More iPhone SDK Hints? BBC iPlayer, Gameloft Games [Archive]

MacRumors

Feb 20, 2008, 09:21 AM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Guardian.co.uk reports (http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/feb/20/bbc.digitalmedia1) on BBC announcements about their iPlayer streaming television service, including usage stats. Amongst the announcements, however, is also the tidbit that the BBC will be launching their iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/) service to be available on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch devices in "the next few weeks".

There are surprisingly few details about this iPhone version of the BBC's iPlayer. The BBC's iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/) currently comes in two flavors: a web streaming version as well as a Windows-only downloadable version.

TheRegister.co.uk (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/20/iplayer_flash_iphone/) claims that this means that the BBC will be transcoding their shows from Flash into H.264 video just as Youtube has, and also claims the iPhone iPlayer will be Wi-Fi only and that the BBC has a deal with hotspot provider The Cloud to offer free access to bbc.co.uk and iPlayer. While the "next few week" timeframe corresponds to the scheduled release of the iPhone SDK, it's never explicitly stated that this version of the iPlayer will be a dedicated player. A DigitalSpy.co.uk article (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a89731/iplayer-to-launch-on-iphone-and-itouch.html) even notes that it is possible only "because of the devices' good web support", suggesting it may simply be a specially designed web portal.

Meanwhile, PocketGamer.co.uk (http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/iPhone/news.asp?c=5797) posts photos from a Gameloft keynote speech in which an iPhone game is depicted. The image may simply be a mockup, however, rather than an actual peak at an upcoming iPhone game.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/20/more-iphone-sdk-hints-bbc-iplayer-gameloft-games/)

rockstarjoe

Feb 20, 2008, 09:26 AM

Boy if they are actually going to have a special event before the end of the month they are going to need to get an invite out the door soon (by the end of this week, I'd imagine). So hopefully we'll know more soon.

MacSamurai

Feb 20, 2008, 09:26 AM

Makes perfectly good sense specially with the new bbc videos on itunes

UCLA-Bruin

Feb 20, 2008, 09:31 AM

Who cares about BBC? Bring on the SDK!

Astro8973

Feb 20, 2008, 09:34 AM

why the **** should i care about bbc and lame ass games? i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games :D

UCLA-Bruin

Feb 20, 2008, 09:35 AM

... and "iPlayer" how unoriginal and confusing when an application on the "iPhone". Do we really need any or some of the iPhone applications to have an "i-" prefix? Even "vBBC" would be a slight improvement?

hoppo99

Feb 20, 2008, 09:35 AM

Sounds great. The iPlayer site currently uses Flash so unless, as theregister.co.uk suggests, the BBC will release h.264 versions of their programmes like YouTube this would mean that the iPhone will be getting Flash support. Streaming would only ever work in a wifi hotspot, though with a possible 3G iPhone in the works that may change.

There would be no point having an iPlayer app for the iPhone. What would be better were for the BBC to release programmes (for free for UK users) through iTunes so that they could be synched from there.

All I want now is access to the iPlayer site (for streaming) for :apple:TV - then I will buy one.

thecritix

Feb 20, 2008, 09:41 AM

why the **** should i care about bbc and lame ass games? i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games :D

with the greatest of respect sir.. do you know how much crap i have to read about AT&T? If someone on the board farts its a MR frontpage item.

In the Uk this would be awesome, effectively meaning you can watch TV on your iphone. I don't have an iPhone but this would certainly make one more attractive.

iLeoMarc

Feb 20, 2008, 09:42 AM

northernpaul

Feb 20, 2008, 09:47 AM

In the long-term, I think it's inevitable that storage-based devices will be redundant. All data will just stream from servers. In this respect, a flash based BBC iPlayer is advanced.

However, in the shorter-term, BBC really should look at using a system similar to that used for iTunes rentals. By doing this (perhaps with terms modified from 30 days/24 hours?) they'd be able to give episodes to people for free, whilst still retaining the ability to sell episodes in the future by DVD.

russellelly

Feb 20, 2008, 09:50 AM

WiFi is nowhere near ubiqutous enough for this to be seriously useful. Free download and use FairlPlay DRM ala movie rentals and we have a deal :)

Project

Feb 20, 2008, 09:58 AM

Interesting.

