BBC Sport launches connected TV app

The BBC has launched a new sport app for connected TVs, including Virgin Media’s TiVo, which will enable audiences to access BBC coverage of major sporting events through the Red Button. Through the app the BBC has been able to integrate linear TV with its online and on demand content. Although the initial focus will be on Formula 1, where the BBC has live rights to selected races, the app will also be used for Euro 2012, Wimbledon and the London 2012 Olympics, where the BBC is providing 24 broadcast streams. “We are very excited to be launching our new BBC Sport app and Red Button service for connected TVs. Today’s launch will ensure we bring our next-generation TV experience to sports fans across the UK, integrating TV and online content seamlessly at the click of a button,” said Phil Fearnley, general manager for News and Knowledge in the BBC’s Future Media division. The new BBC Sport app will sit alongside the existing BBC News and iPlayer apps also available for connected TVs. Initially the app will be available on the Virgin TiVo platform, through the Red Button, with the intention of adding it to a wide variety of other devices in advance of the Olympics. The BBC News app will also be added to Virgin Media TiVo homes for the first time. Around 500,000 Virgin cable homes have the TiVo platform. Virgin Media is still working with the BBC on the best means to distribute the additonal content including whether or not they will have a place in the EPG.