Channel 4 in talks with Red Bee over video-on-demand service

Channel 4 is in talks with Red Bee Media about using its next-generation video-on-demand service, RedPlayer. The new service launches today and offers broadcasters, mobile phone operators and content owners more features than current VoD players, including a screen that streams tagged social media conversations alongside the content being watched. Other functions allow users to set reminders on future programmes they want to watch via Twitter and text message and the ability to monitor viewer activity to see what kind of videos they like. The RedPlayer taps into the trend for multiscreen viewing, with viewers watching live television shows while communicating with others about the programme via social media networks. It is aimed at commercial broadcasters and the Red Bee Media chief executive, Bill Patrizio, confirmed existing client Channel 4 has had talks about using it to update 4oD. Patrizio said RedPlayer can be adapted so it will look different for each client. "Previously players were built for PCs but with the advent of tablets the architecture needed updating," he added. "RedPlayer is agnostic with regard to the platform and marks a new generation for video on demand platforms." Red Bee, the onscreen branding and channel playout agency, was formerly BBC Broadcast but changed its name after it was sold by the corporation to a private consortium. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication". • To get the latest media news to your desktop or mobile, follow MediaGuardian on Twitter and Facebook