The BBC is delivering a welcome Christmas present to its UK Licence Fee payers as the iPlayer finally comes out of beta. The internet-based catch-up TV service will go live on Christmas Day (December 25) allowing users of the Microsoft Windows operating system to download programmes within a seven-day window of their original transmission and, significantly, opening up streaming of content to users of the Mac and Linux operating systems.
Broadband TV News understands that downloads will be extended to the Mac and Linux communities during 2008. It is also planned that the current Radio Player, which already offers a library of BBC Radio content on demand, will also be integrated into the iPlayer.
Separately, more details of the Kangaroo joint venture have emerged. The BBC-ITV-Channel 4 portal will offer signposting that takes users to the broadcasters’ own services, such as the iPlayer or 4oD, where appropriate.
