After testing a beta version on recent events including Formula 1 and Euro 2012, BBC has launched its new live interactive video player, that is set to cover the Olympic Games in London this year with HD video and other functionalities such as easy switching between up to 24 live streams at any time during the Games.

The BBC is the sole rights holder for the Olympics in the UK and is able to offer users live video from every venue on every day of the Games, which was the impetus for the creation of the new interactive player, according to Alex Perry, Product Manager, Interactive Video Player, BBC News & Knowledge.

Apart from features such as the ability to pause and rewind live video, navigation via chapter markers and alerts for the key events that have happened or are coming up, the video player combines the video with associated data that is available to BBC, creating a much richer experience for users. This includes information about athletes, sports guides and key real-time statistics.

The video player can be used on desktop computers and certain tablets that support Flash. On mobiles and iPads, users can watch the video, but without the extra functionality.