HBO launches UK service on demand

The Sopranos describes life for a group of mobsters in New Jersey

TV shows such as The Sopranos and Curb Your Enthusiasm are to be offered to UK viewers on demand in a deal between US network HBO and three broadband firms.

The subscription service will be seen on BT Vision, Tiscali TV and Virgin Media, with 50 hours of programming available initially and updated weekly.

HBO is also known for dramas Six Feet Under and Band of Brothers, both of which will be part of the package.

The channel said it would be up to the distributors to set launch dates.

HBO's programmes - seen on British networks such as Channel 4, E4 and Sky One - had "always done very well in the UK", said Simon Sutton, one of HBO's senior directors.

And he described the arrival of the on-demand service as being "long desired and anticipated" by viewers.