The BBC has launched a beta version of its Connected Red Button service on Samsung and Sony smart TVs.
The service will let viewers watch programmes through BBC iPlayer service, catch up on previous episodes of favourite shows and discover new programmes as well as access programmes, news, sport, weather and children’s entertainment by pressing the red button on their remotes.
Connected Red Button debuted on Virgin Media TiVo in 2012 and the plan always was to bring it to other smart TV services.
As we heard last month we knew that Sony, Samsung and LG were testing out the service. The BBC hopes that Connected Red Button will roll out to LG smart TVs soon, but there’s no telling exactly when yet.
The service also promises viewers the ability to streams, clips and content from events like Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the forthcoming 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The service will also bring news and weather reports.
Viewers with enabled smart TVs who press red when BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four and BBC News are broadcasting will have access to the familiar BBC Red Button service that is currently used by 13 million people per week, as well as more of the BBC programmes and content they love via Connected Red Button.
Over time, the BBC will add more features to the service, including lottery results, detailed weather forecasts and improved functionality. The BBC will also extend the service to other Smart TV platforms in the future.
Roux Joubert, general manager of Products and On Demand at the BBC, said: “Since the launch of Connected Red Button in 2012, the BBC has brought audiences more of the content they love on their TV – by simply pressing red. We’re thrilled to extend this to even more viewers – and look forward to adding more features and functionality in 2014 – which promises to be another an epic year of live events from the BBC.”
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