BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer homepage
Original author(s)	BBC
Developer(s)	BBC
Initial release	December 25, 2007; 3 years ago (2007-12-25)
Stable release	3.2.7 / May 18, 2011; 6 months ago (2011-05-18)
Development status	Current
Written in	Adobe AIR, Adobe Flash, Objective-C, others
Operating system	Windows (XP, Vista, 7) Mac OS X Linux iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) (beta) Android Symbian S60 (beta) Wii (beta) Virgin Media (Streaming only) Freesat (beta) Sky Go (part of On Demand service) TalkTalk (soon) BT Vision (part of On Demand service) PlayStation 3 (beta)
Available in	English, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic[1]
Type	Television & radio catch-up
Website	www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer

BBC iPlayer, commonly shortened to iPlayer, is an internet television and radio service, developed by the BBC to extend its former RealPlayer-based and other streamed video clip content to include whole TV shows.

BBC iPlayer left Beta and went live on 25 December 2007.^[2] On 25 June 2008, a new-look iPlayer was launched, originally as a beta-test version alongside the earlier version.^[3] The site tagline was "Catch up on the last 7 days of BBC TV & Radio", reflecting that programmes are unavailable on iPlayer after this time (with some exceptions), which was later changed to "Making the unmissable, unmissable". The BBC state on their website that this is due to copyright reasons. In May 2010 the site was updated again, to include a recommendations feature and a "social makeover".^[4]

In February 2011, the BBC iPlayer was once again modified to include links to programmes on other television channels. Since the launch it showcased programmes on ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, More 4, Film 4, Channel 5, 5*, 5USA and S4C. The feature was added to the search function and the channels function. When a user clicks on a programme by another broadcaster, they are redirected to the relevant broadcaster's catch up service (either the ITV Player, 4OD or Demand 5).

Development

During its development, iPlayer was formerly known as Integrated Media Player (iMP),^[5][6] Interactive Media Player,^[7] and MyBBCPlayer.^[8]

The original iPlayer service was launched in October 2005, undergoing a five month long trial of five thousand broadband users until 28 February 2006. The iPlayer was heavily criticised for delay in its launch, rebranding, and cost to BBC licence-fee payers, because no finished product had been released after four years of development.^[9] A new, improved iPlayer service then had another very limited user trial which began on 15 November 2006.

The iPlayer received the approval of the BBC Trust on 30 April 2007, and an open beta for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 was launched at midnight on 27 July 2007, where it was announced that only a fixed number of people would be able to sign up for the service, with a controlled increase in users over the summer.^[10]

The BBC has also been criticised for saying that the iPlayer would 'launch' on the 27 July 2007, when what was on offer was simply an extension of the beta to an open beta, admitting more users in a controlled manner.^[11] This was done reportedly to allow British ISPs and the BBC to gauge the effect of the iPlayer traffic on the Internet within the UK.

The open beta incorporated a media player, an electronic programme guide (EPG) and specially designed download client, and allowed the download of TV content by computers assigned to a United Kingdom-based IP address, for use up to thirty days after broadcast. However, it was available only to users of Windows XP.

This was a controversial decision by the BBC, which led to a petition against the decision being posted on 10 Downing Street's e-petition website.^[12] The petition reached 16,082 signatures on 20 August 2007. The response from the Government was:

... the Trust noted the strong public demand for the service to be available on a variety of operating systems. The BBC Trust made it a condition of approval for the BBC's on-demand services that the iPlayer is available to users of a range of operating systems, and has given a commitment that it will ensure that the BBC meets this demand as soon as possible. They will measure the BBC's progress on this every six months and publish the findings.^[13][14]

On 16 October 2007, the BBC announced a strategic relationship with Adobe, that would bring a limited, streaming-only version of the iPlayer to Mac and Linux users, and Windows users who cannot or do not wish to use the iPlayer download service, such as Windows 9x users.^[15] The streaming service was launched on 13 December 2007.^[16] Most programmes can be viewed for up to seven days after broadcast, unlike the thirty days provided by the download service.^[16]

Since January 2008, iPlayer has supported Mozilla Firefox under the Microsoft Windows platform for downloading content.^[17]

Before the iPlayer had even launched, it was announced that the BBC, alongside ITV and Channel 4, were intending to launch a new video on demand platform, provisionally named Kangaroo. It was intended that Kangaroo would complement the video on demand services that these channels were already offering, including the iPlayer, by making programmes available once their "catch up" period expires.^[18] The Kangaroo project was eventually abandoned after being blocked by the Competition Commission early in 2009.

Following a deal between the BBC and cable television provider Virgin Media, the iPlayer service was made available through the provider's on-demand service.^[19] The cable service launched on 30 April 2008,^[20] and keeps the look and feel of the BBC iPlayer program.^[20]

In response to a Freedom of Information Act request, the BBC revealed that as of 8 April 2008 the iPlayer had so far cost £6 million to develop.^[21]

On 23 August 2008, a new feature, Series Stacking, was announced.^[22] This feature started being rolled out on 13 September 2008, and allowed viewers to watch previous programmes from selected series until the series has ended, with a limit of up to thirteen weeks after first broadcast.^[23] Not all programmes will form part of the stack, however. The BBC Trust has permitted 15% of content to be offered as part of the stacking service; soaps, news bulletins and review-based programmes will not be stacked, nor programmes containing material of a legal nature, such as Crimewatch.

On 19 December 2008, the BBC released, as part of the iPlayer Labs feature, iPlayer Desktop for Mac OS X and Linux operating systems. This moved the download service away from the previous P2P based distribution model and onto an HTTP download model.^{[24][25][26][27]}

On 20 April 2009, the BBC incorporated high-definition streams and downloads of some content on the iPlayer. There are plans to roll out the HD streams to devices such as the Virgin Set Top Box, but no date has yet been set. A BBC iPlayer application for the PlayStation 3 was announced by Sony in August 2009 and was released on the 1 September 2009 along with the Firmware 3.0 update to coincide with the launch of the slimline PlayStation 3 .^[28]

Another version of iPlayer was released in late 2009 as a 'channel' for the Nintendo Wii. This shows only low definition videos of BBC shows up to 7 days after their release on Television.

On 28 July 2011, BBC Worldwide released an international version of the iPlayer.^[29]

Computer platforms

'iPlayer 1.0'

Download service

One of the key features of the original iPlayer download service was the use of peer-to-peer technology to enable the distribution of large video files (i.e. TV programmes) to scale effectively. Once downloaded, the content was only playable within the iPlayer itself or Windows Media Player 10 or 11, and subject to digital rights management. In December 2008 the BBC moved to an Adobe AIR based client that downloaded content via HTTP rather than P2P. The new system replaced the Windows DRM system with Adobe's own. DRM software prevents it being directly copied to another medium (e.g. another computer or CD-ROM), and allows the BBC to control how long the programmes remain watchable. Programmes are available for download for seven days following broadcast. Once a programme is downloaded a user has only thirty days to start watching it. Once a user starts to watch a programme, it will continue to be available for the next seven days. These limitations do not apply to viewers using the online streaming service, where most programmes become unavailable from the website after 7 days.

There was criticism levelled at the iPlayer's use of KService from Kontiki, the peer-to-peer application which continues to use users' bandwidth even after the iPlayer has been shut down,^[30] though this can be controlled using options available within the software. Because of this, users may have been charged by their Internet service provider for exceeding their download limit or breaching the so-called "fair use" policy.^[31] However, the Kontiki P2P system has not been used since the new client was introduced in December 2008.^[27]

The client also offers an electronic programme guide (EPG) with listings for both the previous seven and next seven days' programmes; selecting a programme which has already been broadcast will begin downloading it immediately, while those not yet shown will be downloaded as soon as they have been. It is currently not possible to schedule a series to be automatically downloaded when the next episode becomes available, but the BBC hopes to make this available in a later version.^[32]

Online streaming service

A screenshot of the old version of BBC iPlayer streaming page for television programme, Sound

The BBC's streaming version of iPlayer, which uses Adobe Flash software, was launched on 13 December 2007.^[33] The BBC made use of the Christmas period to trumpet the new service with the tagline 'Making the unmissable... unmissable', and the service came out of beta on the 25 December 2007.^[2] Also, seasonal specials were followed routinely throughout the Christmas week with plugs for iPlayer.^[34] The streaming version of iPlayer offers replays of programmes broadcast on all BBC TV channels during the last seven days.^[35] Programmes are available from all national BBC television channels, and Welsh programmes shown on S4C.^[35] Due to licensing agreements, all international - and some privately produced - TV shows and movies are not available on iPlayer.^[36]

