BBC launches improved iPlayer on PS3

The BBC has released an updated version of BBC iPlayer on the PlayStation 3 console, with an improved user interface and better video quality.

Last month, Sony announced that a sanctioned link for BBC iPlayer would launch soon on the console, as gamers were only previously able to access the service by using the PS3's in-built internet browser.

Writing on the BBC Internet Blog, BBC controller, online media group and vision Anthony Rose confirmed that work has now been completed to improve iPlayer on the PS3.

A BBC iPlayer icon has been added to the PS3's media bar to offer a one-click link to the on-demand platform. Thanks to a new version of Flash rolled out on the console, the on-demand service can now utilise full support for H.264 content playback.

The recent PS3 V3.0 firmware update also means that iPlayer now utilises "hardware acceleration in full-screen mode, allowing for a substantial improvement in the playback experience".

The BBC iPlayer team has "done a lot of tuning and enhancements to our iPlayer video encoding", which includes introducing a new 1500Kbps SD quality format.

"Put the two together and the result is an iPlayer on PS3 with brilliant video quality - almost as good as broadcast television," said Rose.

He also indicated that "extra functionality" will be added "over the coming weeks", along with "fixing a few glitches" in the user interface.

"User response to our new iPlayer for PS3 has been really strong, making it clear that users do want iPlayer on their TV - something that bodes well for Canvas and other IPTV propositions," Rose concluded.