Watching Eastenders in McDonalds FTW

Stig McNasty

Feb 20, 2008, 10:09 AM

with the greatest of respect sir.. do you know how much crap i have to read about AT&T? If someone on the board farts its a MR frontpage item.

In the Uk this would be awesome, effectively meaning you can watch TV on your iphone. I don't have an iPhone but this would certainly make one more attractive.

Absolutely have to agree. As soon as something happens outside the US of A we have to sufffer *yawns* from the colonials... As for Apple TV rentals etc that have still to leave their homeland...

Mind you, Eastenders is toss, as is Catherine Tate, but there's more than enough good stuff to make the 'BBC on iPhone' brilliant for us Brits.

dopeytree

Feb 20, 2008, 10:22 AM

Project

Feb 20, 2008, 10:25 AM

I think they should also ensure the live BBC News video player goes the same route. It comes with no DRM currently but uses a Windows Media codec, limiting it to devices that have the codec.

dataset

Feb 20, 2008, 10:29 AM

I really hope that the SDK is available for any developer, so that we will have good useful applications. Not just cheap games made by companies.

Hopefully I can use my iPod Touch as a super portable security pen testing device soon! :p

whooleytoo

Feb 20, 2008, 10:31 AM

The game shot is very likely just a photoshop mock-up by the developer; check the time "9:42" (again).

mikeinternet

Feb 20, 2008, 10:35 AM

it will probably just be a web based thing with h.264 videos. Just like the one dailymotion has out now.

johnnyjibbs

Feb 20, 2008, 10:54 AM

Now we're talking! Forget about the new BBC Worldwide shows on iTunes - this is what we really want. It sounds like they'll be keeping it away from iTunes, therefore severing ties with the computer. But if it's just a web portal, what's to stop someone somewhere outside the UK (i.e. a non-licence-payer) hacking in and grabbing the content for free?

This could be a VERY good reason to drop some cash on an iPhone in the coming weeks... :D

arkitect

Feb 20, 2008, 10:58 AM

Virgil-TB2

Feb 20, 2008, 10:59 AM

Absolutely have to agree. As soon as something happens outside the US of A we have to sufffer *yawns* from the colonials... As for Apple TV rentals etc that have still to leave their homeland...I also am getting tired of the constant US-centric, Gamer-centric, SDK-centric slant of most posters on this forum. There is a world beyond the USA (it's quite big actually), and only a tiny minority of folks are really interested in playing "bad-ass" games on their pocket devices. Ignorant Yankies abound it seems. :(

Throughout all the flag-waving about iTunes and movie rentals and so forth, people should remember that iTunes *still* only has a tiny fraction of non-DRM music content, and apparently no new content being added. :eek:

They should also realise that outside of the USA, iTunes has *no* movie or television content at all except for a few (notably bad or poorly rated) TV shows in Canada and in the UK as a sop to those who have been complaining about this for years.

As a Canadian, I can't rent a movie through AppleTV, and the only TV shows available are 80% American (and they are the dregs of American TV). The rest are shows like "The Border" that stink so bad, CBC is throwing it on iTunes in a desperate attempt to generate interest.

Like as not BBC iTunes content will not be available in Canada, and almost certainly (based on their history), they will **** up the implementation in some way. But *any* announcement of *any* content is welcome to me.

twoodcc

Feb 20, 2008, 10:59 AM

not great news, but hopefully the SDK is coming soon, and that it'll be great

bigandy

Feb 20, 2008, 11:01 AM

The BBC will be launching their iPlayer (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/) service to be available on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch devices in "the next few weeks".

I think I just peed myself with joy. :D

pev

Feb 20, 2008, 11:02 AM

johnnyjibbs

Feb 20, 2008, 11:03 AM

From the Register.co.uk

iPlayer availability on the iPhone will be via Wi-Fi only as O2's EDGE data network is too slow. However, the BBC has a deal with hotspot provider The Cloud to offer free access to bbc.co.uk and iPlayer.
Could this be the strongest incentive yet to wait for the 3G iPhone?

arkitect

Feb 20, 2008, 11:05 AM

Could this be the strongest incentive yet to wait for the 3G iPhone?

