Software giant Microsoft is now rolling out its own video-on-demand service.

The MSN Video Player, as it is called, has been offering shows from BBC Worldwide and All3Media in Beta trials since last summer. It has now signed programming deals with several other programme distributors, according to The Guardian newspaper.

All content on the service will be free to view and Microsoft said it is planning to offer high-definition shows and films later this year using its Silverlight technology.