Virgin Media brings iPlayer to its set-top boxes

Virgin Media customers can now watch programmes featured on the BBC iPlayer on their TVs rather than using a PC.

A deal with the BBC lets Virgin Media customers access the iPlayer using the red button on their remote control. This brings up a list of programmes and a search menu. Once a programme has been chosen it will be streamed to the user's set-top box in full screen.

Virgin has said that the iPlayer will also be integrated into its electronic programme guide by the summer.

The BBC claims the content will be similar to that available online, with shows such as Eastenders and Doctor Who available an hour after their initial broadcast. However the BBC has said that, because of rights issues, some regional programmes and radio channels will not be accessible.

Ashley Highfield, the BBC's outgoing director of future media and technology, said: "This partnership takes us a step closer to transforming the way our audiences watch TV."

"It also further underlines our commitment to making BBC iPlayer a multiplatform offering that appeals to a wide range of audiences."

As well as Virgin Media, the iPlayer is also available through Nintendo's Wii and unofficially on the Playstation 3.