To explain: the problem with the 4OD service at the moment is that you have to have Windows XP/Vista to use it. So users like me, who own a MAC or use a Linux Operating System are unable to get the benefit of such a system.
In the US, networks such as NBC get round this problem by allowing users to stream shows straight from their website, rather than downloading the whole thing. This is quicker, more reliable, and available to all users, regardless of their OS.
I emailed Channel 4 about why MACs cannot use 4OD, and I was told that the DRM Apple uses means users cannot download any shows. Within a minute I thought up the above solution and received the following reply:
"We at Channel 4 have not actually looked into such a service as of yet, however, we are always looking to improve our service and your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Your comments have been logged and will be passed on to the relevant departments."
Now, call me really intelligent if you want for coming up with such an idea, but it seems almost unbelievable that Channel 4 didn't look at equivalent ways of offering on-demand television in countries like the US where it is widely used.
Why haven't channel 4 looked into such a service, and, given that it takes about a week for the likes of lost or 24 to appear on youtube in an equivalent format, surely channel 4 could put up some of their shows to be streamed in the very near future and stop discriminating against MAC/Linux users.
Anyway, hopefully someone can explain to me why channel 4 went for what seems like a more complex system with a downloadable program to play shows from, and you can also express your opinion on whether you'd like a straight streaming service from the website, using firefox/explorer/safari, etc.
I very much agree with you, there are advantages to using p2p, but different ones to direct streaming. Some networks do not allow p2p usage for example. ITV do direct streaming, although I'm not sure exactly how much content they have available. Maybe a compromise would be to offer both systems, direct streaming for the last 7 days of shows, and anything else goes to the kontiki p2p system.
I stream from the BBC site without any probs, and just recently ITV (though quality not as good as BBC), if they can do it, why not 4od? this is the channel I would love to stream from, don't understand why I can't.
I've been streaming with BBC iPlayer since it became available, didn't know ITV is now offering it, great news. BBC streaming is fantastic, I'm not bothered about downloading, I'll be giving ITV a go. So what's the problem with Channel 4 why can't they stream??
The bbc iplayer has got it right they are clearly committed to the platform. Already on the wii, and trying to get it on both the ps3 and the xbox 360.
Streaming for mac linux and windows and a promise to deliver a download verson for mac by the end of the year. Not only all this but also access on the iphone and ipod touch.
The BBC is clearly working hard to get this everywhere.
What has channel 4 done? When was the last time a new version was even released on the windows side? What is your plan and time frame for releasing it on MAC? Do you plan to offer an online streaming version if not a download version for mac and linux users? Do you plan to expand your product on to more platforms?
Now it's a sad state of affairs, I use 4od a lot, because I never have time to sit down and watch the tv the times the programs are on. 4od is the one thing I can use when I have that spare hour or 2 to catch up on the good quality content you offer. It's just a shame i have to break out the windows machine to do it
