Tech
A version of the BBC's iPlayer service specifically designed for digital cable has soft-launched this morning on Virgin Media.
The application may only be accessed at present by pressing the red button while watching a BBC television channel; however, it will be added to Virgin's electronic programme guide for direct access in the summer.
"We’re delighted to be the first TV platform in the UK to offer our customers BBC iPlayer as part of our on-demand service," said Virgin Media's content chief Malcolm Wall. "The enormous success of iPlayer online has demonstrated the desire TV viewers have for viewing quality programmes at a time that suits them, and now it’s available from the comfort of the living room. Virgin Media is proud to be working with the BBC to continue to lead this revolution in TV viewing."
The digital cable version of iPlayer is broadly comparable to the web streaming version; however, Rahul Chakura, the BBC's controller of television platforms, explained that some shows may not appear on the cable service because of rights restrictions.
"The programme offering is pretty much the same as that which you get on the web, although there are some exceptions due to rights," he explained. "Regional variations, radio programmes and some acquistions are not available at present. However, we hope this will change in due course. We also hope to be able to offer High Definition programmes too!"
At present, approximately 350 hours of content are available on the cable service.
> Discuss the service in Digital Spy's Virgin TV On Demand forum
The application may only be accessed at present by pressing the red button while watching a BBC television channel; however, it will be added to Virgin's electronic programme guide for direct access in the summer.
"We’re delighted to be the first TV platform in the UK to offer our customers BBC iPlayer as part of our on-demand service," said Virgin Media's content chief Malcolm Wall. "The enormous success of iPlayer online has demonstrated the desire TV viewers have for viewing quality programmes at a time that suits them, and now it’s available from the comfort of the living room. Virgin Media is proud to be working with the BBC to continue to lead this revolution in TV viewing."
The digital cable version of iPlayer is broadly comparable to the web streaming version; however, Rahul Chakura, the BBC's controller of television platforms, explained that some shows may not appear on the cable service because of rights restrictions.
"The programme offering is pretty much the same as that which you get on the web, although there are some exceptions due to rights," he explained. "Regional variations, radio programmes and some acquistions are not available at present. However, we hope this will change in due course. We also hope to be able to offer High Definition programmes too!"
At present, approximately 350 hours of content are available on the cable service.
> Discuss the service in Digital Spy's Virgin TV On Demand forum
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