Anecdotal user experience in the UK indicates that the actual difference between Edge and 3G may be very small though. :(

macintel4me

Feb 20, 2008, 11:11 AM

Anecdotal user experience in the UK indicates that the actual difference between Edge and 3G may be very small though. :(
I admit I have not used a 3G network, but your claim can't possibly be accurate. I'm mean the EDGE speeds and 3G speeds according to the providers are like night and day different.

arkitect

Feb 20, 2008, 11:16 AM

I admit I have not used a 3G network, but your claim can't possibly be accurate. I'm mean the EDGE speeds and 3G speeds according to the providers are like night and day different.

Please note the Anecdotal user experience
However, not to get into any kind of slinging match, I stand corrected and bow to your superior knowledge… ;) however if you have a look at posts on the iPhone forum about actual EDGE speeds on O2's network compared to what some people are getting on other brands of phones with 3G then my statement stands. (And no, I haven't used the search function to go collate all the links… ;) but they are there…)

I certainly hope I am wrong but… we'll see. :cool:

Piarco

Feb 20, 2008, 11:25 AM

No, they can't… iTunes is pay for download only. Mac or PC…
:rolleyes:

I think you misunderstood a little... Dopeytree is right - PC users can currently download from iPlayer and watch back at leisure - but not from iTunes, and I don't think the download can be re-encoded for portable use. And there still is a time limit on those files IIRC. Admittedly it can be read as pc users can download for free from iTunes - it should have read:

"come on we want to be able to download the tv shows free from itunes, like pc users can from iPlayer"

Hope you don't mind the clarification dopeytree :o

hdasmith

Feb 20, 2008, 11:31 AM

I admit I have not used a 3G network, but your claim can't possibly be accurate. I'm mean the EDGE speeds and 3G speeds according to the providers are like night and day different.

I have done tests, and for most web pages, EDGE is faster on an iPhone than 3G on a SE phone. However, some of this slow down comes from having to open and close lots of different files for pictures, frames, etc., with only one thing to download (i.e. a movie), 3G is faster. It's more or less the same reason as to why FireWire is faster than USB2, despite USB2 having a theoretical speed of 450Mbps to FW's 400Mbps.

brianbobcat

Feb 20, 2008, 11:34 AM

I don't know why everyone's making such a big deal about that Gamesoft image, it's totally a mock-up. It includes Apple's stock PR photo time of 9:42 and at the bottom shows the 4 main app titles from the home screen, those being Phone, Mail, Safari, and iPod. That image is Photoshopped, and badly at that. Games will be cool though, and I say will because we all know they're gonna come with the SDK.

-Brian

TedB

Feb 20, 2008, 11:37 AM

pev

Feb 20, 2008, 11:43 AM

So from what I understand, The iPlayer is currently flash based. If anything this does not point at the SDK, it just points to the flash (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/11/adobe-flash-support-for-iphone-coming-alongside-sdk/) rumor that came out awhile ago.
It has an online flash based version yes, but there's a windows media download version as well that uses P2P to download files for offline viewing for up to 30 days later unlike the online flash based ones that have 7 days of life.

~Pev

arkitect

Feb 20, 2008, 11:45 AM

I think you misunderstood a little... Dopeytree is right - PC users can currently download from iPlayer and watch back at leisure - but not from iTunes, and I don't think the download can be re-encoded for portable use. And there still is a time limit on those files IIRC. Admittedly it can be read as pc users can download for free from iTunes - it should have read:

"come on we want to be able to download the tv shows free from itunes, like pc users can from iPlayer"

Hope you don't mind the clarification dopeytree :o

Hehehe… but that's not what he said. ;) But thanks for changing it for him. :D

lazyrighteye

Feb 20, 2008, 11:54 AM

Could this be the strongest incentive yet to wait for the 3G iPhone?

I know - seems like all the recent 'hot spot' deals are just stopgap silliness.
If I didn't already have an iPhone (which I have been incredibly pleased with) - nothing would make me consider one until 3G.

omni-impotent

Feb 20, 2008, 12:19 PM

Oh please BBC! Won't you let an expat in France watch your shows instead of forcing him to download all his episodes so that you don't get any advertising revenue?!?!?

Dunk the Lunk

Feb 20, 2008, 12:29 PM

Anecdotal user experience in the UK indicates that the actual difference between Edge and 3G may be very small though. :(

Possibly with the original 3G, but its looking increasingly likely that the new iPhone will be HSPDA, which is even faster, plus (anecdotally at least!!) much of the lack of a speed difference between EDGE and 3G had to with the ability of the phones rather than the actual data transfer speeds. If the iPlayer does make it onto the 3G iPhone it would be unbelievable!!

