BBC's iPlayer

coolmark18 · 31-05-2007, 00:03

Had a look for a similar thread, couldn't find one.

Was wondering if anybody has received their invite to get on and use the BBC's Beta iPlayer.

I dont want to risk anybody losing their invite but to those who are using it, how awesome is it.

It seems to have a huge range of programmes and so far the interface is pretty nice too.

Thoughts?

Mark

The Phazer · 31-05-2007, 00:06

Yeah, it's alright. I like it a lot better than the TV Test version from a few weeks ago, and the range is getting a lot better. Pretty much every in house programme was on last week.

Phazer

coolmark18 · 31-05-2007, 00:41

First downloaded programme - didnt work.

Apparently its pot luck whether the programme you download will let you view it, if it doesnt, you just need to keep downloading it again and again until it works.

Not impressed, started well, gutted.

mRebel · 31-05-2007, 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Phazer

Yeah, it's alright. I like it a lot better than the TV Test version from a few weeks ago, and the range is getting a lot better. Pretty much every in house programme was on last week.

Phazer

I recall you were in the first audience for internet broadcasting from the BBC. Do people who know someone in the BBC, as I'm sure you do, get preference on these things.

Don't take offence, just enquiring so feel free to put the record straight.

mossy2103 · 31-05-2007, 07:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolmark18

First downloaded programme - didnt work.

Apparently its pot luck whether the programme you download will let you view it, if it doesnt, you just need to keep downloading it again and again until it works.

Not impressed, started well, gutted.

That sounds par for the course as far as any beta software is concerned.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_stage

iain · 31-05-2007, 09:19

it's almost as tho' they're testing it first, as a trial, to iron out any problems.

Iain

mossy2103 · 31-05-2007, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by iain

it's almost as tho' they're testing it first, as a trial, to iron out any problems.

Iain

Yes, that's probably why it was referred to in the first post as BBC's Beta iPlayer

Of course, as it is public beta software, the BBC would appreciate any feedback concerning problems, crashes and any other oddities with it (such as features not working correctly, or incompatibilities with some programmes).

coolmark18 · 31-05-2007, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by mossy2103

That sounds par for the course as far as any beta software is concerned.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_stage

Sure, I understand. But considering the type of software it is, you would think the one thing they would try and make sure would work would be the ability to watch the programmes you download. This is a known problem. Ah well.

Mark

mossy2103 · 31-05-2007, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolmark18

Sure, I understand. But considering the type of software it is, you would think the one thing they would try and make sure would work would be the ability to watch the programmes you download. This is a known problem. Ah well.

Mark

If it's a known problem, then the BBC bods will have received feedback about it and will be looking to address those problems in a future Beta release (as there are likely to be a few more before it makes it to Release Candidate and finally to a gold or final release (for the benefit of those who are not familiar with software development cycles).

Grannygrunt · 31-05-2007, 14:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by mossy2103

If it's a known problem, then the BBC bods will have received feedback about it and will be looking to address those problems in a future Beta release (as there are likely to be a few more before it makes it to Release Candidate and finally to a gold or final release (for the benefit of those who are not familiar with software development cycles).

I know what you mean mossy, as someone who does a lot of beta testing, it always amazes me the amount of people who volanteer to test a beta build, and then complain all the time that it contains bugs and problems!! (but never bother to give feedback!)

GG

kr1s69 · 31-05-2007, 19:01

Is there any kind of official forum or bug list available?

I tested the iMP however this is the first time i've been invited back to test.

During the iMP trial there was a dedicated forum for discussions and questions, whereas this time there doesn't seem to be any easy way of seeing if other people are having the same problems, or an easy way to report them. The only thing is a general feedback form, which isn't great for technical comments.

It seems quite different to the iMP, however no more reliable which is a shame, and i'm not entirely sure i like the seperation of search facilites and downloading although i'll get used to this soon.

Yoonix · 31-05-2007, 19:33

This still in test??????????????

Been in test for years hasn't it, and still buggy?

Want to get themselves some decent programmers!

mossy2103 · 31-05-2007, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoonix

This still in test??????????????

Been in test for years hasn't it,

Not to my knowledge.

Quote:

Want to get themselves some decent programmers!

Beta testing is commonplace, regardless of the quality of "programmers". Errors/issues will always be present in any application, regardless as to the competence of the coding staff. That's the way it is.

slow motion · 31-05-2007, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoonix

This still in test??????????????

