Talk:BBC iPlayer

No support of AAC or Dolby Digital Plus
The player does not support any audio other than stereo. Even with UHD, this should be put somewhere on the page. sailor iain (talk) 07:52, 15 May 2023 (UTC)

Name?
The recent news stories about this programme refer to it as the "Integrated Media Player". I just created Integrated Media Player as a redirect, but should the page content be moved there? —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 06:00, 22 March 2006 (UTC)

Do we instead need to move the page? As the BBC on the IMP homepage call it the Intergrated Media Player - Jt_spratt


 * Yeah, that's what I meant: move the page from Interactive Media Player to Integrated Media Player. Sorry if I wasn't clear. —Josiah Rowe (talk • contribs) 07:59, 22 March 2006 (UTC)

Got time to change the name - This has been renamed iplayer... can someone move it and sort backlinks? Sorry, not got the time myself :) 132.185.240.121 13:03, 23 June 2006 (UTC)


 * Right, I've made the move to iPlayer, as this seems to be the most recent of its many names; confusingly, one reference I found implied that "MyBBCPlayer" and "iMP" were actually concurrent names, and that the live content came under one name and the 7-day catch-up under another. I don't really understand why they would bother seperating these, and am not sure if "iPlayer" has indeed supplanted both names, but I guess we'll find out next spring if they think they're ready by then... - IMSoP 21:54, 19 November 2006 (UTC)

Does anyone know what the i in iPlayer stands for? Is it "integrated"? --Bobbyfletch85 (talk) 10:52, 6 September 2017 (UTC)

new trial
is there anybody out there who is on this new, exlusive 100 people trial? could they tell us what the new iPlayer looks like? many thanks

Not me, unforunately... There is a small screenshot of the iPlayer on the website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/imp/

- I'm using it, and...it works fine. I'm not a big TV watcher, so only download a handful of programmes. Very user-friendly, black and red interface. You can keep most downloaded programmes unwatched for about 28 days. - Jez (apologies for the lack of proper Wikipedia tags)

Irony?
Is it of mention that the software is called iPlayer (obviously capitalizing on Apple-styled brand names) and yet uses Windows Media DRM and therefore incompatible with Mac? Rather ironic if you ask me. --ZeromaruTC 02:53, 9 March 2007 (UTC)
 * OK, old message, I know. But calling it iPlayer doesn't necessary link the name to Apple. The BBC already has BBCi, which, according to its article, got named as that in November 2001. The iPod (which, as far as I'm aware, was the first successful Apple product to have the i in its name - correct me if I'm wrong) was apparently launched in October 2001. That's only a month difference, an absolute maximum of 61 days, making it unlikely the BBC took the idea then from Apple. The iPlayer could just as easily be named in line with BBCi as with iStuff. Any "irony" is purely coincidental, and belief of its being there is most likely a matter of perspective. --86.130.34.90 22:01, 1 August 2007 (UTC).


 * I will correct you as you are wrong. The release of the iMac was in August 1998. It was a highly successful product by any account. In addition, I don't think the irony is at all coincidental. The BBC is quite aware of Apple "i" products as it uses a large number of them in its TV programmes.
 * If you need a source for the iMac here is one of many (just go and google): "The Mac Observer Spin: The Mac Observer went on record repeatedly as predicting that Apple would sell 1.2 million iMacs before the end of 1998. While this was obviously not the case (but we do like to own up to our predictions), 800,000 is still a stunning figure that makes the iMac the number one selling computer for Apple as well as the entire PC industry of all time!" []. If you need a source for the use of Macs by the BBC do the same or better still watch a few programmes! Candy 23:53, 20 September 2007 (UTC)
 * I did say the iPod was first "as far as I was aware" - there was an acknowledgement of potential lack of personal knowledge. Also, I never said the BBC doesn't use Apple products, nor did I suggest they aren't aware of them (use in what sense though: someone listening to an iPod in a fictional piece, demonstration of a product on news, etc?). What I did say was that the BBC already has BBCi, which, albeit using a now-invalid argument, I suggested was not named based on Apple's iStuff - I still believe this, the article on BBCi doesn't make the point anyway - and the iPlayer is as likely (if not more so) to be named in line with that than Apple's products. Basically, in answer to the original question, to say the name is "obviously capitalising on Apple's products", without a reference, would be incorrect here, and so, "is it worth a mention?", no. Unless a source for it is found, how can it be said the BBC were being deliberately ironic when they named the iPlayer? -86.151.137.182 01:01, 30 September 2007 (UTC).


 * Hey, I was only responding to the "correct me if I am wrong". I believe all did was invalidate the article part which is ''"The BBC already has BBCi, which, according to its article, got named as that in November 2001. The iPod (which, as far as I'm aware, was the first successful Apple product to have the i in its name - correct me if I'm wrong) was apparently launched in October 2001. That's only a month difference, an absolute maximum of 61 days, making it unlikely the BBC took the idea then from Apple. "

''
 * Your response also questions the use of Apple products by the BBC. They use Apple products in non-trivial ways including music production and video editing although obviously not exclusively.
 * Finally, I agree with the comment that unless there is a ref there can be no connection drawn from the similarity of the iPlayer and Apple iProducts. Candy 13:15, 6 October 2007 (UTC)

Microsoft DRM section
What is the point of this section? All the information it contains is covered earlier in the article, and in much greater detail. Perhaps it should be removed. Badeggbill 14:52, 5 July 2007 (UTC)


 * I have expanded the section a bit, including the controversial fact that only Microsoft computers will be able to play the iplayer, SqueakBox 16:44, 6 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Furthermore, I have stated how the iPlayer is still only in development, or beta, stage, and therefore does not represent the final product. I do not think this straightforward sentence could add any undue bias, but if anyone could say otherwise, I would be happy to hear it. However, it is probably much, much better for the chapter to be incorporated into Criticisms. Bistromaths 21:54, 4 October 2007 (UTC)
 * Where is the section informing the world that the BBC was committed to Microsoft only and the reasons for and costs of this?
 * Also is there a reason that a Google search for "iplayer scandal" does not return information on the scheme?

