The BBC has launches its Sport app for internet connected TVs to provide broad and interactive coverage.
Only for TiVo users at first
The firm is calling the Sport app its 'next generation TV experience' and is initially available via Virgin Media TiVo. The service integrates live TV with online and on-demand content via the Red Button.
Phil Fearnley, general manager for news and knowledge at BBC said: "We are very excited to be launching our new BBC Sport app and Red Button service for connected TVs. Today’s launch will ensure we bring our next-generation TV experience to sports fans across the UK, integrating TV and online content seamlessly at the click of a button."
Looking forward the Sport app will include coverage of events such as Euro 2012, Wimbledon and the London 2012 Olympic Games. However, the Sport app will firstly focus on Formula 1 bringing live coverage alongside extra options including on-board cameras and a driver tracker.
Although the launch is for TiVo users to start with, the BBC has promised that the Sport app will be available on a ' wide number of devices' in time for the Olympics. The BBC has also launched its News app for TiVo customers.
Fearnley added that by the end of 2016 there will be 36 million connected TVs in the UK and therefore the Sport app is the perfect way for users to access the BBC's coverage.
Comments
Maccyroo said: This is great news The BBC has embraced new technology and totally changed its previous antiquated way of providing content which it started doingwith the launch ofiplayer It is a shame that the government dont seem to realise this and either make the long overdue decision to drastically decrease or even remove the license fee altogether I have a TiVo with access to over 85 channels for around 15 month Only a handful of those channels are from theBBC and I rarely watch any of them apart from Doctor Who of courseWhen there were only four or even five channels The two offerings from the Beeb accounted for 40 or 50 of available analogue content The license fee was justified and ensured quality content was providedNow the analogue system has beenterminated and everyone has at least 30 odd channels from Freeview the license feeis no longer relevant or fairWith the BBC already talking about changing their traditionalbusiness model and setto start charging for some on demandservices the license fee should be gradually phased out and the BBC should look elsewhere to raise revenueMaybe PC Advisor could run a poll in a future issue on how people currentlyview the license fee and whether it still has validity in the modern and increasingly diverseworld of media delivery What do you think Chris