Virgin Media O2 has expanded its TV service with two extra music channels that stream free of charge. Customers who take Virgin Media broadband and also have a compatible TV box can now watch Stingray Classica and Stingray DJAZZ as part of their existing package, without paying anything extra each month.
The channels are delivered as Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST), which means they stream over broadband and are funded by advertising rather than subscription fees. They appear in the Virgin TV guide alongside other channels and run a continuous, scheduled stream of programming.
New channels for classical and jazz fans
The update applies to Virgin Media customers using the TV 360, Stream (Flex) or V6 platforms. These households will see:
- Stingray Classica on channel 296
- Stingray DJAZZ on channel 297
Both channels are added automatically and do not require a bolt-on or bundle change.
Stingray Classica focuses on full-length performances of classical music, opera and ballet. The schedule revolves around orchestral concerts, opera productions and dance performances recorded in concert halls, opera houses and theatres.
Stingray DJAZZ is built around jazz and related styles. The channel shows live concerts, festival sets, music films and documentary-style programmes. It also includes artist portraits and interview-based shows that look at performers, venues and scenes linked to jazz.
Part of a growing FAST line-up on Virgin TV
With these additions, Virgin Media’s FAST section now includes more than thirty themed channels. Existing FAST channels on the platform cover genres such as classic films, crime series and factual programming, often built around a single theme or content category.
Virgin Media presents FAST channels as an extra layer of content on top of its standard pay TV packs. They appear in the electronic programme guide and can be browsed like any other channel, but they do not add to a customer’s monthly bill.
What FAST channels are and how they work
FAST stands for Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television. Instead of charging a subscription, FAST channels rely on adverts inserted into a continuous stream of programmes.
Key points about FAST channels on services like Virgin TV:
- They stream over broadband rather than using traditional broadcast delivery.
- Each channel follows a fixed schedule, similar to traditional TV.
- Content is usually themed, for example a single TV show, genre, or content type such as music, drama or documentaries.
- Viewers watch what is currently on the channel instead of choosing individual episodes from a menu.
For Virgin Media customers, this means more choice of specialist content that can be watched instantly, without setting up separate apps or accounts.
More music content without higher monthly costs
The two Stingray channels give Virgin TV users extra long-form music content, alongside existing music offerings and on-demand apps. Classical fans gain a dedicated classical, opera and ballet stream, while jazz listeners get a channel focused on concerts and music storytelling.
That said, Virgin Media’s move mainly strengthens its FAST catalogue rather than changing its core broadband or TV bundles. The main benefit for customers is a broader range of themed channels on the TV guide, especially for those who enjoy leaving music-focused programming running in the background during the day or evening.
