Video On Demand
The BBC began to roll out a beta version of BBC iPlayer for Freesat devices in early 2010. BBC iPlayer is an internet based service with around 400 hours of television being available on demand. ITV Player is available for Humax and Manhattan devices, while BoxOffice365 is available in beta for Humax devices.
In 2010, Freesat also indicated an intent to launch a receiver featuring the YouView service (then called 'Project Canvas') and said that the video on demand services 4oD and Demand 5 were under consideration.
On 28 July 2011, the BBC Trust approved proposals to introduce the listing of pay content delivered on-demand via broadband. The trust will allow the BBC to continue to play a part in Freesat as the plans did not represent a significant change to the approval previously given in 2007. There was no need for a Public Value Test or for further regulatory process. Under the plans some pay content, such as films, would be added to the Freesat EPG alongside the existing free-to-air content. However, there would be no adult material or live streamed sports coverage. Freesat itself will not supply any of the on demand content, but will allow third parties to do so through its EPG. Some content will also be made available through existing channels using an on-screen prompt that would take viewers to an on demand environment. Pay-TV sales would be handled by a third party, with Freesat operating the conditional access system that would underpin it. The plan is to use the upcoming launch of G2 spec receivers to add support for Digital Rights Management and where technically possible on existing receivers.
On 29 November 2011, a beta trial for the subscription based on demand movie service BoxOffice365 was added to the Freesat EPG. On 3 September 2012, The Daily Telegraph reported that Freesat was partnering with Netflix, allowing viewers to rent films and programmes over the internet on Free Time devices. However Freesat dismissed the report as “speculation” but confirmed that Freesat was talking to a number of different service providers about offering optional pay services.
On 4 September 2012, Freesat announced that 4oD and Demand 5 will launch on before Christmas 2012 as part of Freesat's second generation Free Time guide, however these have been delayed until early 2013. The Free Time guide will also feature a backwards EPG and a Showcase section offering recommendations. HTML versions of iPlayer and ITV Player will also launch, both services use MHEG-5 on first generation devices.
Read more about this topic: Freesat
Famous quotes containing the words video and/or demand:
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