BBC to build iPlayer set-top box

The BBC is planning to build its own set-top box for iPlayer users, a report reveals. iPlayer is a free web service which allows TV license payers to stream the past week of BBC programming for free; it is typically accessed via computers however, with the exception of devices like the iPhone and the Nintendo Wii. The new set-top will hook up directly to a TV, and feed data from a broadband connection to effectively create an IPTV link.

This is made possible in part by today's update to iPlayer, which adds features such as a schedule, a larger playback resolution, and a "last played" filter for resuming earlier shows. It also merges TV and radio into the same software, enabling people to listen to the latter on-demand as well. No dates or prices have been set for the set-top.

Filed under: gadgets
Other story tags: TV, UK, BBC, iPlayer