'iPlayer 2.0'

On the 25 June 2008, the BBC announced that they had been developing a new version of the iPlayer based on user feedback - it was then called "BBC iPlayer 2.0".^[37] New features included combining the normal television iPlayer with the radio iPlayer, schedules of programmes due to be on the iPlayer, automatic resumption of the last programme watched, an increase in the size of the screen by 25% to 640 pixels wide, RSS feeds of iPlayer data, and a "Yesterday's TV" function.^[37] The beta ran alongside the existing site until 3 July 2008, when a new version replaced it.^[38] Later versions have implemented an option of streaming videos in high quality in H.264.

BBC iPlayer Desktop Manager

At the end of 2008, a newer platform was launched which facilitated use of the new BBC iPlayer Desktop (replacement for Download Manager) and other "BBC iPlayer Labs" features such as adjustable video windows and user feedback options. In March 2009, the BBC launched a streaming version of the player which needs a 1500 kbps minimum connection.

On 1 April 2010, this Desktop Manager was updated to version 1.5.15695.18135.^[39] The update claimed, amongst other things, optimisation of CPU usage in full screen: 20% to 40% improvement; videos that start to download in the UK should be able to complete downloading abroad; and update to use Adobe Integrated Runtime AIR 1.5.3 which has improved reliability, compatibility and security^{[citation needed]}.

'iPlayer 3.0'

The iPlayer team released the next-generation of the iPlayer, calling it the iPlayer 3.0 release, on 6 September 2010. It brings integration with various social networking sites to the TV on-demand service. Deals with Facebook, Twitter, and Bebo are already in place, with more likely to follow.

iPlayer users will be asked to integrate their accounts with the BBC Online site. Then every time they sign in and use the iPlayer, they will also be connected to the social networks they use. This will enable the BBC to see what they and their friends are watching or listening to.

The only other feature of the new-look iPlayer discussed was a new embeddable video player, being rolled out across the whole of the BBC’s online presence.

Television platforms

3view

In the second half of 2010, 3view enabled HD iPlayer on its connected Digital Terrestrial TV boxes allowing owners to access iPlayer content in HD via the box.

Virgin Media

On 30 April 2008 the iPlayer service was fed directly to Virgin Media's 3.4m digital cable TV customers as part of the company's video-on-demand service. Pressing the 'red button' while watching a BBC channel on TV will bring up the iPlayer service without the user having to access the web.^[40]

On 29 May 2008 Virgin Media successfully integrated iPlayer with the Virgin Media electronic programme guide. Most BBC shows are now listed alongside other VOD content in Virgin's Catch Up TV section, and through the red button while viewing a BBC channel. There is no charge for watching BBC shows through the iPlayer on Virgin Media.^[41]

As of 21 July 2008, iPlayer on Virgin Media had received 10.5 million views since its official launch on 1 June 2008.^[42] On 26 September 2008 it was revealed that one third of all iPlayer programme views were accessed through Virgin Media.^[43]

On 1 May 2009, the BBC and Virgin Media announced the launch of HD content via BBC iPlayer on Virgin Media's TV platform, including Robin Hood, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and Later... with Jools Holland.^[44]

On 2 March 2011, Virgin released an iPlayer application for their TiVo digital video recorder. Unlike the previous implementation, the application streams over the internet rather than utilizing Virgin's video-on-demand service, in order to comply with the BBC's proposed syndication policy.^[45] Virgin Media was also forced to remove direct access to BBC content on TiVo, meaning that instead of being able to access BBC content through its backwards EPG, Virgin TiVo users must instead go through the Apps and Games area or press the Red Button from a BBC channel.^[46] The change also allows an increase in the amount of programmes available, from around 300 to 700 hours on average, bringing Virgin into line with the iPlayer on connected TV devices.

FetchTV

On 23 July 2009 the first subscription-free digital terrestrial device to include iPlayer went on sale in UK retailers. The FetchTV Smartbox connects to any broadband connection and gives access to the BBC iPlayer and is a Freeview+ PVR.

