iPlayer To Launch On Virgin Media

Virgin Media has announced a partnership with the BBC to launch the iPlayer onto its TV platform.

Viewers using BBC iPlayer on Virgin Media will be able to watch full screen pictures at full quality on their television set without the need for downloading.

As of today, Virgin Media customers will be able to catch up on their favourite BBC programmes by pressing the red button on any BBC channel. Access to BBC iPlayer through Virgin Media’s EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) menu is due this summer.

BBC iPlayer allows viewers to catch-up on over 350 hours of TV programmes from the past seven days, at no extra cost (see NewsLine).

Malcolm Wall, CEO of content at Virgin Media, said: “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. 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.”

Ashley Highfield, BBC director of future media and technology, said: “We have always envisaged BBC iPlayer on a TV platform and in the living room and are delighted that by working with Virgin Media, this ambition has today been realised.

“This partnership takes us a step closer to transforming the way our audiences watch TV. It also further underlines our commitment to making BBC iPlayer a multiplatform offering that appeals to a wide range of audiences.”

The BBC recently revealed that more than 42 million programmes were accessed on the iPlayer in the first three months of 2008 (see NewsLine).

Virgin Media: www.virginmedia.com