BBC iPlayer moves to the web to support Mac and Linux
This summer the BBC launched its innovative iPlayer software. The service lets you watch selected shows that've aired on the BBC over the last seven days you:
Well, it looks like at least some of those issues are being addressed. The BBC plans to launch a browser-based version of the iPlayer using Adobe's Flash technology to stream videos. Up until now, you had to download videos. The move to streaming video means that Mac and Linux users will be soon able to us the iPlayer.
Now if only the BBC would release a version of the iPlayer for non-UK customers. We're sure there'd be plenty of folks willing to pay a small subscription fee to watch new episodes ofThe IT Crowd Robin Hood without resorting to illegal BitTorrent downloads.
- Are running Windows XP
- Are using Internet Explorer
- Use Windows Media Player
- Live in the UK
Well, it looks like at least some of those issues are being addressed. The BBC plans to launch a browser-based version of the iPlayer using Adobe's Flash technology to stream videos. Up until now, you had to download videos. The move to streaming video means that Mac and Linux users will be soon able to us the iPlayer.
Now if only the BBC would release a version of the iPlayer for non-UK customers. We're sure there'd be plenty of folks willing to pay a small subscription fee to watch new episodes of













Comments
9
Subscribe to commentsharmxOct 16th 2007 6:43PM
Hold fire Brad,
BBC iPlayer currently allows access to only some, not all BBC shows over the last 7 days.
The IT Crowd isn't a BBC show, but Chanenl 4's and available (free and paid)online via their similarly restrictive 4oD (on-demand) service :(
happybobOct 16th 2007 6:46PM
I concur.
PeterOct 16th 2007 8:58PM
I'm so sick of people complaining they are being left out. If the company isn't serving you, take your business somewhere else. The first company will suffer from lack of business and either change their ways or go under.
Then again, maybe they just don't care about giving up the small percentage of Mac and Linux users. You're never going to make everyone happy and maybe getting that last small percentage isn't worth the effort.
Ollie MOct 16th 2007 5:36PM
Channel 4's '4OD' is dramatically superior to the fairly half-assed iPlayer. Yet another area where it trumps the BBC.
Simon WakefieldOct 17th 2007 6:13AM
How can 4OD be vastly superior to iPlayer when the applications themselves (as well as Skys Anytime service) are actually the same
Brad LinderOct 16th 2007 6:46PM
Thanks for the info harmx. I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic so I haven't been able to test out the iPlayer for myself. I updated the post to reflect your corrections.
OllieOct 16th 2007 7:44PM
For the following reasons, Simon:
- 4OD offers programmes free for 30 days and they're available for a price after that. iPlayer offers programmes for 7 days currently - after that, they're gone.
- 4OD has a far better interface, including a TV schedule you can check through, find and book programmes with.
- 4OD has a selection of National Geographic programmes
I'm completely aware they're both Kontiki powered but it's my opinion (for the above reasons, among others) that Channel 4 are outclassing the BBC thus far.
steveOct 17th 2007 12:23PM
people from the uk are paying for the bbc with their licence fee, unless people outside the uk are prepared to pay £135 a year it would be unfair for them to access to bbc content
EleventeenOct 18th 2007 4:21PM
Top Gear!!