Media consumers throughout Britain will soon have the chance to enjoy their favorite programs whenever they want with the BBC iPlayer, a new video-on-demand player powered by broadband content delivery services from VeriSign.

As part of the July 27 beta launch of BBC iPlayer, the world's largest broadcaster will provide UK license fee payers with the custom software application that enables greater flexibility over how and when they access BBC content. At launch, the broadcasting giant will make the previous week's TV and radio content available online for playback on Windows PCs equipped with BBC iPlayer software. After consumers download a program, they will have 30 days to view it before the file is automatically deleted. Launched files delete themselves after viewing.

The player leverages VeriSign's peer-to-peer Kontiki Broadband Delivery Service. By allowing users to transparently and legally share content, the peer-to-peer architecture of the VeriSign content delivery service lightens the load on servers that otherwise may be overwhelmed by the demands of delivering online video. With VeriSign, BBC iPlayer users can rely on secure and reliable delivery of content, fast video downloads and high-quality media experiences.

BBC iPlayer program builds on VeriSign's expertise in delivering content on demand to consumer devices including the PC and mobile phone. For instance, VeriSign has worked closely with Channel 4, the first major broadcaster to make all its content available online, Sky and AOL. Channel 4's 4oD service enables viewers to use their PCs to catch up on popular TV shows wherever and whenever they want. For Channel 4, the 4oD service engages audiences across multiple devices and creates new revenue streams.

"Groundbreaking services such as BBC's iPlayer and Channel 4's 40D are defining the 'Any Era,' in which consumers are in charge and expect access to information, content, and entertainment any time, anywhere, and via any device," said Todd Johnson, senior vice president, global marketing at VeriSign. "VeriSign is proud to power the offerings that are shaping this new age. With VeriSign's Kontiki Broadband Delivery Service, broadcasters and media giants can better engage their audience with loyalty-building services that introduce entirely new revenue streams. And all of it is underpinned by VeriSign's secure, reliable digital infrastructure."