Virgin Media O2 has upgraded some of its channels from SD (standard definition) to HD (high definition) for customers at no extra cost, providing a resolution upgrade to a number of popular channels. This means customers won’t have to make do with basic 720p resolution and will instead enjoy Full HD, even if this does feel like something that should have taken place long before 2023.

Users on the Mix package will have 14 channels upgraded to HD – the new additions include National Geographic HD, Sky Comedy HD and Sky Arts HD. Meanwhile, those on the Player & Mixit packages will get seven new channels upgraded – these include ITVBe and Film4. 

Virgin will be removing the SD versions of all these channels, and going forward will only offer the HD variants. Virgin Stream already has the HD channels as standard, but now the TV set-top boxes join it.  

Last year, the BBC changed its channels on Virgin to HD by default. Today’s change reflects a gradual phase out of SD channels as TV technology continues to evolve.  

On the upgrade, David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2 said the following: “…where there’s a HD option available, we’re giving it to our customers as standard so they can enjoy some the UK’s popular TV channels in fantastic high definition, at no extra cost.” 

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

If you have a Virgin TV 360 box, then you may need to reset your series link when the SD version of the channel is removed and change it to the HD version.  

TV packages with Virgin start from £29.99 per month. Right now, new customers who sign up for either the Bigger Bundle + Sports or the Ultimate Oomph Bundle can get a free LG 43in TV thrown in for free.