Broadband News

ITV launching broadband TV

(01-05-07) - ITV has announced that it will be launching an on-demand broadband TV service to compete with Channel 4 and the BBC.

The service will offer live streaming, archive content on demand, exclusive online programmes, and a 30-day catch-up service. It is part of a new site on www.ITV.com, set to go live at some point in the next few weeks, after ITV invested £20 million in its development. Its launch will probably come before that of the similar BBC iPlayer.

The ITV on-demand site will offer simple ‘click and watch’ technology, giving instant access without the need for software downloads. Much of the site will be free to access, and it will contain a service similar to YouTube, where users can upload their own video clips.

There will be some exclusive programming made specifically for viewing on the service. This will include ‘Web Lives’, a daily series of short documentaries on typical life in 2007, by award-winning filmmaker Roger Graef.

The launch of ITV’s new interactive programme guide will go hand-in-hand with the new service. This can be customised by viewers according to their favourite programmes or types of programme, and will send them text and email reminders when their chosen shows are about to air.

Chris Eagle, Commercial Manager at BroadbandChoices.co.uk, commented: “More great news for the consumer here – it looks like 2007 will be a good year for viewers to start getting much more out of their favourite broadcasters.”