The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 said the new service, set to launch in 2008, will make make content available both streamed and downloaded, to watch for free, rent or buy.

According to the broadcasters, the partnership will create a 'seamless viewer experience' by accessing each broadcaster's understanding and experience of providing on-demand content.

John Smith, chief executive of BBC Worldwide said: "This is a historic partnership between the UK's largest broadcasters. For some time we have wanted to form an alliance with other rights holders in the UK and give viewers an on-demand service with real added value.

"The new service will contain some of the very best of the UK's content for consumers to view in one place, which will be both easy to use and great fun. By combining our joint resources we're really taking control of our destiny in a market that's moving at a fast pace."

At first, the service - dubbed Kangaroo - will launch online but will be expanded on to other platforms.

BBC iPlayer content will be listed within the new service. ITV.com will continue to feature a 30-day catch-up facility alongside simulcasts of ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4. Channel 4's website will host a catch-up service including programme information and clips, while Channel 4's on Demand service will evolve into the new service.

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