The BBC's integrated Media Player (iMP) trial has been extended by a further two-months allowing triallists to have access to iMP until 28th February 2006.

iMP lets people legally download BBC TV and radio programmes to their PC once they have been on air, and watch or listen to the programme for up to seven days after the original transmission.

The trial has been running since the end of September, but the BBC hopes that the extra time will allow the broadcaster to gain more data on user needs and how people use the service.

Tony Ageh, BBC Controller, Internet says: "We really want to understand the benefits that iMP can bring to our audiences.

We know that there is likely to be a 'honeymoon' period of a few weeks, when our participants are likely to use iMP more often than normal. The data from the extra two months should really help us to comprehend what users want from the service and how they are using it.

"This will be invaluable for us in making our case to the BBC Board of Governors for a full roll out of iMP."

No full launch date for the iMP has yet been announced.