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BBC Releases P2P TV Client Test

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the next-generation-couch-potato dept.

evildeed writes "The BBC's Internet Media Player trial started today, and a few thousand lucky UK citizens now have a copy. The good news? Legal P2P downloads of quality shows. The bad news? Requires IE and Windows Media Player, and it's probably going to be UK-only. Oh well. One of the lucky few has uploaded screenshots and a brief review." The service was first announced back in may.

4 of 292 comments (clear)

  1. Before anyone asks.. by MullerMn · · Score: 5, Informative

    From http://www.bbc.co.uk/imp/help/index.shtml#fourteen :

    14. When will I get iMP on Mac & Linux?
    Currently, our supplier is working towards supporting a Mac and Linux version.

  2. Re:Question.. by Brown · · Score: 5, Informative

    Currently the BBC depends on the TV licence fee, and shows no commercal advertising. This is a very good thing.

    Once a broadcaster starts depending on advertising for revenues, the overriding concern becomes viewer figures, rather than quality of output; thus ITV (the BBC's main commercial equivelent) shows programs like 'Celebrity Love Island' and 'TVs Naughtiest Blunders 16' at the same time as BBC shows Newsnight (fairly serious news and current affairs program).

    The licence fee, despite many people not liking it, makes for independent and high-quality broadcasting; IMO arguably the best in the world.

    -Chris

  3. Re:Who is this service for? by thetroll123 · · Score: 5, Informative

    >Watch a lot of TV
    No, watch any TV

    >... but only watch BBC programmes
    No, watch any BBC programmes

    >... and don't want to archive their favourite programmes
    This is not unusual at all. Very few people archive TV.

    >Have a fast internet connection ... but don't download stuff already via P2P
    Lot of people have broadband, few know about/can be bothered with existing P2P.

    >Are into new technology and gadgets ... but only Use IE and Windows
    Again, no. It's *have access to IE and Windows*, not *only use*.

    Very weird post indeed.

  4. Re:Question.. by Martz · · Score: 5, Informative

    The BBC isn't allowed under it's charter to make money from advertising. They are supposed to form a neutral point on everything, including corporate interest.

    That hasn't stopped some companies muscling into the popular TV shows to get their product placed - and recently are increasingly underfire about the whole thing.

    That said - if you do pay the BBC TV/Radio licence - doesn't that entitle me to use of any content that they carry? For example if Radio 1 play a song on the radio - since my licence payment has already reembursed the artist for it - shouldn't I be allowed to listen again and again?