First look at Virgin Media powered by TiVo

The user interface for Virgin Media's television offering has needed an overhaul for some time, and the TiVo deal has obviously provided this in spades.

The new interface, which is very similar to the US TiVo offering, is bedecked in Virgin Media's red, black and gold and the TiVo branding is fairly muted.

"Through its dedicated 10Mb cable broadband modem, which is built into the personal video recorder, the new platform will also bring the ever-growing popularity of the app store to the living room for the first time, doing for TV what the iPhone and Android have done for the mobile phone," states Virgin.

"Built on an Adobe Flash-based platform, the latest videos, social networking and information apps will be updated regularly.

"The service launches initially with apps from major web brands including catch-up TV from BBC iPlayer, videos from YouTube, shopping from the online marketplace eBay, Tweets from Twitter and photos from sites such as Facebook, and the app line up will expand over the next several months."

Virgin Media TiVo UI: Home screen

The Home screen is an immediate showcase for just how different the user interface is – with a so-called discovery bar running along the top and showing off a much more graphical experience.

Options include Apps and Games, My Shows and Recordings and Catch Up & On Demand – along with a host of options for each.

Virgin Media TiVo UI: EPG Grid

The familiar EPG is in place – as you would expect – although it has been given a huge overhaul and is far more pleasing on the eye.

Virgin Media TiVo UI: My Recordings

My Recordings has been given a welcome spruce-up as well – grouping programmes and, again, using the discovery bar to make things look a little more exciting.