BBC to officially launch iPlayer this month

December 6, 2007 – The BBC is to officially launch its iPlayer online catch-up TV service on Christmas day, according to reports, with full consumer marketing launch planned for this date.

An update is expected to fix bugs reported in the current beta version, and streaming options will be offered to Mac and Linux users, thanks to a partnership with Adobe enabling Flash streaming.  Downloads are already available for Windows users, and are expected to be made available for Mac and Linux platforms at some point next year.

The BBC reports that it is now providing over 250 programmes per week on the current beta version, which is UK-only, and in time will add radio programmes and series stacking.

The iPlayer service is also expected to be made available on Virgin Media in early 2008, and on mobiles at a later date.