BBC extends iMP trial by two months
The BBC is extending the second phase of its integrated media player (iMP) trial. Five thousand broadband users are currently taking part in the TV-via-internet-download trial, which launched in September. The trial had been due to close this month, but the corporation says it is extending it to the end of February in order to "gain more data on user needs and how people use the service".
The iMP application allows users to download television and radio programmes to their PCs up to seven days after a show has broadcast. The service uses peer-to-peer distribution technology; programmes are automatically deleted after seven days and cannot be e-mailed or shared with other users.
Tony Ageh, BBC Controller, Internet, said the additional research data over the Christmas period would be "invaluable" for BBC managers as they prepare their case for the BBC's governors who have final say on whether the service is rolled out next year.
"We really want to understand the benefits that iMP can bring to our audiences," said Ageh. "We know that there is likely to be a 'honeymoon' period of a few weeks, when our participants are likely to use iMP more often than normal. The data from the extra two months should really help us to comprehend what users want from the service and how they are using it."
Five hundred programmes will available over the Christmas week, including the Queen's speech and seasonal specials of Casualty, Doctor Who, French and Saunders and My Family & Other Animals, plus Radio 3's A Bach at Christmas and The Goon Show: A Christmas Carol, which is being broadcast on BBC Radio 7.
Links open in a new window. The DTG is not responsible for the content of other web sites.