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The BBC is to offer access to YouTube and its hugely popular iPlayer service on television sets in a revolutionary new move.

The broadcaster announced plans today which will bring the internet directly into people's living rooms.

It raises the possibility that people could watch previously aired episodes of rival ITV hit shows like Coronation Street and The X Factor on TVs via the web.

TV revolution: The plans could see previously aired episodes of rival hit shows including The X Factor and Coronation Street, right, available in your living room on the BBC's iPlayer service

It would also allow viewers to watch video content from sites like YouTube and also access family pictures through photo-sharing websites.

Harnessing successful internet services is expected to spark a revolution in the way people use television.

At the moment nearly everyone who downloads or streams shows like Strictly Come Dancing from the service watches them on their computer screen.

But under the BBC's plans, aimed at helping out other public service broadcasters, a new set-top box will link broadband internet onto your TV.

The announcement is also part of proposals which will also see the corporation offer the chance to other major UK broadcasters to put their shows on its iPlayer platform.

The BBC has signed an agreement with ITV and BT to come up with a new service, which it is hoped will be available in 18 months.

The new development would offer existing free-to-air radio and TV services as you would get on Freeview digital service as well as high definition television (HDTV).

But it would also bring so-called 'on-demand' video, audio and web-based content, like the iPlayer to the TV set.

It is likely to involve having to spend more money on a new set-top-box, which is expected to be cheaper than upgrading existing technology.
YouTube

The BBC's plans would see new set-top boxes allowing customers to access broadband internet from their televisions

The announcement, aimed at boosting struggling public service broadcasters, also opened up its iPlayer service to rivals.

The BBC said it was looking at plans for a new iPlayer central site, which could also offer services from other broadcasters like ITV and Channel 4.

It is claimed by doing this it would make it much easier for viewers to find TV content on the internet, if much of it was available from the same site.

Different broadcasters would have their own separate areas on the website, which would allow commercial broadcasters to show adverts.

It is not clear how it would work with the BBC's similar Kangaroo joint venture with C4 and ITV, which is being reviewed by the Competition Commission.

These were among a range of ideas launched by the BBC today, that it claimed would generate £120million for the commercial sector.

But Channel 4 which is asking for millions in public cash if it is to carry on making public service said it could see no tangible benefit to most of it.

Other BBC proposals include helping to support regional news outside the Corporation and a picture pooling service proposal.

Its commercial arm would also work with other broadcasters to develop new revenue streams.

The BBC is to offer to share technology and research and development to create a digital production standard as well.

BBC director general Mark Thompson said of the proposed new TV service: 'Audiences tell us that they want more services through their television set.

'I am pleased that the BBC is working with industry partners such as device manufacturers, ISPs and other content providers on proposals which will bring real benefits for consumers.'

ITV executive chairman Michael Grade added: 'The proposal will bring catch-up from the PC to the TV set in your living room, and all for free.

'This makes convergence a reality.'

Daily Mail

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