Weatherlawyer (talk) 14:39, 9 January 2017 (UTC)

Browser
I have heard that these progs will only play in Internet Explorer, ie not in Mozilla, etc. Anyone confirm this? SqueakBox 16:44, 6 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Confirmed and added with a ref, SqueakBox 19:58, 12 July 2007 (UTC)

Introduction Section
It seems to me that the introduction section is a bit... anti-the program. It starts off by saying other names and seeming going "well it's useless, it's not on __________" and then goes to actually explain what the thing does. Seems a bit odd to me...? 84.92.14.5 18:04, 27 July 2007 (UTC)

Protest
I think to include the protest we need an independent relaible source and clearer ideas of why the protests are ebing planned. its like with the 10, Downing Street petition, there was then another petition for those who wanted no more delays though I have to say the BBC clearly are not ready and are are not even making it available to all UK based XP computers and for NPOV we must not simply add one side of this debate, SqueakBox 20:44, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

100 user trial?
Was there ever a source that only 100 people took part in the trial from November 2006 to whenever? Looking round for a mention of a trial previous to the current one, I find this. But it says "the BBC ran a small-scale trial of the iPlayer for some time. About 15,000 people are thought to have taken part in this with about one-third being regular users", which is a lot more than 100, and more even than the 1000 stated for the current trial. Furthermore, it says "the BBC has not revealed how many people it plans to sign up for the beta", so I'm not certain how a source can be found for that... Something like replacing 1000 with limited might be more accurate, but that's only a suggestion. --86.130.34.90 23:29, 1 August 2007 (UTC).


 * I've put very limited as limited is what is going down right now, SqueakBox 23:43, 1 August 2007 (UTC)


 * The BBC are currently adding thousands of new users a day. Its still in beta, and the BBC are controlling numbers but its not a 1000 limited beta at all so that should be removed.

This quotes 100,000 has having registered and is from Monday...http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article2173667.ece i work for the BBC btw so conflict of interest in changing this article. Jem 06:25, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

Channel Infobox
Here's something that struck me: this article has a channel infobox, but is it actually a channel? I'm not inclined to think so, so I think it should be removed. After all, it's not really a channel, it's a service by which you can watch content already broadcast on various other channels. I think I can possibly see why some would see it as a channel, though I need convincing... TheIslander 23:57, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

4oD
The article says that 4oD works outside the UK. It doesnt work here in Spain! Says you need to be in the UK! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Special:Contributions/ (talk)
 * Which is precisely why, if you'd read the entire sentence, you'd have seen that it specifies Ireland. Ireland's not in the UK, hence it works outside the UK. TheIslander 15:37, 13 August 2007 (UTC)
 * It should just say Ireland then, saying outside the UK is confusing. It doesnt work almost anywhere outside the UK though I have heard of (but not tested) that there is a control-your friend's-pc device that now incorporates sound and with a closed proxy zombie it might be possible to enjoy the delights of.....well I'd ratrher get the free iPlayer or ITV service than pay for 4oD, SqueakBox 22:55, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

ISP controversy
this edit has a lot of good points but its unref'd, polemic and needs fixing, hence my revert, SqueakBox 22:58, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

The piece on P2P efficiency was constructed based on these sources: - Senior network architect ISP @Home: 'we measured an increase of up to 40% in our network when using several P2P technologies compared to unicast streaming'

- Technical director ISP XS4ALL: 'we don't believe in the P2P video claims: internet network architectures were not built for this distribution technology'

- Media delivery expert from JetStream: 'CDN structures where cheap edge delivery servers are placed within the ISP networks have a lower TCO than P2P delivery technologies and are from a macro perspective more efficient, decrease costs for everyone in the value chain instead of moving costs from the broadcasters to the ISP's'

- P2P video technology developer (based on BitTorrent): we think QoS is more important than traffic load. It's the ISP's problem, not ours'

- Also see Traffic_shaping —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Special:Contributions/ (talk)
 * This seems more like a lecture about p2p than something that should be in an article about the Iplayer. Wouldn't the info be there be better as a section of the p2p article with only the briefest mention in the Iplayer article linking to p2p article. Identz 13:02, 23 August 2007 (UTC)


 * Exactly - that's the very reason I removed them. TheIslander 13:11, 23 August 2007 (UTC)

Article name
Why does "Integrated_Media_Player" redirect to "Intergrated_Media_Player" misspelled? Surely it should be the other way round? I'm not experienced in Wikipedia so don't know if I can rename it. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Special:Contributions/ (talk)

Footnote 8 is about the Channel4 4oD service, not the BBC IPlayer. The critisism of the kservice.exe is certainly true of the Channel4 service, but until a reference is shown that it is also appliciable to the BBC IPlayer, it should be removed from this page. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Special:Contributions/ (talk)

Critisism in intro
It's seems unusual and biased for the into to an article to include critisism about it's limitations, how about some thing like: "as of [date] the BBC iPlayer is only available to users of Windoes XP" There is a lot of vocal people out there but a critisism section exists already it's an encyclopedia not a forum! JP 14:33, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

I have further questioned the neutrality of the article, the critisims is too long, and far too much negitivity about what it beta software. JP 14:50, 7 September 2007 (UTC)


 * Again a symptom of the problems when many Wikipedians agree with the bias in an article (indeed really I do too, except I'd prefer to see an unbiased write-up for once). Of course there shouldn't be criticism in the intro! zoney &#09827; talk 10:11, 3 October 2007 (UTC)

Windows XP x86-64 Edition
I believe it should be clarified that the player only works on Windows XP x86 formats, and none of the others such as x86-64 and 64-bit. - ARC Gritt TALK 09:19, 6 November 2007 (UTC)

