BBC's iPlayer - Download and Watch BBC TV

The BBC launched it’s peer to peer TV software ‘iPlayer’ several days ago as part of a large scale beta test. Only currently available to UK residents using the PC platform, the software allows users to download programmes broadcast on the BBC over the previous seven days. These programmes are stored on the users computer and can be watched within the next 30 days. Once watched the file cancels itself. The programmes on offer do not include all programmes broadcast by the BBC, but only ones that the BBC has the rights for. An interesting annoucenment from the BBC also claims that the service will also be integrated within YouTube - though it is not clear exactly how this will be done.

This is an interesting case study to follow. Will all TV stations develop their own solution or will they opt to integrate with existing platforms such as YouTube, Apple’s iTV or Joost?