BBC to Launch iPlayer

LONDON -- The BBC's on-demand TV service, BBC iPlayer, is to launch on 27 July, it was announced today by Ashley Highfield, Director of Future Media & Technology.

"BBC iPlayer is a free catch-up service for UK licence fee payers," said Highfield. "Your favourite programmes from all the BBC's network TV channels will be available to download over the internet, and watch on your PC without advertising for up to a week after transmission."

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, said: "This is a significant moment, as it heralds a new era when viewers will have the freedom to watch programmes from the BBC's linear TV channels when they want.

"It's a revolutionary service which offers audiences more value, because from now on they never have to miss out on their favourite programmes – or those that they didn't previously have the opportunity to try."

British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC)