Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

BBC Signs 'Memo of Understanding' With Microsoft

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the buddies-from-across-the-pond dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft has signed a memorandum of understanding with the BBC for 'strategic partnerships' in the development of next-generation digital broadcasting techniques. They are also speaking to other companies such as Real and Linden Labs. Windows Media Centre platform, Windows Live Messenger application and the Xbox 360 console have all been suggested as potential gateways for BBC content. It is unclear how this impacts on existing BBC research projects such as Dirac, although it is understood that the BBC would face heavy criticism if its content was only available via Microsoft products."

4 of 190 comments (clear)

  1. Issues of access? by 6031769 · · Score: 5, Interesting
    From the BBC's own coverage of this story, there is a quote from Mr. Gates himself:

    Bill Gates said: "Microsoft's strength is in driving digital innovation, and our vision is to open up rich, new consumer experiences that allow people to enjoy digital content anytime, anywhere and on any device.

    "This vision fits squarely with the BBC's charter to lead the industry in delivering content that is compelling and accessible."

    It's the last word there which is giving me qualms. Just how does signing agreements with the most proprietary business on earth qualify as extending access?
    --
    Burns: We're building a casino!
    McAllister: Arrr. Give me 5 minutes.
  2. Windows Media Player 11 by From+A+Far+Away+Land · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I can't wait until television companies start requiring people to install WMP11 to watch their content. WMP11 has a horrendous licensing agreement when it comes to DRM infected downloads and your inability to back them up.

    --
    Oh You POS
  3. Re:Not really an option by celardore · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I wonder how they would deal with a computer that had a TV tuner card installed? You could definitely 'watch TV' without owning a TV these days ... a HTPC with a tuner card, and then just use a suitably big monitor, or a DLP projector. No TV, just a computer, but you'd have all the capabilities.


    If you have a TV tuner card, that counts. If you don't have a licence then you can be prosecuted. The TV licencing folk are like pitbulls, and they have some similar rights as baliffs the way I understand it.

    I hate the TV licence. When I first moved out from home, I did not own a TV but the licence people still sent me letters saying "You don't appear to have a TV licence, please get one." I phoned them and said I don't have a TV, they still sent letters. I replied to these letters, but there is no convincing them you don't own a TV. A few more letters and they were threatening to send the inspectors round. I found this link which has some various experiences of the TV Licencing strategies.
  4. Re:Who the BBC is by Burz · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I'm with you. Having seen the difference between BBC content and the crap available here I think the results are in: state-funded broadcasting works better and costs less.

    The BBC isn't state-funded. It's a public corporation funded by a flat amount that each viewer pays in the form of a license fee.