SeeSaw launches new paid-for premium content
SeeSaw has launched its second generation paid-for TV service with enhanced functionality and premium content.
The new paid-for service, which will now offer rental content from 99p per episode up to £17.99 for a series, has improved usability and a range of new “high quality British and international programming”.
SeeSaw customers will now be able to rent individual episodes or a full series of TV shows for a fee, as well as continue to access the 3,000 hours of free content on the site.
The premium service will offer a range of US content, including South Park, The Hills and Laguna Beach, after SeeSaw secured deals with MTV Networks channels Comedy Central and MTV.
The US content will add to the service’s existing offering of Britsh comedies and drama, which include shows such as Gavin & Stacey, Only Fools and Horses, The Royle Family and Planet Earth.
The new charging structure, and programming that users will have to pay for, is similar to the regimes used by rival TV services such as Channel 4’s 4oD and Channel Five’s Demand Five.
SeeSaw is expected to be able to offer more than 5,000 hours of programming next month, following potential deals with other studios. It is understood that the service is close to signing a deal with Disney to allow users to rent programmes including Lost and Ugly Betty.
Along with more content, SeeSaw has also improved navigation on the new service in a bid to allow viewers to browse programmes more easily, and improved the search facility for catch-up content.
In addition, users will also be able to share SeeSaw links on all major social networks and browse new editorial ‘collections’ pages due to the upgrade.
Pierre-Jean Sebert, CEO of SeeSaw, said: “Today’s announcement marks the next phase in the evolution of the UK’s most exciting online TV service. Since launch, SeeSaw has connected with one million TV lovers across the UK with a mixture of great content, a high quality viewing experience and simplicity of use.
“Going forward, we are confident that our blend of free and premium programming will enhance the appeal of SeeSaw to both viewers and advertisers.”
John Keeling, platform controller, added: “We continue to roll out enhanced functionality and new services ahead of schedule and feedback from users to date has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to introducing great entertainment content from the major Hollywood studios across the summer months and to giving our viewers what they are asking for.”