Television viewers can now watch all of the UK’s free-to-air television channels online from a single site for the very first time and at no cost.
The new service at TVCatchup.com was launched to the public today (Wednesday) as an independent web-based television platform, allowing live access to a range of high quality television streams. The service carries the 18 main channels and plans to provide the full range of over 40 channels by the end of the year.
The service is expected to attract a wide audience from the growing number of people who are spending more and more time at their computers. Initial trials have proven to be extremely popular with students, commuters and those living in poor reception areas. For those unable to purchase a satellite or cable subscription, TVCatchup offers them access to the full range of UK television for the very first time.
The service will likely also come as a relief to the estimated 2.5 million homes which will not be able to receive full digital TV once analogue services are switched off in 2012 .
TVCatchup was first trialled in 2007 but was voluntarily suspended pending clarification of the legal issues arising from the streaming of live broadcasts online. The service has now resumed operations using patented technology to deliver a superior video quality equal to the best of other online providers.
During the next twelve months legislation allowing the broadcast of “television without frontiers” is expected to be introduced within the European Community . Similar legislation is likely to be adopted outside of Europe in due course.
TVCatchup will have a particular appeal to viewers overseas, especially holiday makers, ex-patriots and British forces staff who would not otherwise be able to view their favourite programmes when away from home. However, pending such changes in legislation, access to the TVCatchup service is currently restricted to only those situated within the UK.
The current live streams are compatible with mobile devices and have been successfully trialled on trains, coaches and even planes. The developers of TVCatchup are additionally working with third parties to provide home PC users with functionality similar to those offered by the Sky+ recording system.
TVCatchup is free, funded by advertising. A company spokesman said that TVCatchup was “unique” by providing complete choice for the first time to the viewer. He said: “We are challenging boundaries, we have done what has never been done before, and at no cost to anyone.”
“More people than ever are now using their computers instead of their TVs and our content line up will go way beyond conventional offerings, with public broadcasts, community TV and independently production all thrown into the mix. TVCatchup will mean their never having to miss a show ever again.”
http://www.tvcatchup.com
No comments:
Post a Comment