Virgin 1 launch date confirmed as 1st October

The launch date for Virgin 1 will be the 1st October, it has been confirmed. The channel will broadcast on Freeview (on Ftn’s slot), cable and Sky. Virgin 1 will be 24 hours on all platforms, except Freeview (where it may be 6pm to 6am only). Ftn will close down when Virgin 1 launches on all platforms.

Three new +1 channels for Virgin Media

Customers in ex-NTL areas of Virgin Media will now note they have UKTV History on channel 204, UKTV Documentary +1 on channel 209 and UKTV Food +1 on channel 261. Ex-Telewest areas already had these channels.

Emap radio channels move

A couple of the Emap radio channels have moved multiplexes – Smash Hits and Heat. This means Heat is available across the country, whereas Smash Hits is no longer available in Wales. You may need to rescan you set top boxes to keep these channels.

Setanta Sports News to be produced by ITN

ITN will be the producers in charge of new Virgin/Setanta venture, Setanta Sports News when it launches later this year. Setanta Sports News originally had a deal with another company, who withdrew from the channel, meaning the launch has been pushed back. Setanta Sports News is thought to be available on cable and Sky when it launches, and will prove a strong rival to Sky Sports News. It will also prove to be a strong marketing tool for the other Setanta channels – which now show selected Premier League football matches – and are free to Virgin Media XL TV customers.

Prem Plus channel removed

The now defunct Prem Plus channel has been removed from the Virgin Media EPG (it used to be on channel 501).

[Edited] Teachers’ TV now airs 4pm to 5pm

The new broadcast hours for Teachers’ TV on Freeview have now come into effect. Teachers’ TV now airs between the hours of 4pm and 5pm on Freeview.

Related: Teachers’ TV listing on Freeview.co.uk.

Edit: Please see comments from a contact at Teachers’ TV – the broadcast hours will not be changed at the moment, so the old broadcast hours are still in effect (not 4pm to 5pm).

Virgin 1 advert now airing

The first TV advert for Virgin 1 is now showing on selected TV channels – including Living and Ftn. I’ve been hunting through YouTube and found a capture of it (below) – enjoy! Virgin 1 is expected to launch on cable, Freeview and Sky within the next month.

Advert now available at virgin1.co.uk – Click here to view (SWF format).