Seesaw is the multi-channel online TV catch-up service that was once Project Kangaroo – a collaboration between Channel 4, ITV and the BBC that was blocked by the Competition Commission. It’s been reborn as a new commercially-owned free catch-up service with content from the BBC, Five and Channel 4. Seesaw is currently in beta but we managed to snag an invite to give you our first impressions…
Seesaw, which is now run by Arqiva, has the same kind of intuitive interface that you’ll be used to from using 4OD or the BBC iPlayer. Shows stream using flash and it’s compatible with both Macs and PCs.
Seesaw’s home screen gives you a good selection of content to choose from with a scrolling bar of featured shows at the top, a selection of recent shows you may have missed and curated sets of themed shows lower down (we’ve seen ones dedicated to Doctor Who and tricksters so far).
The range of content on Seesaw is quite wide with plenty of shows from the BBC, Five and Channel 4 archives up for grabs. Channel 4 content on the service generally offers several series of long-running shows with classics like the Adam & Joe Show available in their entirety. BBC content is a little less comprehensive though there are older shows like earlier regenerations of Doctor Who on offer.
Seesaw’s attention to detail helps it stand out from the other IPTV offerings with more extensive programme information and a Hulu-esque feature which dims the rest of the screen when you’re watching a show. Adverts in the service are served as pre-roll clips and occasionally at the mid-point of the show, they’re not disruptive and generally less odious than most Spotify ads.
Seesaw doesn’t yet feature HD video but its said to be on the way. The ability to switch mid-show between low, medium and high quality helps if you’re internet connection is playing up but the service does cease to work entirely if your connection slows beneath 1.5Mbps. Also, given that’s Seesaw’s still in beta, there are occasional hiccups when shows fail to continue after an ad break.
Seesaw has clearly got potential to be a British Hulu, bringing UK shows together in a one-stop shop. It just has to conclude a deal with ITV and all the free-to-air British channels will be there. We were impressed but would love to see streaming TV and HD quality clips added. It’s also set to get competition this year from Hulu’s UK launch. To get your beta invite to Seesaw, just head over here.
Out now (in beta) | £free | Seesaw
