The Evolution of BBC Red Button: From Live Streaming to Standard Definition Only

The BBC Red Button has undergone significant changes since its inception in 2012. One notable change is the reduction of streams live throughout the year, with only one stream available all year round. In addition, the original Red Button service has been cut off, replaced by pop-up channels for major events hosted on iPlayer.

Viewers who press the red button on their smart TVs or connected devices will automatically default to the web-hosted versions of the Red Button service, which is part-time and activated only when there's an event to show. With more coverage available through Red Button+ and iPlayer, speculation suggests that the current linear Red Button channel may be cut back in the future.

Red Button+, which connects with HD streams delivered through iPlayer, allows viewers with connected devices such as Sky Q or YouView or smart TVs with Freeview Play to access additional feeds of sports and music events. However, following changes to UK Olympic broadcasting rights, Red Button coverage was restricted to one event at a time.

As of August 10th, the BBC Red Button is now standard definition only on all cable and satellite platforms, although it's still possible to watch selected red button programs in HD. The conclusion of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics means that the BBC Red Button service will revert back to standard definition only, which was initially introduced in June ahead of Wimbledon.

In summary, the BBC Red Button has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the reduction of streams and the replacement of the original service with pop-up channels on iPlayer. As viewers continue to adapt to these changes, it remains to be seen how the Red Button will evolve in the future.

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