(22 April 2009 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: BBC's HD channel is now available via BBC iPlayer, enabling users to stream HD programmes for seven days after first broadcast or downloading and watching them within 30 days.

BBC HD – the BBC's free-to-air high definition channel, available on satellite and cable – features a wide range of programmes from across other BBC TV channels.

Upcoming highlights on the BBC HD channel that can now be enjoyed in HD via BBC iPlayer include the next three Doctor Who specials across 2009, the new series of Dragons' Den, children's show Kerwhizz, the BBC's revival of classic sitcom The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin starring Martin Clunes and daytime drama Moving On.

Alongside the introduction of BBC HD programmes on BBC iPlayer, higher quality streams are also available from today within a new resizable media player.

Previously only available to BBC iPlayer Labs users, the media player allows users to select a new large playback window size. In the new large video window size, BBC iPlayer users can enjoy video streams which are nearly twice as good as the previous High Quality format, which now becomes the default setting for the smaller video playback window.

Additionally, new adaptive bitrate technology will automatically deliver the best possible viewing experience by detecting the amount of bandwidth available and switching streaming options accordingly.

Other features unveiled include a new internet speed diagnostics page and the full release of the new BBC iPlayer Desktop, the Adobe-AIR based cross-platform manager that allows Windows, Mac and Linux users to download BBC programmes, including those in HD.

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