:

The government is considering forcing the BBC to sell off its 50% stake in UKTV, which owns 10 channels including Dave and Gold, which is valued at about £500m.

UPDATED: Virgin Media UK starts TiVo software update

Digital Spy Forum poster "Andyland" say the following tonight:

It looks as though VM are rolling out a software update for Tivo. I just had a promo appear in the discovery bar.

Virgin Media UK: Virgin Media TV customers say ‘hayu’ to SVOD all-reality extravaganza

Story from Virgin Media UK:

NBCUniversal International (NBCUI) and Virgin Media today announce a ground-breaking partnership with the launch of hayu to Virgin Media customers.

MB Views: Will Virgin Media UK launch two new channels this week?

QVC's Red Button - QVC Active - was axe on April 2nd 2013 we feel that QVC Beauty and QVC Style may launch this week on Virgin UK Channels 741 and 742.

Radio Times: CBBC can still stay up to 9pm from April 11th

Radio Times say that CBBC will stay on air to 9pm everyday from April 11th.

Confirmed: Sky Premiums HD closes on the Scientific-Atlanta V+ model

Virgin Media UK Worker "BenMcr" has today confirmed on Cable Forum that Virgin Media UK has axe the Sky Premiums HD for Virgin Media UK customers using the Scientific-Atlanta V+ model.

Virgin Media UK customers using the Scientific-Atlanta V+ model has lost the following channels:

BBC Three gets TiVo app on Virgin Media UK

The BBC has axe BBC Three today on the following channels on Virgin Media.

Confirmed: Nollywood Movies set to moved to M+ Package from Friday

Virgin Media UK has confirmed via their TiVo boxes that Nollywood Movies will be added to the M+, L and XL Packages at no extra cost from April 1st.

Virgin Media: “More VoD exclusives”

Story from Advanced Television:

UK quad-play operator Virgin Media is to ramp up the amount of exclusive video-on-demand programming available to its Virgin Media TV XL customers to watch through its TV on demand service.

Sky Sports: Sky Sports to show every F1 race live from 2019 until 2024

Story from Sky Sports:

Sky Sports has extended its partnership with Formula 1 to remain the home of F1 in the UK and Ireland until 2024.

BBC to axe BBC Three as TV Channel from March 31st

Virgin Media UK has today confirmed that BBC Three and BBC Three HD will close on March 31st.

New ITV HD Channels coming soon to Virgin Media UK

ITV have confirm that three new regions are to launch soon in HD on Virgin Media UK.

EXCLUSIVE: Two new channels start tests on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy Sources has confirmed that Virgin Media UK has today started to test the following QVC Channels:

Confirmed: Virgin Media UK to cut Non Direct Debit Customers to 45p from April 1st

Virgin Media UK have confirmed on Virgin Media.com that Non Direct Debit Customers will just pay 45p extra per month from April 1st.

EXCLUSIVE: Sky viewers will no longer need to pay extra for Sky Movies HD Channels

THIS POST WAS UPDATED ON MARCH 14TH AS A CORRECTIONS TO A STORY WE POSTED ON MARCH 10TH:

Sky Sources has confirm to Media Boy HQ that Sky viewers will no longer need to pay extra for Sky Movies HD Channels from June 1st.

Advanced Television: Virgin boosts VoD content with Endemol Shine

Story from Advanced Television:

Virgin Media has agreed a partnership with Endemol Shine International to bring the hit US show Kingdom to the UK, exclusively for its TV customers to watch on demand from April 1st.

EXCLUSIVE: New tests appear for "Formula E" on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy Sources say Virgin Media UK have started to test "Formula E" - No news on if this will be an app or an channel was know at time of posting.

EXCLUSIVE: Sky Sports Mix to launch in June

Sky Sources has confirm to Media Boy HQ that Sky will launch an new channel called Sky Sports Mix in June.

EXCLUSIVE: New Shopping channels set to launch on Virgin Media UK

We have been told tonight by Virgin Media UK Sources that up to three new QVC like Channels are set to launch on Virgin Media UK in the next few months.

EXCLUSIVE: New TiVo app from NBCUniversal testing on Virgin Media UK

Our Media Boy Sources has told us today that Virgin Media UK are testing an new app called "hayu" for Virgin Media UK's TIVO customers.

Virgin Media UK: Racing UK is yours all weekend!

Info from Virgin Media UK:

With the world famous Cheltenham Festival galloping onto screens on 15 March, it’s the perfect time to discover the breathless excitement of horse racing.

Heart Extra goes live on Virgin Media UK

LBC London News has been rebrand as Heart Extra on Virgin UK Channel 921.

UTV: UTV becomes part of ITV as sale completes

Story from UTV:

The deal was first officially announced in October, with regulatory processes to be completed before the sale could be finalised.

TV3: TV3 to broadcast on Virgin Media UK this Sunday

Virgin Media owned TV3 has today announced that it will broadcast its Sunday night “VOTE 2016 – Election Results Special” with Ivan Yates and Colette Fitzpatrick to millions of homes in the UK via Virgin Media who will host the programme on Virgin Media UK Channel 996.

