Posted: 20th Oct, 2008 By: MarkJ
The BBC has teamed up with BSkyB to offer its free online
iPlayer Internet TV (IPTV) service via Sky's equivalent product,
Sky Player. The new version of Sky Player will include a series of BBC branded sections, with listings information and links to all TV programmes on the BBC service.
Sky Player, which offers users access to live and on-demand content from a range of channel providers, will now also offer access to content from all the BBC TV channels. BBC programme information for these channels will be listed according to its appropriate Sky Player genre.
However once viewers select a BBC programme to view they will be transferred to the BBC iPlayer site for video playback, somewhat limiting the services integration:
Griff Parry, Director of On-demand, BSkyB, says: "Access to BBC content along with improvements to the user experience will further support the ongoing success of Sky Player.
The combination of more choice and easier access means Sky Player users will find it even simpler to enjoy a wide range of TV content. The addition of links to content from BBC channels further demonstrates Sky's role as a leading online aggregator with access to one of the broadest selections of online video."
Anthony Rose, Head of the Online Media Group, BBC, adds: "We are delighted to be able to offer access to BBC TV programmes to Sky Player users. This deal further underlines our commitment to reaching new audiences by making BBC iPlayer available on as many services as possible."
Both services require a broadband connection to function properly, preferably one capable of at least a steady 1Mbps, although Sky Player is mostly designed for use by Sky's existing customers and also offers a degree of commercial content too (e.g. movie downloads etc.).