It DOES work. It works fine on Server 2003 x64 for me. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.16.153.191 (talk) 02:28, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

Dirac Codec?
Would this be an option for BBC, especially as it's developed by them ??? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirac_%28codec%29 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.227.111.184 (talk) 14:17, 7 November 2007 (UTC)

Flash Player streaming on iPlayer website
As of December 2007 13, the BBC has updated the website to allow users to stream content. This is based on adobe's flash player and works on other browsers (presumably any browser and operating system that supports flash). Thus there is now limited support for Mac etc. Can someone please rewrite this page to reflect this. Consider referencing http://www.c21media.net/news/detail.asp?area=89&article=39104 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.66.33.73 (talk) 18:26, 14 December 2007 (UTC)


 * I've somewhat re-written sections of the article to reflect the new streaming service. I've had to re-arrange some of the existing content as it was "download" specific. There is now an "online service" stub under key features that needs expanding if someone wouldn't mind writing that up. [Jam][talk] 20:35, 15 December 2007 (UTC)


 * By streaming, is it meant what's currently available (for 7 days, UK users, blah, as ever) here (Doctor Who Christmas episode)? Dunno if it's the first available, but if the service was launched yesterday it might be. --86.164.171.232 (talk) 00:14, 26 December 2007 (UTC).


 * Yup, that's streaming. Basically watching the programme over the internet, as opposed to downloading it to your computer, and then watching it from that file. That's not the first streamed programme, though - I watched the Money Programme (from Friday) via streaming on Saturday, so not sure how far back it goes. TheIslander 00:44, 26 December 2007 (UTC)


 * The Flash service launched on the Thurs 13 December. I've been using it since then. [Jam][talk] 00:46, 26 December 2007 (UTC)


 * Yeah, my error became apparent by the end of the episode, when I was offered The Sound of Drums and Last of the Time Lords (I was editing while watching :P). Anyway, is this what's aimed to go in the Online service section? I may see what I can find in a few days if it hasn't been written by then. Until then, g'night, and Merry Boxing Day and all that. --86.164.171.232 (talk) 01:04, 26 December 2007 (UTC).

(untab) Yep, that's what's missing there. Merry Boxing Day to you too ;) (and consider getting an account!)TheIslander 01:05, 26 December 2007 (UTC)

Christmas 2007 launch - and Virgin Media
See http://www.c21media.net/news/detail.asp?area=89&article=39104

Consider adding in something about virgin media support and/or completely rewriting this entry to reflect the Christmas 2007 launch. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.66.33.73 (talk) 18:35, 14 December 2007 (UTC)

Radio Player integrated into iPlayer
As of the recent name change from BBC Radio Player to iPlayer this entry should be updated to reflect these changes

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/help/faq/development_news.shtml

Kservice
Should the article mention any problems associated with kserivce.exe such as bandwidth usage and very high CPU usage which tends to crash PCs using Windows XP? Mahanchian (talk) 23:39, 26 December 2007 (UTC)


 * The stuff about the bandwidth is already there, look under 'Critisism'. The stuff about crashing XP computers is plain-wrong. It may crash your computer, but it runs fine on mine (and presumably hundreds of thousands of others: those that use XP surely make up the vast majority of users). TheIslander 00:29, 27 December 2007 (UTC)


 * They only happen to make up the vast majority of users because there wasn't, until recently, support for the download iPlayer on Vista; it doesn't support anything pre-dating Windows XP, and is not supported on Linux or Mac. [Jam][talk] 00:35, 27 December 2007 (UTC)


 * I didn't say why they make up the vast majority, only that they do, which in all probability they do, perhaps for the reasons you cite. TheIslander 00:57, 27 December 2007 (UTC)


 * My reply was more of an informative rant than anything else :). However, yes, that is probably the reason why - XP being the only supported OS until recently. [Jam][talk] 10:53, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

Bias
I read a number of articles about the iPlayer indicating that some of the senior managers responsible for its implementation used to work for Microsoft. The allegations included implications of industrial nepotism rather than the choice of a good model. Has anyone got any concrete references for this?

--Candy (talk) 16:25, 30 December 2007 (UTC)


 * Well, I came across this when searching Google. I don't know if the Register classes as a concrete reference, but I'm sure Googling the names of the relevant people should reveal more about their past. [Jam][talk] 16:50, 30 December 2007 (UTC)

It was all over the online computer magazines like the register. Since 2009 neatly sidestepping scandal: Every quarter, the BBC releases reports on salaries, expenses and other claims by senior management. The BBC annually publishes the exact salaries and total remuneration for its most senior managers - those earning £150k and over, and also those with the greatest responsibility for spending public money and for overseeing the BBC's services and operations. Weatherlawyer (talk) 14:50, 9 January 2017 (UTC)

Still in beta
the article says "BBC iPlayer left Beta and went live on December 25, 2007". I was streaming today (via Firefox) and it was still clearly labelled as "beta" while playing. 81.86.230.16 (talk) 03:04, 2 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Where did it say "beta" on the page, iPlayer is no longer in beta, and it does not say beta when I use it. --<font color=royalblue face="comic sans ms">AxG  @   ► talk  03:15, 2 January 2008 (UTC)

Top middle right of the browser page. Theres a BBC search toolbox, coloured blue, immediately below is "BBC Programs beta". Actual webpage I was watching is at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0079cbg 81.86.230.16 (talk) 03:22, 2 January 2008 (UTC)
 * That makes it clear. It says "BBC Programmes Beta", not BBC iPlayer. The BBC iPlayer main site is http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/ . You are watching and embedded BBC iPlayer Video on the page. --<font color=royalblue face="comic sans ms">AxG  @   ► talk  03:27, 2 January 2008 (UTC)

yep...iplayer went out of beta on christmas day. programmes is a separate product on bbc.co.uk that will soon list information (including embedded video/audio if its available) about every single one of our broadcasts at an episode level.. That product is still in its early days. thus the beta tag for that product. (I work for the BBC) Jem (talk) 09:51, 2 January 2008 (UTC)

