BBC I-Player: Access Programmes when you want them (BBC iPlayer)

Member Name: keeperofthematri

Product:	BBC iPlayer
Date:	25/05/09 (594 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Range of programmes, ability to watch online or download to your PC / laptop

Disadvantages: None. (occasional freezing if I'm being really picky)

The BBC iPlayer is the BBC is an online portal that enables you to watch BBC TV Programmes, & listen to BBC radio programmes when you want you. This, of course, is particularly useful if you've forgotten to watch / listen / record something or if you've come into a series part of the way through & have missed a number of the earlier episodes.

The homepage lists a number of TV & radio highlights, the most popular TV & Radio downloads as well as an evening TV schedule which lists those programmes that are available for download on Iplayer & those which aren't. At the top of the page you will find the Search box which enables you to search for things not listed on the main page.

Programmes are added after they have been transmitted &, in the case of one-off programmes, are generally available for a week. Programmes that form part of a series eg: The Apprentice, Spooks, Merlin, Ashes To Ashes etc are kept on the site until the last programme of the series has been transmitted. So, if for example, you decided you wanted to start watching The Apprentice or Spooks & a number of episodes from the season had already been transmitted you'd have the option of watching them all on Iplayer.

Once you've decided that you want to see a programme you have the option of pressing "Play" & watching it there & then. You can also choose to download programmes to your PC / laptop so, in effect, you can watch them offline wherever & whenever you like.

Occasionally you may experience some sort of problem such as jumping or freezing but, invariably, this is down to your internet connection speed or the bandwith available to you at any given time.

I was part of the testing group that reviewed the project before it went "live" on the internet & improvements have been made since then. All in all a great way to access TV & radio programmes when you want to. Just ensure that you keep an eye on the "expiry date" of anything that you want to watch or download.

Summary: Highly recommended if you've missed something

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