Christmas Day saw the official launch of the BBC's much anticipated online iPlayer, with television adverts pushing the playback service to viewers.

The controversial service offers broadband users then chance to catch-up on programmes shown in the past week, although it has already encountered problems.

The added cost of the broadband width required for iPlayer, estimated at £830 million, has led to internet providers asking that the BBC share the financial burden.

There have also been complaints that broadband users have to use Microsoft technology to use the service, including exclusive compatibility of the browser Internet Explorer.

Speaking before the launch of iPlayer, Ashley Highfield, the BBC's director of new media and technology, said: "Everything we do here is around technology innovation, to keep the BBC relevant in the digital age."

The BBC is also showing the Christmas Dr Who at several outdoor screenings on December 27th.

The screenings will be on a loop and will be held in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Hull, Derby, Rotherham and Bradford to promote the iPlayer launch.


Thursday, 27th December 2007

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