BBC Red Button video arrives on Freesat

The BBC Red Button video service has launched on Freesat, bringing a range of video content to the platform, starting with the Being Human spinoff show.

BBC Red Button was part of the Freesat launch in 2008, but the service lacked the video and rich media available on Sky, Virgin Media and Freeview.

From today, Freesat viewers using both broadcast and IP-connected set top boxes will be able to enjoy video content via the Red Button, as well as access the Sport Multiscreen service that accompanied the initial launch.

The move brings Freesat viewers a wide range of the BBC's video-based content, starting with the new Being Human spinoff, Becoming Human, on January 30. There will also be exclusive content from new BBC Two comedy Episodes.

Writing on the BBC Internet Blog, BBC Red Button service delivery manager Ronald Bullen said: "We are aware that still not all services offered on our legacy platforms are available on Freesat; however, this is an exciting development for the BBC Red Button team and one we hope to build on in the future."

Last November, the BBC Trust called on the corporation to reduce the cost of running BBC Red Button and improve audience appreciation of the interactive TV service.