DisturbedLen

Feb 20, 2008, 12:30 PM

I am sorry to say that I believe we will all be disappointed with the SDK. It is my feeling that applications will NOT be able to take advantage of using the AT&T edge connection, and that apps created using the SDK will only have access to the internet via wi-fi.

The "unlimited" downloads on the iPhone plan are already pretty limited. You cannot stream radio, which edge is capable of doing.

From the article:
iPlayer will be Wi-Fi only

This is a hint in itself. The iPlayer nor any app will be able to use the cellular data connection. Even though edge is slow, it would be nice to allow video to buffer up.

I really hope I am wrong on this... I have chosen not to re-jailbreak my phone in anticipation of this SDK, but I am thinking the wait will not be worth it.

Besides, you know the second an SDK is released with the ability to access the cellular data connection, someone will develop a great tethering application for the iPhone. AT&T would not allow this. They would rather you pay for an overpriced $60 per month plan. In the interim, someone needs to create a simple jailbreak application to do this, instead of the manual steps that are now required to do this.

TXCraig

Feb 20, 2008, 12:34 PM

Im sure BBC will limit the streaming to UK IP addressess only just like BBC.CO.UK does. In the states we are kept from viewing anything on BBC's website that has to do with Torchwood.... you get this kind of error:

Access to this site is restricted.
If you are outside the UK you will not be able to use bbc.co.uk/torchwood for rights reasons

tothelimit

Feb 20, 2008, 12:37 PM

bbc iplayer... meh

slingplayer... PLLEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEEE!!! :D

DisturbedLen

Feb 20, 2008, 12:39 PM

bbc iplayer... meh

slingplayer... PLLEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEEE!!! :D

Now THAT would be awesome. And perfect for wi-fi.

Stella

Feb 20, 2008, 12:50 PM

Who cares about BBC? Bring on the SDK!

Actually, a lot of people. You may not - but so what - the Earth doesn't revolve around you.

Its great / makes a change that something is going to happen that isn't exclusive to the u.s only.

ltldrummerboy

Feb 20, 2008, 12:51 PM

WiFi is nowhere near ubiqutous enough for this to be seriously useful. Free download and use FairlPlay DRM ala movie rentals and we have a deal :)

I know they would, but what's the point of using DRM if the download is free?

tadunne

Feb 20, 2008, 01:14 PM

I know they would, but what's the point of using DRM if the download is free?

Because content providers will only allow streaming or downloads that self destruct via drm..

To prevent you from keeping it for free and not buying it later on dvd/itunes purchase..

TXCraig

Feb 20, 2008, 01:21 PM

I know they would, but what's the point of using DRM if the download is free?

BBC shows for people in the UK should be free as they pay a yearly tax to support the BBC. The rest of world should have to pay to see their programming as we do now. That is why you would want to use DRM for a free download.

Dunk the Lunk

Feb 20, 2008, 01:35 PM

BBC shows for people in the UK should be free as they pay a yearly tax to support the BBC. The rest of world should have to pay to see their programming as we do now. That is why you would want to use DRM for a free download.

Don't try and start that debate again - its never happened in the past and it'll never happen in the future

bigandy

Feb 20, 2008, 01:45 PM

How does this point to the SDK?

Apple already has time-limited DRM content support in iTunes as used to do AppleTV movie rentals. It's pretty straightforward to assume theres no technical reason that these rentals couldnt be used with the iPhone/iPod. Given this mechanism, the BBC's iplayer model is just more video content but with a different 'rental' period. Same infrastructure, no SDK required.

Then again, given that the BBC are already using flash for the iplayer site, it could point to flash on the iPhone/iPod if you interpret the announcement a different way...

~Pev

So from what I understand, The iPlayer is currently flash based. If anything this does not point at the SDK, it just points to the flash (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/02/11/adobe-flash-support-for-iphone-coming-alongside-sdk/) rumor that came out awhile ago.

Yeah, they're using flash for the streaming, but WMV for the Windows based downloads. This doesn't point to Flash support any more than roadkill does.

