Channel 5 to launch VOD player on Android devices and connected TVs

Channel 5 will launch its TV catch-up player Demand 5 to Android devices, connected TVs and the PS3 this summer.

The broadcaster, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this week, has seen viewing across Demand 5 double over the past 12 months, a factor that has helped drive more inventory, according to head of digital James Tatam.

Speaking at Channel 5’s anniversary party last night, Tatam said syndication remains a core part of its strategy, and has helped drive “huge” amounts of traffic to the video-on-demand player. As a result, it is extending the player to Samsung and LG connected TVs, the PS3 and the Android marketplace this summer.

“Launching Demand 5 on the iPad has driven huge viewing figures and we want to keep driving our iPad activity,” said Tatam.

The broadcaster has launched an interactive iPad app for the Gadget Show. This means iPad owners can hover their device over a trailer promoting the Gadget Show World Tour to unlock exclusive video content showing the making-of process behind the ad.

Tatam also said the broadcaster is on track to launch on YouView this summer. “It has been a long march but we are nearing the end, and Demand 5 will be available in people’s home on YouView this summer,” he said.

Channel 5 launched on Microsoft’s Xbox earlier this year.

source