Digital TV Guides

Virgin V+HD Box

Virgin's V+HD Box is a clear challenger to the Sky+HD box. You can now get it free with TV XL (Updated 26/5/10).
Article continues below »

FREE Sky+HD box* + FREE set-up from £20 a month + HD for £10.25 a month	FREE V+HD box (£49.95 set-up) £24.50 a month** + FREE HD TV	FREE V HD box (£49.95 set-up) £6.50 a month** + FREE HD TV	from £99.99**** (aerial required) no monthly subscription
Over 50 HD channels	Over 30 HD channels	5 HD channels	4 HD channels
Pause and rewind "live" TV	Pause and rewind "live" TV
Record 2 programmes at once	Record 2 programmes at once + watch a 3rd
Record series automatically	Record series automatically
£50 Marks and Spencer voucher (Online only)	FREE catch-up TV with the BBC iPlayer and more	FREE catch-up TV with the BBC iPlayer and more
Visit sky.com or call 08442 410582	Visit virginmedia.com	Visit virginmedia.com	Buy at johnlewis.com

* For new and existing customers taking their first Sky+HD package. Get up to 50 HD channels with addtional Sky HD packs. ** + a Virgin Phone line for £12.99 a month. *** + a Virgin Phone line for £12.99 a month. **** Prices sourced from freeview.co.uk. HD box capabilities vary across manufacturers. Higher prices may apply for recorder and catch-up capabilities.

V+HD Box review

Virgin's V+HD Box has full PVR capabilities, which means you can pause and rewind live TV, handy if you need to take a phone call at a crucial moment. You can also record up to 80 hours of programmes at the touch of a button, including full TV series.

• Pause, record and rewind live TV
• Store up to 80 hours of programmes to watch when you want
• Record 2 shows at the same time while you watch a third
• Record every episode in a series automatically

Virgin V+HD Box also provides access to 12 HD channels and a library of programmes available on demand. On-demand is an area Sky still hasn't fully addressed and Virgin Media's integrated support for BBC iPlayer and 4oD is also well worth having.

Get the V+HD Box free with Virgin's XL package, or pay a £49 one-off fee if you subscribe to a cheaper plan. Visit www.virginmedia.com for the latest deals.