FetchTV created its own version of the iPlayer, believing it was adhering to BBC guidelines, but support was refused by BBC Future Media and Technology. IP Vision made a formal complaint to the BBC in March 2009: the matter then passed to the BBC Executive’s Fair Trading Complaints Panel, which rejected the complaint, and IP Vision then appealed to the BBC Trust. On 22 December 2009 the BBC Trust rejected FetchTV's request to release the product.^[47] The Trust’s Finance and Compliance Committee (FCC) found that the BBC had given reasonable arguments as to why IP Vision should not be allowed to go ahead with its self-build product.

The Trust FCC also rescinded new guidelines introduced by the BBC in October 2009 formalising a ban on third parties building their own commercial iPlayer products . The Trust concluded that the clarification amounted to a significant change to the syndication guidelines which should have been referred to the Trust for approval before publication.

BT Vision

On 27 May 2008, BT began to charge BT Vision customers £3 per month for watching BBC Replay, a cut down version of iPlayer offering a more limited 30 hours of BBC programming per week.^[48] A spokesman for BT said that its customers had previously been able to view only BBC on-demand content because of "technical issues".^[49] A BBC spokesman said: "In line with other TV platforms where BBC programmes are made available on demand, the BBC requires that all public service content should be accessible via the lowest cost subscription tier. In this case, it is BT Replay."

From 1 April 2009, the Replay package was included in all of BT Vision's Value Packs but remained available as a separate, £2.93 per month, package to non-subscribers.^[50]

On 11 November 2010, the BBC and BT announced plans to bring the full BBC iPlayer package to BT Vision, replacing the BBC content on BT Vision's 50-hour "TV Replay" package.^[51] BT introduced BBC iPlayer in a phased release, starting in early December 2010, with all BT Vision customers able to access the service on channel 990 by 22 June 2011.^[52][53]

Freesat

BBC iPlayer as displayed by Freesat

On 2 November 2009, it was announced that a beta release of BBC iPlayer for Freesat would be released on 7 December 2009 to a limited number of Freesat viewers.^[54][55][56] On 21 December 2009, iPlayer was made available on a soft launch to Freesat viewers with Humax Foxsat HD receivers only, with an official release on 11 January 2010.^[57][58] It is the final beta version of iPlayer, available via the red button on interactive page 7001. On 20 January 2010, Sony released software update 1.630SA to enable BBC iPlayer on all of their Freesat integrated televisions.^[59] On 25 March 2010, iPlayer was added to TechniSat receivers, with an update for Harvard International receivers released on 31 March.^[60] However, the Harvard upgrade will not be available on early model standard definition Freesat receivers sold under the Bush, Goodmans and Grundig brands. Harvard International is therefore offering a replacement high definition receiver to anyone affected.^[61] Panasonic had aimed to add iPlayer to all of its devices by October 2010,^[62] but support was only extended to the 2008 range in September 2011.^[63] LG have been unable to update their Freesat integrated LF7700 television and were offering a free Freesat set-top box, however this promotional goodwill gesture ended after a 6-month period.^[64] On 16 December 2010, BBC iPlayer was assigned to Freesat channel 901, in addition to access via the BBC Red Button.^[65]

Freeview

On 4 May 2009, the managing director of Freeview, Ilse Howling, announced expectations that iPlayer-enabled Freeview boxes would be available in 2009.^[66] From 1 April 2011, all new Freeview HD receiver products must include MHEG Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC) as part of D-Book 6.2.1.^[67] The move allowed the standard MHEG-5 reliant iPlayer application to be offered from 7 April via the red button on all BBC channels to Freeview HD certified devices.

Televisions

In December 2009, Cello Electronics released the Marks & Spencer branded iViewer TV.^[68] The television is internet enabled, allowing for the viewing of online content including the BBC iPlayer, which has its own physical button on the remote, although BBC iPlayer HD wasn't available until 2010.

On 11 January 2010, the BBC announced that BBC iPlayer would be built directly into TVs that would be widely available in the UK within months.^[69] Samsung Electronics became the first major manufacturer to officially announce that its televisions would be updated to include full access to the iPlayer through their Internet@TV service.

Sony added BBC iPlayer to its BRAVIA Internet Video service, included in its 2010 range of televisions and Blu-ray players.^[70] On 9 September 2010, iPlayer was added to Sony's BRAVIA televisions, having previously only been available on Blu-ray players.^[71] Televisions needed a firmware update which could be upgraded over the internet or downloaded onto a USB flash drive for loading directly to the TV. At the time of launch BBC HD content is not available, though high and standard video quality are available on all programmes.

