TV's schedule for revolution - Telegraph Victoria Jaye, the BBC's Head of TV Online Content, said the new drama plans "build on BBC iPlayer as a creative platform to bring original British drama to audiences online." That treats iPlayer almost as if it was its own channel and, perhaps even more significantly, she added that it "explores storytelling outside of a scheduled TV slot or duration. Audiences will be able to discover, share and enjoy these dramas whenever and wherever they choose. Although it's an exaggeration to say that the traditional TV schedule is redundant, Virgin Media's TiVo box has long been trying to encourage users to watch a personalised selection of programmes around live events. Sky's Now TV shows the growing consumer desire to watch programmes on PC, smartphone, tablet, Xbox or via connected boxes such as YouView. Simon Creasey, the director of Now TV, claimed the addition of Sky Sports to the channel was "a landmark moment for sports fans." "For the first time you can get great value, commitment-free access to Sky Sports," he said, presumably not intending to imply that his paymasters" channels weren't great value on Sky proper. Because you can start streaming in an instant, it's perfect for those people who want the flexibility to dip in and dip out. For many, that freedom comes from the fact they no longer need the satellite dish that has been the defining symbol of Sky TV. Indeed, barely a fifth of Sky's 10 million subscribers have plugged their TV box into the internet, but the trend is indisputably growing. Luke Bradley-Jones, Sky's director of TV products, says: "We are working hard to get even more of our customers connected. With catch-up available at no extra charge, it gives customers even more value from their subscription. It's not yet uniform, however, which makes the BBC's drama decision perhaps slightly less revolutionary than it might seem. "Analysis shows that catch-up and Sky+ viewing makes up a significant proportion for certain types of programmes, particularly drama and comedy," says Bradley-Jones. Game of Thrones, Stella and Mad Men are particularly likely to be watched on demand. So, while BBC Three and BBC Four are already on board, perhaps the real landmark will be when chat shows, current affairs and news launch serious, online exclusives. Chances are it won't be too long.