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BBC programmes will now be available
via the Sky Player
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BBC iPlayer joins Sky Broadband TV
Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk
The BBC has teamed up with Sky to offer its free iPlayer programmes via Sky’s own broadband television service (21-10-08).
The new version of Sky Broadband's (www.Sky.com) Sky Player will feature a series of branded BBC sections and the iPlayer’s popular programmes to download.
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"The BBC iPlayer is already free to anyone with a broadband connection"
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However, the Sky Player, which offers a similar catch-up service of free on-demand programmes from a range of channels, will send users to the BBC iPlayer website for playback once they’ve selected a BBC programme.
Griff Parry, Sky director of on-demand, said: “Access to BBC content along with improvements to the user experience will further support the ongoing success of Sky Player.
“The combination of more choice and easier access means Sky Player users will find it even simpler to enjoy a wide range of TV content.”
Most of the Sky Player content is free for Sky TV customers, but non-customers can also use the service, with entertainment, documentaries and lifestyle shows costing from £1.
However, Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, pointed out that the new partnership would make little difference to customers. “The BBC iPlayer is already free to anyone with a broadband connection, so it makes little difference if users watch programmes directly on the iPlayer website, or if they’re directed there from the Sky Player.
“This pales in comparison to the deal with Sky’s rival Virgin Media (www.VirginMedia.com), which offers BBC iPlayer access direct to your TV.”
However, Anthony Rose, head of the online media group, BBC, said that the deal underlined the BBC’s “commitment to reaching new audiences by making BBC iPlayer available on as many services as possible”.
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