UK cable operator Virgin Media has confirmed the beta launch of its first online and mobile TV service. It plans a full launch by the end of the year.

Virgin Media Player will be available for XL TV customers to trial by registering at virginmedia.com/player. The cable operator has confirmed hundreds of hours of content for the trial, including programming from channels ITV, Living, Disney, Cartoon Network, National Geographic and, following a new agreement with MTV Networks UK & Ireland, a raft of MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon shows, including South Park, Jersey Shore, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants and The Hills.

Virgin Media Player on mobile will launch with content from 4oD, Channel 4’s on-demand service, as well as programming from mobile channel MTV Snax, featuring short-form versions of Cribs, The Hills and Nitro Circus, alongside made-for-mobile channels from Nickelodeon and Comedy Central. MTV Music, a mobile simulcast channel showing music videos, will also be available.

Virgin Mobile pay monthly customers will be able to access an hour of Virgin Media Player on their mobile handsets every day at no extra charge.

Virgin Media said it would add more content to Virgin Media Player as the company prepares for a full launch, scheduled for later this year.