Channel 4 launching a new catchup tv service
After the death of the catch up tv project ‘Kangaroo’, Channel 4 (one of the partners in the proposed deal) are revamping there online TV service known as 4oD.
Project Kangaroo, the TV on demand service proposed by BBC, Channel 4 and ITV was blocked by the Competition Commission last week because it would create a monopoly and stifle any competition in this emerging market.
The new catchup TV service will run alongside the existing 4oD, the existing TV on demand service that lets viewers in the UK view any program broadcast in the previous 30 days free of charge.
Incorporating the popular Flash technology media player, the service will run straight from Channel 4’s website rather than as a downloaded application.
Currently the 4oD service involves downloading a player application that runs on P2P technology to watch catch up TV. The current application will continue to be available, offering premium TV and movie streams.
Spokesman for Channel 4 Andy Pipes said:- “Visitors will be able to watch full length episodes directly in the page. This is a departure from our current pop out experience and should ensure all the information around a programme is available in one place, where the user is watching the episode.”
This development comes as channel 4 ramps up its online TV presence, seen by many as the future for broadcasting. The UK public are taking to online TV technology in droves. During the last year users have seen over 180 million TV shows through the BBC’s iPlayer – the most successful catch up tv service in the UK currently.
Research has shown that most online tv viewing now is used by viewers looking to watch a missed show.
Related posts:
- Project Kangaroo killed before it can walk
- Microsoft Online Catch Up TV Service Launches in UK
- Catch up radio streams online service plan by the BBC
- Channel 4 and ITV Online TV Revenue Soaring
- Major UK online TV service planned by the big 3
