BBC to Try TV On Demand

Shevek writes "The UK Independent newspaper is reporting on a new BBC trial: 'Later this month, the BBC will launch a pilot project that could lead to all television programmes being made available on the internet. Viewers will be able to scan an online guide and download any show. Programmes would be viewed on a computer screen or could be burned to a DVD and watched on a television set. Alternatively, programmes could be downloaded to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) ... By launching iMP, the BBC hopes to avoid being left at the mercy of a software giant such as Microsoft, which could try to control the gateway to online television.' Yet more proof that the BBC license fee is an unmitigated Good Thing(TM)."

Comments

License fee

[mr100percent]

Just to remind everyone, the BBC license fee is a tax on every television set in the UK.

(I don't live in the UK, but I would pay it if I could get this kind of innovation)

Re:License fee

[Tango42]

Actually, no. It's a tax on every household with a TV set in the UK. You can have as many TVs as you like, you still only pay once. I'm not sure of the system for businesses though. (NB: I live the UK)

Re:Trouble is

[Motor]

So maybe there's more to Dirac than just a cool open source project.