Picture of Advert
Is this picture really needed? I seriously don't think so. For a start, it's not free-use (whatever the uploader has placed on it's page), because it's an image of a copyrighted advertisement. Fair-use images should only be used sparingly, where they really enhance the article, for example the iPlayer logo. I really don't think that this advert enhances the article at all, and so I shall remove it shortly if there are no (valid) objections. <font color="DarkGray">The<font color="Blue">Islander 18:15, 2 January 2008 (UTC)


 * My opinion is that if the article were to mention the fact that the BBC was widely promoting this (adverts such as this, mentioned on many shows etc) the image would be warranted. As it stands, the image is unnecessary. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.145.216.203 (talk) 16:08, 4 January 2008 (UTC)


 * Agreed. Fair-use-wise it's dodgey anyway, so have removed it. Please discuss before replacing. <font color="DarkGray">The<font color="Blue">Islander 16:16, 4 January 2008 (UTC)

FSF criticisms
I'd like to use the video to support the text - but without the video appearing in the references as a big image.

Also, FSF wants the BBC videos released in a free format, so anyone can (in principle) write their own player to access the BBC material. This is different from adding another closed source player (which has unknown security holes, for example). Stephen B Streater (talk) 19:23, 13 January 2008 (UTC)

Using Firefox to download
Has this been possible for long? Apparently I can download most programmes, using Firefox (not sure about other browsers), from today's (Monday's) afternoon and evening, and some from the morning, and also two programmes (that I've noticed so far) from other days, but other morning programmes and most of those from every other day this week are unavailable for download, and have the "Sorry, downloading BBC iPlayer programmes is currently only available in Internet Explorer" message. A few random examples: downloadable, downloadable, downloadable, not, not, not. Also, the programmes from other days that I've noticed are: Pop on Trial - 1990s on Thursday and Two Pints - Homophobia Is Gay on Sunday. Could someone check those links in Firefox (or anything not-IE) to see if they get the same options as me. Also, this page viewed in Firefox gives information specifically for Firefox. Again, not sure if it's only Firefox, or others as well. And it's not just that the Download Manager can be downloaded using Firefox, I can actually start programme downloads too (tried EastEnders, as I thought it would be most likely to be quickly available, and the Pop on Trial mentioned above, mainly because it had the option to download a signed version, which I hadn't seen when I last used the download). So presumably, they found a way to not need ActiveX to start downloads. Anyway, my main question was wondering if this is new or not. If it is, could someone check the links I gave (not using IE) to see if they work (if they don't, there's something strange going on with my computer). Also, I can't find anything about this on Google, and none of the iPlayer's help pages seem to have been updated to take it into account, which is what led me to believe it is new (either that, or I'm way behind). If it's right, it'll probably appear in a few days, and if I'm just going mad, it probably won't. Either way, I'm not sure whether anybody would include this in the article - as there is no mention of Internet Explorer/Firefox/others, only Windows/Mac/Linux - I'll leave it to someone else to decide :P. --86.165.212.203 (talk) 23:02, 28 January 2008 (UTC). got a bit long and rambling, sorry

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/01/bbc_iplayer_firefox/ Jem (talk) 22:19, 1 February 2008 (UTC)

Idents paragraph
thoughts about this para

"Also, seasonal specials were followed routinely throughout the Yuletide week with plugs for iPlayer - shows such as 'Extras' and 'The Catherine Tate Show' being prime examples.[citation needed] Programmes streamed across iPlayer continued to carry the BBC's seasonal ident animations right up until 12 January 2008.[citation needed]"

The first line is a rather clumsy way of saying the BBC had a on air marketing campaign for the product (it still does.radio, tv and press trails/ads.)There are many sources for this. The second line is a fairly minor, non notable bug, thats not verified by a source anyway. I'd remove it but i work for the BBC so COI so leaving this here in *hope* that someone does the decent thing. Jem (talk) 08:18, 1 February 2008 (UTC)


 * Well, if you want to propose the changes here, I can take a look and see about changing the article for you :). [Jam][talk] 10:58, 1 February 2008 (UTC)

Good Article?
What do you think? Tiddly -  Tom  16:29, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I think there are still points that need fixing. There are a number of uncited statements (with associated tags), and the citation style needs to be made consistent (probably through the use of , but that is down to personal preference or consensus here). I think once those are fixed, it could probably be put forward for good article nomination.  [Jam][talk] 16:44, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * From the article: Channel 4 is currently in discussion over the provision of its web content and changes are expected later in 2008. - I do not know what this is referring to, what are they talking about? Broadcasting their programs through iPlayer? I'm current fixing references. Tiddly  -  Tom  17:02, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * No idea. Seems to be related to 4OD, or perhaps the "overarching programme system" (which is/was mentioned in the article). I doubt C4 are going to broadcast their programmes through the iPlayer. If you can't figure out what it means, remove it :). [Jam][talk] 17:15, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * It refers to Kangaroo, which is to launch later this year. BBC programmes will be streamed both on iPlayer and Kangaroo. 4OD will shut down, and Channel Four programmes will move to Kangaroo, and I believe ITV will also use Kangaroo as well. <font color="DarkGray">Talk<font color="Blue">Islander 17:40, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Right. Well, I assume that can be mentioned, but since it isn't directly relevant to iPlayer (and probably doesn't have many references now) I guess it can be removed. [Jam][talk] 17:50, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I ran out of time earlier for fixing the references, I intend on doing the rest tomorrow. I'll see if I can find a ref about Kangaroo, and maybe mention it in the article. Tiddly  -  Tom  19:57, 3 February 2008 (UTC)


