Microsoft has launched a free online video player for the UK, which will rival existing services such as BBC iPlayer and 4OD. MSN Video Player contains 1,000 hours of programmes including Skins, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Footballers’ Wives. Over the next few weeks the service will also begin to include a selection of […]
Microsoft has launched a free online video player for the UK, which will rival existing services such as BBC iPlayer and 4OD. MSN Video Player contains 1,000 hours of programmes including Skins, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Footballers’ Wives. Over the next few weeks the service will also begin to include a selection of HD shows.
While MSN Video Player is free to use, viewers will have to watch 30 second adverts before, during and after the programme. The service, which is currently only available in the UK, also allows users to view certain clips, viral videos and news footage from the web. In addition, users can create their own playlists and point friends and followers to MSN Video Player videos via Facebook, Twitter, Windows Live, MySpace, Diggit and other social media tools.
12/03/2010
Since the pilot went live in August 2009, MSN Video Player has significantly expanded its library of content putting up over 1,000 hours of Britain’s top TV shows online for free, giving MSN viewers full-length programmes – many set to be available in High Definition (HD).
Over the last seven months, MSN Video Player has been developed both in terms of content and features to enhance the overall user experience.
Further content deals have been signed with Endemol, Digital Rights Group, RDF Rights (part of the RDF Media Group), Shed Media, Raw Cut and ContentFilm in addition to the launch partnerships with ALL3MEDIA and BBC Worldwide.
Ashley Highfield, MD of Consumer & Online, Microsoft UK said: “MSN Video Player has been developed with rapidly changing consumer media behaviours in mind. The continuing rise in demand for online professionally produced video has enabled MSN to launch a service that has strong appeal to our users and advertisers. The latest comScore figures show that we are averaging at 25 minutes per viewer, per month on MSN Video Player, a figure that is significantly higher than many of the UK’s existing online TV services which suggests we are hitting the mark with our choice of content for the service.
“MSN Video Player will evolve and grow as a premium online destination for high quality video content over the coming months. We will continue to innovate in this space and work with advertisers, content owners and distributors alike to deliver a service that is highly valued.”
Mark Lesbirel, Director of Publishing at RDF Rights (part of the RDF Media Group) commented: “It is exciting to be part of this next stage in the MSN Video Player story. Since the launch of the pilot it has gone from strength to strength with a clearly captivated audience. We are committed to producing popular and innovative programmes across various entertainment genres and partnering with an innovative service like MSN Video Player provides us with a platform best suited to consumer demands and advertising needs.”
www.msn.co.uk/video