Been in test for years hasn't it, and still buggy?

Want to get themselves some decent programmers!

I'm not personally interested in the BBC's Gimp, but it's been an awful long time in the making...

mossy2103 · 31-05-2007, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow motion

I'm not personally interested in the BBC's Gimp, but it's been an awful long time in the making...

So tell us why exactly you are not interested in it.

KennyT · 31-05-2007, 20:09

One of the many problems with PC-based software are 3rd-party applications. As an example, SWMBO was unable to hear the QVC and BBC live TV streams. She insisted that the PC was at fault (and that it was, therefore, my fault!). I played around and switched the BBC video player from WMP to RealPlayer and hey presto, it started to work. Aha, I said, it's either a problem with the QVC website or WMP. It turned out to be a silly piece of 'chimes' freeware that SWMBO had been playing with some months earlier that was screwing the sound, but only for WMP.

No amount of in-house testing will find that sort of thing...

K

The Phazer · 31-05-2007, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yoonix

This still in test??????????????

Been in test for years hasn't it, and still buggy?

Want to get themselves some decent programmers!

This is the first formal software beta tests. The other tests were to collect data on what sort of usage was made by it of triallists to inform both rights holders groups during negotiations with the BBC before they consented to it becoming a full service, and for the BBC Trust to do the Public Value Test with.

Quote:

I recall you were in the first audience for internet broadcasting from the BBC. Do people who know someone in the BBC, as I'm sure you do, get preference on these things.

Don't take offence, just enquiring so feel free to put the record straight.

I got a formal invite directly from the BBC as part of the negotiations with the rights owners groups. Using such trials is often a lot easier than trying to explain what exactly it is that the technology does.

Phazer

mossy2103 · 31-05-2007, 23:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by KennyT

One of the many problems with PC-based software are 3rd-party applications.

As well as the myriad of drivers, and the fact that machines are likely to be at different release levels for even the same application package.

slow motion · 01-06-2007, 09:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by mossy2103

So tell us why exactly you are not interested in it.

Since you asked, I don't think I'll be needing the BBC Gimp as I don't really watch any BBC anyway.

It has been a very long time coming though, I wonder what the R&D bill will be...

mossy2103 · 01-06-2007, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow motion

Since you asked, I don't think I'll be needing the BBC Gimp as I don't really watch any BBC anyway.

OK, but there could be some interesting programmes available ...

Quote:

It has been a very long time coming though, I wonder what the R&D bill will be...

Of course, long development times can equate to large R&D costs, but conversely they can also point to things being done with small amounts of resource, thus taking longer. We won't know (unless JE can come up with one of his well-researched links from one of the BBC pages).

ney · 01-06-2007, 19:22

I got an invite to use BBCi player beta and after a few minor probs trying to instal it now works fine.

Darren

mossy2103 · 01-06-2007, 19:27

How long ago did you get that invite? I applied when they opened up the invitations, but have heard nothing so far.

irinaderevko · 09-06-2007, 01:44

can somebody help me please? im trying to install bbc iplayer and i get the following error message

'error 1330. the installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory: c:\Documents and Setings\All Users\Documents/My Deliveries the installation cannot continue. Log on as administrater or contavct your system administrater'

the thing is i am the system adminstarter and there shoudnt be any restrictions!!!

somebody please help i had the same problem with trying to install channel 4 on demand!!

The Phazer · 09-06-2007, 16:52

Are you using Vista rather than XP?

Phazer

Sananda Maitreya · 09-06-2007, 17:01

for me it is shame that neither the bbc iplayer or 4od will work either with a mac or from abroad. i thought it was going to be a perfect way to feel less homesick while living abroad.

31-05-2007, 00:03	#1
coolmark18 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,141	BBC's iPlayer Had a look for a similar thread, couldn't find one. Was wondering if anybody has received their invite to get on and use the BBC's Beta iPlayer. I dont want to risk anybody losing their invite but to those who are using it, how awesome is it. It seems to have a huge range of programmes and so far the interface is pretty nice too. Thoughts? Mark

31-05-2007, 00:06	#2
The Phazer Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 8,213	Yeah, it's alright. I like it a lot better than the TV Test version from a few weeks ago, and the range is getting a lot better. Pretty much every in house programme was on last week. Phazer

31-05-2007, 00:41	#3
coolmark18 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,141	First downloaded programme - didnt work. Apparently its pot luck whether the programme you download will let you view it, if it doesnt, you just need to keep downloading it again and again until it works. Not impressed, started well, gutted.

