Tech Shout!

Virgin Media has announced its partnership with BBC to launch BBC iPlayer onto its platform. Virgin subscribers using BBC iPlayer can now watch full screen pictures at maximum quality on their television set without the need for downloading them.

As of now, Virgin Media customers are able to watch their favorite BBC programs by pressing the red button on any BBC channel. However, by summer, they can access BBC iPlayer through Virgin Media’s EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) menu.

“We’re delighted to be the first TV platform in the UK to offer our customers BBC iPlayer as part of our on-demand service. The enormous success of iPlayer online has demonstrated the desire TV viewers have for viewing quality programmes at a time that suits them, and now it’s available from the comfort of the living room. Virgin Media is proud to be working with the BBC to continue to lead this revolution in TV viewing,” said Malcolm Wall, CEO of Content at Virgin Media.

Ashley Highfield, BBC Director of Future Media and Technology said,”We have always envisaged BBC iPlayer on a TV platform and in the living room and are delighted that by working with Virgin Media, this ambition has today been realised. This partnership takes us a step closer to transforming the way our audiences watch TV. It also further underlines our commitment to making BBC iPlayer a multiplatform offering that appeals to a wide range of audiences.”

Since last week, BBC iPlayer has started allowing its viewers to watch over 350 hours of TV programs at no extra cost. These programs include shows such as Eastenders, Doctor Who, Gavin and Stacey, Top Gear, The Apprentice as well as documentaries such as Louis Theroux.

Virgin Media is the pioneer of on-demand television in the UK. Now its subscribers have reached up to 3.5 million.