Digital media receivers

BBC iPlayer downloaded TV programmes can be streamed to televisions via the NetGear EVA8000 and Linksys DMA2200 digital media receivers, through PCs running Windows XP or Vista, with Windows Media Center installed.^[72]

Game consoles

Wii

BBC iPlayer as displayed by the Nintendo Wii

On 9 April 2008, the BBC iPlayer was made available to stream video content on the Wii video game console via the Internet Channel.^[73][74] This was enabled by a recoding of the iPlayer to use Flash 7 rather than Flash 9. However, the Autumn 2009 update to the Wii's Internet Channel resulted in the iPlayer no longer working on updated consoles.^[75] A BBC iPlayer in the form of a dedicated Wii channel was launched on 18 November 2009.^[76] The BBC iPlayer Channel is free to download from the Wii Shop Channel; the service is available to UK residents only.

PlayStation 3

Soon after the Wii release, several unofficial PlayStation 3 iPlayer proxy sites arose that used JavaScript to replace the UA string, However on 2 December 2008, an official iPlayer application widget was provided by the BBC for the PS3.^[77] Shortly after release, the PS3 accounted for 6% of all iPlayer traffic, making it the third most popular platform used to access the service behind personal computers (85%) and mobile phones and iPods (7%).^[78] By January 2010, PS3 usage had risen to 8%,^[79] and by November 2010, over 6 million people accessed the iPlayer through the PlayStation 3.^[80]

In September 2009, the PS3 iPlayer was also upgraded by the BBC to provide H.264 playback and full screen content.^[81] Future plans for the PS3 iPlayer include features from iPlayer V3 scheduled for late 2010 ^[82] on 8 August 2011, the application was updated and now includes access to BBC HD however most content remains unavailable to PS3 users due to DRM restrictions.^[83]

Xbox 360

The BBC and Microsoft had been unable to be reach deal to add the iPlayer to the Xbox 360 for a number of years, because Microsoft’s strategy of charging for all content on its Xbox Live platform is incompatible with the BBC’s public service remit.^[84] Microsoft wanted to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts could access its added content services. The BBC is not legally allowed to charge the UK public for access to the iPlayer, as the access charges for it are included in the BBC licence fee already.

In October 2011, it was announced that the BBC content will be made available to all Xbox Live members.^[85]

Mobile platforms

Android devices

On 23 June 2010, after many months of complaints from Android users, BBC iPlayer officially announced support for the Android platform. Users can navigate to the usual BBC iPlayer website, and a mobile website is displayed. As a result of the BBC's decision to use Adobe Flash Player to handle video playback for Android devices on this website, users must be using Android 2.2 or later^[86] (the earliest Android version supported by Flash Player).

There was also an unofficial but functional application for the Google Android platform called myPlayer but all BBC content was removed in November 2010 as the service was alleged to be in breach of the BBC terms of use.^[87] Another such application — beebPlayer — was removed from the market in May 2010 at the BBC's request.^[88]

On 8 February 2011 the BBC announced that Android, alongside the iPad, would be amongst the first two platforms to receive a native iPlayer application.^[89] The application was made available via the Android Market to UK users, but as with the earlier mobile website, the application uses Adobe's Flash Player for video playback and as a result is only available for devices running Android versions between 2.2 and 3.2.

iOS devices

BBC iPlayer as displayed by the iPhone

On 7 March 2008, a beta version for Apple's iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch and later iPad) was released, allowing streaming over a Wi-Fi connection. The EDGE/3G connectivity on the iPhone, however, is not supported, as it is too slow for streaming video.^[90][91]

Non-iPhone users were found to be watching and downloading streams intended for iPhone users allowing them to play them on alternative devices. The BBC modified the iPlayer service on 13 March 2008 to prevent this. ^[92] Through the month of June 2008 further methods were discovered by iPlayer users to watch and download streams intended for iPhones. A Ruby^[93] hole was followed by the BBC introducing XOR encryption on parts of the downloaded files if a genuine iPhone was not detected. The BBC introduced specially crafted web bugs, referrer checks and download chunk limits, such that only devices exhibiting this behaviour, i.e. a genuine iPhone handset, would be able to stream the video content. A cycle of updates and reverse engineering has followed ^[94] such that all the various streams, both for the iPhone and flash streaming service, are now able to be downloaded without the need for decryption or DRM circumvention. This has been made possible by various software^[95] which can effectively simulate a RTMP flash client or an iPhone. As of early December 2010 the iPhone mp3 access has been changed to use https. The server checks the client's certificate and only accepts connections for those issued to Apple. This change to the protocol not only prevents access to non Apple devices but also disables use by a number of early generation iPod Touch devices.

