[HDFootyMan]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...atchup-service

Channel 4 is aiming to launch a new TV service that would allow viewers to catch repeats of its best shows from June, if it can iron out differences with Virgin Media to secure the final deal needed for maximum distribution on digital platforms.

The new channel, referred to internally as Project Shuffle, will allow viewers who missed the first live broadcast of Channel 4's most popular shows multiple opportunities to catch up with them over the next seven nights.

Sources with knowledge of the plan are quick to distance it from suggestions that it will be like Gold, the UKTV-subscription service that repeats archived shows such as Only Fools and Horses.

"In the old days, repeats were bad things – but you have to remember that this is not just an attempt to make a UK Gold, this is new, popular stuff just transmitted in the UK," said one source familiar with the plan.

The launch date for the new channel has not yet been confirmed but it is understood June is currently the most likely target, although it is thought that Channel 4 would like to have it on air earlier.

Two media industry sources said they understand that Channel 4 has lined up a Freeview slot for the channel and it is thought a deal with BSkyB has also been reached.

However, talks with Virgin Media are understood to have been more difficult, with the cable operator said to be wary about giving the green light to a channel that could provide direct competition to its own catch-up TV offering.

One source with knowledge of Project Shuffle said it is "a tiny bit like Sky Anytime but more really the equivalent of staggercast or video-on-demand on your TV, delivered as scheduled viewing".

Sounds like a Front-Row Near-VOD version of E4's greatest hits.