MSN Ramps Up Free U.K. Streaming Video

MSN is to launch a new free video service in the UK that will let stream full-length TV shows.

MSN in the UK has announced plans to launch a service that will let users stream full-length television shows at no cost.
Funded by ads, the service is set to begin next week with around 300 hours of programming, which will be extended. The beta will include content from BBC Worldwide and ALL3MEDIA.

The programs will be available to both PC and Mac users, in both WMV and Flash formats, and they’ll be streamed without DRM – but only to those with a UK IP address.

The service will take MSN Video head-to-head with the BBC’s successful iPlayer, and then Hulu, when it launches in the UK later this year.

Simon Danker, director of digital content partnerships at BBC Worldwide, said:

"Exploring what works for people in the rapidly expanding on-demand space is important for us, and the MSN Video Player presents a new avenue for us to reach online audiences."