News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

December 13, 2007

video

BBC’s iPlayer: now with love for Macs

Posted Dec. 13, ’07, 8:58 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | Video

iPlayerAfter much pencil-pushing and pressure from Mac users, the BBC has at long last launched a Mac-compatible version of their iPlayer service for viewing TV shows online. As previously mentioned, the iPlayer software now uses Flash for cross-platform compatibility, and the new system debuted today on the Beeb’s website, though there are still some limitations. At the moment, you can only stream videos to your Mac or Linux machine—downloading is still off limits to all but Windows users.

And, of course, what fun would online video be without some content restrictions? iPlayer allows you only to stream video content from the last seven days, expiring after that. And, worst of all for those of us stuck in the former colonies, it’s only available to those in the UK. When I ask why I’m told “Rights agreements mean that BBC iPlayer is only available to users in the UK,” but I think it’s just because they don’t love me any more. Okay Great Britain, there you go—you’ve finally got something us Yanks don’t have access to. No Dr. Who, Spooks, or Robin Hood for us until the promised international version arrives. My sadness knows no bounds.


3 Comments

fletcher Author Profile Page said:

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting to see Doctor Who or other big shows on the international version. They sell a lot of shows to Sci-Fi, HBO, BBC America, etc. for broadcast after they aired in Britain. It would destroy these licensing deals if there were an easy way for all of us to watch these shows during their British run. But, I hope I'm wrong because it would be cool to be able to see these shows from the source.

December 13, 2007 9:09 AM
BB said:

Whats the point if there is no Robin Hood. Thats the only reason i wanted the player for Mac. That way i dont have to download them. Thats like giving us a toy without batteries.

December 13, 2007 9:48 AM
Paul Ecchi said:

Usually this kind of restriction is simply IP locking. The BBC server checks your computer's IP number and only allows you access if it is a British IP. I am told by friends (who need foreign IPs for less honourable reasons than watching TV) that there are several companies who will bounce your computer's request through one with the correct IP to give you an IP of the required nationality. You poor deprived Yanks could do that to gain access to the forbidden BBC stuff.

December 13, 2007 11:46 PM

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