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Ask the BBC make upcoming iPlayer on-demand service Mac compatible
Thursday, February 01, 2007 - 08:45 AM EST

"The BBC Trust has given the go-ahead to the corporation's iPlayer on-demand service, but with a number of changes including some proposed by media watchdog Ofcom," MarketingWeek reports.

MarketingWeek reports, "Diane Coyle, the BBC Trust member who chairs the public value test steering group, says: 'Our view is that the BBC's new on-demand services are likely to deliver significant public value, and should be allowed to proceed, but subject to certain conditions in order to reduce the potential negative market impact.'"

"BBC management has been asked to ensure that the on-demand TV services work on all computer operating systems, not just Microsoft's Windows XP and Windows Media Player 10," MarketingWeek reports.

MarketingWeek reports, "The Trust's proposals will go to further consultation, with a March 28 deadline for submissions. A final decision is expected in May."

Full article here.

[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader "John D." for the heads up.]

MacDailyNews Take: Bravo! Now, let's see if they actually do it.

Take part in the public consultation (takes about 5-minutes): http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html

[UPDATED: February 1, 2007: 8:45am.]

Send us links! Email: webmaster@macdailynews.com

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Jan 31, 07 - 01:33 pm Comment from: ron

Don't hold your breath.

Jan 31, 07 - 01:41 pm Comment from: Randian

I agree, ron. Nothing about the "Beeb" or England as a whole is Mac friendly. After all, Apple represents individual choice and the freedom to "think different." Microsoft represents "think just the same as everybody else," a philosophy with which Englanders have always been comfortable. Remember, "The Communist Manifesto," "Brave New World" and "1984" were written for citizens of the Sceptered Isle, not--NOT--those of the New World.

The BBC Trust will NEVER assent to Mac-inclusion. NEVER.

Jan 31, 07 - 01:47 pm Comment from: reezle

if ofcom have requested it, they'll have to do it, by law as far as I know... otherwise, they'll have to start doing without my license fee - I already resent funding "Dancing on Ice".

Jan 31, 07 - 01:55 pm Comment from: Macaday

They should make them available on the UK iTunes store for free, much cheaper than their expensive to be built MS option.

After all, British tax payers paid for every minute of it and more...(the plan is content self destructs 30 days after downloading)

Jan 31, 07 - 01:55 pm Comment from: nekogami13

"services work on all computer operating systems"

The way it should have been from the get go-why alienate or exclude anyone?

Jan 31, 07 - 01:58 pm Comment from: G-Spank

The BBC sucks, and everyone knows it. They've always been very anti-Mac. This will be a first if they actually do it.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:00 pm Comment from: Truth Decay

The Norwegian Ombudsman's head just exploded.


"Too . .many . . conflicting . . messages. Must . . assimilate."

Jan 31, 07 - 02:01 pm Comment from: kjin

However Linux and Mac use may not come into effect until 24 months prior to the service launching. See page 11

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/review-report-research/pvt_iplayer/iplayer_pvt_provisional_conclusions.pdf

And they are talking about using Real player in additon to Windows Media Player!!!

I and I expect many other Mac users would prefer the shows to be available through iTunes or at least Quicktime. Although not sure how this would work as BBC shows would need to be free to UK users whilst limiting storage to 7 days (or what ever they decide).

Jan 31, 07 - 02:03 pm Comment from: UK Paul

The way it should have been from the get go-why alienate or exclude anyone?

The answer is that the bbc have cut deals with certain companies to supply equipment, the link to all these companies is microsoft

The BBC have been nti mac for a long time and the bias can be seen in their so called computer show on BBC News 'click'

I get fed up of having how innovative MS are and how Vista is the most secure OS ever released by anyone

MW: Audience as why cater to all of them

Jan 31, 07 - 02:06 pm Comment from: Jay Rice

BBC = Commie-Terrorist Lovers

Jan 31, 07 - 02:14 pm Comment from: kjin

On Microsoft, see this great quote from the BBC's website about Vista security:

"The more useable and convenient you make it, especially for non-technical people, the more risk there is that there is a chink in the armour,"

Mr Emm just can't have heard of Mac OSX

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6316253.stm

Jan 31, 07 - 02:16 pm Comment from: Alex

reezle: you didn't fund Dancing on Ice - that was shown on ITV, a commercial channel, and was nothing to do with the BBC.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:18 pm Comment from: Irish Dude

"Englanders" LOL I like it.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:20 pm Comment from: DJ

If the dread BBC actually does a pro-Mac thing I'll be surprised, but (as license-tax payer) very pleased.