On 28 July 2011, BBC Worldwide released an international version of the iPlayer for the iPad.^[29]

Nokia N96 phone

On 18 September 2008, the BBC announced that a version will become available to the Nokia N96 mobile phone as a download service to allow viewers to watch programmes even when they are out of reach of Wi-Fi or 3G networks.^[96][97] The launch date was set of 1 October 2008.

Shortly after on 9 September 2008, even before the BBC Nokia N96 download service had gone live, a method was published to independently download and play the iPlayer N96 3GP stream on other mobiles, Linux and Mac OS.^[98][99]

BlackBerry devices

On 5 November 2010, an official BBC iPlayer app that allows users to stream live television and radio, and catch-up on previously aired content became available for download on BlackBerry OS 5.0 (and higher) devices.^[100] A Wi-Fi connection is needed for an "optimal viewing experience" but 3 and Vodafone are allowing it run on their 3G networks.

Additional mobile devices

In early December 2008, iPlayer was updated to include streaming radio and television, and extended to a variety of handsets^[101] including the Samsung Omnia, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, Sony Ericsson C905, Sony Ericsson W995, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and the Nokia N8.^[102]

Reception and adoption

Before the launch in December 2007, the BBC had hoped the service would reach half a million users in its first six months.^[103] This turned out to be a gross underestimate, as 3.5 million programmes were streamed or downloaded in the first three weeks alone.^[104] The Guardian described these figures as "remarkably promising".^[105]

In its first year, 2008, growth continued at an impressive rate. By April, the iPlayer accounted for around five percent of all UK traffic,^[106] and had approximately five million page views per day by June.^[107] In December, it was announced that more than 180 million programmes have been watched on iPlayer since its release.^[108] During the BAFTAs in May, the iPlayer won the "Interactive Innovation Service/Platform" Award, beating Channel 4's 'Big Art Mob' and the Bebo 'Open Media Platform'.^[109] The streaming of programmes forms the lion's share of the success, outnumbering downloads eight to one in January 2008,^[110] and 97:3 in October 2009.^[111]

In the month of October 2009, it was revealed that the site experienced 70 million requests and transferred seven petabytes of data.^[111] Television formed about two thirds of all requests, with radio making up the rest.^[111] Most TV was streamed from pre-recorded footage, whereas live streaming was preferred of radio.^[111] Eighty-five percent of requests were from computers, with much of the rest coming from iPods, iPhones and PS3s (from a total of 15 platforms).^[111] The most popular TV programme of 2009 was Top Gear,^[112] and the most popular radio was that reporting The Ashes.^[113]

The success of iPlayer may be down to a "long tail" effect, with users seeking out niche programmes; programmes broadcast on digital channels are doing remarkably well.^[105] However, this is expected to change with the introduction^{[citation needed]} of booking programmes to download in advance, and automatic downloading of the next episode.

The demands of the iPlayer have met with some concern and criticism from UK ISPs due to the added bandwidth the service will need.^[114] Several ISPs, notably Tiscali, have called on the BBC to partially fund network upgrades to cope with iPlayer traffic. The BBC responded by saying that the iPlayer was driving demand for broadband subscriptions.^[115]

By May 2010, the site was getting 123 million monthly play requests.^[116]

DRM criticism

During the 2005 and 2006 iPlayer trials, the DRM system used was based on Microsoft's Windows Media DRM, which led to concerns about cross-platform availability, as this technology is available only for Windows XP. However, some users have managed to get it working using compatibility options in Vista.^[117] The BBC emphasises that it "has a commitment to platform neutrality and a remit to make its content as widely available as possible",^[118] and that while the initial trial used a Microsoft-based technology, they are constantly looking for new technologies which would enable them to relax the restriction: Ashley Highfield, then BBC's director of Future Media and Technology, explained that "we have always started with the platform that reaches the most number of people and then rolled it out from there". They also point out that not all of the content delivered through the iPlayer will be subject to DRM - live streaming content, for instance, may not need the same level of control, presumably implying that players for Mac OS X and Linux systems could be developed with a restricted range of content. However, a project was started to enable the iPlayer to work with other platforms via the Wine project.^[119] Streaming via the BBC iPlayer website is now available in all browsers supporting Adobe Flash. Also, iPlayer Desktop, which allows downloading programmes for later offline viewing, is available for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

