Virgin Media O2 launches new flexible entertainment service “Stream”

Virgin Media O2 has launched a new entertainment service, Stream from Virgin Media, offering customers a new way to bring together their favourite TV channels, video apps and streaming subscriptions all in one place and at great value, with a small plug and play box powered entirely by the company’s superior broadband.

Available from tomorrow, Stream seamlessly combines most-loved TV channels with on-demand apps, popular streaming subscriptions and must watch movies to offer customers a convenient and personalised entertainment experience that works for them.

New Stream benefits include:

Value – Any customer taking Stream can get 10% credit back on the subscriptions they add to Stream and will have the ability to convert older TV models into a voiced activated Smart TV
Flexibility – No long-term contracts – customers can change subscriptions every month
Choice – Stream brings together free-to-watch apps, free TV channels and subscriptions like Netflix and Prime Video
Convenience – All selected subscriptions, free apps and TV in one place and available on one bill so there’s no need to juggle multiple payments or direct debits
Personalisation – Stream offers personalised recommendations across subscriptions

At a time of almost endless entertainment choices, Stream has been built with flexibility, value and curation at its core to put viewers in control. Customers can enjoy Stream on a fuss-free 30-day rolling contract so they can add or remove subscriptions every month, with the ability to save on their streaming subscriptions when adding them to the service.

From news channels to sport and kids TV, Stream provides a one-stop-shop so customers can easily select and swap the channels and streaming services that truly matter to them.

Disney+ is now available on Virgin TV for the first time through Stream, so customers can enjoy exclusive must-see originals, movies, series and documentaries from the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and general entertainment brand Star.

The other must-have apps available on Stream include Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Starzplay, BritBox and YouTube as well as live TV subscriptions including Sky Sports and BT Sport.

With Stream, customers won’t need to fork out for a new screen to upgrade their entertainment. Stream has been designed to convert any recent TV with a HDMI port into a voice-activated smart TV, helping customers save on the cost of upgrading their viewing experience.

Powered by Virgin Media’s ultrafast and gigabit broadband, even busy households will be able to have the very best TV experience with Stream while also making the most of their connectivity to game, stream and work all at the same time around the home.

David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:

“At a time of endless entertainment choice and a strain on household budgets, we’re putting viewers first. Stream customers will only pay for the entertainment they choose and can pocket monthly savings on the content they add – it is a truly flexible and personal way to enjoy the entertainment that matters most, at great value.
Stream is more than just a new TV service, it’s whole new way to enjoy connected entertainment. More than ever, content and connectivity go hand in hand and with Stream we’re delivering the best of both.”

At launch, Stream is available to both new and existing customers who take a Virgin Media broadband only or broadband and home phone package, offering a quick and easy entertainment add on that pairs perfectly with the company’s lightning-fast broadband – offering speeds up to 22x faster than the UK average.

Customers can add Stream for a one-off activation fee (£35), with no ongoing cost beyond the streaming services they choose to subscribe to. Stream also includes “Stream credit” offering customers a 10% saving on their subscriptions when they add them via their Virgin Media bill, giving them even better value on the entertainment they love and can’t live without.

Recent analysis carried out by researchers at MTM has shown that while video-on-demand (VOD) is commonly the first type of TV that consumers turn to when looking for something to watch, live TV is almost on a par – with 36% of UK consumers claiming to turn to linear first, vs 37% for VOD.

Similarly, when consumers were asked what TV services they “could not live without” the top three answers were Netflix, BBC and ITV – reinforcing that typical viewing habits nowadays are a blend of subscription, on-demand and traditional TV.

Additional MTM Group analysis from 3 Reasons Ltd has also shown that the TV set is increasingly the most popular way to view VOD programming, with 72% of programme streaming requests happening through the TV set, growing from 54% in 2016.

Stream offers enhanced features such as Voice Search and Control, Profiles and Watchlists so customers can cut through the chaos of what to watch and where to find it, diving straight into their favourite shows and movies in a matter of seconds no matter where the content is.

And, it’s Virgin Media’s most sustainable box yet, with the outer case manufactured from 85% recycled materials. Its tiny size means it comes in less packaging and it requires significantly less power to operate.

Whether at home or on the go, customers with Stream can manage their entertainment with ease across devices via the My Virgin Media app, simply using the app to add and remove TV subscriptions to suit their needs.

Apps

Entertainment
Netflix
Disney+
Prime Video
YouTube
YouTube Kids
Vimeo
Broadcast
BBC iPlayer
ITVHub
All4
STV Player
Britbox
My5
Music
Vevo
BBC Sounds
BaebleMusic
Dance TV
RadioLine
News
Al Jazeera
CNN
France24

fun games

Technical specifications

Rear panel

1x HDMI v2.0b with HDCP 2.2 copy protection
1x Micro-USB connector (supporting power and wired network pass-through)

Front panel

1 multi-colour LED
1 button (on/standby and RCU pairing)

Wireless

Switchable Dual-band 802.11ac (WiFi 5) 2×2
Bluetooth LE 4.2 remote control

Core system

RDK software
Horizon 4 User Interface

Visual

4K/60 fps with HDR (HDR10 & HLG)
HEVC and VP9

Audio

Support for Dolby Digital (inc. Dolby Atmos passthrough)

Power consumption/Power saving features

Low power usage (<5W)

Physical

Size: 80mm x 80mm x 16 mm
Casing made with up to 85% post-consumer recycled plastics

Virgin Media O2 launches new flexible entertainment service “Stream”

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