 * That is OK, don't worry about it - I can't spend a lot of time editing Wikipedia anyway due to exams. I don't think there is anything wrong with mention Kangaroo, but I don't think we need to dedicate too much detail to it until there is more official information about it. [Jam][talk] 20:00, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Kangaroo is a different entity entirely, so although a glancing (referenced) comment is appropriate here, much more information is not. Don't forget, it has it's own article. <font color="DarkGray">Talk<font color="Blue">Islander 20:11, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Still have a little more work with the references, but at least they all use cite web now ;) Tiddly  -  Tom  07:27, 4 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Ok, I think I am done with the refs. Any objections to taking it to GAR? Tiddly  -  Tom  17:53, 5 February 2008 (UTC)

high definition?
Is the player High Definition or Standard? The article doesn't say 129.215.48.206 (talk) 22:44, 25 February 2008 (UTC)


 * Do you mean the Flash player or Download player? I suspect both will be standard definition.  [Jam] [talk] 23:03, 25 February 2008 (UTC)


 * The streaming player is standard def, though the filesize of the particular 28-minute show I'm streaming at the moment is 300MB, which would suggest a much higher resolution. I'm not touching it though, due to the DRM. Dreaded Walrus t c 16:52, 3 March 2008 (UTC)


 * In my opinion, a high-definition stream (or download) would be much larger than that. When I record 30-minute shows using my DVB card, in uncompressed stream form, they are over 1GB (and that is a normal Freeview stream).  [Jam] [talk] 17:24, 3 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Also, the BBC seems to give estimates of 100MB per 10 minutes beneath the download button on the site, but in the Download Manager, and the folder the file is downloaded to, the actual file size given is usually about 50-75% of that estimated size (smallest I have currently is 136MB for 30 minutes). --86.165.213.238 (talk) 23:29, 9 March 2008 (UTC).

"Only works if you are located in UK" is untrue
The article stated that the iPlayer will not work for users located outside the UK. This is factually inaccurate:


 * The iPlayer will work outside the UK as long as you access it through a UK-based IP address. The iPlayer software does not care where you are physically located, neither does it have any way of determining this. Whether iPlayer is meant to work only inside the UK is irrelevant, the truth is that many users are able to, and do, watch iPlayer outside the UK (eg through personal VPN providers), and Wikipedia should report the truth, not what the BBC wants it to report.


 * The iPlayer will work even for non-UK IP addresses as long as as you have a UK IP address when you start downloading a program. It will continue downlowding and you will be able to watch it even if you switch to a foreign IP address in the mean time.

This is already the second time I am correcting this factual inaccuracy. Will the person who has removed this information (I suspect it was a BBC employee) please discuss this here before they do it again? Cambrasa (talk) 18:58, 21 March 2008 (UTC)


 * As far as I am aware, it is due to licensing laws (and the TV license fee) that stop the BBC from broadcasting their programmes outside of the UK. Obviously the iPlayer has to work on whether or not the IP being used to access it is a UK registered one or not (which is not always entirely accurate, but all they have to go on). This can clearly be circumvented using VPNs and the such like. However, without a reliable source to indicate this is possible, it is original research and as such will be removed. That is probably why it has gone before.  [Jam] [talk] 20:11, 21 March 2008 (UTC)


 * From the BBC's own legal help page : "We also use your IP address to determine whether you are accessing the services from the UK or not. If not, you will be re-directed to the international version of the bbc.co.uk site (see paragraph 11 for details.)"


 * I think this is all the sources that we need. My Wikipedia entry does NOT mention that VPN can be used to circumvent the iplayer, it merely states that access is based on IP-address, not physical location of the user. Cambrasa (talk) —Preceding comment was added at 09:16, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

"The iPlayer will work even for non-UK IP addresses as long as as you have a UK IP address when you start downloading a program. It will continue downlowding and you will be able to watch it even if you switch to a foreign IP address in the mean time." Although the iPlayer can pause & resume downloads, it may be able to check the IP address each time you resume downloading. It uses p2p, so it logs into a centralised list of IP addresses, to check which ones have got the content you are downloading. Also, when you watch the downloaded programme, it then acquires the licence, presumably it also checks the IP address at this stage.  This page suggests that the licence is indeed checked & downloaded each time you play the content.

"it merely states that access is based on IP-address, not physical location of the user" IP addresses are assigned in blocks to ISP's, who are geographically/physically located somewhere. If you go to this page, it will give you your IP address, your ISP, where they are located, & also info on your system, eg browser type etc. So yes, the BBC can tell whether you are in the UK or not. --r-c-h-w (talk) 02:59, 21 September 2008 (UTC)
 * The DRM licence is downloaded when you download the programme. This is so you can watch the programmes when you're offline (see any programme on the iPlayer site that has download available). Sometimes it either doesn't download properly, or doesn't download at all. That's what the FAQ you link to is referring to. Also, the licence is only available for the seven days that the download is available, not the 30 days that they can be watched in. If you start watching in those seven days and have a bad licence, as long as you are connected to the internet, a new one downloads. If you start watching after those seven days with a bad licence, it tries to download a new one, finds there isn't one available, and tells you that. That's where the need for that FAQ comes in. This also means you can watch programmes outside of the UK, as long as you downloaded them in the UK. Whether that also means you can continue to download them outside of the UK, having started the download in the UK, I don't know. --86.171.61.11 (talk) 16:43, 22 September 2008 (UTC).

