Virgin Media unveils surprising Sky Anytime deal

Virgin Media's already extensive TV-on-demand proposition has been given a major boost thanks to a surprising new partnership with Sky.

Despite the two providers' intense rivalry in the UK pay TV market, they have linked up to roll out Sky Anytime to Virgin's cable TV customers over the coming months.

If you're one of the cable company's XL TV subscribers, you might already have noticed the newly added feature, which showcases content from Sky1, Sky Living, Sky Arts, Sky News, Sky Sports and Sky Movies.

However, if you're currently signed up to one of Virgin Media's lower tier television packages then fear not, as the on-demand service will be rolled out to all customers on the M+ deal and above from early next year.

Virgin's on-demand catalogue has been a major selling point for the company for some time, with its library boasting thousands of hours of popular shows that can be accessed at the press of a button.

The launch of Sky Anytime is a further boost for this impressive service, increasing the amount of content on offer by more than a third to over 6,500 hours.

Take a closer look at the Sky Anytime catalogue and you'll see there's something for everyone.

Some of the top programmes from the UK and across the pond are available via the on-demand service, including musical comedy-drama Glee and Steven Spielberg's Terra Nova.

Sports fans are equally well catered for, as the platform features highlights of Barclays Premier League and Uefa Champions League football, as well as international cricket and European Tour golf.

And if it's films that you're into, then look no further. Virgin Media's Sky Movies subscribers will now be able to access up to 500 titles from Sky Anytime, with this month's highlights including Robin Hood, The Social Network and Burke and Hare.

We reckon this launch will be enough to tempt plenty of people in the market for a new pay TV deal to sign up with Virgin Media. 

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