What is BBC iPlayer, and how does it work?

BBC iPlayer is part of bbc.co.uk and it allows you to watch the TV on your computer.

You can also catch up with programmes from the past week that you've missed or want to watch again, by playing them directly using the BBC iPlayer or by downloading them to your computer to view at a later date.

Just go to the BBC iPlayer website and look for programmes you want to watch. You can browse by channel or by different genres, or try the search box to find something interesting. A wide range of BBC TV programmes from the past seven days from most of the television channels are available to watch or download.

You choose what you want to watch and either play the programme via a method known as 'streaming', or download it to your computer to watch when it suits you.

Hopefully you can just choose a programme and hit the play button. If you have an older computer, you may be asked to download 'Flash Player', which will play the programme. Most modern computers and laptops have up-to-date software which should be fine.

We have a full set of help pages to help you understand how to get iPlayer working.

When you hit the play button, the first part of the programme gets sent over the internet and then starts to play in the iPlayer window (much like a TV screen).

At the same time as you watch, more of the programme is received or 'streamed' in the background which you then get to watch without gaps or interruption. Occasionally the programme might stop, depending on the speed of your internet connection, but it should quickly start again from the same place.

If you have problems using iPlayer, you can test your internet speed by going to the 'How to test your internet speed' web page.

BBC iPlayer Desktop allows you to download and play programmes on your computer so that you can watch them when you are not connected to the internet. You have to download a small piece of software from the BBC iPlayer website which you then use to select and download. You can set it so that it downloads overnight.

You can also watch and download 'true' high definition (HD) versions of some programmes, but you may need a faster internet connection and a more modern computer with a good graphics card. The HD help page gives you more information if you have problems.

As more people get the latest mobile phones and other mobile devices, the BBC is beginning to offer versions of iPlayer for your mobile. You need to check your contract with your mobile phone network operator to find out about bandwidth and the cost involved.

Many mobile devices have Wi-Fi options which - if you are in range of a wireless connection at home or a wireless hotspot - might be cheaper.

You can also download the iPlayer as an 'app' for many smartphones and tablet computers such as the iPad.