BBC readies HD iPlayer

Posted on 17 Apr 2009 at 07:42

The BBC is to start offering a limited selection of HD programmes through its iPlayer catch-up service.

The higher quality content will be available with the next version of iPlayer, both in the web-based viewer and the desktop client.

The broadcaster has not said when that will be, but did reveal that HD programmes will include three Doctor Who specials as well as shows such as Dragons' Den and CBeebies programme Kerwhizz.

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," says 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: Simon Aughton

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