If you have an iPad and are in the UK, you currently can only access the BBC iPlayer for on-demand content. That is, until now. Channel 4 have added to the TV apps and released their online catchup TV service 4oD for the Apple iPad.

The iPad app is available for download free of charge. Some had suggested Channel 4 would charge for the app, but at least to start with the service is sponsored by Heineken. This ad funded model is still going to be the foundation of 4oD service and is likely to remain so, according to Channel 4.

Only the most upto date catch up content will be available on the 4oD app initially, rather than the full suite of archived shows on their website. It has been said that developers are looking to bring the Channel4 archive of TV shows to the iPad soon. Content from the US that is showing on Channel 4 owned channels like E4 and More4 are not available either.

Sarah Milton, of Channel 4, said “our decision comes as it is now clear that the device has a very significant user base. Channel 4 considers the iPad to be attracting a particularly active and engaged audience and a demographic that is of interest to its advertisers.”

Channel 4′s move follows on the heels of other broadcasters who are targeting the popularity of Apple’s tablet in recent months. The BBC launched their iPlayer app for the iPad in February this year and they have already received 2.7 million app requests.

And following close behind was Sky who signed up in March with a TV app that is admittedly limited in functionality. ITV are still in the development process of bringing its ITV Player to mobile and tablet devices later this year.

Although it may seem to some, a long time to wait for TV apps, the iPad’s lack of compatibility with Adobe Flash, could mean specially designed applications are often the only way for users to view internet TV. And specially designed equals a long wait.

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