Freesat has long been planning the launch of BBCiPlayer, which would make BBCiPlayer available for free via digital TV for the first time. BBCiPlayer is already available on Virgin Media and has fast become a core elemetn of their digital TV proposition, as iPlayer really comes into its own in full screen digital TV format.
However, according to reports over the weekend, Freesat is not yet able to confirm the timing for a beta test of BBC iPlayer. Word on the street was that the test would be rolled out in September, but this now seems not to be the case. A Freesat spokesperson said: “Freesat is unable to confirm a timeframe for the iPlayer beta beginning on the platform, but we continue to work closely with the BBC on its launch.”
It seems that the delay is down to the underlying technology of the service which has to be sorted before the beta test can go ahead. Freesat will face further problems once the service goes live, explaining to existing customers how to access BBC iPlayer. Freesat boxes will need connecting to an internet connection, which will be far from straight-forward for many households.
What is clear however, is that once these issues have been resolved, the arrival of BBC iPlayer on Freesat will mark a major milestone in the digital TV market in the UK. On-demand or “catch up” TV is starting to play an increasingly important part in viewer’s lives. Virgin Media lead the field in this regard today, but Sky and others are making big efforts to improve their on-demand offers.
If you need help to compare digital TV packages and on-demand TV services, why not call our experts on 0800 466 1047 any time, or visit us at www.simplifydigital.co.uk