BBC considers pre-booking service for iPlayer

by Jennifer Whitehead, Brand Republic 03-Jul-08, 15:25

LONDON - The BBC Trust is launching a consultation into adding a "pre-booking" function to the iPlayer, which would allow users to order downloads such as 'Doctor Who' ahead of broadcast, instead of waiting until it has been shown.

At the moment, the iPlayer, which launched in December last year, lets users download or stream BBC TV programmes that have been broadcast in the last seven days.

In a proposal by the BBC management about adding the pre-booking feature, the BBC said it would still be in control of when a programme is delivered, and that it is proposing to deliver the file to the user's computer at "the optimum time for the user, the UK internet and the BBC".

It may see programmes delivered before the scheduled broadcast time, however, the user would be unable to view the programme before broadcast, as it will be protected by digital rights management.

If the service launches, it will put the BBC iPlayer in competition with digital video recorders such as Sky+ because it will have a service that lets users download all the episodes in a series.

Once downloaded, files can be stored for 30 days, with a seven-day viewing window once they are opened for the first time. There is no limit on the number of views during that seven-day period.

It has outlined how it believes the addition of a pre-booking function will add public value, and said that it does not believe it will impact on other video-on-demand services.

However, the industry and members of the public have until July 30 to submit their thoughts and comments on the proposed new service.

More information on the BBC iPlayer proposal can be found here.