Microsoft Block ‘Free’ BBC iPlayer
360 owners, you know who to blame. Related stories (more)Consoles Help iPlayer Reach 100 Million Requests
Sparkles Aren’t All Bad
Sky Player To PS3?
Article written by nofi in PS3 News, Xbox 360 News, on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 9:30.
The BBC iPlayer, which is currently available on the PS3 free of charge, looks to be delayed indefinitely on the Xbox 360. According to reports this morning, this is due to Microsoft wishing to charge for the service whilst the BBC naturally wants the streaming to be ‘included’ in the license payer’s fee. “Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing,” a BBC source told the Telegraph.
“It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those” they added. “This does not fit with the BBC’s model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible,” the source added.
In the meantime, Sony are in contact with Sky and 4OD.
Comments
Please note that all comments are the opinion of the individual author and not TheSixthAxis.
Kamokazi-UK | 30/11/2009 09:38
Member
206 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2009
This is where — fail. Even if sony do go down the subscription route, access to the internet will always be easy.
Microsoft is Microsoft, leave off the childish dollar sign. Nofi.
Ryan1991 | 30/11/2009 09:42
Member
1733 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Why do people insist on writing MS as M$?
DJ Judas | 30/11/2009 09:49
Epic
371 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
Because they have lots of spondoolaaa.
Sympozium Gro Mak | 30/11/2009 12:51
Member
1142 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2009
because its awesome
hazelam | 30/11/2009 12:29
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
the dollar sign in ms is traditional, you’ll be wanting to get rid of christmas next
Raen | 30/11/2009 12:56
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Hell with the release price of the PS3 i’m surprised we didn’t see more $ony and P$3.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 13:11
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
i can’t recall ever seeing $ony, which is surprising given the launch price of the p$3, sorry, couldn’t resist
davidjmclare | 30/11/2009 19:03
always on easy
894 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
then again the $ means they are money grabbing… and the ps3 release price meant sony were making a loss. not fair on them really to be p$3
hazelam | 30/11/2009 19:30
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
when has logic ever had anything to do with the “my console’s better than yours” argument?
davidjmclare | 30/11/2009 20:03
always on easy
894 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
ok you win
NavahoGL | 01/12/2009 07:34
Member
18 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Nofi,
There is nothing childish about writing Microsoft with an ‘$’ — it is called an opinion.
Is The $ixth Axis afraid of loosing sponsors this way?
. or what is it?
Should we start calling it The $ixth Axis now?
nofi | 01/12/2009 08:07
Wants a custom tag.
3870 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Call it what you like, buster.
Ryan1991 | 30/11/2009 09:41
Member
1733 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Surely having iPlayer free of charge could intise more people to buy an X360. Silly if you ask me.
Raen | 30/11/2009 09:51
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
They don’t really need to do that right now, the sales figures are pretty solid. They want people to convert from Silver to Gold, then you get a continuous revenue stream. I mean based on figures from last January (the first result that popped up on Google) they had 10 million gold accounts in Jan 08. Assuming Gold is around $50 worldwide (not accurate at all, but I believe it’s $50 in the US) they make $500 million a year off of Gold. Whilst there are obviously costs of running the servers they are far lower than the costs associated with console manufacture, therefore pushing Gold probably gets them a much higher profit margin.
Sting_HP | 01/12/2009 06:14
Member
36 TSA Points | Member since: Dec 2008
Wow. I can’t believe they would block a free player, but then again it is m$.
nofi | 01/12/2009 08:07
Wants a custom tag.
3870 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Sigh.
Tuffcub | 30/11/2009 09:42
Team TSA: Writer
3448 TSA Points | Member since: Dec 2008
ITV Player still doesnt work on PS3
Lorcan | 30/11/2009 09:57
Team TSA: Writer
1132 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
But do you really want to watch anything that ITV has to offer?
Kevling | 30/11/2009 10:04
Member
1851 TSA Points | Member since: Dec 2008
TV Burp, of course.
Kamokazi-UK | 30/11/2009 10:22
Member
206 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2009
Agreed, TVBurp is a must. Shame it finished. Roll on next series.