There are a number of sources that state the iplayer can be accessed from abroad, such as http://bbs.scoobynet.com/computer-related-34/658352-how-get-bbc-iplayer-work-outside-uk.html http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080224055409AAcwk4T http://www.tyresmoke.net/forum/technology-corner/107667-watching-bbc-iplayer-abroad.html http://www.toytowngermany.com/lofi/index.php/t99470.html http://spekxvision.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/using-bbc-iplayer-from-abroad/ http://www.laymyhat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6117&sid=ac36be19185af93a8ab287615c554a51

The fact that the iplayer cannot be accessed from abroad is simply untrue. Furthermore, there is no law forbidding use of the iplayer from outside the UK, and even if there was, that would not justify stating making false statements. Robbery is illegal and a serious crime in all jurisdictions, but this page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery has not been removed for that reason. If some countries make it illegal to use the iplayer (China may make some programmes on Tibet illegal to view), you would still say "the iplayer can be accessed using a web proxy, under such and such a law it is illegal in this or that country". It's not a matter of encouraging anything, to make a blanket statement that the iplayer won't work abroad is simply making a false statement. (talk) 23:11, 5 January 2009 (UTC).


 * However, it is not designed to work from abroad. If it was designed to work from abroad, then you would be able to access it without proxies. Also, if WP starts encouraging the use of proxies (which you are technically doing by including this information), then it opens those users up to privacy issues (who knows what is being logged on those proxies). I think it is irresponsible to include it, aside from the fact that those sources you included aren't reliable.  [ジャム] [ t  -  c  ] 23:20, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

You make some valid points, however again if you removed every reference to anything being used in ways it was not designed to, you would have to remove a significant amount of information. Just look at the iphone article which clearly states that "various hackers have found methods to "unlock" the phone". If you look at the astra2d article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astra_2d it also clearly talks about the possibility of receiving UK only BBC services abroad, are you suggesting we censor that as well? It may be controversial, but that alone isn't reason enough to remove information from wikipedia. If you think privacy issues are worth of mention in this article, just add them. Finally, a blanket statement saying 'the ipleyer doesn't work abroad' is simply not true, my understanding is that wikipedia should not contain untrue statements (talk) 00:48, 6 January 2009 (UTC).

Redirection
Hi, how do i help add re-direction links? i.e. searches for this article from search strings that arent spelled correctly? i searched for bbci player and it took me quite a while to find this, the article i wanted. Many thanks <font style="color:#488AC7">δ <font style="color:#2B547E">² (<font color="#FF9900">Talk to me! ) 18:15, 31 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Redirect - all you need to know about redirects! Tiddly  -  Tom  18:47, 31 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I dont want it to create a page from which to click a link though? thats what that article seemed to suggest? <font style="color:#488AC7">δ <font style="color:#2B547E">² (<font color="#FF9900">Talk to me! ) 01:19, 1 April 2008 (UTC)
 * If you were to create the Bbci player article with the only page contence being #REDIRECT BBC iPlayer - if someone was to go to that page they would be automatically be sent to this article, without having to click any links. You can't do it without creating articles I'l afraid. Tiddly  -  Tom  01:29, 1 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Thanks for that! <font style="color:#488AC7">δ <font style="color:#2B547E">² (<font color="#FF9900">Talk to me! ) 22:31, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

Download
Is there anyway one can download the videos using freeware like FLV Downloader by Moyea? I am not keen on installing the BBCware.Anwar (talk) 13:16, 2 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Sorry, but Wikipedia is not a how-to guide or forum. Go Google and you'll probably find something.  [Jam] [talk] 13:19, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

cost to ISPs to upgrade network
I've removed "a cost estimated at close to 900 million pounds" - this is not an accurate or often-quoted figure. Ofcom state a range between £399m and £831m http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/tv/bbcmias/ondemand/bbc_ondemand/bbciplayersurvey/ Actually, Ofcom have confused BT Wholesale prices with actual cost, but that's another discussion.Rollier (talk) 18:59, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

Virgin Media
It's claimed in the article that the Virgin Media version of iPlayer is the same as the online version. Well, I haven't used the online version, but in my experience it's only possible to access shows from the past six days on Virgin, not seven. In other words, if you're watching on Saturday you only have access to programmes from Sunday through Friday. On one occasion the BBC announced that the previous episode of an upcoming show was available on iPlayer, but it definitely wasn't available on Virgin. It should also be noted that Virgin's own on-demand service includes BBC programmes from the previous 6 days, the only apparent difference being that Virgin's service captures shows from the digital broadcast stream (complete with continuity announcements, credit pushback and post-show trailers) whereas iPlayer uses the BBC studio masters. These include the channel logo without the continuity announcement, and add a small BBC DOG at top-left.Lee M (talk) 13:17, 24 May 2008 (UTC)
 * While we're at it, it should be noted that the iPod iPlayer also uses broadcast captures as opposed to studio masters. <font color="DarkGray">Talk<font color="Blue">Islander 16:42, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Download Scripts
I'm not sure whether it should be mentioned or not, but there have been a number of download scripts that spoof the User Agent String of the iPhone meaning people can download the content of the iPlayer without DRM. It's been thwarted by the BBC on numerous occasions, but currently still works. I'm pretty new to editing Wikipedia, so do we generally add information about these sorts of things? DrPoodle (talk) 02:11, 25 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Probably not because they are backdoor hacks and not official features. However, if there was some proper third-party coverage about it (not just blogs of the developers or whatever) then I suppose it could be included.  [Jam] [talk] 08:21, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

New Design iPlayer
A section needs to be created about the new-look iPlayer, due to be released soon. Get info hereLunchscale (talk) 15:03, 25 June 2008 (UTC)
 * The new iPlayer is now available, via a link at the bottom of the normal iPlayer homepage. Additionally, there is now an iPhone/iPod touch optimised layout, apparently made possible by the "all-new dynamic-page-rendering architecture," which I've taken a screenshot of and added to the article, under "Future." I haven't added any new text - I've never added new text to Wikipedia before, and unfortunately I'm not nearly awake enough yet to "be bold," as it were! alien2k (talk) 06:03, 27 June 2008 (UTC)

Volume Control
Is it worth mentioning that the Volume control goes up to 11, a la Spinal Tap? (78.86.214.133 (talk) 09:23, 27 August 2008 (UTC)).
 * No, as has been stated several times already. Unless you can find any official BBC source that it is anything more than a coincindence, it's definitely not worth mentioning. <font color="DarkGray">Talk<font color="Blue">Islander  09:55, 27 August 2008 (UTC)

New Version
On 16th April 2009 BBC appear to have released a new version of iPlayer - iPlayer desktop based in part at least on Adobe AIR.

