[webcast-l] BBC launches consultation on provision of on-demand media

[Bill Best]

Later this year the BBC will be launching iPlayer - its new web-based
on-demand media service.

Under the proposals, viewers will be able to watch shows online or
download them to their computer for viewing — and Linux and Macintosh
users have a chance to lobby the BBC to prioritise support for
non-Windows platforms.

The BBC Trust — which replaced the former BBC board of governors last
month — has given provisional approval to the online plans but did
demand some changes after consultations with Ofcom.

The Trust explains: "As proposed, the TV catch-up service on the
internet relies on Microsoft technology for the digital rights
management (DRM) framework. The Trust will require the BBC Executive to
adopt a platform-agnostic approach within a reasonable timeframe. This
requires the BBC to develop an alternative DRM framework to enable users
of other technology, for example, Apple and Linux, to access the
on-demand services."

The BBC Trust has launched an online poll, asking users to answer
questions such as: "How important is it that the proposed seven-day
catch-up service over the internet is available to consumers who are not
using Microsoft software?"

The poll takes five minutes to complete and could influence how quickly
alternative platform support is introduced by the BBC.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html