Voom HD Networks has completed an agreement with Virgin Media, the UK-based entertainment and communications company, to trial the global Voom HD channel starting this month as part of Virgin Media’s groundbreaking 50Mbps broadband pilot in the UK, writes Andy Stout.
The deal, brokered by international broadcaster and distributor of thematic channels Chello Zone (formerly Zonemedia), marks the initial delivery of a Voom HD channel in the UK, one of the world’s largest media markets.
Virgin’s Malcolm Wall said: “With our 50Mb/s trial, we are moving broadband in the UK into a completely new world, and are delighted to be working with Voom HD to deliver a fantastic schedule of diverse HD programmes to our trialists. The 50Mb/s trial is all about working with our customers to explore a whole new range of exciting applications over Virgin Media’s unique ultra-fast network and we know that they are going to really enjoy having access to Voom HD.”
“Virgin Media is a forward-thinking company that has definitely embraced the digital future of this industry,” said Greg Moyer, Voom HD Networks. “We are very pleased to be part of this exciting trial, thanks to Chello Zone’s efforts.”
Added Chello Zone’s Louise Cottrell: “Today’s news gives Virgin Media and Voom HD the ability to take advantage of their respective leadership positions in bringing UK viewers not only the latest broadband technology, but also the next generation of television-HDTV.”
Voom HD is available as a 24/7 feed, delivered in 1080i with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio delivering six channels of surround sound. Voom HD’s programming line-up features series and specials on such topics as adventure travel, fashion, luxury lifestyle, art, live concerts, action sports and video gaming.
Since initiating its global expansion effort at MIPCOM just two years ago, Voom HD Networks has seen exponential growth in the international marketplace. More than 1100 Voom HD programming hours have been sold into more than 150 countries, and the global Voom HD channel is now available in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Voom HD has also been deployed in Canada on three branded channels operated by High Fidelity TV, and Skylife’s SkyHD deployed a daily primetime Voom HD branded programming block on Korea’s first and only HD programming service last year.
