The BBC has announced plans for a next generation iPlayer, with an extended viewing window, the ability to pause and resume on separate devices and new user playlists.
In his first major speech as director-general, Tony Hall also confirmed the launch of a time-delayed version of BBC One, and BBC Playlister where audiences can add and save their favourite tracks heard on the BBC to a personal online playlist.
More recommendations will be added and viewers will be able to build their own playlists.
Subject to the approval of the BBC Trust it is planned to bring the iPlayer into line with many commercial players the catch up window will be extended to 30 days – currently the BBC allows viewers seven days in which to download a show and up to 30 to watch them back.
BBC Director-General, Tony Hall, says: “The new generation of BBC iPlayer is set to transform our relationship with audiences. In the coming years, for many people BBC iPlayer is going to be the front door to our programming and the experience they have is going to be a world away from that of a traditional ‘one to many’ broadcaster.”
The BBC plans to ‘experiment’ with pop-up channels around specific events or festivals such as Glastonbury, curated by key talent, new online channels such as the new Radio 1 TV, but also on the arts and science.
Following the success of comedy pilots for BBC Three, more content will initially be developed for online viewing. This will include content based around popular BBC shows including EastEnders, Doctor Who and Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC iPlayer launched on Christmas Day 2007. It is now available on over 1,000 devices and platforms, and in August, over 30 per cent of programme requests were from mobiles and tablets.