iPlayer cross-platform. What should the BBC do?

AdamSee

AdamSee

AdamSee

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Those who use the iPlayer, know that the download portion isn't available to non-windows users. The main reason is due to the use of windows DRM technology which isn't available cross-platform (albeit DRM v1 is available on OS X via WMP9).

Can an open source DRM - that works on Linux, Mac & Win - provide the same protection that is facilitated by a Windows DRM?
 
It's already restricted to UK IP addresses and, interestingly enough, you don't need a TV license to use the iPlayer as it doesn't offer live content.

DRM is there to protect the right holders of the program. Imagine if you could have all of Doctor Who on your computer available for free, legally. They'd be a huge decline in DVD sales and it wouldn't be prudent of the BBC to decrease their revenue, nor do the BBC always hold the distribution rights from the programs on iPlayer. Therefore some form of protection, most probably, will always be in place for the foreseeable future.
 
Very true, people can stream and they aren't missing out on much at the moment.

However, later on in the year, HD content will be available to download. Can you imagine how Linux & Mac users would then feel if they were missing out on this? Myself included.
 
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All download content from the iPlayer site is DRM protected, using a windows DRM. For a user to play the content they have to obtain a license. Either from the server or the one that is bundled in the download.

The issue is not whether the content (e.g. a Doctor Who episode) remains protected using a DRM, as it must do. Instead the question is whether other DRM systems are available on other platforms (as windows DRM is only available on windows), allowing users to be able to play the content.
 
You should be able to download on vista now Justin, that functionality was released in the early part of December. Like I metioned, it's not much of an issue currently, but it will be a big one when HD content is available.

Advantages of downloading;
* Store content for upto 30 days. As soon as you watch it, a 7 day limit is imposed.
* Better quality - HD will available later this year.
* You can move the WMV files onto other devices, such as a media center connected to your TV.
* Watch it at your convenience, without an internet connection - for example, on the train to somewhere.
 
We're passionate about providing a cross-platform solution, but it seems we don't have adequate technologies available, whilst at the same time conforming to the program holders rights wishes.

Von, you can view all the pages using flash, which works cross-platform and streams all the content. This was added on the 13th December.
 
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