UKTV debuts on-demand players

UK multichannel operator UKTV has thrown its hat into the video-on-demand ring, revealing plans to launch of a trio of branded services.

Darren Childs

The BBC Worldwide (BBCWW) and Scripps Networks Interactive-owned broadcaster will launch bespoke VoD services for its free-to-air diginets Dave, Yesterday and Really, its CEO Darren Childs revealed today.

The services will offer a “curated” selection of catch-up and archive content that can be accessed through each channel’s website.

Dave On-Demand and Yesterday On-Demand will launch in beta in early October, with Really On-Demand’s to begin testing shortly after. Full launches will follow later this year. UK-based digital agency Capablue supported the development of the players.

UKTV’s channels have experienced significant growth this year, driven largely by FTA gains on male-skewed comedy net Dave, modern history channel Yesterday and lifestyle-themed Really.

This comes hot on the heels of recent VoD deals to launch on Sky Anytime, IPTV service BT Vision and on YouView in the near future via telco TalkTalk.

“UKTV is investing more money in content than ever before and it is important we are servicing our viewers by enabling them to access Dave, Yesterday and Really directly for the very first time, through our on-demand players – three vibrant and curated, direct to viewer, player services,” said Childs.