iPlayer on Xbox 360 hits snag
BBC unwilling to make its content accessible only to Xbox LIVE Gold subscribers.
The Telegraph reports that the BBC and Microsoft have been unable to reach a deal to see the iPlayer service made available on the Xbox 360 console. The BBC wants its content made available for free, while Microsoft intends to offer the functionality only to its Xbox LIVE Gold subscribers.
"Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing. It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox LIVE Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those," explained a source close to the BBC’s Future Media and Technology department.
"This does not fit with the BBC’s model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible," the source added.
BBC's iPlayer is currently available on PS3 and Wii, with the latter recently launching an iPlayer Channel offering improved functionality.
A BBC spokesman said: "BBC iPlayer has been extremely successful on PS3 and we recently re-launched on Nintendo Wii, from which the public response has been fantastic. People clearly want the BBC iPlayer on their gaming consoles, and we don’t think Xbox users are any different, so we’ve had discussions with Microsoft about bringing the service to the platform."
Microsoft has declined to comment.
User Comments
MJTH
strickers66@ FantasyMeister
Interesting way of looking at it.The other channels are AD or subs funded so BBC have to charge to make programs.Without it,no BBC,but MS are just charging for every little thing to make money to put in their bank.Profit.That's very different
,especially when you consider that iplayer is available free everywhere else
.MS are greedy and unpleasant,just watch a Steve Ballmer corporate speech.It's disgusting.Didn't stop me buying a 360 though,so my pleasure from games is stronger than my principles.
El-Dev@ FantasyMeister
IndoorHeroes
FantasyMeister
MS: Sure! It'll make our Gold subscription service even more value for money.
BBC: Sorry, you can only have it if you give it to everyone for free.
MS: Like that quaint TV licence thing where you charge £142.50 each year for anyone who owns a TV whether they watch BBC channels or not?
BBC: ...
MS: ...
Both as bad as each other in my opinion.
El-Dev
rbevanx
"Hey everyone you can get iplayer on PS3 and Wii for free, but would you rather pay for it"
Own goal MS.
pblive
It's always been the case. Sometimes for the better and sometimes for worse.
IndoorHeroes