BBC iPlayer comes to the Mac

Posted by David Walker on Fri 19 Dec 2008

Mac and Linux machines can download the Beeb's finest

Yes, we know you can stream shows on a Mac, but from this week you can get the downloading functionality that's been available for the PC for around 18 months.

The original version was based around Microsoft DRM technology, which wasn't great if you had a Mac or Linux machine. DRM had to stay (as all downloads were required to be time sensitive), so the BBC went hunting for another solution - and found it with Adobe's AIR technology. If you want to try it out, a 'trial' version has just been launched, with a full introduction scheduled for February 2009. At last...downloads for all!

In other related news, the BBC has also announced the CBBC iPlayer, a kid-friendly version of its TV catch-up service, using brighter colours, bigger and images and of course, child-friendly TV programmes. Grown-up content can be hidden behind password-protected pages. So, any chance of Bagpuss, The Clangers and Magic Roundabout?

Link: BBC iPlayer

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