ABC launches Web TV service, strikes deal with iiNet

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has launched a new on-demand Internet broadcasting service.

The service, named ABC iView, offers five channels as well as an ABC shop preview channel.

It features programmable playlists as well as full-screen, fast-forward, rewind and pause functionality.

Shows will usually be uploaded to the service one day after broadcast, and will remain accessible for around 30 days.

The service has been designed for ADSL2 users - the ABC recommends a connection speed of 1.1Mbps or above. The content is only accessible from within Australia.

Because the content is optimised for high speeds, the service will be bandwidth-intensive. A half-hour TV show will consume around 125 megabytes of bandwidth.

Although users pay for it via bandwidth consumption, it is not the case for everyone; the ABC has reached a deal with iiNet allowing the ISP to offer users unmetered use of the service. It is currently attempting to make the same arrangement with other ISPs.