BBC fans will be able to get their "Beeb" fix via the Web this summer when the British broadcaster opens the beta of its iPlayer on-demand TV service. Even under the public beta, however, the BBC will retain control of how many new users get the application, which will deliver programs through self-deleting, downloaded files. Official launch will occur this fall.

The BBC announced Wednesday it will launch its iPlayer on-demand TV service on July 27. Initially restricted to users in the UK, the service will become available to an expanded Internet audience in the fall.

"It's a revolutionary service which offers audiences more value, because from now on they never have to miss out on their favorite programs -- or those that they didn't previously have the opportunity to try," said Jana Bennet, director of BBC Vision.

Under development since 2003, the iPlayer received final approval from the BBC Trust, the network's governing body, back in April. The player is currently in a closed beta being tested by some 15,000 users. On July 27, the BBC will open the beta to the public, increasing the number of user over the summer in a "controlled manner" before officially launching the service in the fall.