TV shows like Doctor Who are expected to be available for download later this year after the BBC Trust gave initial approval to the BBC's on-demand plans.
Under the proposals, viewers will be able to watch popular programmes online or download them for viewing up to 30 days after they are first broadcast.
But the Trust imposed tough conditions on classical music, which could stop a repeat of the BBC's Beethoven podcasts.
Full approval of the on-demand plans will follow a two month consultation.
After that, the BBC will be able to launch its long-awaited iPlayer, a computer application which allows audiences to watch or download any programme from the last seven days.
...
Licence-fee payers can now have their say on the BBC's plans, and the trust's conditions, in a two-month public consultation.
The trust said it expects to publish its final approval by 2 May.