Why can't Auntie just stick progs on iTunes which has x-platform compatibility already??

Jan 31, 07 - 02:23 pm Comment from: Vanillacide

I've emailed the BBC's iPlayer team about this in the past, and have received similar replies that other UK broadcasters who deliver content over the web provide.

Love to do it. Rights holders demand DRM. Only DRM scheme on Mac is FairPlay. Apple do not license FairPlay.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:25 pm Comment from: mudflapper

On the one hand, it's nice if they do include support for the Mac. On the other hand, who gives crap?

Jan 31, 07 - 02:30 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

You know, I'm against legislating personal choices, but I'm not against legislation or corporate mandates that ensure that we even have choices. I wonder if any of us stops to think about just how close we've come to completely losing our choice to NOT use Windows. It's just plain scary.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:33 pm Comment from: OBill-Wan Kenobi

Bingo mudflapper. I can find all the antisemitic content I can stomach without having to resort to visiting the BBC's website.

MDN MW:"Trying"

I'm trying to find a reason why I should give two craps what the BBC does.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:34 pm Comment from: Max

Randian are you for real?

In case you are:

Judging by the growing Mac use I see here in England and the growing number of Apple Stores I think we're more than comfortable with Macs.

Btw maybe you mean Britain not England as England is part of the island of Great Britain. I'm guessing you're American Judging by your ignorance. As for us not being prepared to think different, I suppose that's why we seem to lead the world when it comes to inventions and design etc which tend to require people to think different.

And for the other thickos out there, no the BBC is not anti Mac, they even make use of Macs and people who work for them aren't afraid to say they use Macs. Some people just need to get a life and stop being so paranoid. The BBC are the most respected news service out there and the site keeps winning various best news website awards but some people just throw a fit when they deem something to be anti Mac or even anti American.

Having said that, the BBC clearly need to make the service mac compatible, but they are a bit hampered when MS don't make the DRM for Mac and Apple doesn't license its own DRM. Channel 4 is in the same position with its download service but they tell me they want to make it available for Mac users and will just as soon as someone provides a solution. Maybe that will come from Apple and not MS.

Andy
English, British and a Mac fan who is not paranoid.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:45 pm Comment from: OBill-Wan Kenobi

Max: "The BBC are the most respected news service out there..."

Out where? Respected by whom? That's a wonderfully clever blanket statement that's empty of any kind of substance. You're obviously not an ignorant American, Andy. You're an ignorant Brit. Besides the funny accent, what's the difference?

Jan 31, 07 - 02:47 pm Comment from: Biscuit

"I've emailed the BBC's iPlayer team about this in the past, and have received similar replies that other UK broadcasters who deliver content over the web provide.

Love to do it. Rights holders demand DRM. Only DRM scheme on Mac is FairPlay. Apple do not license FairPlay."


You're forgetting RealNetworks' Helix DRM scheme, which is compatible with Mac, Linux, Windows and Solaris. So noone can complain really. Sure it's not as good as Quicktime/iTunes, but until Apple license FairPlay (which they won't) it's the best bet for video-on-demand on the Mac.

This is what they've suggested in the report. So long as the RealPlayer solution is as feature-rich as the WMV one then I'll be happy-ish, but maybe the BBC should negotiate with DVD Jon over licensing FairPlay?

Jan 31, 07 - 02:50 pm Comment from: pog

"Out where? Respected by whom? That's a wonderfully clever blanket statement that's empty of any kind of substance. You're obviously not an ignorant American, Andy. You're an ignorant Brit. Besides the funny accent, what's the difference?"

Name a more respected news source.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:52 pm Comment from: OBill-Wan Kenobi

That's no challenge, pog. Here a challenge: Name a respected news source.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:57 pm Comment from: pog

Way to dodge the question. My answer to your question: The BBC.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:57 pm Comment from: Dev Singh

@ Randian ; Feelin a bit dizzy ? You should think twice before you post drivel...

= )

No, reallly, you should.

