BBC Launches New BBC iPlayer For TV

The BBC has launched a new version of BBC iPlayer for TV.

For the first time, BBC iPlayer on TV is personalised, specifically designed for the living room, and easy to use. The new version gives audiences the control they want directly on the TV, in a design custom-built for the living room, so the BBC iPlayer experience feels just like TV.

The new version is a new, simplified, highly visual TV-friendly design that is as simple as flicking through channels when watching TV. It is easy to use with an improved search to help you find programmes with little effort, quick access to programmes you choose as your favourites, and recommendations to help you find something new to enjoy.

Viewers will be able to personalise their BBC iPlayer by choosing their favourite programmes, viewing previous search results, and getting right back to the last programme you watched.

BBC iPlayer is now available on more than 300 different connected TV devices, and this new version - launching initially on Sony's PlayStation 3 - will be coming to many more TV screens in the coming months as BBC iPlayer evolves beyond catch-up into a complete connected TV experience.

Daniel Danker, BBC'S General Manager, Programmes & On Demand, said: "BBC iPlayer has been tremendously successful. With today's announcement, we're transforming iPlayer in its most natural home: right on the living room TV. By creating a product that's as simple and intuitive as flicking through TV channels, the BBC is bringing on demand television to mainstream audiences across the UK.

"Last week, Ofcom reported that 10% of TV sets sold in the UK are internet ready. But BBC iPlayer is already available on over 300 connected TVs and blu-ray disc players, which has resulted in a five fold growth of iPlayer on TV over the last six months alone. At this rate of growth, in the next few years we could well see over half of iPlayer use directly on the living room TV."

(KMcA)