Catch-up TV gets a face-lift as new-look iPlayer launches

A new version of the BBC's iPlayer launches today, following a facelift to give the service a new design and some new functionality.

In addition to making it easier for users to find the programmes they're looking for, the BBC says that personalisation is the key to the revamp, with tools to allow users to change their viewing experience to suit their preferences. In addition, the Beeb has added the obligatory social media integration, so that twitterers and Facebookers can share their favourite shows on their favourite social networking platforms.

“A main theme here is personalisation,” writes James Hewines, iPlayer product lead, on the Beeb's blog. “Simply put, that means a way to get the programmes you love with less clicking. And we wanted to connect BBC iPlayer up with the users' online interactions with friends – to bring a social dimension to watching and listening.”

Other improvements to the service include the ability to download a programme before it is broadcast in order to watch it as soon as the broadcast finishes, and the ability to create lists of favourite shows. In fact, the new version of the service launching today has been in beta testing since June, with around 700,000 programme's added to users' favourites lists, including Doctor Who, Eastenders, Top Gear and Sherlock.

Now the update is being rolled out across all iPlayer users: the first such facelift that the iPlayer has had since it first arrived on our computers at the end of 2007. With more than 18 million hours of video watched on iPlayer every month across a variety of platforms, the service has certainly made itself a household name and a firm favourite amongst many; and the Beeb is hoping that careful research and intelligent updating means that the changes won't upset anyone.