The BBC is to begin rollout of its iMP (integrated Media Player) service to trial volunteers.

Around 30,000 registered to be part of the trial, which allows users to download selected BBC TV and radio programmes up to seven days after their initial broadcast.

A selected shortlist of 5,000 will be contacted over the next fortnight with details of how to access the iMP program. The pilot will use DRM software to render the files unusable after the one week window and will also prevent users from sharing the files with others.

"This response has been fantastic," said Tony Ageh, controller of internet at the BBC. "There was a sense from the first technical trial that a catch up TV and radio service would be extremely popular with people. This has been confirmed in these numbers; the public have been quick to realise the possibilities that iMP will bring them. It has the potential to truly revolutionise the way that people watch and listen to programmes."

The findings from the pilot, which runs through December, will aid the BBC Governors in making a decision on whether to approve the iMP for a full rollout.