Digital TV News

Channel 4’s on-demand TV service heading to PS3

Tuesday 10 August, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

PlayStation 3 users could soon watch their favourite Channel 4 programmes on-demand via their games console, according to new reports.

Channel 4 is said to be in talks with PlayStation manufacturer Sony to bring its on-demand TV service, 4oD, to PS3 consoles, as well as developing an app for the iPad.

Talks between the two companies are “ongoing” according to a report in Broadcast magazine, suggesting that they are still in the early stages.

“We’re looking to launch on the PS3,” an unnamed source told Broadcast. “4oD is becoming a platform agnostic product and will be successful because of the quality of the content.”

The service, which is likely to offer on-demand episodes of popular Channel 4 programmes such as Skins, Shameless and The Inbetweeners, would be the second TV service available on the PlayStation 3.

The BBC iPlayer is already available on the console, offering gamers a chance to catch-up on their favourite BBC shows.

The 4oD service is currently available on the Channel 4 website, via Virgin Media’s highly rated on-demand service and on YouTube - which shows full-length episodes of Channel 4 programmes.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “Online catch-up services, such as the BBC iPlayer, 4oD and the Sky Player, will require a lot of bandwidth to run properly, so it’s important you make sure your internet connection is up to scratch. Use our broadband comparison tool to find the perfect package for your home.”