Allowing all of the public to access the beta version of the BBC’s iPlayer, individuals need either a Freesat+ (Humax) or Freesat HD (Humax) digital box. This then needs the additional minimum connectivity of 1Mega bits per second (Mbps) to either a broadband connection or satellite dish. After loading up the BBC’s red button page for the first time, consumers will be required to enter the code, and after a “number not found” message, the iPlayer service will be available.

Speaking of the latest roll-out, Freesat’s managing director Emma Scott said “I’m really pleased that we can now expand the number of Freesat viewers who can access BBC iPlayer.  With ITV Player also due to launch on Freesat in the first half of this year, we will be the only TV platform to offer catch-up services from both major broadcasters on a subscription free basis and without the need to buy new equipment. The ability to access on-demand (television) is increasingly important to viewers, and Freesat’s exclusive ability to offer this to TV viewers without a subscription demonstrates our strategy of innovation and long term growth for the platform.”

Making the announcement on the BBC’s official internet blog, BBC’s head of TV platforms, Rahul Chakkara, revealed alongside news of the upcoming beta trial, that watching iPlayer through Virgin Media now accounted for almost a quarter of all use. Becoming available on the Virgin Media platform in June 2008 he said that 200 million programmes had now been watched since the service launched.

Whilst plans were unveiled for the roll-out through HD ready Freesat boxes Mr Chakkra also responded to problems that have been seen through games console systems. Whilst iPlayer is available for viewing through both Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii games consoles, the latter has experienced a number of problems. Adapting the iPlayer code for viewing through TV across a range of platforms had been “a challenge” he explained. “This is a fast changing and evolving industry. Many of our assumptions will be challenged with time. We will keep coming back to the products and update them where appropriate,” he wrote on the blog.

After plans for an iPlayer conglomerate including ITV, Channel 4 and Five was rejected last week, the BBC have announced plans to take their iPlayer global to allow the sharing of content and to create revenue streams. The BBC’s division in charge of creating profit, BBC Worldwide, revealed that the proposed iPlayer would allow prices to be charged in respect to a show’s popularity. BBC.com’s managing director Luke Bradley-Jones, who also heads US digital operations for BBC Worldwide, said “Millions of people love Torchwood and would probably pay 10 bucks an episode rather than two bucks.”

Currently since its launch in 2007, the UK based iPlayer has received half a billion hits. Whilst current content would not be available on the global iPlayer due to clearance for worldwide rights, the new prototype player is said to be six months into the development stage. Requiring authorisation from BBC governing regulator BBC Trust, the international site would contain specifically created or altered content to allow viewers from all over the world.

Meanwhile, Mr Bradley-Jones also said that from next month BBC mobile apps will start to appear. Costing approximately $2 he explained the software had been developed due to “a much higher willingness to pay for content.”