UK video-on-demand operator Video Networks has signed an output deal with BBC Worldwide under which it gains access to hundreds of hours of programming, shortly after its has aired on BBC1 and BBC2.

As yet, BBC Worldwide has not decided which programmes will be covered by the deal, but top-rating shows such as EastEnders and Walking With Dinosaurs are expected to be included.

Video Networks' HomeChoice service, which started rolling out across London one month ago, enables subscribers to download programmes directly to their television sets using ADSL connections. Buena Vista, Warner Bros and Channel 4 International are among the service's suppliers.

'The BBC and BBC Worldwide have always supported important new ventures such as video-on-demand. We are delighted with this agreement which will make first-class BBC programmes more widely available than ever before,' said BBC Worldwide CEO Rupert Gavin.