TV at a time when you want it (BBC iPlayer)

Member Name: Geisskane

Product:	BBC iPlayer
Date:	23/09/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You can watch your favourite program at a time that suits you. Nice interface.

Disadvantages: Lack of consistency with what is available.

BBC iPlayer is an innovative browser based media player allowing you to watch BBC programming that you may have missed or may not even have access to. With this service you can stream or download programs from any of the BBC channels after they have been broadcast. Given this, you DO NOT require a tv licence to catch up on your favourite programming, and as the service is free you can save a considerable amount of money by using this service.

The range of programmes available is extensive, however there is a lack of consistency with them. Some programs have a useful 'series catchup' allowing you to watch entire series of programmes. Others allow you to watch only the most recent episode. With some programmes there is the option to watch in HD, but even within the same series you are not guaranteed this option for every show. There are even some movies available on occasion, but these are few and far between and depend on licensing.
Downloads come with a time limit and need to be watched in an iPlayer application which is free to download. This feature is useful because it means you can watch the program even if you happen to be offline or if it vanishes from iPlayer.
Regardless, for the price you pay (nothing!) you get a lot from this service.

The website itself is aesthetically pleasing; it is minimal and makes good use of contrast. The search feature allows you to quickly find the program you want. If for some reason you don't know what it was called, you can see a retrospective tv guide and pick from a list of programmes available. When you are watching a program, listed below are recommendations for you or further episodes of the same series. Of course you can watch in full-screen to remove this. One final handy feature is that should you be disrupted, you can turn off your computer and come back later to watch from the point you left off at; assuming you don't delete your cookies.

iPlayer can be watched on everything from windows and macs to PS3s and mobile phones. It is a versatile service which is revolutionising the way we view TV.

Summary: For something which is free, you can't go wrong.

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