Virgin Media O2 helps streamers save with launch of new flexible entertainment service “Stream” that makes older TVs smarter

• Stream from Virgin Media brings together favourite entertainment subscriptions and free TV channels under one roof and at great value, underpinned by the company’s unparalleled connectivity
• Customers can get 10% credit back every month on the subscriptions they add to Stream, plus fuss-free 30-day contracts mean customers can pick and mix to suit them
• Disney+ launches on Virgin TV for the first time with Stream

Virgin Media O2 is today unmasking its 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.