BBC iPlayer comes to Sky+
Millions of Sky homes can access their favourite BBC shows, on-demand, directly on their TV
BBC iPlayer, the BBC’s video on demand service, has today launched on Sky+, bringing the best of the BBC’s TV programmes directly to the living room. Up to 6.7 million homes with a Sky+HD box and broadband connection will be able to enjoy the best of the BBC on demand in a familiar, easy to use BBC iPlayer experience that helps audiences catch up on programmes they have missed.
Audiences can access BBC iPlayer directly from Sky’s on demand programme guide, and choose from many of the BBC’s most popular shows, including Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing and EastEnders. BBC iPlayer is available alongside catch-up TV from Sky, ITV, Channel 5, with Channel 4’s 4oD due to be added early next year, completing the line-up of free-to-air terrestrial catch-up TV services on Sky+. Sky On Demand also offers on demand access to shows from a number of other leading channels including UKTV, MTV and Discovery, in addition to movies on demand and drama ‘box-sets’ such as Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men and Stella.
BBC iPlayer has been integrated into Sky’s existing electronic programme guide and on demand menus. It contains a number of features that make it even easier for Sky customers to find the BBC programmes they want, with content separated into a series of simple categories. Viewers are able to browse through content by channel, day and genre, and can gain easy access to BBC shows in high-definition. Regional and signed programmes are also available through dedicated categories. Once a customer has made their choice, the programme is downloaded directly to their Sky+ planner for them to watch at a time that suits them.
Click on the image to download.
This landmark deal between the BBC and Sky builds on a substantial history of industry partnerships for BBC iPlayer, which is now available on over 650 platforms and devices.
In September 2012 alone, BBC iPlayer saw nearly 200 million requests for programmes, including 2.2 million for Doctor Who, 1 million for Citizen Khan and hundreds of thousands for favourites such as Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders and Bad Education. By launching on Sky+, BBC iPlayer is now available on every major UK television platform, at no extra charge, and brings the service to up to 6.7 million Sky homes.
Luke Bradley-Jones, Director of TV Products, Sky said "We’re delighted to have partnered with the BBC to bring the best of the BBC on demand to Sky customers. Providing customers with the flexibility to enjoy their favourite TV on demand, our comprehensive catch-up TV service perfectly complements the genius of Sky+, which already helps millions of our customers take charge of their viewing. We continue to put Sky customers in control, with the addition of BBC iPlayer to Sky+ sitting alongside a range of innovations including remote record, series link and now even being able to use your iPad as a remote control."
Daniel Danker, General Manager, BBC Programmes and On-Demand, said "BBC iPlayer has had a record-breaking year, with 2 billion requests for programmes in 2011, and nearly 200 million requests in September 2012 alone. Available on over 650 platforms and devices across PC, mobile, tablet and internet-connected TVs, we are delighted that iPlayer is now also available to millions of Sky+ homes. 20% of all iPlayer use is already on the living room TV. By partnering with Sky, BBC iPlayer is available on all major UK TV platforms at no extra charge, making sure our audiences can access the best of the BBC’s content at home and on the go, whenever and wherever they choose."
To enjoy Catch Up, Sky customers simply need to activate their On Demand service and connect their Sky+HD box to their broadband router. Click here for more information.
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For more information:
Matt Beake
Corporate Communications, BSkyB
email: Matt.Beake@bskyb.com
Sophie Brendel
Head of Digital Communications, BBC
email: Sophie.brendel@bbc.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
Sky’s Catch Up TV, which features the best TV broadcast over the last seven days, is available to all Sky TV customers with an compatible Sky+HD box. Catch Up TV is part of Sky’s On Demand service (formerly known as Anytime+) which also offers Sky customers access to a TV library of series box sets, classic programmes and hundreds of movies on demand (for customers subscribing to Sky Movies 1 & 2).
About Sky
Sky entertains and excites more than 10.3 million homes through the most comprehensive multichannel, multi-platform television service in the UK and Ireland. Sky continues to break new ground with its own portfolio of channels: Sky 1 combines its commitment to UK production with the best of the US; Sky Living pushes ahead with fresh and innovative entertainment formats; Sky Arts is the UK's only dedicated arts channel brand; Sky Atlantic is the home to HBO and other iconic drama and comedy, Sky Sports is still raising the bar in sports broadcasting; Sky News remains a pioneer in television news; and Sky Movies is leading the way in High Definition
and on-demand.
Sky also works with dozens of other broadcasters on the satellite platform, as well as online and on mobile through the ground-breaking Sky Go service. Sky has also led the UK into the age of high definition television, launched Europe's first 3DTV channel, Sky 3D, and offers customer even more flexibility and choice through Sky On Demand, its internet-delivered video on demand service. Since launching Sky Broadband and Sky Talk in 2006, the company has also been the UK's fastest-growing home communications provider.
Sky believes in making a wider contribution to the communities in which it operates, not least by increasing participation in, and access to, the arts, supporting grassroots sports, and taking positive action on the environment.
About BBC iPlayer
Launching on December 2007 as a simple catch-up website, BBC iPlayer has helped pioneer TV on demand by offering audiences the opportunity to watch selected BBC programmes for up to 7 days after broadcast.
BBC iPlayer has since evolved, adding more TV programmes; including entire series and films, radio programmes, live TV channels & radio station, programme downloads for offline viewing and personalisation features such as Favourites and recommendations.
Variants of BBC iPlayer optimised for over 650 mobiles, tablets and connected TVs are also available, allowing audiences to catch-up or watch live wherever they are and on whatever device – offering access on the move over 3G and Wi-Fi , or simple & convenient access via broadband on the living room TV.