Raen | 30/11/2009 10:28
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
I guess you could watch Frost and Morse. Do they still make those? Or is it all just repeats at this point? Foyle’s War is meant to be quite good.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 11:26
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
well morse would definitely be repeats since john thaw died a few years ago, a great actor who i’ve enjoyed watching in many of his roles.
they still make the occasional frost episode though.
Lorcan | 30/11/2009 11:36
Team TSA: Writer
1132 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Oh yeah! Sorry yeah, TV Burp is amazing!
As is You’ve Been Framed since Harry Hill has been doing the voices too.
Outside of that though..
hazelam | 30/11/2009 11:48
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
oh yeah, you’ve been framed got much better with harry hill.
god that lisa riley was awful, i just hate those “ooh look at me, i’m wacky” type people.
still i bet she gave the nation a new appreciation for jeremy beadle
yeah i know that describes harry hill as well, but he’s funny, that’s the difference.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 12:31
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
and you don’t like the wonderful sitcoms itv shows?
shields_t | 30/11/2009 13:42
Member
1158 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Champions League football is the only time I ever bother with ITV these days, oh and the missus watches X-Cacktor, I’m surprised they’re still going to be honest, I’m sure they’d struggle if Simon Cowell ever pulled the plug.
Raen | 30/11/2009 09:42
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
*sigh* Not a shocker, Microsoft are really pushing Gold as premium right now. Bit of a pain, and I certainly wouldn’t play for iPlayer on top of Gold. I may consider paying for SkyPlayer in the future, but solely because I can’t get it for free in other places.
Lorcan | 30/11/2009 10:04
Team TSA: Writer
1132 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
You wouldn’t have to pay for it on top of gold. You’d only get it if you were on gold.
But obviously that means that you’re paying for BBC material which goes against it’s policys.
The BBC has to offer it’s products and shows for free under law.
Raen | 30/11/2009 10:11
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Sorry the “certainly wouldn’t pay for” bit was a hypothetical, more me thinking out loud about what I would and wouldn’t pay for. I know you wouldn’t pay for it on top of Gold.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 12:28
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
The BBC’s content will never appear on a platform which needs subscribing to just to access it. Look at Sky, not only do you not need to pay Sky to access the BBC channels, but you don’t even need a card inserted in the box (unlike Ch4)
Raen | 30/11/2009 12:29
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Nope, you can get the freeview option for Sky. Parents used to have it. No subscription and you get BBC.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 13:28
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
To access the BBC (over satellite) you don’t even need ‘Freesat From Sky’ which requires you to pay £20 for a card to receive the Free To View channels…. the BBC is something called Free to Air…. which doesn’t even require the £20 card
colmshan1990 | 30/11/2009 16:41
Member
945 TSA Points | Member since: Apr 2009
It’s the same in Ireland with RTE. Although RTE Player isn’t on my PS3.
But we do seem to be behind the times a lot, especially with internet based services. Maybe with the PS4?
flatspikes | 30/11/2009 09:45
Member
483 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Well, well… perhaps they should consider giving standard Silver members a little something too… would iplayer really hurt Gold membership numbers if iplayer was free on Silver?
I have both consoles and am currently trialling their Sky player… £10 a month plus £3 or so Gold membership is ok but once Sky player goes back to £15 I’ll be off… Anyway MS need to think about what they will lose by not having this rather than what they could gain revenue wise.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 13:01
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
i just think ms don’t want this setting a precedent, if one service is offered free other providers might demand their service is offered to silvers too.
DJ Judas | 30/11/2009 09:45
Epic
371 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
It seems that large American corporations are having increasing difficulty in understanding why it’s good to offer things for free.
Lorcan | 30/11/2009 10:01
Team TSA: Writer
1132 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Like Healthcare!