On 14 August 2007, the Free Software Foundation staged a demonstration outside BBC Television Centre.^[120] The FSF's Peter T. Brown criticised the BBC for what he claimed was a break from previous tradition: the insistence that, for the first time, BBC viewers would be forced to use proprietary technology to watch BBC programmes.

On 18 February 2010, the BBC updated iPlayer with an SWF verification layer which attempts to close the door on open source implementations of Real Time Messaging Protocol streaming.^[121] The attempt was unsuccessful, with most existing open source applications remaining capable of playing or downloading rtmp content from the iPlayer.

Overseas availability

BBC TV productions are paid for by the UK television licence fee and rights agreements with third parties. Thus, all BBC iPlayer TV programmes are accessible from IP addresses allocated to the UK only, as of 2011^[update]. It has been reported that many people outside the UK circumvent that rule by buying a virtual private network account with an IP address located in the UK.^{[citation needed]}

However, most radio programmes can be accessed globally, with the exception of a few programmes, mainly sports broadcasts, that are affected by rights issues. One quirk is that mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPod Touch cannot access radio overseas via BBC iPlayer whereas computers can.^{[citation needed]}

An international version of the iPlayer was launched on 28 July 2011 in eleven western European countries,^[29] after receiving the approval of the BBC Trust in November 2010.^[122] The international iPlayer takes the form of an iPad application which offers a limited amount of content for free, supported by pre-roll ads and sponsorship, but its core business model is subscription. The global iPlayer app includes some features that are not in the UK version, including the ability to stream shows over 3G as well as Wi-Fi, and a downloading feature to store programmes on the iPad for offline viewing. At launch 1,500 hours of content was made available, of which 60% had been produced and commissioned by the BBC, while 30% had been commissioned by the BBC but produced by independents. The other 10% was entirely non-BBC content, including ITV's Primeval, and Channel 4's The Naked Chef and Misfits. Launches in Australia, Canada and the US will follow later 2011, as part of what is intended to be a one-year pilot.

TV licence

A television licence is not needed to view programmes on the iPlayer after they have been broadcast. The exception lies with the 'Watch Live' simulcast option, which is accessible through and played on the iPlayer site, where eight of the BBC's channels are broadcast at virtually the same time as on television and hence a valid TV licence is needed.^[123]

Humour

In 2009, the BBC's April Fools' joke was a press release announcing the availability of the iPlayer on a specialised toaster, supposedly for users to watch breakfast television.^[124]

References

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2. ^ ^{a b} "BBC iPlayer Launched". Broadband Finder. 2007-12-27. http://www.broadband-finder.co.uk/news/broadband/bbc-iplayer-launched_18407021.html. 
3. ^ "BBC iPlayer Gets Re-designed". BBC Press Office. 2008-06-25. http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/06_june/25/iplayer.shtml. 
4. ^ "BBC iPlayer Gets a Social Makeover". Tvgenius.net. 2010-05-28. http://www.tvgenius.net/blog/2010/05/28/bbc-iplayer-social-makeover/. Retrieved 2011-05-15. 
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6. ^ Goliath.com "Results of the BBC's Integrated Media Player trial.". Goliath. 2007-04-13. http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-5434989_ITM Goliath.com. Retrieved 2008-05-14. 
7. ^ "BBC interactive Media Player: news & review". DJ Alchemi. 2004-08-23. http://alchemi.co.uk/archives/mus/bbc_interactive.html. 
8. ^ "RFI20080274 - draft response.doc". Whatdotheyknow.com. 2007-07-27. http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/74/response/229/attach/html/3/RFI20080274%20final%20response.pdf.html. Retrieved 2011-05-15. 
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External links

BBC portal

• Official website
• Press release announcing extended trial of iMP at BBC Online
• "Ask Bruce" article on iMP at BBC Online
• Microsoft Builds on the Success of Red Button And BBC IPlayer For Next Gen T.V.