andysmith said:
But if the BBC were to use iTunes to integrate DRM into the files (Fairplay), then the files would need to come from Apple's server. Unlike podcasts, that's one hell of a lot of bandwidth for something that isn't being charged for. (although podcasts aren't hosted by Apple)
I'm not sure Apple would go along with it - the advertising they'd get via the BBC would be minimal (I'm sure OFCOM would have something to say otherwise).
I'd like to see a couple of things: 1) much higher resolution video files, which could be enabled by 2) Apple using some sort of P2P distribution like the BBC is using. This would pretty much preclude DRM (unless, perhaps, you get some sort of a "secure tag" directly from the Apple server, which allows you to view the video content you subsequently get through P2P), but the need for DRM might mostly be negated by a) the huge file sizes and b) reasonable pricing. Someone needs to step out and say "The way to fight piracy is to make content convenient and affordable." (Actually, Steve Jobs did say this, but he was still shackled with DRM).
The BBC is as good a candidate as any to make this bold, revolutionary move. And I wouldn't mind paying a buck a show. The studios rake in millions from viewers just like me and don't even have to pay for the bandwidth as we're doing all the heavy lifting through P2P. What's not to like?
Pirates will always be pirates. The trick is to keep the average consumer from becoming a pirate: you do this by putting all the content they (we) want out there and putting a reasonable price on it. When is the entertainment business going to learn this? The iTunes Music Store has proven that people will pay if the content is there, is easy to get to and use, and the price is right.
The current video model through iTunes is a joke: $1.99 for VHS quality of regular broadcast programs we can all watch for free anyway??? Give me a break. I'm sure it's just a trial balloon, but I'm not jumping on board until the quality and selection go way, way up and the price goes down.