A new software update for YouView boxes purchased from retailers has been released today, bringing previously announced accessibility features and the ability to pause, rewind and record internet delivered channels.
The connected TV platform combines traditional aerial received channels with on-demand and catch-up content plus, for BT and TalkTalk customers, additional channels delivered via broadband.
While customers have been able to record, pause and rewind aerial channels since the service launched last year, they have been unable to do so with internet (IPTV) channels such as BT’s three sports channels.
Last month YouView added this feature to boxes supplied by BT and said boxes purchased from retailers or supplied by TalkTalk would receive the update “in due course.”
The new update, which will be rolled-out to boxes over the coming weeks, allows BT Infinity customers who purchased their own box to record and trick play programmes on internet channels.
It also contains features which will make the service more accessible to TV viewers with visual and cognitive impairments.
YouView has worked with the Royal National Institute for the Blind and other disability charities to implement a screen zoom feature and support for USB keyboards as well as the ‘Grid 2’ programme which lets users control their YouView box via a computer with a mouse or single button on a keyboard.
The accessibility options will be added to BT and TalkTalk boxes early next year.