News 

Cable viewers can catch up on BBC programmes by pressing the red button on any BBC channel.Unusually for a TV-based service, it includes the ability to search for content. Access to iPlayer through Virgin Media's Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) menu is due in the summer.

Malcolm Wall, chief executive of Content at Virgin Media, is naturally delighted.

"The enormous success of iPlayer online has demonstrated the desire TV viewers have for viewing quality programmes at a time that suits them," he said.

However Virgin users

ADVERTISEMENT

will not have access to all the iPlayer content. Rahul Chakkara, the BBC's controller of TV Platforms explained that there are some exceptions due to rights. Regional variations, radio programmes and some acquistions are not available at present, though he hopes that this will change. High definition programmes are also on the agenda.

Ashley Highfield, the outgoing head of Future Media & Technology at the BBC, made Virgin compatibility a priority, once iPlayer was up and running on computers. The service is also available through Nintendo's Wii games console and, unofficially, on Sony's PlayStation 3.