The BBC is offering viewers the chance to download TV programmes over the internet with a new initiative it hopes will become 'iTunes for the broadcasting industry'.
The BBC is offering viewers the chance to download TV programmes over the internet with a new initiative it hopes will become "iTunes for the broadcasting industry".

The corporation is to trial in September its so-called interactive Media Player (iMP), which will allow broadband computer users to download TV and radio programmes, and watch or listen to them for up to seven days from the original transmission date.

"iMP could just be the iTunes for the broadcast industry, enabling our audience to access our TV and radio programmes on their terms - anytime, any place, any how," said the BBC's director of new media and technology Ashley Highfield.

As part of the trial, around 190 hours of programmes - including soaps and feature films - will be made available, as well as 310 radio programmes. Computer users can search for programmes and download previous episodes they may have missed.

Five thousand people will take part in the trial, and the corporation is looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in taking part should email imptrial@bbc.co.ukincluding their name, contact details, age and postcode.

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