I'll lay 10-1 that it'll be an application like YouTube, for UK users to view and enjoy the Beeb's programming ;)

liberty4all

Feb 20, 2008, 01:46 PM

How about a desktop Mac OS X version?!

glennyboiwpg

Feb 20, 2008, 02:03 PM

why the **** should i care about bbc and lame ass games? i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games

with the greatest of respect sir.. do you know how much crap i have to read about AT&T? If someone on the board farts its a MR frontpage item.

In the Uk this would be awesome, effectively meaning you can watch TV on your iphone. I don't have an iPhone but this would certainly make one more attractive.

As a Canadian reader (aka. someone who isn't from the US of A)

amen!

knelto

Feb 20, 2008, 02:07 PM

why the **** should i care about bbc and lame ass games? i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games :D

This is why the world hates America.

lanervoza

Feb 20, 2008, 02:11 PM

This is why the world hates America.

word

Hooka

Feb 20, 2008, 02:20 PM

with the greatest of respect sir.. do you know how much crap i have to read about AT&T? If someone on the board farts its a MR frontpage item.

In the Uk this would be awesome, effectively meaning you can watch TV on your iphone. I don't have an iPhone but this would certainly make one more attractive.

Just what we need, BBC video, so I can drain more battery life out of my iPHONE. What, do most of you walk around with a portable power plant? All I do is charge my iPHONE, all the time. When is this board going to wake up and realize that more goods and services that the iPHONE can handle the more battery you use? I love Apple products. look at my sig. But some of you are living in la la land. Seriously!

t0mat0

Feb 20, 2008, 02:38 PM

Just what we need, BBC video, so I can drain more battery life out of my iPHONE. What, do most of you walk around with a portable power plant? All I do is charge my iPHONE, all the time. When is this board going to wake up and realize that more goods and services that the iPHONE can handle the more battery you use? I love Apple products. look at my sig. But some of you are living in la la land. Seriously!

Heaven forbid we use anything that drains our batteries... :rolleyes:
I'm not sure on the specifics of continual charging of a battery, but last I heard, it's best to cycle from fully charged to nearly dead to fully charged. If anyone can confirm or alter this i'd be grateful.
You also might want to consider that Apple will be make the battery better, and the energy efficiency of watching video better.
There are situations where you can be charging in the UK and want to watch tv on your iPhone. 2 examples - on a Virgin train (Pendilino) - free plug sockets to charge. Nothing else to do on them whilst you're gurning through Birmingham New Street... Other example being in a car journey as a passenger.

Hooka

Feb 20, 2008, 03:40 PM

There are situations where you can be charging in the UK and want to watch tv on your iPhone. 2 examples - on a Virgin train (Pendilino) - free plug sockets to charge. Nothing else to do on them whilst you're gurning through Birmingham New Street... Other example being in a car journey as a passenger.

My point exactly. And what we are going to carry a car charger and a train charger and a plane charger.... They should of made the thing a little thicker and given us longer lasting battery.

maybe Apple should have sold us the iSack with the iphone so we can put all the different charging devices we need in it. That way we can watch the BBC on the go. whatever, keep drinking the iPHONE Kool-Aid.

Also, I love how no one is allowed to say something bad about apple on this site. I just think its funny.

Shoesy

Feb 20, 2008, 03:43 PM

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

yay iplayer! Yay BBC! Yay uk!

Shoesy

Feb 20, 2008, 03:45 PM

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

There are situations where you can be charging in the UK and want to watch tv on your iPhone. 2 examples - on a Virgin train (Pendilino) - free plug sockets to charge. Nothing else to do on them whilst you're gurning through Birmingham New Street... Other example being in a car journey as a passenger.

My point exactly. And what we are going to carry a car charger and a train charger and a plane charger.... They should of made the thing a little thicker and given us longer lasting battery.

maybe Apple should have sold us the iSack with the iphone so we can put all the different charging devices we need in it. That way we can watch the BBC on the go. whatever, keep drinking the iPHONE Kool-Aid.

Also, I love how no one is allowed to say something bad about apple on this site. I just think its funny.

it's weird how macrumors tends to be pro apple isn't it. Never have understood that.

knelto

Feb 20, 2008, 03:58 PM

My point exactly. And what we are going to carry a car charger and a train charger and a plane charger.... They should of made the thing a little thicker and given us longer lasting battery.

maybe Apple should have sold us the iSack with the iphone so we can put all the different charging devices we need in it. That way we can watch the BBC on the go. whatever, keep drinking the iPHONE Kool-Aid.

