Get closer to BBC sporting action with Connected Red Button

A reinvention of the BBC’s red button service for bringing TV, radio and online content together, Connected Red Button has launched first on Virgin Media’s TiVo service as part of a partnership between the two organisations to create ‘next generation TV experiences’. BBC Connected Red Button will be rolled out to other internet-connected TVs in the months ahead.

Among other functions, BBC Connected Red Button will allow viewers to access more sporting streams, clips and content from a wide variety of events. Consumers will also be able to watch programmes from BBC Three, BBC Four and BBC children’s channels, and access news and weather headlines and clips.

BBC Connected Red Button arrives in around 1.2 million Virgin Media TiVo homes at the time of launch. Looking ahead, it is estimated that there will be almost 22 million connectable TVs installed in the UK by 2016, with more than 50 per cent of UK TV households possessing a connectable primary set – either directly or via a set top box (source: 3 Reasons LLP, Autumn 2012).

Daniel Danker, general manager, BBC Programmes and On-Demand, says: “With today’s launch of BBC Connected Red Button, the BBC is seamlessly bringing the Internet together with live TV, while making the technology completely invisible. This is red button reinvented, and the beginning of the exciting future of television.”

Victoria Jaye, head of IPTV & TV online content, says: “With BBC Connected Red Button, we’re starting with the TV audience who love our broadcast output and we’re curating online content on the big screen in ways that add value to their TV viewing. The audience can sit back and relax – the internet just made TV better.”

Cindy Rose, Virgin Media executive director of digital entertainment, comments: “The BBC understands as passionately as we do how important connected television is for home entertainment. We’re delighted the BBC is working with us to launch another milestone in interactive services. Our commitment to this partnership of innovation means Virgin Media TiVo customers are the first to experience the latest interactive services at the press of a button.”