What is Digg?108 Comments
- Akyan, on 10/12/2007, -1/+34Ok all you americans need to understand, the BBC has no adverts online or otherwise. I know it is a confusing situation which does not seem to exist over the pond, but the BBC is entirely funded through the license fee.
- AdrianRice, on 10/12/2007, -10/+40Great News! BBC are opening up the debate as to whether they should be using Microsoft's technology to underpin the plan. Let's not let Microsoft control tech so that all platforms can share the content without pain.
http://digg.com/tech_news/Pressure_the_BBC_to_embrace_open_standards_not_just_Microsoft_technology - Lobster, on 10/12/2007, -1/+27Bravo BBC.
The BBC has The Open University, a News Service used by the Dalia Lama, Top Gear (not drugs . . .), some of the best documentaries made. It is our duty as Brits to educate the barely evolved creationists of USA and other impoverished people. It is about time it moved and supported Open Software instead of pandering to commercial pressure . . .
Go BBC. The World needs you. - pimterry, on 10/12/2007, -1/+24Agreeing with that! If you follow the links to http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html and go to start consultation at the bottom you can tell them what you think. Everyone who comments against DRM gets free (as in beer :P) beer! My round.
Seriously though, well done BBC. If you flick through the details of the consultation document it says:
"We propose to require the BBC Executive to adopt a platform-agnostic approach to rights
management within a reasonable timeframe. The MIA notes an expectation that the BBC
Executive plans to develop a Real Player alternative in the near future. Our understanding is
that the BBC Executive aspires to offer an alternative DRM framework, which would enable
Apple and Linux users to access the service, but has yet to identify a satisfactory solution. In
either case, we will expect this to have been addressed within 24 months."
So at the very least we'll get Mac and Linux players! Good TV, all 3 major platforms (sorry amiga) and sounds like free is most likely (can't see anywhere mentioning prices in my quick glances). And the DRM could easily be worse. Not too shabby at all!
PimTerry - Mejogid, on 10/12/2007, -0/+19I wonder if it will still only be available to UK viewers? I remember when this was discussed a year or so ago that was the general consensus, but I'd have thought that charging a moderate fee for foreign viewers could rake in some extra cash and make some great shows available to the rest of the world. On the other hand, it would probably reduce the price they could sell such series to other broadcasters for, and may not be legal given their status as an organization.
It's good to see we've got atleast one British company(/organisation) that's actually leading the way at something... - MichaelStanton, on 10/12/2007, -0/+16@sirloin
Well, actually, it most likely will be blocked off to anyone outside the UK if they don't insert some sort of revenue-generating system into international versions. - MichaelStanton, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Well, in defense, license fee is taken only on TV set owners. And also, it's vaguely similar to the funding for PBS and NPR; they're just more upfront about taking your money.
(it's like HBO, except without all the B-movies and bad porn) - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8They aren't adverts, they are trailers.
- Juano11, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Yeah, but no one wants to watch Canadian television...I could handle that demand hosting it from my basement...
- HalFTW, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7They don't sound too keen on people outside the UK getting their hands on the content, or supporting anything other than Windows..
"In respect of the seven-day catch-up over the internet service, the files would require DRM
to ensure that they were appropriately restricted in terms of time and geographic
consumption. The only system that currently provides this security is Windows Media 10
and above. Further, the only comprehensively deployed operating system that currently
supports Windows Media Player 10 and above is the Windows XP operating system. As a
result of these DRM requirements the proposed BBC iPlayer download manager element
therefore requires Windows Media Player 10 and Windows XP. This means the service
would be unavailable to a minority of consumers who either do not use Microsoft or do not
have an up-to-date Microsoft operating system. However, over time, technology
improvements are likely to enable even more efficient methods of delivery. Further, it is our
understanding the BBC Executive are working towards the iPlayer download manager being
able to function on other operating systems."
They seem to assume that it is not possible to let people chose between more than one format. Sure they can let people have their WMVs, but there is nothing to stop them using open standards such as Theora.
They also talk allot about "non-DRM" audio downloads, otherwise known as podcasts, which is a perfect opportunity for the BBC to support open standards and cross platform compatibility by providing the content in Vorbis, and perhaps FLAC. - OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7[quote]As much as I despise the BBC[/quote]
I always suspected you were an idiot, Pabster. I think it was your avatar that gave you away. - kjcdude, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I HOPE TO GOD THEY DON'T USE REAL PLAYER like they do now!!!
- joeydoo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8The BBC is very d.e.m.o.c.r.a.t.i.c. This player being a prime example. As soon as the first episode of Doctor Who leaked onto the Internet, the BBC put this download service into action. It's the same with podcasts, people want the content they already paid for over the internet so they can watch and listen to it when they want. The BBC HAVE to comply and give people what they want.
Also the BBC is, very heavily, tested on a regular basis to see if people still want it. Rest assured if the British people didn't want a licence fee anymore, it would very quickly be stopped. Most people do want it and it has always proved it's worth. Those people that say they don't watch the BBC so they shouldn't have to pay....
1. They are in the minority.
2. I refuse to believe to they can do anything in this country without getting some benefit from the BBC. They provided a large percentage of funding the DVB digital television/radio network for example. The same network these BBC haters use to watch Coronation Street on the crap channel. - Akyan, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7They have already said they are considering offering a pay for service to people external to the UK.
- haveacigar, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Since when have apple patented the letter i? Its retarded anyway that apple feel the need to preseed every one of their products with an i, but they dont have authority over it.
