The BBC Store opens its doors for digital boxset downloads

Today the BBC launched a new online store where its back catalog of programming can be found. Featuring classics such as Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Orphan Black, the BBC Store provides a way to buy digital copies of your favorite shows... if you're in the UK, at least.

At the moment the store includes around 7,000 hours of viewing, but more of the BBC archive will be added over time -- and there are more than four million items for the corporation to add. Although the store is run by the license fee-funded BBC, content is not free of charge. Box sets start at around £8, while one-offs can be bought for much less.

Although DVD sales have dropped off in recent years, one of the key draws of the format is extras. This is something that the BBC intends to add to the store so purchases represent greater value for money. Just as digital downloads have taken over from physical CD sales, the corporation hopes that programme downloads will prove just as popular; the aim is to raise £1.2billion over five years.

Head of BBC Worldwide UK, Marcus Arthur, says:

For the last 30 years, people have generally understood that if they wanted to own and keep something from the BBC they've had to pay for it and they've bought it. That's true of them buying books and magazines and it was really true of them buying DVDs. And this is just another version of that.

He stresses that iPlayer content will still be available free of charge for those looking to catch up on current shows they have missed, and there are no plans to introduce a subscription service. Anyone outside of the UK hoping that this might be a way to (legitimately) watch a batch of BBC shows is going to be disappointed. Arthur explains that downloads must be instigated from within the UK -- although a little VPN work may help in this department.

Head over to the BBC Store to see what's available.