Also, I love how no one is allowed to say something bad about apple on this site. I just think its funny.

If you're THAT worried about battery life then here's a hint: CONSERVE BATTERY LIFE BY NOT DOING WHATEVER IT IS THAT DRAINS BATTERY LIFE. But what if you want to watch the BBC on your iPhone? Then watch it, but remember that in the end it is a telephone and not a television. Turn off Wifi when not in use, turn off Bluetooth when not in use, don't have it all full brightness at all times with the auto-lock off, and don't watch the BBC all day on it.

kornyboy

Feb 20, 2008, 03:59 PM

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

Don't care too much about games, this is good for those who do. I also don't care a whole lot about the BBC content through their iPlayer since it most likely won't be available in the US, but it is great for those in the UK who will most likely be the only ones to be able to use it (at least at first). I am, however, ready for the release of the SDK because I am looking forward to some great third party apps.

kornyboy

Feb 20, 2008, 04:11 PM

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A93 Safari/419.3)

why the **** should i care about bbc and lame ass games? i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games :D

This is why the world hates America.

Not to be rude but where does it say that this Astro person is from the US? If he/she is, for the record not everyone here feels as he/she does.

Hooka

Feb 20, 2008, 04:21 PM

If you're THAT worried about battery life then here's a hint: CONSERVE BATTERY LIFE BY NOT DOING WHATEVER IT IS THAT DRAINS BATTERY LIFE. But what if you want to watch the BBC on your iPhone? Then watch it, but remember that in the end it is a telephone and not a television. Turn off Wifi when not in use, turn off Bluetooth when not in use, don't have it all full brightness at all times with the auto-lock off, and don't watch the BBC all day on it.

No...You know what I want... COPY and PASTE

knelto

Feb 20, 2008, 04:41 PM

No...You know what I want... COPY and PASTE
You know what, man? ME TOO, ME TOO...
Not to be rude but where does it say that this Astro person is from the US? If he/she is, for the record not everyone here feels as he/she does.

I honestly don't know if Astro is from America or not, and I don't blindly assume everyone on the Internet is from America. However the "why the **** should i care about bbc" comment is a good indication since the BBC in Britain.

Plus the general apathetic tone of the "why the **** should i care" and the selfish sounding "i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games" lead to believe he is.

bigandy

Feb 20, 2008, 05:22 PM

ingenious

Feb 20, 2008, 05:38 PM

No, they can't… iTunes is pay for download only. Mac or PC…
:rolleyes:

Ever heard of free downloads off of iTunes... as in weekly, free downloads? :rolleyes:^2 :D

MacsAttack

Feb 20, 2008, 06:04 PM

come on we want to be able to download the tv shows free from itunes like pc users can and then put it on to ipods/iphones this makes sence and allows you to watch the shows when your far from wifi :)

With EyeTV and a DTV receiver I've been doing this for the last two years... And it gives me...

1. Better quality
2. No time limits
3. Everything the BBC put out (iPlayer does not include everything)
4. Also all the other channels that Freeview provides
5. Uses no bandwidth at all. Well... EyeTV updates its program guides, but that is negligible

You just have to remember to set up the recording schedule ahead of time. But as most everything is repeated anyway it is easy to catch a program if you do miss it.

Doesn't take very many iTunes purchases to rack up the same bill as buying that DTV receiver - and it give access to so much more (can't get Heros from iTunes in the UK yet - one of the few programs I bothered with).

Interesting thing about iPlayer is that it looks like about 80% of content is being streamed (by BBCs own figures) - which is a damming condemnation of the DRM-infested solution the BBC are trying to push. Certainly streaming works fine when I tried it. 4Mb connection up-sampled to full screen on a 24 inch display was of acceptable quality when viewed at a comfortable viewing distance. Good enough for reruns of Top Gear.

t0mat0

Feb 20, 2008, 06:17 PM

My point exactly. And what we are going to carry a car charger and a train charger and a plane charger.... They should of made the thing a little thicker and given us longer lasting battery.

Funny thing is, for me a train journey or a long car journey usually indicates that i'm going to need to bring my phone charger anyway, so i have it right with me.

Here's your model - it'll last a week...
Was 11.46mm. Now, a bit bigger.

TurboSC

Feb 20, 2008, 06:23 PM

I can't wait, all those 3rd party sources will not have the training and mentality to contain things like Apple, so more information is bound to leak before the release.

