BBC closer to offering TV over internet

The BBC is one step closer to launching TV over the internet following a successful consumer trial of the service.

BBC’s director of new media and technology Ashley Highfield today said he believed that TV over the internet could revolutionise broadcasting following the trial of the BBC’s Integrated Media Player (iMP).

Highfield said that research showed iMP increased the viewing of BBC programmes, extended peak-time and built loyalty.

During the trial, iMP offered downloadable BBC television and radio programmes on a catch-up basis via the PC to a closed panel of 5,000 triallists for four months between November 2005 and February 2006.

“This research gives us the first glimpse into viewing behaviour in the on-demand future,” Highfield said. “It provides the first significant clues as to how TV programmes over the internet could revolutionise broadcasting, and prompt a wider, cultural shift in television consumption.”

Triallists consistently watched on average two programmes a week via iMP during the period of the trial, the equivalent of an hour’s viewing per week, despite a limited range of content. “This is equivalent to 6 per cent of a typical household's BBC viewing in a week,” said Highfield. “Consumption was consistent over the period of the trial, and the iMP appealed equally to men and women.”

While the main reason for usage was to catch up on favourite programmes, iMP also introduced users to new titles, he said.

Research showed that most viewing took place between 10.00 and 11.00pm, thus potentially extending peak time usage for an hour after the traditional linear peak time of 7.00-10.00pm.

The most popular TV programmes in the trial were: EastEnders, Little Britain, Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, Bleak House and Top Gear.

The results of the research into iMP will underpin the development of the proposed MyBBCPlayer, which “aims to put the audience in the driving seat” by offering users live streamed television and radio as well as a downloadable seven-day catch-up service of tv and radio programmes. The launch of MyBBCPlayer will be subject to the necessary public value test and approvals as outlined in the Government’s White Paper on the BBC Charter.