PodShow BT Podshow

BT Podshow offers millions of hours of music, games and videos for use on a PC or portable media player, with much of the video content created by the viewers themselves.

Originally launched in a beta version in 2006, BT Podshow went live earlier this year and offers a wealth of content. There's everything from Flyposter (a music show that highlights new talent) to an online medical-advice programme and a show featuring money-saving tips. Users are encouraged to join in by uploading and sharing with the Web their own content.

In fact, online video content is proving so popular that there's even been an explosion in Web-only TV shows, which include the BBC's online soap opera 'Flatmates' and indie-music show 'Pop Junkie'. But while these shows are simply online video, a new generation of 'Web soaps' that allow the viewer to get involved is also emerging.

'Kate Modern' is one of the most recent and popular examples. Through social-networking site Bebo, viewers of the show, which follows the exploits of a London-based girl with supernatural powers and features Ralf Little, can do everything from commenting on episodes to interacting with characters through scripted 'webisodes'.

In fact, two writers are so convinced by the power of the Web that they're choosing to broadcast their new project on YouTube before its hits TV screens.

Jamie Deeks and Ewen MacIntosh, better known as Jamie and Keith from 'The Office', are behind the comedy 'Toyboize', which is currently available to view on the web. It's the story of a chart-topping boyband who reform 20 years after their first hit.

The show, which features songs penned by Ricky Gervais, is expected to be broadcast on terrestrial TV later this year.