BBC Connected Red Button revealed: New features coming to Virgin TiVo boxes first
The BBC has launched a new Connected Red Button service.
Hitting Virgin Media’s TiVo box first, it adds a host of new functionality to the established digital TV feature.
First up, the new Connected Red Button will let you to catch programmes on channels that are off-air, including the BBC children’s channels, BBC Three and BBC Four, day and night.
Catch-up TV comes baked in, letting you hit the red button to be offered up previous episodes of the show currently being watched, taking advantage of the TiVo’s web connected features. Sporting coverage gets similar features, with extended clips and coverage available through the red button.
Finally, news, headlines and weather reports get expanded for the new red button service too, offering details at a glance at a press of the button.
“With today’s launch of BBC Connected Red Button, the BBC is seamlessly bringing the Internet together with live TV, while making the technology completely invisible”, said Daniel Danker, General Manager, BBC Programmes and On-Demand.
“This is red button reinvented, and the beginning of the exciting future of television.”
Victoria Jaye, Head of IPTV & TV Online Content, added: “With BBC Connected Red Button, we’re starting with the TV audience who love our broadcast output and we’re curating online content on the big screen in ways that add value to their TV viewing. The audience can sit back and relax – the internet just made TV better.”
Virgin Media’s Executive Director of Digital Entertainment Cindy Rose was glad that her team could offer the service ahead of competitors:
“The BBC understands as passionately as we do how important connected television is for home entertainment. We’re delighted the BBC is working with us to launch another milestone in interactive services. Our commitment to this partnership of innovation means Virgin Media TiVo customers are the first to experience the latest interactive services at the press of a button.”
The Beeb’s new Red Button service will be rolling out to other connected sets and devices next year, with Sir Alan Sugar’s YouView boxes expected to be next to receive the update.
