BBC’s interactive service gets revamp

The beeb’s red button service is being ‘reinvented’ the corporation state in order to bring ‘TV, radio and online content together in the simplest possible way.’

Daniel Danker, General Manager, BBC Programmes and On-Demand, says, “With today’s launch of BBC Connected Red Button, the BBC is seamlessly bringing the Internet together with live TV, while making the technology completely invisible. This is red button reinvented, and the beginning of the exciting future of television.”

The service will launch first on the Virgin Media cable television system as part of the deal agreed between the two organisations to create next-generation TV experiences. BBC Connected Red Button will be rolled out to other internet-connected TVs over the coming months.

“The BBC understands as passionately as we do how important connected television is for home entertainment. We’re delighted the BBC is working with us to launch another milestone in interactive services. Our commitment to this partnership of innovation means Virgin Media TiVo customers are the first to experience the latest interactive services at the press of a button.” Adds Cindy Rose, Virgin Media Executive Director of Digital Entertainment.

The BBC has been developing and evolving the red button service for nearly 15 years. The beeb note that the service attracts an audience of 20 million per month, peaking during this summer’s Olympic Games, where 24.2 million viewers watched up to 24 live streams via the red button. Other streams that have appeared on the interactive pages include Electric Proms, Glastonbury, Wimbledon and Formula 1.