Andre Yoskowitz
10 Sep 2013 22:15
Virgin Media UK TV has added streaming giant Netflix to its cable offerings.
For the time being, Virgin will test Netflix for 40,000 customers who use TiVo set-top boxes, before rolling out to all 1.7 million of its TiVo customers. You will need a Netflix subscription to use the service.
Virgin will be able to search for Netflix shows on the same guide screens they use for pay-TV programs.
"It's a huge win for Netflix," said Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Securities. "Cable sees Netflix as a possible problem for them, an alternative to cable. This is an acknowledgement by Virgin that its customers want that type of service as well."
Virgin Media UK has 3.77 million customers, with 44 percent using TiVo set-tops for DVR.
"We're delighted to be bringing yet another groundbreaking service onto TV screens in millions of Virgin Media homes," Dana Strong, Virgin Media's chief operating officer.