As a registered (and enforced) BBC television license payer, it’s been a really annoyance sitting in the States watching everyone back in the UK enjoy the launch of the iPlayer. The BBC’s rigorous IP blocking technology has made it impossible for me to use the service from an American internet connection. I could, if I was minded, arse about with proxy servers and whatnot, but I can’t be bothered. Instead I just sit back and fume a little, now and again.
New Media Age, the UK media weekly is quoting Mr BBC Mobile (that is, Matthew Postgate) as saying that work has begun on a mobile iPlayer, but that they haven’t yet decided whether the service will be used to record shows remotely, watch short clips or view entire shows.
Other reports, referenced by StrategyEye, reckon that we’ll shortly be able to view mobile iPlayer content via iPhone. It’s all moving in the right direction. I’d like to see the BBC make absolutely everything on BBC1 and 2 available for download and streaming on mobile for, let’s say, a 6 month trial. I know it’s an arse; I know it’s difficult with rights management, but it would be a fascinating trial to see just whether folk can be bothered to watch TV on their mobile. Me? I think I’d be happier watching something on my iPhone vs your average Nokia. Then again, I’d be much happier watching the likes of Top Gear on a big screen, rather than a small one.
So, still rumours.
Matthew Postgate is, by the way, a top chap. I’ve known him for years.
Ignoring the “catch up” aspect, the main BBC TV and Radio channels are available on Vodafone live as part of the Mobile TV package. Also includes Channel 4, ITV, some Sky channels and others.
http://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobiletv for full details.
The main problem with a mobile iPlayer is that if you go for downloads, you need to have enough free space on your memory card. If you go with streaming, you have to deal with buffering and drop outs. Neither are insurmountable, but they do make it a bit harder.
Of course, you need a very generous data allowance for either.
Given the number of people who spend their train journeys watching ripped DVDs on iPods, PSPs, N95, Archos and Blackberrys – I’d say that getting good quality paid for content on the very small screen could be a winner.
(I work for Vodafone, I don’t speak for them, other phone providers may have this available)
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