Jan 31, 07 - 02:59 pm Comment from: Scottie

"Microsoft represents "think just the same as everybody else," a philosophy with which Englanders have always been comfortable"...

I don't know what kind of crack Randian is smoking, but he should clearly stop now. Britain is at the forefront of creativity in everything from cutting-edge fashion to graphic design and art. Mac's are just a popular in the UK as they are in the US. The Beeb might not be super Mac friendly, but it's clearly not representative of the UK as a whole.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:09 pm Comment from: Respected source

The BBC can often be a very respected source!
But how do you define that? Or whose definition do you believe?
Nevertheless the Beeb is "a widely respected news source".

Jan 31, 07 - 03:17 pm Comment from: Fanatic Realist

Of course, the problem with some of the Little Americans who post on this site is that they are so insecure in their nationhood that their only comfort is knocking the country which effectively provided the template for many of their institutions.

You see the same thing with some Australians, but at least when they claim to be the World Champions of something, it tends to be a sport that other countries play.

And just to round it off for those who like knocking Brits…

1) You wouldn't have this web page, HTML or HTTP if it wasn't for a Brit, namely Sir Tim Berners-Lee who developed the system using a NeXT system.

2) Nearly all of Apple's products since 1998 share a common industrial designer, namely Jonathan Ive - another Brit.

3) The UK is now so important to Apple's international business that Apple moved their European headquarters back to Stockley Park after being in Paris for many years.

4) If the BBC is so anti-Apple/Mac, how come the BBC Motion Library is so comprehensively committed to QuickTime and H.264?

5) This is mainly for Jay Rice's benefit: the BBC has delivered consistent coverage of the so-called "war on terriers" (or whatever your retarded head of state is calling it today as he mangles the English language using what's left of his alcohol-stunted, coke-addled brain) since Day One. It should be noted that a study group that includes Chimpy McFlightsuit's father's consigliere (James Baker) as a member thinks that Iraq is a fsck-up, so presumably the whole of the Iraq Study Group is also full of terrier-loving commies. Still, at least GWB has you, Laura and the dog on his side. BTW, surprised that you're still around; I can remember that you used to claim that the Democrats were never going to regain any influence in Washington - goes to prove how much you know.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:18 pm Comment from: Vanillacide

Biscuit: had no about the Real Player DRM. I'll be emailing BBC, Channel Four, Five and BSkyB laters. grin

Interestingly, the majority of BBC output over the web is in RealPlayer anyway; they restrict use by geo-IP (e.g. so you can't watch 'Top Geap' over in USA, but can in UK). However, their recent _dealings_ with Microsoft has meant they have started offering video clips and streaming programmes in Windows Media. :-(

They should stick with Real or maybe ... just maybe ... Apple will license FairPlay to likes of BBC.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:22 pm Comment from: dude!

Fanatic Realist

Chill dude, have some water man. No more coffee! Jeez!

Jan 31, 07 - 03:23 pm Comment from: topshot

CNN and other A-hole-merican news sources propagating myth and propaganda that the BBC News service promotes myth and propaganda. Now which is which?

MSN Magic word: this, as in 'This is going off topic and the BBC does way more than just news'.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:34 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

What's next folks: My king can kick your president's but! - No way man, my president can kick your king's ass!

And if you don't all stop you're all going to bed with no supper!

As an American, I believe that, if the BBC does not make their product cross platform compatible, there will be an out cry from Mac users around the globe who do choose to listen/watch the BBC online.

Don't make me say it again.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:39 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

My response to Real Media - Oh lord no!!! I hate to use the word hate, but I really hate Real Media, not the company, the product - please no...

Jan 31, 07 - 03:49 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

I guess that would be the Queen's but since there is no king, yet. My apologies.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:50 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

...the queen's butt...

Jan 31, 07 - 03:51 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

...Right...

Jan 31, 07 - 03:53 pm Comment from: BustingTheSkullsOfIdiots

Here's a clue to all of you frothing-at-the-mouth leftists: ad hominem attacks don't get people to pay attention to you. They just tune you out. So you hate Bush. Big deal. Until you learn to take issue with ideas instead of slogans; until you learn to take issue with ideas instead of name-call individuals; until you learn that "dialog" does not mean "one-way dissemination", you won't make much of an impact.