Hooka

Feb 20, 2008, 06:42 PM

Well, it's different over here.

Britain is far smaller than the US - and so it stands to reason, we don't have to go so far to find a suitable power outlet to charge our iPhones. Therefore, we're not so bothered about battery drains such as an iPlayer app. ;)

lol

Niiro13

Feb 20, 2008, 07:32 PM

I want Flash. =).

Never even heard of iPlayer until today.

Irregardless, Flash will help all countries =).

Tymmz

Feb 20, 2008, 08:04 PM

No...You know what I want... COPY and PASTE

What a FANCY NEW thought!

Goliath

Feb 20, 2008, 08:58 PM

I'm hoping this is true and that if successful Channel4 and ITV follow suit and release an iPhone/Touch version for their online offerings. Right now 4OD is probably the best online TV services in the UK

gamac

Feb 20, 2008, 08:59 PM

You know what, man? ME TOO, ME TOO...

I honestly don't know if Astro is from America or not, and I don't blindly assume everyone on the Internet is from America. However the "why the **** should i care about bbc" comment is a good indication since the BBC in Britain.

Plus the general apathetic tone of the "why the **** should i care" and the selfish sounding "i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games" lead to believe he is.

Evidently bigots live in every country of the world.

Dunk the Lunk

Feb 21, 2008, 01:34 AM

Heaven forbid we use anything that drains our batteries... :rolleyes:
I'm not sure on the specifics of continual charging of a battery, but last I heard, it's best to cycle from fully charged to nearly dead to fully charged. If anyone can confirm or alter this i'd be grateful.
You also might want to consider that Apple will be make the battery better, and the energy efficiency of watching video better.
There are situations where you can be charging in the UK and want to watch tv on your iPhone. 2 examples - on a Virgin train (Pendilino) - free plug sockets to charge. Nothing else to do on them whilst you're gurning through Birmingham New Street... Other example being in a car journey as a passenger.

Its not just Vigin Pendilinos that have plug sockets, most new or refurbished long distance trains seem to be getting them. Plus National Express East Coast offer free WiFi access on their trains so would be perfect facility for using the iPlayer while travelling

fr33 loader

Feb 21, 2008, 04:13 AM

I honestly don't know if Astro is from America or not, and I don't blindly assume everyone on the Internet is from America. However the "why the **** should i care about bbc" comment is a good indication since the BBC in Britain.

Plus the general apathetic tone of the "why the **** should i care" and the selfish sounding "i want real apps! **** bad shows and cheap ass games" lead to believe he is.

Your ignorance flows the more you open your mouth. Yes, no country is exempted from bigotry. Look at the clues, its all elementary my dear Watson.

slot-a

Feb 21, 2008, 06:24 AM

The mobile iPlayer won't be Flash video, it'll be DRMless MP4 video. Wonder how long this'll last when iPhone/iTouch Flash comes along...still, it'll be nice while it lasts in this format!

The Phazer

Feb 21, 2008, 06:25 AM

Plus National Express East Coast offer free WiFi access on their trains so would be perfect facility for using the iPlayer while travelling

Sadly the wifi access on those trains is nowhere near fast enough for streaming video - I get that train every few weeks, and any attempt to watch short clips on it via YouTube has always been an abject failure (1 hour + buffering times for five minute clips). Much better to rip some DVD's beforehand!

Phazer

t0mat0

Feb 21, 2008, 06:45 AM

Sadly the wifi access on those trains is nowhere near fast enough for streaming video - I get that train every few weeks, and any attempt to watch short clips on it via YouTube has always been an abject failure (1 hour + buffering times for five minute clips). Much better to rip some DVD's beforehand! Phazer

Could you use Cloud wifi at station stops? 3G will solve that issue anyhow ;)

constant L

Feb 21, 2008, 11:11 AM

Learn to spell, there's a difference between 'peak' and 'peek'.

learn how to stop being a dip**** and correcting people's spelling.

fourthtunz

Feb 21, 2008, 12:00 PM

This is why the world hates America.

We americans can't help it, we're propagandized 24/7 and I think there is something in the water. I really don't know how else to explain it.:confused:
We don't know or care about our history so they can sell us the same thing over and over again.
We've been educated not to think or question.
Television is now the opiate of the people.