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Live Restart update brings iPlayer closer to a cloud PVR

BBC iPlayer users can now rewind live TV up to two hours or jump to the start of the current programme with Live Restart.

The update launched on the desktop PC version of iPlayer today and will be added to mobile, tablet and smart TV versions later this year.

The upgrade continues iPlayer’s evolution from a simple catch-up service to a fully-fledged cloud video recorder with the functions of home PVRs like Sky+ and TiVo.

Dave Price, Head of BBC iPlayer says: “We all know how frustrating it is when you’re stuck in a traffic jam, or delayed on the tube, missing the critical start of your favourite BBC programme.

“Live Restart solves this by giving audiences control. With one simple click of a button viewers can skip back to the beginning of a live programme, ensuring they never miss a moment of their favourite BBC programmes.”

Live viewing requests are more than five times as popular on the iPlayer as they were a year ago, making up more than one in five viewing requests in April this year on the PC edition.

The end of 2012 will mark the fifth anniversary of the BBC’s launch of the iPlayer, after almost five years of development and scrutiny by the BBC Trust. 

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