BBC On Demand Services Proposal

[MonkeyBoy]

I've just been reading about the BBCs On Demand Services plans here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html

It is a little worrying that there is a suggestion that this service may rely on having Windows Media Player for DRM reasons. In their consultation questionnaire they ask:

"How important is it that the proposed seven-day catch-up service over the internet is available to consumers who are not using Microsoft software?"

I have completed their questionnaire and hope that some of you might too.

I have a lot of respect for Auntie Beeb and would be gutted if only Windows users got to download stuff.

Sorry if this has been posted before.

[ComplexNumber]

It is a little worrying that there is a suggestion that this service may rely on having Windows Media Player for DRM reasons
on the other hand, this has been said:
The Trust explains: "As proposed, the TV catch-up service on the internet relies on Microsoft technology for the digital rights management (DRM) framework. The Trust will require the BBC Executive to adopt a platform-agnostic approach within a reasonable timeframe. This requires the BBC to develop an alternative DRM framework to enable users of other technology, for example, Apple and Linux, to access the on-demand services."
The BBC Trust has launched an online poll (http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/open-consultations/ondemand_services.html), asking users to answer questions such as: "How important is it that the proposed seven-day catch-up service over the internet is available to consumers who are not using Microsoft software?"

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=17103

[ajifans]

on the other hand, this has been said:

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=17103

Trouble is what is a "reasonable timeframe"? Three months or three years?

I've already filled in the questionnaire stating that people to only use one supplier constitutes endorsement which is against the BBC's charter.

[sanderella]

I filled in the consultation form, too, and promoted Linux. I hope we do have some influence.

[AndyCooll]

Sorry if this has been posted before.

Yes, this has been posted (quite a few times) before. Here, for instance: BBC content only for MS users? (http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=351611). I filled the form in at that stage.

However, it's a worthy topic and I'm glad it's now been made a sticky. Hopefully it will encourage as many folk as possible to fill in the questionnaire.

:cool:

[tigerpants]

Completed :)

Also pointed out that using just MS is endorsement and against the BBC's charter.

Let's see if they listen.

[towsonu2003]

completed... I also contacted http://www.defectivebydesign.org/en/node so they help out with this :)

[iSE]

I too have made a lengthy report about the counter-productive nature of DRM and how now the Music industry is trialling non-DRM media against DRM-protected media and finding users are pretty much going for non-DRM every time. DRM should not be included, I understand the nature of it, but it DOESNT work, if anything it encourages piracy because piracy has no such restrictions. Without DRM, they dnt need to make it Windows Media Player only, they don't have to make it Microsoft only and EVERYBODY can enjoy it. Instead of the majority joe bloggs who probably dont even know Linux exists!

iSE

[Praxicoide]

Done, and done.

As stated, BBC cannot endorse a product, and should not discriminate other users based on their choice of software.

[IYY]

I wrote long comments against DRM.

[helliewm]

As stated, BBC cannot endorse a product, and should not discriminate other users based on their choice of software.
Reply With Quote

I am not in anyway whatsoever being political here at all, but I am a District Councillor, can I suggest those of us in UK write to our MP's. This may have some impact.

I totally agree with the above quote we all pay our TV License fee and too me this smacks of discrimination against those of us who do not wish to use Microsoft due to all current issues with DRM, WGA, EULA etc

Perhaps we need a petition on the PM's website as well?

I encourage everyone to write to their MP's regardless of what party their MP belongs too.

Helen

Edit: for those wanting to campaign against DRM in the UK you might like to join the discussion email list of the Open Rights Group.

www.openrightsgroup.org

[DoctorMO]

I created petitions for government and government like organisations to peruse a standards approach to all communications and business including websites, forms, emails, attachments, video, sound and archive, ages ago. but it'll be ignored because people really do seem to only see the money in front of them.

[helliewm]

Might be worth a go as the PM/Downing Street Petition website is new, that is where the Road Pricing/Charging petition is and its front page news at the moment? Anyone can put a petition up there for free.

Just a thought?

Helen

[kondormid]

My comments were based purely on the fact the BBC has an obligation to serve all sectors of society. As MS Vista costs around £200 and my Linux was free it would mean I would have to pay £200 just to watch BBC progs on my PC. As a single parent I would not be able to do this.

[helliewm]

Yes my thoughts exactly we all have to pay our licensing fee to the BBC. I just think this is outrageous.

Helen

[kondormid]

I have also emailed Tony Blair informing him of the situation and how it would mean the poorest people in the nation would have to fork out £200 and probably another £200 for hardware upgrades.

[helliewm]

If anyone wants to set up a UK campaign about this I would be happy to be involved.

Helen

[darrenm]

Lets see what they come up with. This really smacks of the young inexperienced IT admins who push Microsoft regardless telling their bosses at the BBC that they will only be able to protect the programming using DRM and only Microsoft will provide that. In step Microsoft with all the unneccessary "you have to protect this, you have to protect that" licensing. For them to be transparent and be asking these questions in the first place means they understand they can't just go licensing and restricting everything like Microsoft wants them to. Of course, if everything is DRM protected then its only Microsoft who win. I don't like the UK in a lot of ways but institutions like the BBC do still seem to have some common sense. If they are coerced into unfair restrictive practices then I will certainly be getting a bit more militant about it.

[helliewm]

If they come up with only supporting Microsoft I would happy to set up a campaign. I have lots of successful campaign experience. Feel free anyone to PM me about this. I just think its outrageous as well have to pay our TV license fee and we have no choice over this.

Helen

[TheVeech]

[...]I would happy to set up a campaign. I have lots of successful campaign experience. Feel free anyone to PM me about this. I just think its outrageous as well have to pay our TV license fee and we have no choice over this.

I lobbied the Culture, Media and Sport Committee for much of last year about the BBC's proposals back then. Keep an eye on some of the output of the Beeb's Press Office. It's pretty interesting stuff at times.

Despite talking the talk about the Government gagging it over 'Cash for Honours' reports, the BBC becomes curiously silent and evasive when it's the one being put under scrutiny. But there's been some significant rumblings of discontent about the BBC in political circles for quite some time, so I'd advise you to do a bit of homework and lobby away. The CMS Committee, for example, is pretty responsive to good arguments well put. If you can coordinate something and pool people's knowledge and skills, all the better.

BTW, how many times am I going to read BBC tech articles (surely a contradiction in terms!) which claim to spell out people's options, but don't mention Linux? Er, the words are supposed to be 'Public', 'Service', 'Broadcaster'.

[.t.]

I'm pushing quite hard on a number of fronts. My main text for complaints, letters, etc, is found on my blog: http://tibsplace.co.uk/blog/index.php/2007/02/18/bbc-and-platform-independence-aka-first-post-to-planet-ubuntu/

There are follow-ups posted later on.