iPlayer goes HD

Posted on 16 Apr 2009 at 17:18

Online TV viewers will soon be able to stream and download BBC programmes in high definition (HD) onto their PCs. The BBC plans to offer the new HD footage in the next version of its iPlayer TV-on-demand service.

The broadcaster has not specified when this next-generation iPlayer will become available, but it did reveal that the next three Doctor Who specials will be available through iPlayer in HD. Shows such as Dragons' Den and CBeebies programme Kerwhizz are also slated for HD release on the internet.

The updated iPlayer will allow users to customise the size of their viewing window and will also have a diagnostic tool that examines a user?€s internet connection and automatically switches the streaming options to give the best quality image.

"The new adaptive bitrate technology and speed diagnostics page help optimise the viewing experience, while the resizable window gives users flexibility to switch between different quality streams, hopefully leading to a more satisfying experience overall," said Anthony Rose, BBC's head of digital media technology.

The broadcaster also claims that there are plans to roll out the HD streams to devices such as the Virgin Set Top Box and PlayStation 3, but said that no date has yet been set.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota

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