Can anyone add anything covering the technology and reason for change?

All I can add is that the like the old version iPlayer Desktop does work when situated outside the UK if connected to a UK based VPN. iPlayer desktop does appear to be downloading much more slowly than the older system however this may simply be based on the content I have chosen to download. Teddnalex (talk) 12:13, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

recent updates mean major rewrite is needed
the latest version of iplayer seems to make a large section of this article redundant.

the new version with the air based client downloads directly and the kontiki software is now defunct and doesn't work anymore.

also why is there still such a focus on the old microsoft drm stuff? it's barely been an issue since the streaming launched and with the new client is practically irrelevent. yes the fsf will probably keep banging their drum about theora or what not but that's not going to happen due to rights.

I suggest the article be rewritten to take into account how the new version works and move all the stuff about kontiki and the fsf down to a "previous versions" section that could also discuss iMP which was based on an older kontiki system. 82.41.243.253 (talk) 17:29, 4 May 2009 (UTC)


 * Well, you're welcome to make these changes. The article isn't protected, and it seems to make sense to rejig the article if it is out of date.  [ジャム] [ t  -  c  ] 18:41, 4 May 2009 (UTC)

I agree, this article is badly in need of a rewrite. The Development section, for example, reads like a collection of bullet points. I think some of the other sections in the article could probably be cut down and merged with the Development section to make it more readable, specifically the DRM, Latest Version and what's currently in the two Platforms sections. The Computer Platforms section could then be rewritten to only reference the new AIR based client and the newer streaming software that automatically adjusts the bit-rate. Some of the other sections could probably do with being trimmed or merged also (the TV Licence and Overseas Availability sections could probably be put together in a Legal Issues section maybe mentioning DRM as well). Of course this is a fair amount of work, and I don't have time to do it myself (exams), so I thought I'd just share my ideas. I feel the article is a bit of a mess at the moment. 137.205.108.106 (talk) 18:46, 8 May 2009 (UTC)

XP only!?!
I'm interested to be told that BBC iPlayer is only avaliable to XP users only though "some users have managed to get it working using compatibility options in Vista" this intruiges me because I have Vista and I didn't have to do anything to get iPlayer working without doing anything at all. I don't know if maybe I am just very lucky but I think that this section should be reviewed. 82.28.40.202 (talk) 19:10, 6 August 2009 (UTC)

Works perfectly on vista.86.16.153.191 (talk) 02:31, 16 August 2009 (UTC)


 * Maybe you were reading some old content, i think the first iPlayer (maybe even the beta) was only available on XP. <font face="Old English Text MT" color="darkblue" size="4" >C <font color="darkblue" size="2" >hris_huh <font color="orange" size="1" >talk 08:38, 16 August 2009 (UTC)

iPlayer for Nintendo DS
http://www.realhotstuff.com/iplayer-p-468.html http://www.dsiplayer.com/

Not sure if it is related to THIS iPlayer or not, but might be worth a mention. 75.107.162.133 (talk) 19:57, 17 September 2009 (UTC)
 * Nope, nothing to do with the BBC iPlayer at all. --  [[ axg  ⁞⁞  talk   ]] 20:49, 17 September 2009 (UTC)

iPlayer Raison d'être
I feel that the introduction should clearly explain why the BBC felt it necessary to develop their own media player. The bulk of the article is really of historical relevance in that it documents, apparently in detail, what happened from conception to date, but fails to effectively communicate why the BBC as a media publisher decided to enter into, itself, developing media technology in the first place.

I suspect that this article suffers as a result of too numerous edits by multiple contributors over a extended period of time and, for a large part, the contents were more relevent during the development and launch of the BBC iPlayer than they are today.

There is a great deal of interesting content that could and should probably be moved to a new page such as "History of the BBC iPlayer" ... this would free this page to focus more on the iPlayer as it is today and on the current platforms it runs on today (rather than past limitations). This would allow the article to focus more directly with critisms relating to DRM, preceived bias towards Microsoft technologies and so on.

Reading this page for the first time, I feel that it makes sense to people who are itimately familiar with this topic from its early stages, through development and launch. However, it lacks clarity for the first time reader (as I am today). Reading between the lines, I think I understand why the BBC decided to launch this project, and what they were trying to achieve ... but this is not clearly spelled-out.

I suggest that this article be put forward for review with the objective of making it more consise and to focus more on: (1) why the BBC launched this project; (2) what the objectives were (from the prespective of the BBC as a media broadcaster; and, (3) to what extent these objectives have been met. (Also, as mentioned above, I propose that contents that are primarily of historical relevance be moved to a new page suchas "History of the BBC iPlayer" with appropriate edits and links.)

This should also elucidate why the BBC felt that existing commercial and shareware players could not fulfill such objectives (this should be easy to explain, I think) and to what extent the BBC makes the iPlayer available to other media publishers (including other broadcasters).

