The BBC have announced a collaboration with Nintendo UK to offer the BBC iPlayer
service via the firm’s Wii consoles.
Last week in a keynote speech at the annual MIPTV-Milia conference in Cannes
Erik Huggers, the BBC’s Group Controller for Future Media and Technology,
revealed that Wii users can now stream their favourite BBC programmes direct to
their TVs via the console.
Huggers said: “Working with Nintendo marks another exciting milestone for BBC
iPlayer.
“It underlines our commitment to reaching new audiences by making BBC iPlayer
available on as many platforms as possible.
“The BBC’s catch-up TV service can now be accessed on an increasing number of
different platforms � from the web and portable devices to gaming consoles. It
will shortly be available on TV.”
The corporation has been criticised for a decision to initially limit access to
the service to Windows computers, a situation which has only partially been
addressed by the introduction of a streaming version available via web browsers.
David Yarnton, General Manager, Nintendo UK, added: “This exciting alliance with
the BBC is yet another way in which Nintendo is looking to broaden the market
for its products by offering compelling and relevant content to families.
Once the service is live a message will be sent to all internet connected Wii
consoles to notify them of theavailability of the iPlayer service.