Virgin Media to launch NBCU’s PictureBox

UK pay TV platform Virgin Media is to launch branded video-on-demand service PictureBox after it struck a deal with Hollywood studio NBC Universal.

The move will mean that Virgin Media’s 3.5million cable TV subscribers will be able to watch a selection of Universal Pictures latest blockbusters such as Hot Fuzz and Children of Men as well as classic library titles including Scarface and ET.

Viewers can subscribe to the service for £5 (US$8) per month, which will give them access to 28 movies, many in high definition, at any point. The service will launch in July.

PictureBox is already available in the UK via IPTV operator BT Vision and digital terrestrial pay platform Top Up TV and NBC Universal has already struck deals with Polish pay TV operator The N, which is operated by the ITI Group and in Singapore with IPTV operator Mio TV.