The ‘A-team’ of installers hit the UK for TiVo

Virgin Media enlists the help of Mr T and Daisy Duke to unveil new fleet of TV themed super-vans

Virgin Media today unveiled its brand new fleet of TV and film themed super-vans. The vans, based on some of the most iconic telly vehicles of our time, will be rolled out across the UK to deliver Virgin Media’s new set top box powered by TiVo.

An on-line poll of more than 1000 people, conducted by Virgin Media, revealed that the top spot in today’s best loved TV vehicles went to General Lee, the Dukes of Hazzard modified Dodge Charger with its trade-marked orange hue and doors welded shut. The A-Team’s distinctive black and red van secured second position in the poll, which became a hit with viewers thanks to B.A. Baracas, aka Mr T, and his motley crew, first in the 80s TV series and then in last year’s blockbuster of the same name. Both will now feature in the brand new fleet of TiVo supervans. As the new vans were handed over to their engineers, Virgin Media enlisted the help of a Daisy Duke look-a-like and a very convincing Mr T to give Virgin Media ‘A-Team’ installers a quick briefing, Baracas-style, to get them into the spirit.

Other designs most loved by Brits included the Gran Torino from Starsky and Hutch, Disney favourite Herbie, the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo and Greased Lightning, made famous in the movie musical Grease. All of these will also feature in Virgin Media’s six TV show themed designs.

The super fleet will now be travelling up and down the UK from Perth to London delivering Virgin Media’s TiVo box to customers* and although Mr T won’t be driving the vans himself customers may well find enthusiastic installers customising their uniforms on launch day, and donning accessories such as the Stetson hats worn by Bo and Luke Duke and the chunky knitwear made famous by Starsky and Hutch.

Lauren Rees, a Virgin Media installer who was there to help launch the vans, said: “It was a bit of a shock to turn up to work and be met by a very convincing Mr-T and Daisy Duke, but I am so excited to be delivering TiVo in vans made famous by some of my favourite TV shows. We’ve already been getting a fantastic response from customers receiving TiVo, but now we’ll create an impact just driving up the road. I’ve even been inundated with people begging for a lift!”

Maurice Daw, executive director of access at Virgin Media, said: “We want to bring the total entertainment experience to our customers and it’s the extra touches that really make a difference – we hope the new fleet will make our customers smile and make the installation process a fun one. TiVo is all about delivering the best on the telly and personalising your viewing experience so it makes sense if we’re giving you your TV favourites on one box that we use the UK’s favourite TV vans to deliver it!”

For further information about Virgin Media’s TiVo box visit www.virginmedia.com/tivo

Notes to Editors:

The Virgin Media TiVo super-vans will be delivering TiVo across the UK from August 17th

*Not all customers receiving a TiVo install will be guaranteed a themed van; install by one of the fleet will be dependent on availability.

About Virgin Media: TiVo Service

Virgin Media’s TiVo box has already caused a stir since it launched, combining the live TV schedule with catch-up TV as well as a huge library of on-demand content and popular web-based applications. Viewers can:

· Combine a live TV schedule with catch up TV, as well as an extensive library of on-demand programming

· Scroll back for up to seven days to catch up on missed shows

· Create a ‘wishlist’ then let Virgin Media’s TiVo box ‘remember’ to record favourite shows.

· Record three programmes whilst watching a fourth

· Give thumbs up and thumbs down to programmes and let TiVo record other shows that it thinks you might like

· Record favourite shows and full series at the touch of a button via the TiVo remote record app

For more information contact:
Press Office
e: pressoffice@virginmedia.co.uk


About Virgin Media

Virgin Media is the first provider of all four broadband, TV, mobile phone and home phone services in the UK.

The company delivers ultrafast broadband connections to over half of all UK homes, with speeds of up to 100Mb, and is expanding this cable network – the result of a multi-billion pound investment – to reach thousands more people across the country.

Virgin Media has developed the most advanced interactive television service, bringing together broadcast TV, thousands of hours of on demand programming and the best of the web in a single set-top box powered by TiVo. The company was the first to offer HD TV and 3D on demand to millions of UK households.

Virgin Media also operates the most popular virtual mobile network in the UK which, when launched, was the world’s first such mobile phone service. It is also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.

Virgin Media Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the London Stock Exchange (VMED). For more information, go to www.virginmedia.com.