Does online availability of recorded TV programmes pose a threats to time scheduled programmes - as Online News does to the future of Printed Newspapers? 

A new online video service has been launched by Microsoft in a bid to rival the BBC iPlayer.

MSN Video is a free catch-up service which enables people to watch their favourite TV shows when and where they want.

However, unlike its competitor, the platform offers marketers the chance to target customers with 30-second ads which are displayed before, during and after the show.

Peter Bale told the Guardian-owned company paidContentUK: "The pilot has worked. We've had a terrific response from our advertisers.

"We're having a very high number of people sit through the ads, because there aren't many."

Advertisers will also benefit from display ads, meaning there are plenty of opportunities for MSN Video to be used to their advantage.

Around 1,000 hours of content is currently being streamed through the service, but this is expected to be extended once more deals are made between Microsoft and broadcasters.

The BBC is still seeking approval for Project Canvas, which has been subject to much criticism of late.

Neil Berkett, Virgin's chief executive, recently described the plans as a "shameless whitewash" and called into question the objectivity of the BBC Trust, the Daily Telegraph reported.