DJ Judas | 30/11/2009 12:59
Epic
371 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
With the time I’m having with the NHS I’d sooner pay through the nose and have a system that works for me.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 13:06
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
if you can afford it that’s great.
but what if you can’t.
the nhs might not be the most efficient service in the world but it’s better than getting nothing.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 13:24
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
You wouldn’t have to pay through the nose to have private healthcare, a lot company’s subside it for their employees (and their families)
When I looked into in the past (even unsubsidised) it was far cheaper than the National Insurance deductions from my wages (even taking into account private pension costs on top)
Places like Sweden & France have a national healthcare model which Americans should aspire to… not the rotten leaky bucket approach that is the NHS.
colmshan1990 | 30/11/2009 16:43
Member
945 TSA Points | Member since: Apr 2009
You guys think the NHS is bad? Next time you’re sick, come to Ireland.
That’ll teach you to moan about your healthcare system.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 19:33
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
does the nhs have teams of lawyers looking for excuses not to pay out should you ever need their service like insurance companies do?
cc_star | 30/11/2009 19:42
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Not sure, but they do have teams of lawyers in charge of handling claims against them for mis-treatments, mis-diagnosis and atrocious levels of care which is almost tantamount to corporate manslaughter
benny boy | 30/11/2009 21:00
Member
630 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
That’s probably a bit harsh I would say. My mum’s a nurse and the vast majority of staff and other nurses there actually care about their job and the patients despite the awful pay. However, the way the NHS is being managed and organised at the moment is a bit ridiculous. Too small a budget and too many overpaid manager-type people.
mugsybalone | 30/11/2009 21:12
Member
322 TSA Points | Member since: Aug 2008
Yep, the NHS Litigation Authority looks after the negligence claims and risk management side of NHS operations, taking care of claims from the public as well as NHS employees. Suffice to say it has a budget that dwarfs that of many other Primary Care Trusts.
minerwilly | 30/11/2009 21:56
Member
556 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
Our NHS is envied throughout the World . One of the greatest things about our nation . People always want to moan . All these people who say “ive had enough of this country blah blah !” seriously 99% of the world is worse off than us . People are literally killing themselves to get into our country . But no doubt the moaners will say “thats because they want all the benefits !” Bullshit they want to come here because if you wipe the crap from your eyes and travelled the world a little you very quickly realise we are in a wonderful position and very lucky to have been born in this small island . A recession where I see BMWs , MERC’S endless 4×4s and families with 2 and in some cases 3 cars complaining about being skint , try telling that to the billions in China and Africa .
I’m on Minimum wage and I get by and can afford an old banger , little flat , internet , gym and food . No hoildays for years but thats no-ones fault but my own for not working harder in school .
DeathByNumbers | 30/11/2009 09:50
Member
343 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
Does the xbox360 have an Internet browser? And if so can you not just go to the BBC iplayer site? In the same way you did on ps3 before it was added to the xmb?
Raen | 30/11/2009 09:51
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Nope, no browser.
DeathByNumbers | 30/11/2009 10:12
Member
343 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
That sucks, I never knew that about the xbox. Even the wii has a browser. Not that I ever use it (or the one on my ps3 for that reason) but I like the fact that it’s there.
DeathByNumbers | 30/11/2009 10:13
Member
343 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
I meant matter not reason, damned iPhone and cursed fat fingers!
Raen | 30/11/2009 10:14
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
The Wii browser is actually qute good, it’s an Opera port and works pretty well.
And yeah sucks that it doesn’t have one, but if it did it would be an IE port. Do you really want that?
DeathByNumbers | 30/11/2009 11:13
Member
343 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
Internet Explorer isn’t that bad. Seriously. Although again, I rarely use it as I have google chrome and safari, but it seems to work ok for me ie 8 that is.
Raen | 30/11/2009 11:26
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
I will give you the fact that IE8 is pretty good and is almost comparable to other browsers. Also it obeys most CSS rules, which is a nice change. But it’s taken them this long to get IE for one platform to be any good, I wouldn’t want to make guarantees about another platform.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 11:35
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
but once they’ve finally got it working well with websites the actual creation on a machine with 100% standardised hardware should be pretty easy.
the reason there is no browser on 360 isn’t a technical one.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 12:31
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Microsofts’s business model depends on their ‘walled garden’ approach, if they were to have a web browser on it then people would be able to access content from outside this walled garden, circumventing Microsoft’s fees
It is a practice that held back mobile phone internet adoption for years as the networks would only let you use their crappy ad-ridden portals
minerwilly | 30/11/2009 21:59
Member
556 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
The internet browser was one of several things that swung me to get a PS3 rather than 360 . Im really glad i did as my PC packed in this year before i could get another one for over a month and the PS3 was a lifesaver , I got quite adept at using the browser .
