BBC iPlayer HD Launched by Virgin Media
TV addicts in the UK must be thrilled that they will now be able to access BBC iPlayer content in HD resolution, without paying anything extra, on the Virgin Media platform.
Virgin Media customers need a HD Ready TV set equipped with an HDMI port for proper display of the content. If one were to go by what the cable company says, over 100 million views if iPlayer have been registered in a year since the service was launched on the Virgin platform.
Virgin Media is the first provider to get access to the new service, although it is likely that it will be expanded to other cable companies as well.
BBC’s iPlayer, launched in 2007 as a client on PCs using Flash technology, has been a runaway success. People can download or stream programmes aired in the past. Taking advantage of the popularity of BBC iPlayer, Virgin Media is now promoting its high definition version.
Those who want to access the BBC iPlayer HD service have a choice of two Virgin Media bundles. One is the Size L Broadband, TV (L), and phone package, and the second is the 50 Mb XXL package (click for a quick broadband speed test) with TV and telephone services. Both bundles are eligible for a £20 credit if signed up online before May 31.
BBC controller of TV platforms Rahul Chakkara said that the BBC iPlayer is already quite popular with the customers and the new service only adds to its appeal. He said that he expected a very good response from the users for the new service.
