BBC launches a new version of BBC iPlayer for TV.

The BBC have launched a new version of iPlayer designed for the TV, initially the new version will be only on the PS3 but it due to roll out to other devices over the next few months. It would be nice if you could access the TV version directly from the browser so that those of us with PCs connected to a TV can make the most of it (there is a big screen version that is optimised for the TV)

For the first time, BBC iPlayer on TV is personalised, specifically designed for the living room, and easy to use. The new version gives audiences the control they want directly on the TV, in a design custom-built for the living room, so the BBC iPlayer experience feels just like TV.

The new version is:

• Just like TV – a new, simplified, highly visual TV-friendly design that is as simple as flicking through channels when watching TV
• Easy to use – vastly improved search to help you find programmes with little effort, quick access to programmes you choose as your favourites, and recommendations to help you find something new to enjoy
• Personalised – make BBC iPlayer your own by choosing your ‘favourite’ programmes, viewing previous search results, and getting right back to the last programme you watched

BBC iPlayer is now available on more than 300 different connected TV devices, and this new version – launching initially on Sony’s PlayStation 3 – will be coming to many more TV screens in the coming months as BBC iPlayer evolves beyond catch-up into a complete connected TV experience.

Daniel Danker, BBC’s General Manager, Programmes & On Demand, said: “BBC iPlayer has been tremendously successful. With today’s announcement, we’re transforming iPlayer in its most natural home: right on the living room TV. By creating a product that’s as simple and intuitive as flicking through TV channels, the BBC is bringing on demand television to mainstream audiences across the UK.

“Last week, Ofcom reported that 10% of TV sets sold in the UK are internet ready. But BBC iPlayer is already available on over 300 connected TVs and blu-ray disc players, which has resulted in a five fold growth of iPlayer on TV over the last six months alone. At this rate of growth, in the next few years we could well see over half of iPlayer use directly on the living room TV.”

via bbc.co.uk