Home Cinema (4547)

BBC iPlayer launches for PMPs

Now compatible with Archos, Philips, Samsung and Sony devices

BBC iPlayer launches for PMPs. Home Cinema, iPlayer, BBC, Video on demand, Philips, Sony, Samsung, Archos, PMPs, Apple 1

9 October 2008 9:50 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

In a blog post, Anthony Rose, head of digital media technologies, BBC Future Media & Technology has announced that BBC iPlayer programmes can now be watched on a range of personal media players.

"As part of our ongoing mission to make BBC iPlayer available on more devices, I'm pleased to announce that BBC iPlayer TV programmes can now be downloaded to portable media players that are able to support Windows Media-protected content", states Rose.

The BBC has tested the iPlayer on, and given the thumbs-up to the Sony Walkman E and S series, Archos 605 WIFI and Internet Media Tablet, Philips GoGear 52xx series and Samsung YP-P2 and YP-Q1.

This is because these devices support Windows Media Protected playback, so the devices will play iPlayer programming that has been downloaded - and then sideloaded - to the media player.

As far as iPod support goes, Rose states: "The astute reader would have noticed our making BBC iPlayer programmes available on Sony, Philips, Nokia and other devices ... but what about Apple?"

"Unfortunately, Apple keeps its DRM technology close to its chest and has so far not licensed that technology to third parties. This means that as of today, it's not technically possible for us to make rights-protected BBC iPlayer programmes available for download from the bbc.co.uk/iplayer website in a format compatible with Apple devices."

"That's a major missing piece for us and a disappointment for Apple device owners, so please know that this has our full attention."

The BBC iPlayer is available as an app for the iPhone and iPod touch.