Up to two new Channels launch on TiVo via WORLDBOX

Digital Spy poster "huxleypiguk" has confirmed that two new channels has on WORLDBOX:

The new channels names are:

• TVRI (Romania)
• EuroChannel (France)

Virgin Media UK Round-up

Here what happen this week on Virgin Media:

ITV give CITV more broadcasting hours

Virgin Media UK EPG has confirm that CITV will now broadcast from 6am to 9pm everyday on Virgin UK Channel 734.

UTV: Ministerial Approval to the Sale of UTV Television

UTV Media plc has announced that Ministerial Approval has been received and that all other conditions to completion have been satisfied.

Pursuant to the terms of the sale and purchase agreement with ITV, it is expected that completion will take place on Monday 29 February 2016.

BBC cut BBC Three broadcasting hours ahead of full pull

Virgin Media UK Boxes in Media Boy HQ say that BBC Three and BBC Three HD are now just broadcasting from 1am to 4am right now.

We have seen rumours of this may end in March 2016.

UKTV re-launches Watch

UKTV has today re-branded Watch as W on Virgin UK Channels 124 and 125 also in HD on Virgin UK Channel 191.

Viacom closes MTV Live as SD Channel on Sky

Reports are coming in that Viacom has move their MTV Channels about on Sky EPG. Also Viacom has stop broadcasting MTV Live as an SD Channel - using the slot for MTV Music +1 on Sky.

Viacom set to rebrand 5* on Thursday

Media Boy HQ has been told tonight that the following is set to happen on Thursday:

• Channel 5 HD will be rename Channel 5HD on Virgin UK Channel 150.
• 5* will be rename 5STAR on Virgin UK Channel 151.

CBS Channels free on Virgin Media UK until May 1st

Media Boy HQ has seen information sent in to us by Virgin Media UK Viewers that CBS Reality, Horror Channel, CBS Action, CBS Drama, CBS Reality +1 and Horror Channel +1 are available to all Virgin Media UK TV packages until May 1st.

Sporting Life: Racing UK to broadcast in HD from March 7th

Story from Sporting Life:

Racing UK is the first dedicated horseracing channel to offer HD in the UK and will broadcast over 600 race meetings per year in native HD, including all the action from the major festivals, starting with Jump racing's flagship fixture, the Cheltenham Festival, which gets underway on March 15.

EXCLUSIVE: The Sky Premiums HD closure for the SA V+ HD box not set to happen before March 2016

We have seen unconfirmed reports that The Sky Premiums HD closure for the SA V+ HD will not happen before March 2016.

Guardian Media: UKTV snaps up EastEnders re-runs from BBC3 as part of Watch relaunch

Story from Guardian Media:

UKTV has struck a deal to air same-day repeats of EastEnders and bring back the popular weekend omnibus of the BBC1 soap, as part of a revamp of Watch into a more female-focused channel under the new brand W.

The Sky Premiums HD closure for the SA V+ HD box isn't this month

Virgin Media UK Worker "BenMcr" has confirmed today on Cable Forum that The Sky Premiums HD closure for the SA V+ HD box isn't this month.

Media Boy HQ has not been given info on when the Sky Premiums HD closure for the SA V+ HD boxes will happen.

Bike TV launches on Virgin Media UK

Bike TV has today launch on Virgin UK Channel 552.

Also Extreme Sports has been removed from Virgin UK Channel 525.

Guardian Media: BBC to launch online TV channel for Scotland

Story from Guardian Media:

Tony Hall, the director general of the BBC, has indicated the corporation will set up a new online TV channel for Scotland as part of a UK-wide shakeup of its spending and programme-making.

Busy day for Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has done the following things today (January 12th):

New ClublandAkaChilledNow launch date confirmed

Virgin Media UK has confirm that ClublandAkaChilledNow is set to launch only on TiVo tomorrow (January 12th) on Virgin UK Channel 345.

Virgin Media UK: Music On Demand news for non TiVo customers

Info from 'Customer News':

From January 12th Music on Demand will no longer be available to Virgin TV customers with TV M+ and TV L packages.

TV XL package customers will still be able to access Music on Demand from their Red Button on Channel 300 or via on Demand.

Alternatively, all Virgin Media customers with TiVo service can access our new and improved Music on Demand service Vevo from January 12th.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK starts BIKE tests

News just in from our Media Boy Sources "BIKE" is now testing on Virgin Media UK as of Today.

True Movies back on Thursday

Sony to rebrand True Christmas as True Movies on Virgin UK Channel 424 from Thursday.

BBC Three to go online only ON February 16th

The BBC has confirmed that BBC Three will move online on February 16th.

In November the BBC Trust approved proposals to move BBC Three online as part of cost-cutting moves at the corporation.

Rumour: Virgin Media UK to axe two Music on Demand channels

Digital Spy Forum is reporting that Virgin Music on Demand Takeover (Virgin UK Channel 301) and Virgin Music on Demand Playlist (Virgin UK Channel 309) is set to close on January 12th at 12pm.