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BBC iPlayer now available on Macs and Linux
Friday 19th December 2008, by Daniel King
The BBC's iPlayer internet television service is now compatible with Apple Mac computers as well as Linux computer systems.
Previously the popular BBC streaming service was only available to those with a Windows PC.
The downloadable peer-to-peer (P2P) client is also accessible to those with the alternative operating systems.
One of the problems with the iPlayer flagged up recently was the excessive bandwidth required to watch the high-definition video files.
However, the BBC has claimed to have mitigated some of these effects by carrying out tests with internet service providers (ISPs) to minimise the speeds and bandwidth needed.
The broadcasting body intends to form commercial relationships with ISPs using its caching technology, according to ISP Review.
It is hoped that this will help towards "allaying ISP concerns over the impact of BBC iPlayer-based P2P usage on their networks".
Despite this, ISP Review noted that the most popular iPlayer solution appears to be the web-based player, which does not rely on P2P and is easier to use.
Anthony Rose of the BBC said: "The BBC is not building its own content delivery network
But we can help move the market in this area."
He added that the new smart software in the iPlayer could check caches to see if the programme a user wants is loaded locally on a caching device nearby.
The BBC recently said it might be sharing its iPlayer technology with ITV and Channel 4.
Mark Thompson, director general of the BBC, said the organisation could "share the benefits of its scale and security with the rest of the industry".
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