Every BBC iPlayer device tested

Virgin Media Box
The set-top box for Virgin Media's cable-TV service gives you access to the last seven days of BBC iPlayer programmes, all pumped out to you at extreamly (see what we did there?) high quality.

Our problems with it surround the criminally slow interface, which makes it annoying and tedious to find exactly what you're looking to watch. Essentially, you need to know which day and what time the programme you're looking for was broadcast. It's a pain. But it does stream HD content from the BBD HD channel.

PlayStation 3
Using the latest 3.0 firmware, you can access iPlayer on your Sony PS3. It's basically just the full-screen version displayed inside the console's Web browser, but it supports the high-quality H.264 stream and makes for one of the most impressive iPlayer-on-your-TV experiences available.

Downloads and HD streaming aren't available, but everyone in the CNET UK offices who uses the Virgin Media service commented on how much better the experience was on PS3. TV and radio content is available, and along with Blu-ray playback, it makes the PS3 a seriously compelling UK media centre -- even if you have no interest in gaming.

You can also access iPlayer on the Nintendo Wii, but you have to use the Opera Web browser and we wouldn't recommend it.

Computers, laptops and netbooks

The iPlayer is available on almost every desktop, laptop and netbook in the UK. You can stream programmes within any Adobe Flash-enabled Web browser. Obviously slower computers may have a less glitch-free experience, but the BBC offers streams in various qualities to help people on slower machines and Internet connections.

PCs, Macs and Linux machines can all download and play back programmes offline as well. The iPlayer Desktop application is written in Adobe Air, which is a cross-platform technology. Regardless of whether you're running Windows, Mac OS X or one of the many mainstream flavours of Linux, you'll download the same application to enjoy standard- and high-definition downloads of any iPlayer programme made available.

Downloaded programmes can be watched up to 30 days after being download, but must be watched within seven days of you first hitting play. After that, they're automatically removed from your system.