And what are you a apple executive? that is upset about it? Unlikely so dont be a dick and think your better than everyone else because you are American - TheTjalian, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7@skyshock21
The reason why it's not forever is because it will severely impact DVD sales. 30 Days is more then reasonable, considering it's more of a DVR service then a download service. - grumpyrain, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Top Gear - woohoo.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Hope not, TopGear FTW!
- Ellsass, on 11/05/2008, -2/+7Just curious, why do you despise the BBC?
- Lumiras, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Before all of us non-Brits get excited, I'm guessing that this player will only be available to UK residents (or people who want to trudge through enough proxies)
- Akyan, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4It will include all major programs offered by the BBC, doctor who included...
- zoxed, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4This was the trial version: http://www.bbc.co.uk/imp/index.shtml
As an UK expat living in Germany I was keen to try it but they would not let me (country limited). But AFAIK it will be:
- Windows only
- Using their own player: iMP
- DRM'ed
- time limited
- only available to computers using a UK registered IP address
So will it "shake up the industry". Err no. - OsakaWilson, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4The big question is whether they will allow people outside of the UK to give them money in exchange for being able to watch their shows. Other companies that provide online TV do not seem to want our money.
- t0ms, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3IMP, or iPlayer has been a project at the BBC for many, many years... I used to work there 4 years ago when the pilot versions were getting out there. The BBC is much more aware of what it happening in this modern world than lots people think, they have people who work just to think at how to keep the organization going in the next decade with all the new conflicts regarding the tv licence, the internet, etc...
- FullMetalMonkey, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4iLove it!
Does this include Doctor Who? - DijonWolfie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3This is some of the best news in a long time!
As someone has previously listed things like the Open University on the BBC will be available, but don't forget things like look & read for primary education and GCSE/A Level Bitesize for those studying at the other ends of the spectrum, again the BBC is really showing what state licensed entertainment is all about. I am ridiculously eager about this, and with Ofcom ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to access this service, it has no choice but to be made available on multi platforms to all licence fee payers. As for an international service, perhaps it will work as does BBC America, with the addition of ads, but I wouldn't expect it to launch within 6 months of the British service going on-line. Would be nice to see some of the oldies get put up as well (Sunday morning repeats of 'Allo 'Allo always had me pinned to the tele!)
And for all those Americans that still can't understand the BBC, or those that have had little or no contact with it, the BBC has it's own guide which makes for an interesting read! http://www.bbc.co.uk/info/ Paying £135 / $270 a year for all that, your starting to get a little jealous now aren't you! - MichaelStanton, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4The real question is, will it be limited to UK residents? Since the programs are produced with UK license fees, will those outside the Isles be able to watch?
/boston-based top gear/qi/doctor who junkie - gamesector, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3@Akyan
The BBC has no ads for us, but they are considering putting ads on the site for international viewers.
Anyway, heard about this service a while ago, glad its finally going to be released. I love the BBC :) - Gullop, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3If it was available in the USA i would be kinda pissed off that i pay such a high TV license for some American to get it for free.
- Blobster2005, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3"The BBC however just cares about ratings and not how many adverts get viewed."
The BBC doesn't have any adverts on any of their channels that aren't BBC orientated. I.E. they will air an ad about the new series of Doctor Who showing on BBC2, but they wont show a cola ad.
Gotta love our BBC! - JavertHolmes, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3You can tell it's high tech and futuristic because it starts with "i." I'm sure the trend will last, just as metallic skirts will always seem futuristic.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6no, you can't
- monkeyboy7706, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2The BBC are not allowed to have advertising with their content when shown in the UK,
- OsakaWilson, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2They have new and improved DRM!!!
- myfanwy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2awesome, now if someone can build a nice front end in myth to let me automatically subscribe to, and download new shows when i'm at work/asleep, it'll be the best thing since sliced bread
- madnoh, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Sure, I'll click it. *click* Blocked.
- beezel, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2i love my metallic skirts.
- OBKenobi, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Well, I guess it's back to Bittorrent for my BBCs.
- bitkari, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2@Tjalian
A VCR doesn't have a time limit, nor do most Freeview DVR systems, and these have not affected DVD sales whatsoever.
There is *rampant* downloading of TV series online, but still DVD sales of film and tv continue to fare incredibly well.
This is because DVDs still offer good value. Rather than trying to stop people from storing TV shows (impossible), just aim to provide products that people find worth buying. - allancorbett, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2But you have to pay for downloads. It's like iTunes kind of.
- foomojive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2television? on the internet? impossible.
- M2Ys4U, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Stargate is filmed in Canada, so it's pretty much a Canadian show :P
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3If this includes BBC2 and thus Top Gear, then this is a great day indeed!!!
- Ireland, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3Not to play the 'Nostradamus' here, but I thought I heard iTunes TV shows were coming to Europe in the Spring? With Apple now selling the Apple TV, all they need to do is add a TV Show subscription service and some live content to the mix, and they pretty much have iPTV sown up. Most people like two things, to watch their TV shows on thier TV, and to have more choice than just the BBC.
- RDRDreg, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I am sure Channel 4 started doing this 2 months ago with 4OD, Channel 4 on demand, http://www.channel4.com/4od/
- trimidium, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2meh, it still only lets you keep it for 30 days. drm is crap, just let ppl download it with no restrictions. I would even pay for a service so long as the content i downloaded was high quality, commercial free and with no DRM
- laser314, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You can download Red Green??? I gotta move to Canada, atleast long enough to fill up my harddrive.
- Drivas, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Dug down for capslock :P
- breadfred, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1only selected programs are shown on the uitzendinggemist.nl website - the BBC is offering to put all their programs online.
- dewmandude, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1And don't forget the Dr. Who spinoff Torchwood!
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