Damigos | 30/11/2009 10:13
* Banned *
-828 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
This is something that i cannot stand with Micosoft. This is one of the reasons i did not buy an xbox 360 back in 2006. You can’t charge EVERYTHING! You can’t charge the BBC iplayer, the use for online gaming, charge xtra for wireless controller, charge for wi-fi, charge for HD-DVD add-on (and obviously blu in the future, even if), charge even xtra for silver or gold services..
All i ever hear from that company is charge…Thank god I’m using office and windows for free
ii3illy | 30/11/2009 10:22
Member
524 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
God forbid that a business should want to make money.
I assume you have stolen Office and Windows or received them as gifts?
Damigos | 30/11/2009 11:25
* Banned *
-828 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
-
ii3illy | 30/11/2009 12:04
Member
524 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Jesus man do you have no idea?
nofi | 30/11/2009 10:23
Wants a custom tag.
3870 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
@Damigos – Office and Windows for free. Do tell.
Kamokazi-UK | 30/11/2009 10:26
Member
206 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2009
At work / Uni / School / Parents PC i would hope
shields_t | 30/11/2009 13:47
Member
1158 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
I spend a few hundred quid a year on a Technet subscription for Windows and Office Licenses, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than buying the products individually. Thank god I don’t use a Mac, the software prices for Leopard are astronomical.
Raen | 30/11/2009 13:52
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
I really need to get a Technet sub, it’s hugely worth it
shields_t | 30/11/2009 14:44
Member
1158 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
It actually goes down in price year on year, since the release of windows 7, I’ve activated four of my possible ten licenses for win 7 ultimate, given my subscription fee was £164 this year, I’ve made my money back four fold already.
Kamokazi-UK | 30/11/2009 10:25
Member
206 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2009
Don’t you know, theres the ‘Right Way’ the ‘Wrong Way’ and the ‘ Microsoft Way ‘… its even their address ” One Microsoft Way “
Raen | 30/11/2009 10:27
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
a) Extra has an e in it. It’s the first letter quite hard to miss.
b) Of course they can charge for it, people are quite willing to pay. Hell online gaming makes then in the region of half a billion a year according to my estimates. People are clearly willing to pay, hence they charge.
c) Did you just admit to using pirated software?
Damigos | 30/11/2009 11:27
* Banned *
-828 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
Oh no! Now Microsoft is going to find through my IP and sue me and i will go to jail like those piratebay torrent guys!
I guess all the other users have bought them original, eh?
Damigos | 30/11/2009 11:28
* Banned *
-828 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
a
seedaripper1973 | 30/11/2009 11:29
Member
1356 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
ooohhh, handbags at dawn boys….
Damigos | 30/11/2009 11:35
* Banned *
-828 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
Lol! That “a” was a test of wether i can edit my previous reply or not..
Anyway, about the “Xtra”, it still sounds the same if you read that way, doesnt it ?
Like w8 (weight), like LoL…but i admit, its not much of a deal to not write just an “E”
And as for the b), of course they can charge. Even a million for gold membership…that’s totally cool. I just dont understand their policy regarding that other companies do NOT charge for all these things. And i more dont understand why people pay for that, especially for a console that is already hacked.
Personally i’d pay 200 euros to get an xbox and then hack, play the exclusives that you cannot play on the pc (Halo, Fable, Forza maybe 1 more) OFFLINE and for free, and for all others i’d spend time with my PS3
Raen | 30/11/2009 11:44
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
And the big (Banned) suffix to your name was why I asking if you were admitting to piracy. In fact admitting to piracy and then admitting to want to get a 360 to pirate games. Good to see nofi on form today.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 12:33
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
I know this (sub)topic in the comments is dead now, but pirating software? really?
