BBC launches new Live Restart functionality for BBC iPlayer

Viewing live TV on BBC iPlayer will be better than ever with the launch of Live Restart, an upgrade which enables audiences to rewind and restart live TV without waiting for the programme to end.

Launched today, Live Restart ensures that audiences never miss a moment of their favourite BBC TV programmes on their PC. With one click, viewers can either restart the live programme they are currently watching, or scroll back to watch programmes from the previous two hours.

A first in the UK, this new feature builds on BBC iPlayer’s strategy of moving beyond catch-up and make watching live content even better online. With live requests making up more than 22% of total BBC iPlayer requests on the PC in April 2012 – an increase of 18% on April 2011 – the BBC is seeing significant growth in demand for live content on its iPlayer.