66.183.96.74 (talk) 21:54, 5 November 2009 (UTC)

Real Player associations
"BBC iPlayer (formerly known as Integrated Media Player (iMP),[2][3] Interactive Media Player,[4] and MyBBCPlayer[5]) is a service available via website, P2P, cable television, and several mobile devices developed by the BBC to extend its existing RealPlayer-based "Radio Player" and other streamed video clip content"

I find this sentence implies that iPlayer is based on RealPlayer technology, and as such is misleading. I was certainly misled by it, anyway! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.167.141.206 (talk) 19:35, 12 November 2009 (UTC)

Terminological inexactitude
"The fact that BBC TV productions are paid for by the UK television licence fee"

Aren't they also paid for by the revenue generated by sales of programmes to other countries? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.251.164.8 (talk) 00:26, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Iplayer on Wii
The BBC iplayer was recently released for download on the Nintendo Wii in Britain (http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/2009/bbc_and_nintendo_launch_new_bbc_iplayer_as_a_wii_channel_15051.html). Where abouts in the article should this go? Looneyman (talk) 10:26, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
 * doh! Just noticed it's already in the article. Looneyman (talk) 10:28, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

iPlayer on Xbox and on BT Vision
The statement under Game Concoles:

A deal between the BBC and Microsoft has still been unable to be reached because Microsoft’s strategy of charging for all content on its Xbox Live platform is incompatible with the BBC’s public service remit and that the BBC cannot charge the British public for access to the iPlayer as it is already included in the licence fee.

Although under the BT Vision section it is mentioned that BT has announced plans to charge its 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.

These two writing seem to contradict each other. So which one is true? Is BT allowed and is indeed planning on charging the British Public for access to the iPlayer or is it something that should be provided for free as it is covered by the existing TV Licensing fees.

Marios Hajisavvas (talk) 22:54, 2 March 2010 (UTC)

iPlayer 3.0 section?
Where are the citations for this and why does it say BBC are "in talks" with social networks? This is inaccurate - you do not need to go "into talks" to integrate with a social network. 90.196.224.179 (talk) 20:46, 13 May 2010 (UTC)

But it's encylopaedic and highlights the weakness of their solution. 90.196.224.2 (talk) 18:16, 22 June 2010 (UTC)
 * Citation added - Fob Upset (talk) 21:30, 11 March 2012 (UTC)

Unsourced how to break the law advice
I removed this unsourced gem "However, this restriction can relatively easily be overcome, through the use of geo-spoofing software that assigns to the user a UK IP address" Even if we could source this it looks like conspiracy to break UK laws and has absolutely no place in wikipedia. This is a real bad mark. Thanks, ♫ SqueakBox talk contribs 16:07, 1 June 2010 (UTC)

Taxpayers' money, or License Fee payers'?
"the iPlayer had so far cost £6 million of taxpayers money to develop". Is it taxpayers' money or television license payers' money? I'm the former but not the latter. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.56.55.68 (talk) 20:20, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

The future - Project Canvas / YouView
I think there really should be some mention in the article about Project Canvas / YouView, but I can't really see the best place to put it. I believe the intent is that, long-term, this should be a replacement for iPlayer, so it is quite relevant.--Stroller (talk) 07:57, 16 December 2010 (UTC)

Opensource HD download options: all now fail?
Around 19 April 2011, AFAICT most existing open source applications that were capable of downloading HD TV rtmp content from the iPlayer, have failed it seems. Can someone confirm this (or mention which method still works here)? If so, should be mentioned on the article. (F-ing bollocks, if true!) Jimthing (talk) 11:50, 20 April 2011 (UTC)

ps3 iplayer HD
most HD content is unavailable on the PS3. works fine on desktop player. Autumwatch is available... joy... not much else.

if only, the BBC didn't have a mandate to put HD content with DRM. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.62.202.241 (talk) 12:22, 21 November 2011 (UTC)

Showcased Programmes citation needed
""Since the launch it showcased programmes on ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, E4, More 4, Film 4, Channel 5, 5*, 5USA and S4C.""

I have never known that or can find any evidence of it ever happening, Im going to remove the line unless a citation is provided --Fob Upset (talk) 19:28, 11 March 2012 (UTC)
 * It does not sound right, It does show a TV guide and allow a search of other broadcasters programmes; like this (Programmes from other Providers). --   [[ axg  ◉  talk   ]] 19:43, 11 March 2012 (UTC)
 * Okay, i didn't know that. Thanks for adding the citation and re-wording the sentence- Fob Upset (talk) 21:06, 11 March 2012 (UTC)

Can anyone find a reference for this?
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. 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.

Thanks Kelvin 101 (talk) 16:01, 11 October 2013 (UTC)

Why Microsoft DRM was chosen by BBC
"[...] It [Microsoft DRM] is free, secure and approved by Hollywood labels and approved by rights holders. [...]" The question is, what BBC means by free and secure... 87.78.28.25 (talk) 21:56, 10 June 2014 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 3 external links on BBC iPlayer. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110718164601/http://www.tvgenius.net/blog/2010/05/28/bbc-iplayer-social-makeover/ to http://www.tvgenius.net/blog/2010/05/28/bbc-iplayer-social-makeover/
 * Corrected formatting/usage for http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/last7days/?filter=txdate%3A20-01&filter=txslot%3Aafternoon&scope=iplayerlast7days
 * Corrected formatting/usage for http://crave.cnet.co.uk/televisions/0%2C39029474%2C49300327%2C00.htm

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 03:41, 13 July 2017 (UTC)

External links modified
Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 2 external links on BBC iPlayer. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:
 * Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110913105554/http://www.silicon.com/technology/software/2010/05/26/bbc-unveils-iplayer-30-with-chat-social-networking-functionality-39745865/ to http://www.silicon.com/technology/software/2010/05/26/bbc-unveils-iplayer-30-with-chat-social-networking-functionality-39745865/
 * Added archive https://archive.is/20081025092320/http://www.btcomms.com/emails/bt_vision/P5417_2008_05_23/btv_tvr_230508%20(2)_online_version.html to http://www.btcomms.com/emails/bt_vision/P5417_2008_05_23/btv_tvr_230508%20%282%29_online_version.html
 * Added tag to http://www.impala.org/sites/default/files/BBC%20iPLAYER%20LAUNCHES%20ON%20FREEVIEW%20HD%20VIA%20MHEG-IC%20CONNECTED%20TV%20TECHNOLOGY.pdf

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

Cheers.— InternetArchiveBot  (Report bug) 22:59, 16 September 2017 (UTC)