Now as to the BBC, the question is "respected by whom"? The BBC doesn't win much respect from people who know the news, and by this, I mean people who spend their time analyzing the news. The BBC is surely respected by Islamic anti-semites, because the BBC spends so much time passing along their vile Jew-hatred.

As for "respect", here's my final thought -- it's earned. The BBC hasn't yet earned my respect.

Jan 31, 07 - 03:57 pm Comment from: DogGone

Let competition sort this out.

1. If the BBC uses a PC only player to DL their content, then I and many others won't subscribe to it.

2. BBC could work with Apple to move their content via iTunes. Not a full subscription service per se.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:00 pm Comment from: @pt

could someone tell me if its possible to put an ipod into the new airport extreme as a disk?

Jan 31, 07 - 04:05 pm Comment from: max

The BBC have too many ties with M$.

The trustees must insist.

The should see which way the tide is flowing and make it so.

Unfortunately there are too many government ties to M$ in the use of networked PCs and that brings with it - undue pressure.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:21 pm Comment from: pog

BustingTheSkullsOfIdiots: As Keith Chegwin on Extras said, "The BBC is run by Jews and Queers". Although that was a comedic point, it is to a large part true, so I would say any allegation of the BBC being anti-semitic is laughable at best. Where do you get this shit from exactly? Have you actually watched the BBC news and found it to be anti-semitic? My guess would be no, you're just passing along whatever propaganda has been told to you by wherever you get your news from.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:33 pm Comment from: OBill-Wan Kenobi

Oh boy, where to begin? The BBC News Service has a self-admitted anti-Israel bias. I don't anyone who takes any of the news machines with little more than a grain of salt. News isn't news anymore, it's opinion and propaganda. The middle-east coverage brought to you by the BBC, that FR is so fond of, is information that is purchased through a Middle East news vendor. As is the AP's, AFP's, Reuters, et al. It's little more than propaganda as evidenced by the reporting during the latest skirmish between Israel and Lebanon. (Remember Green Helmet guy?) So, take your news anyway you like but it doesn't take too much scratching under the surface to realize that the BBC is hardly the model of accuracy and honestly. I'm sure there are plenty of fine BBC news people but as an organization they have some serious problems.

Otherwise I couldn't care less if the BBC reaches out to Mac users as I wouldn't be inclined to reach back.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:36 pm Comment from: OBill-Wan Kenobi

pog, please google BBC admits anti-israel bias and go from there

Jan 31, 07 - 04:37 pm Comment from: Jim

The BBC Technology website SUCKS ASS.

Pro-Micro$oft, Anti-Apple, I've had many an email argument with Mark Ward, their so called 'Technology Correspondent'

Avoid at all costs.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:44 pm Comment from: How to ensure Mac OSX in included in BBC plans

If you live in the UK, please complete the Public Open Consultantion Request

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html

Especially, Question 5 which is "How important is it that the proposed seven-day catch-up service over the internet is available to consumers who are not using Microsoft software?"

It's very important, but if we don't tell them they won't listen!

If we can get a million MacHeads clicking on meaningless internet polls because they've seen it listed on MacDailyNews, can some people please take the time to complete the consultantion form ... it will actually change something for the better for the Mac community.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:45 pm Comment from: OBill-Wan Kenobi

I will admit, however, that I think 'Are You Being Served' is freaking hilarious and I schedule my evening around it. That's a shining example of BBC entertainment, albeit from the 70's.

Jan 31, 07 - 04:51 pm Comment from: Eater of Worlds

OBill-Wan Kenobi: so what if BBC is slightly bias against Israel? It's only one country of the 193 in the world. Only contains 6.199 million of the 6.525 billion people alive in the world. Most of the rest of world can't work out why USA gives a rats ass about the place.

MDN Magic Word: nation (how appropriate)

Jan 31, 07 - 05:05 pm Comment from: tt

All windows users need to decay and disappear.

Jan 31, 07 - 05:25 pm Comment from: Switcher '05

the service is called iPlayer for fsck sake! it better be Mac compatible if they are going to use Apple's lexicon

Jan 31, 07 - 06:07 pm Comment from: Mr. Peabody

tt,

Here here...

Jan 31, 07 - 06:20 pm Comment from: spyinthesky

look morons UK has been Apple's most loyal market outside of north America.

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