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BBC iPlayer goes HD (ish)

stridemat

stridemat

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Original poster
Staff member
Apr 2, 2008
11,382
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UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8008886.stm

Just read this article on the BBC website. To try it out I watched the Chinese grand prix in 720p (ish). It is alot better and looks crisp on my 22" HDTV but it does make the fans on my macbook scream a bit! Also Im glad Im on an unlimited BB package as this would eat up any allowances really quickly.
 
Also a cool feature which I forgot to mention is that it changes the quality depending on the speed of your internet connection. So if the network is congested then the programs have a smaller file size.

Probably the geek in me but this is pretty cool!;)
 
stridemat said:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8008886.stm

Just read this article on the BBC website. To try it out I watched the Chinese grand prix in 720p (ish). It is alot better and looks crisp on my 22" HDTV but it does make the fans on my macbook scream a bit! Also Im glad Im on an unlimited BB package as this would eat up any allowances really quickly.
Click to expand...

Watched it on the 30" ACD and it was pixellated LOL. Waiting for 1600P streaming:p. Did you sign up for the beta testing thing?
 
This has been known for 4 days now lol but I have yet to see anything that looks anywhere near HD (Like on ABC/FOX/NBC/CBS in US), kind of bums me out :(
 
Yeah signed up for the BBC labs thing.


LOL I don' think my internet connection could handle that 1600p, I only just get 8MB. Its defiantly better quality and a step in the right direction though.
 
The actual HD programmes have only launched this afternoon - the programmes people previously watched are just in a higher def, but not the actual new HD content).

The only stuff that is going to be in HD on iPlayer is stuff actually aired on the HD channel, so no F1 (which isn't actually filmed in HD, save for two trial races).

Phazer
 
The Phazer, which programmes are in HD (if you know)

and FYI F1 is filmed in HD just BBC doesn't air in HD for some stupid reason:mad:
 
northy124 said:
This has been known for 4 days now lol but I have yet to see anything that looks anywhere near HD (Like on ABC/FOX/NBC/CBS in US), kind of bums me out :(
Click to expand...

The Phazer said:
The actual HD programmes have only launched this afternoon - the programmes people previously watched are just in a higher def, but not the actual new HD content).

The only stuff that is going to be in HD on iPlayer is stuff actually aired on the HD channel, so no F1 (which isn't actually filmed in HD, save for two trial races).

Phazer
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. So you mean that only programs like for example Heroes which are actually shown on BBC HD will be streamed from iPlayer in HD?
 
Haha, my internet hardly handles normal iPlayer at peak times. Besides, we've got sky HD, so we already get BBC 1 HD.
 
northy124 said:
The Phazer, which programmes are in HD (if you know)
Click to expand...

The ones on this list - http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/tv/bbc_hd. The schedule at the side allows you to see that's planned for the rest of the week.

and FYI F1 is filmed in HD just BBC doesn't air in HD for some stupid reason:mad:
Click to expand...

It really isn't. Only the Singapore and one other race (I forget which one). The cameras are HD, but all the other equipment isn't yet so they're not outputting HD.

Bernie is in charge of the recording of the race, rather than the broadcasters.

stridemat said:
I stand corrected. So you mean that only programs like for example Heroes which are actually shown on BBC HD will be streamed from iPlayer in HD?
Click to expand...

Yup. But I don't think Heroes will be. US studios very funny about selling HD rights for on demand. The BBC3 airing isn't on Player either.

Phazer
 
I don't understand - there's been a 'watch in HD' button on my iPlayer for months?

What's the difference?

AppleMatt
 
I trust you can download HD episodes? Don't think my 1mbps connection will be able to handle HD streaming!
 
well I am impressed! I just got the mac in my signature and recently got upgraded to 18meg broadband. I watched a few mins of no 1 ladies detective agency - it started instantly and looked pretty good to me! Much better than freeview (via eyetv) on the same mac.
 
Any way to get iPlayer to work in the US. My girlfriend is English and really misses British TV. She just recently moved over here with me and has paid her TV license fee, so its a shame that we haven't been able to get it to work so far. She really wants to see the rest of big brother.
 
nickarmadillo said:
Any way to get iPlayer to work in the US. My girlfriend is English and really misses British TV. She just recently moved over here with me and has paid her TV license fee, so its a shame that we haven't been able to get it to work so far. She really wants to see the rest of big brother.
Click to expand...

Not strictly legal but you could use a uk based proxy .....
 
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