The BBC has launched a new version of the iPlayer tailored to TV screens. After unveiling the international iPlayer, Auntie has turned its attentions back to the UK with the remote-control-friendly redesign which is debuting today on the PS3. While iPlayer hit the living room via Virgin Media in 2008, the new design is the first to be specifically geared to TV screens.
Read on for the features you’ll find baked in to the new iPlayer and word from the BBC about when other devices will be able to join the PS3 in the new and improved way of doling out time-shifted telly treats…
The new BBC iPlayer TV version gives you the option to navigate by channels, categories, last played and featured content. You can also save your favourite programmes and to make searching with a remote simpler, typing with the on-screen keyboard brings up suggesting as you go.
Another good addition to the new iPlayer design is that you don’t have to jump back to the main menu to browse through shows. You can look for something else to watch while the current show is running. The updated design also makes it easier to see when shows are “coming soon” or not available to view on iPlayer for rights reasons.
The BBC iPlayer is available on over 300 connected TVs, set top boxes like Boxee and Blu-ray disc players right now. While the new version is limited to the PS3 at the moment, the BBC says it will roll out to those other platforms in the next few months. Daniel Danker, General Manager for Programmes & On Demand at the BBC, says:
“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.”
Do you use the BBC iPlayer on your TV already? Let us know in the comments.
Out now | £free | iPlayer