Just use GoogleDocs for all your lightweight stuff, and then if you need anything more heavy duty use OpenOffice, I haven’t used a Microsoft Office suite for well over 5 years – And haven’t once missed a single feature, not even Mr. Clippy!
Why pay for stuff when you can get legal, free alternatives
Raen | 30/11/2009 12:46
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
I know, it’s dumb. I can see why’d you’d be tempted by something like PhotoShop, it’s super expensive and much better than the the free stuff (I use the GIMP myself which is very good, but it’s not PhotoShop). But office software? GDocs is really good and OpenOffice is fine. And it’s not like the basic versions of Office are even very much any more.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 13:00
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
recently I was tempted to make my first forray into using copied software.
I’ve always been a big user of Dreamweaver, and have generally upgraded on every other release, my last upgrade was the CS3 web Collection, so normally I’d miss CS4 out and go for whatever comes next…however after downloading the trial and using it, the difference in features is one of the biggest jumps they’ve had, it also seems far less of a resource hog, but despite knowing how to make the trial everlasting I uninstalled it, and have returned to CS3… Hoping to have funds to upgrade to CS5 in April(ish) though
hazelam | 30/11/2009 11:39
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
dunno about damigos but i got vista when i bought my pc and i use openoffice, free open source and does most of what ms office does.
Raen | 30/11/2009 11:42
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
OpenOffice is a very good option. And that doesn’t make Vista free, you can get machines with no OS for much less. It’s just included in the price.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 12:57
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
i suppose, but it remains the only way i’d ever get windows.
i bought windows on it’s own once, never again.
i just stick with the windows i’ve got till i get a new pc, and that only happens every few years.
got my current pc last year and i think the one before that was bought in 2002, just upgraded the memory, hdd and graphics card.
i’d tried linux on my old pc, couldn’t seem to do anything with it, need to be more of a techie than i am i guess.
Raen | 30/11/2009 12:58
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Linux is still a bit hardcore in places, particularly in wireless networking and you sort of need someone to show you how the repository system works. Current builds of Ubuntu are pretty good though. Runs a bit slow on the machines I use it on, but those are all ancient machines so not sure that it’s the machine.
MUKARKAR | 30/11/2009 10:22
Member
592 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
guys u can check this website its free and works fine with the ps3
MUKARKAR | 30/11/2009 10:24
Member
592 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
lol sorry
-
If people really want to watch stuff illegally online, they can find it themselves thanks. Lorcan
MUKARKAR | 30/11/2009 10:34
Member
592 TSA Points | Member since: Nov 2009
sorry. Lorcan, i am new to this things
bunimomike | 30/11/2009 11:39
Member
3374 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
How to get off on the wrong foot, apologise and learn from it. You, sir, are welcome here! Could you say hi to Damigos. He’s in the TSA prison tower.
No feeding him, though.
X201 | 30/11/2009 10:53
Member
260 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
Microsoft have got into bed with Murdoch, story explained.
Raen | 30/11/2009 10:59
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Other way round, Murdoch is trying to get in bed with them. Although Microsoft have been approaching other publishers. None of it will work anyway.
illogicology | 30/11/2009 10:59
Member
689 TSA Points | Member since: Sep 2009
While the BBC gets a lot of stick for the license fee and how it spends it, I think it’s pretty good that they’re prepared to defend our investment in this way. While I’m sure it won’t harm the 360’s sales that much it can only help the PS3 with its free iplayer access.
seedaripper1973 | 30/11/2009 11:34
Member
1356 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
The term ‘nickle and dimed’ springs to mind…no offence to any 360 fans but this is why i dont support Microsoft, never have, and NEVER will.
p.s where is this M$ thing that nofi apparently did in the article?? i cant see it, unless the old boy deleted it?!
Raen | 30/11/2009 12:07
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
The M$ thing was in a comment that nofi edited, hence the message
BadBoyBoogie | 30/11/2009 11:38
Let There Be Rock
2516 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
Another reason for me not to get a 360 !!!
