With the leaking of the BBC iPlayer iPhone app over the weekend, Auntie’s on demand colossus reminded us once again why it’s the very best TV service on the planet. And with Xbox 360 support set to follow PS3 and Wii backing, it’s only getting better. Here are 10 reasons why it’s TV’s top dog.
It’s on almost any telly-connected device
You know iPlayer’s available for PC and Mac, but it’ll also shuffle onto your telly with the minimum of fuss. If there’s a PS3 or Wii stashed under your gogglebox, BBC iPlayer will play nice for you. And with Freesat and Virgin Media also offering its on-demand services, it’s hard to come across a TV-loving gadget that doesn’t dance to Auntie’s tune.
It’s with you all the time
Got a smartphone? Then chances are you’re packing BBC iPlayer too. The iPhone can hook up to the VOD service through its browser, with an dedciated app in the pipeline. On top of that you can get it on Android, the Sony Ericsson W995 and a raft of PMPs. Use it on a Symbian phone, such as Nokia’s N-series mobiles, and you’ll also be able to download shows to watch later. Which brings us to…
BBC iPlayer iPhone app leaked: TV downloads incoming
It’s available offline
Web connection down? No matter. The desktop player lets you download shows and tuck in wherever you are. Perfect for lengthy train trips. Symbian downloads are already here and the new BBC iPlayer iPhone app promises to do the same for Apple.
It’s in HD
Favourite BBC show in HD? Then you can snag it in hi-def and watch it back either on your HD TV, PC or Mac. Perfect if you’re packing a HD-friendly computer. Seeing the white’s of Malcom Tucker’s eyes while he tears into his minions in The Thick of It is awesome.
It knows what you’ve been watching
Had to duck out halfway through a show, or forgotten which episode you were up to in a series? The BBC iPlayer will remember exactly where you got to and help you find your way back into your favourite programme. It’s not clunky or obtrusive either, so you won’t be nagged to return to a programme you left on purpose, it’ll simply give you a gentle reminder with the last watched feature.
It’s not just catch-up TV
iPlayer is about more than the Beeb’s channels over the last seven days. Selected series are also up for grabs, so you can get stuck in to Auntie’s best efforts and gorge on several episodes at a time. Ray Mears’ Northern Exposure is currently yours to snaffle in its entirety.
It’s not just TV
Sure, you can get hour after hour of TV on the BBC iPlayer. But it’s as much about BBC radio as it is TV. Shows are offered as listen again episodes, so if you’ve missed Cerys Matthews blathering on 6Music, you can check her out when you get in from work.
BBC iPlayer on Xbox 360 delayed
It’s live too
If you can’t get to a TV, but just have to watch that all-important episode of Doctors (or this Friday’s World Cup draw), you can watch BBC TV live via iPlayer. And we’re not just talking BBC1 and BBC2 either, the kids and news channels are here as well, as is BBC Three. In fact, any broadcast the Beeb makes is streamed online, completely free as long as you’re in the UK.
It’ll let you interact with shows soon
The new BBC iPlayer iPhone app packs a ’send a message’ function, which will let you tap up the show directly, as long as it’s live. This could mean texts to live shows, or ideas for future episodes. The possibilities are endless. We’re not promising the presenters will reply though.
It doesn’t cost a penny
Well, apart from your licence fee. But all these added extras mean you’re getting the very best VOD service in the world on top of your regular TV and radio offerings. And with new apps and Xbox 360 support in the offing, iPlayer is only going to get better.
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