Xbox 360 owners who are also fans of the BBC iPlayer are in for yet more disappointment, after it emerged the media platform won't be coming to Microsoft gaming hardware anytime soon.
The iPlayer channel, which is already available to PS3 and Wii users, is hitting a brick wall with the Xbox because Microsoft apparently wants to put it behind a pay wall – something the BBC charter specifically prohibits for UK viewers.
Cash only
Speaking to the Telegraph, a BBC source explained: "Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing. It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those."
Talks between the BBC and Microsoft to create an Xbox Live iPlayer channel have so far made no progress, although that doesn't rule out the idea forever.
Room for improvement
Microsoft has made no secret of its aim to position the Xbox 360 as a home-entertainment hub, so we'd be surprised if someone didn't budge on one side or both in the next few weeks.
Your comments (7) Click to add a new comment
dm_75
November 30th 2009
7. Always remember the customer is always king.
If enough people write to complain to Microsoft about this, they will reverse the decision.
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mattdoc30
November 30th 2009
6. I don't understand this position from Microsoft. A fully integrated iPlayer with HD downloads / streaming would be something that sets it apart from it's rivals! If i were M$ I would see the iPlayers as an introduction to 'VoD' on the XBOX. People will be amazed at the service, think this is brilliant and then venture to the other Gold Services.
The only conclusion from this sort of action is that Gold subscriptions in the UK must not be doing as well as M$ would have us believe if they need to resort to this sort of 'Bribe'!
As the iPlayer is localised to the UK, I'm not sure why this is such an issue! M$, it's what the UK license fee payer wants - deliver it!
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nigma
November 30th 2009
5. I'm glad for the BBC for sticking by its guns on this one.
I think it is wrong for Microsoft to be charging for Xbox live to start with.
You've already paid for the game - why should you pay extra for the privilege of being able to play it online.
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tech89
November 30th 2009
4. Solution: Just watch iplayer on pc, or link pc/laptop to tv.
iplayer will be available through freeview boxes within a year i bet, so you won't need it through the console then.
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dee
November 29th 2009
3. The Xbox 360 is actually a much more expensive console than what it initially looks like. Fisrt you have to pay for the console, then if you want wireless the adapter, play games online you have to pay for Gold Live membership. Play and charge kits, external high def movies (HD DVD lol), a load of avatar items etc and now iplayer!!!
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mohai
November 29th 2009
2. I play xbox but wanting to charge for iPlayer is stupid, noone is stopping us from watching it on our PCs and laptops hooked to the TV
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watcherzero
November 29th 2009
1. Greedy Microsoft, both your rivals offer it free and you want to charge.
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