Raen | 30/11/2009 13:00
Team TSA: Writer
3449 TSA Points | Member since: Mar 2009
That seems an odd reason? I mean you have a PC (at least I would assume so, given you’re commenting) and a PS3 (again an assumption). You can watch iPlayer for free on both of those, you would have no reason to watch it on your 360 for pay anyway.
bunimomike | 30/11/2009 13:04
Member
3374 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
I think it was more a “if I was in a situation to purchase a 360 or a PS3″ then MS are doing themselves no favours with this one. That and a smidge of a dig at the 360.
hazelam | 30/11/2009 12:57
Member
2986 TSA Points | Member since: Feb 2009
this story seems to be on every game site today.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 13:20
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
There is nothing free about the iPlayer or BBC content in general it is a hugely expensive resource that costs Licence Fee payers billions of pounds a year to run, everything the BBC does costs, and because they’re not commercially driven it costs loads – Just look at the number of £100k+ salaries the Beeb employs and compare that to equivalent positions in a commercial organisation to see the lack of value they obtain for every pound they spend.
The BBC get away with this because other broadcasters are just so bad at producing their original content, just look at ITV and the endless supply of throw-away TV they try to push on us, Ch5 & Sky would be nothing without importing American content, so the BBC is head & shoulders the best producer of content we have – by a mile (just watch ‘Life’ at 9pm tonight to see what I mean) and that is probably the only reason we’ve not had some form of revolution over just how much the BBC costs to run.
Back on point:
Out of that huge pot of money the BBC also pays Sky £100m+ a year to carry its channels (or to reserve the EPG space), if the BBC wanted to make it’s iPlayer free of charge (silver) on the 360, then they may have to pay Microsoft to do so, and as a licence fee payer I’d strongly object to that use of the funds.
Microsoft prefer their ‘walled garden’ approach where they can charge for premium services, if they were to make the iPlayer available for free they’d probably want paying by the BBC, and the BBC would hopefully see that that would be a waste of licence fee payers money.
Therefore it is in neither company’s business plan to make the iPlayer available ‘free’ of charge on the 360.
shields_t | 30/11/2009 13:55
Member
1158 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
I’m quite happy to pay my license fee for the BBC, I do not know of anywhere else in the world where TV programmes can be viewed thoroughly devoid of advertising, in fact the length of some of the American shows on BBC really highlight how much advertising is carted out over an hour’s broadcasting.
I would object to my license fee going towards what is essentially a niche platform being able to use an application which is free to downoad on the internet. I can see why the BBC object, and assuming Sony didn’t charge for it’s use, I’m quite pleased that Sony are providing it without subscription on the XMB.
bunimomike | 30/11/2009 15:23
Member
3374 TSA Points | Member since: Jul 2009
After reading so much about television channels from around the world (by ex-pats) I’d never want to stop the TV license. Everyone that’s ever moved over to the USA has only ever said “you’ll miss it if you change things as we’re utterly swamped with adverts all of the time”. BBC WorldService, BBC website (esp. News) and some BBC programmes are still the finest to be found.
I’ll never forget watching my first X-Files on Sky and they’d crowbarred (sp?) ads even before the start credits had rolled about a minute after the opening scene. Never again.
shields_t | 30/11/2009 16:09
Member
1158 TSA Points | Member since: Oct 2008
Yeah, Sky are terrible for sticking ad breaks just after the opening credits. We watch Lost on Sky And that is just the sa
as your x files experience.
cc_star | 30/11/2009 18:23
Team TSA: Writer
5869 TSA Points | Member since: Forever
Surely nobody watches ads these days? just record whatever you want to watch, and start watching it 15mins (per hour length of program) after the start time, fast foward the ads, and it will finish at the same time it was due to anyway, and then you can delete the recording
I hardly ever see ads on TV
davidjmclare | 30/11/2009 20:07
always on easy
894 TSA Points | Member since: May 2009
the bbc kicks ass, great shows, great services and only 140quid a year. bargain.
channel 4 also kicks ass – they are not for profit and still make better shows than itv, and superb movies!