Virgin VBox

Virgin on Monday presented an alternative for its Virgin Central digital TV service. A new device, dubbed the VBox, will let subscribers to the provider's British TV service tune into what the company hopes is the best of both worlds: while free of the need for a cable or satellite TV link, the content protection allows Virgin to beam TV channels (as many as 40) that aren't currently available with the country's Freeview over-the-air broadcasts or are out of range in rural areas. The VBox itself is also a wonder, Virgin claims, taking up as much space as a VHS tape but only consuming a small fraction of the power of a light bulb.

Although touted as free of charge by Virgin, the price requires the company's 8Mbps Internet access as well as a Talk Anytime calling plan. Obtaining the service by itself will require £40 ($79) per month). [via Digital-Lifestyles]

By Electronista Staff