Virgin Media O2 upgrades up to 14 TV channels to HD for free

Virgin Media O2 has upgraded some of its channels from SD (Standard Definition) to HD (High Definition) for customers at no additional cost, providing a resolution upgrade for a number of popular channels. This means that users won’t have to settle for a base 720p resolution, but will instead enjoy Full HD, even if it looks like it should have happened well before 2023.

Mix package users will get 14 channels upgraded to HD – new additions include National Geographic HD, Sky Comedy HD and Sky Arts HD. Meanwhile, those using the Player & Mixit packages will receive an update of seven new channels, including ITVBe and Film4.

Virgin will remove the SD versions of all of these channels and will only offer HD versions from now on. The Virgin Stream standard already has HD channels, but now set-top boxes are joining it.

Last year the BBC changed its channels from Virgin to HD by default. Today’s change reflects the phasing out of SD channels as TV technology advances.

Of the upgrade, David Bouchier, Chief Director of Television and Entertainment at Virgin Media O2, said: “…where HD is available, we provide it as a standard to our customers so they can watch some of the UK’s most popular TV channels in fantastic high definition without additional costs.”

As some channels are removed, Virgin’s leadership will change. If you’re looking for something and don’t know what number to press on your remote, Virgin has updated its online TV guide to reflect the new changes.

If you have a Virgin TV 360, you may need to reset the episode link when the channel’s SD version is removed and change it to the HD version.

TV packages with Virgin start at £29.99 per month. Right now, new customers who subscribe to Bigger Bundle + Sports or Ultimate Oomph Bundle can get a 43-inch LG TV for free.