Advanced Television

Catch Up

Study: 15m UK homes have SVoD

UK retailer Currys PC World conducted a study into the evolution of television to investigate just how much the world of TV has changed and adapted over time. Here are a few of the key takeaways: Broadcast TV is on the decline, but the British public are embracing a multitude of new ways to watch […]

October 28, 2020

iPlayer adds classic comedy box sets

More classic comedy box sets are coming to BBC iPlayer. From October 24th, viewers will be able to watch every episode of Richard Curtis and Dawn French’s celebrated sitcom The Vicar Of Dibley, the critically acclaimed The Royle Family and the sketch show that made a star of its star, The Catherine Tate Show. In […]

October 23, 2020

ITV restructure reflects changing viewing habits

UK commercial PSB ITV is to restructure its broadcast business in a move it says will better reflect and serve changing viewing habits. ITV will establish a new Media and Entertainment Division with two new business units – Broadcast and On-Demand. The Broadcast business will continue to deliver ITV’s USP of mass simultaneous reach. ITV’s […]

October 20, 2020

Research: Lockdown increases parents’ illegal downloads

The majority of parents who have previously downloaded illegal content for their kids said they have done so more during lockdown, according to a new report from online safety advisory body Internet Matters. Nearly six out of 10 parents (56 per cent) who admitted to illegally downloading content for their kids to watch said they […]

October 20, 2020By Colin Mann

Research: Consumers delving deeper into VoD libraries

SVoD has solidified its position as a clear consumer favourite in the entertainment landscape, as the pandemic has accelerated its adoption in 2020, building on already strong momentum. Futuresource Consulting’s latest Living With Digital survey provides further detail on the evolution of the overall VoD sector, which also shows a marked increase in transactional digital […]

October 14, 2020

Ofcom consults on BBC Sounds

UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom is inviting evidence on the market position and impact of BBC Sounds, the Corporation’s streaming media and audio download service that includes live radio, audio-on-demand, and podcasts. Ofcom notes that the audio and radio sector is undergoing a period of rapid change, driven in part by streaming services including global players […]

October 14, 2020By Colin Mann

Freeview Play on Amazon Fire TV Edition

Freeview Play is launching on selected Fire TV Edition TVs, thanks to a new agreement between Digital UK and Amazon. Freeview Play is home to over 85 channels and nine on-demand players; BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, UKTV Play, CBS Catchup Channels UK, Horror Bites, STV Player and BBC Sounds. Freeview Play gives […]

October 12, 2020

McQueen’s Small Axe to premiere on BBC One, iPlayer

BBC One has announced that Mangrove, the first film from Steve McQueen’s Small Axe collection of films, will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on November 15th. The five original films that make up the Small Axe collection by Academy Award, Bafta and Golden Globe-winning filmmaker, McQueen will air weekly on BBC One. The series […]

October 8, 2020By Nik Roseveare

Portugal: SIC launching streaming service

Portuguese commercial broadcaster SIC will launch its streaming service in November. Branded ‘OPTO SIC’, it will be available in two versions – free and premium. Registration is open now, with the free version providing access to a catalogue of programmes, including TV series, documentaries and soap operas. The premium version, which will cost €3.99 per […]

October 7, 2020From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Italy: VoD close to overtaking linear TV

The increased time spent at home during the pandemic has led to a boom in demand for video streaming in Italy. On September 27th, the Digital Auditel (the ‘Total Audience’, which measures consumption through connected devices) set a new record, with 3.18 million hours of use. Research carried out by Samsung among Smart TV owners […]

October 5, 2020From Branislav Pekic in Rome