Virgin Media to bring out 4K box and tablet

Would you be interested in the new tech?

Virgin Media has launched its very first 4K TV set-top box. It will offer four times resolution of normal high definition broadcasts.

As well as this firm unveiled a new large tablet and an online store where any UK users can purchase HD content but not 4K. The company had only sold rentals before.

Virgin’s competition such as BT and Sky already offer their own 4K services.

One expert said the new tech might disappoint.

Paolo Pescatore from the technology consultancy CCS Insight told the BBC: “Virgin Media will hope that this well long overdue move will help boost its declining TV base,”

“For the first time in a while its total TV subscribers grew in the last quarter, reversing a worrying trend seen over the last couple of years.”

“But despite claims that the box is future-proof, it lacks premium 4K content such as live sport and on-demand movies, unlike rivals, which is something that it needs to address.”

“However, its hands are tied due to the high fees BT Sport and Sky will most likely command [for their content].”

The V6 box also lacks newer technology such as high dynamic range (HDR), this allows images to reveal more detail and display a wider range of colours.

Virgin will be charging a fee of £99.95 for the box. It does not require subscribers to take out a new contract or pay more per month than otherwise.