Broadband provider Virgin Media has launched a trial of its first online and mobile TV player.

Hundreds of hours of content has been confirmed for the beta trial including shows from channels such as ITV, Living, Disney, Cartoon Network and National Geographic.

A new agreement has also been signed between Virgin Media and MTV Networks UK & Ireland, so a raft of MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon shows will also be available, such as South Park, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants.

"We continue to explore innovative new ways to bring our customers' favourite content to them and, with Virgin Media Player, we're making sure they're spoilt for choice," said Cindy Rose, Executive Director of Digital Entertainment at Virgin Media.

Virgin Media's XL TV customers who also have a broadband connection with the company will be able to take a first look at the beta Virgin Media Player by registering on the provider's website.

Earlier this week, a report from Ofcom revealed that Virgin Media's up-to-50MB cable service was the fastest out of all the broadband packages tested by the regulator.