BBC iPlayer Under Threat

Even before its launch, the BBC’s iPlayer is under attack from the Open Source Consortium because it uses Windows Media Player.

Even before the BBC launches its iPlayer system, which will allow people to watch shows for up to 30 days after broadcast, it’s run into trouble.   TheOpen Source Consortium is threatening the BBC with a complaint to the European Commission over the fact that the player forces people to useMicrosoft software.   The BBC has said that it plans to make content accessible to Mac users; however, no timeline has been set for a system that will work with Macs.   iPlayer is set todebut this fall. The Windows-only media player was approved by the BBC Trust this April. When downloaded, programs can be played on iPlayer or Windows Media Player 10 or 11. Additionally, the BBC isusing Microsoft’s digital rights management, which means programs are automatically deleted after 30 days. Programs cannot be burned to DVD.   TheOpen Source Consortium (OSC) has already complained to British broadcast watchdog Ofcom, as well as the Department of Trade andIndustry and the BBC Trust. The OSC feels the BBC should use a media player that’s accessible to all formats, not just Windows.   If noaction is taken, the OSC might complain to the European Commission, which will have to decide whether it has a case.   “We’re preparing thefull details at the moment and we will be sending a formal letter within the next week,” said Mark Taylor, OSC’s president.