31-05-2007, 01:26	#4
mRebel Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 19,181	Quote: Originally Posted by The Phazer Yeah, it's alright. I like it a lot better than the TV Test version from a few weeks ago, and the range is getting a lot better. Pretty much every in house programme was on last week. Phazer I recall you were in the first audience for internet broadcasting from the BBC. Do people who know someone in the BBC, as I'm sure you do, get preference on these things. Don't take offence, just enquiring so feel free to put the record straight.

31-05-2007, 07:20	#5
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by coolmark18 First downloaded programme - didnt work. Apparently its pot luck whether the programme you download will let you view it, if it doesnt, you just need to keep downloading it again and again until it works. Not impressed, started well, gutted. That sounds par for the course as far as any beta software is concerned. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_stage

31-05-2007, 09:19	#6
iain Guest Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 62,990	it's almost as tho' they're testing it first, as a trial, to iron out any problems. Iain

31-05-2007, 09:23	#7
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by iain it's almost as tho' they're testing it first, as a trial, to iron out any problems. Iain Yes, that's probably why it was referred to in the first post as BBC's Beta iPlayer Of course, as it is public beta software, the BBC would appreciate any feedback concerning problems, crashes and any other oddities with it (such as features not working correctly, or incompatibilities with some programmes).

31-05-2007, 10:05	#8
coolmark18 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 1,141	Quote: Originally Posted by mossy2103 That sounds par for the course as far as any beta software is concerned. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_stage Sure, I understand. But considering the type of software it is, you would think the one thing they would try and make sure would work would be the ability to watch the programmes you download. This is a known problem. Ah well. Mark

31-05-2007, 10:08	#9
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by coolmark18 Sure, I understand. But considering the type of software it is, you would think the one thing they would try and make sure would work would be the ability to watch the programmes you download. This is a known problem. Ah well. Mark If it's a known problem, then the BBC bods will have received feedback about it and will be looking to address those problems in a future Beta release (as there are likely to be a few more before it makes it to Release Candidate and finally to a gold or final release (for the benefit of those who are not familiar with software development cycles).

31-05-2007, 14:48	#10
Grannygrunt Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 2,424	Quote: Originally Posted by mossy2103 If it's a known problem, then the BBC bods will have received feedback about it and will be looking to address those problems in a future Beta release (as there are likely to be a few more before it makes it to Release Candidate and finally to a gold or final release (for the benefit of those who are not familiar with software development cycles). I know what you mean mossy, as someone who does a lot of beta testing, it always amazes me the amount of people who volanteer to test a beta build, and then complain all the time that it contains bugs and problems!! (but never bother to give feedback!) GG

31-05-2007, 19:01	#11
kr1s69 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 512	Is there any kind of official forum or bug list available? I tested the iMP however this is the first time i've been invited back to test. During the iMP trial there was a dedicated forum for discussions and questions, whereas this time there doesn't seem to be any easy way of seeing if other people are having the same problems, or an easy way to report them. The only thing is a general feedback form, which isn't great for technical comments. It seems quite different to the iMP, however no more reliable which is a shame, and i'm not entirely sure i like the seperation of search facilites and downloading although i'll get used to this soon.

31-05-2007, 19:33	#12
Yoonix Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 5,050	This still in test?????????????? Been in test for years hasn't it, and still buggy? Want to get themselves some decent programmers!

31-05-2007, 19:36	#13
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by Yoonix This still in test?????????????? Been in test for years hasn't it, Not to my knowledge. Quote: Want to get themselves some decent programmers! Beta testing is commonplace, regardless of the quality of "programmers". Errors/issues will always be present in any application, regardless as to the competence of the coding staff. That's the way it is.

31-05-2007, 20:02	#14
slow motion Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 10,034	Quote: Originally Posted by Yoonix This still in test?????????????? Been in test for years hasn't it, and still buggy? Want to get themselves some decent programmers! I'm not personally interested in the BBC's Gimp, but it's been an awful long time in the making...

31-05-2007, 20:08	#15
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by slow motion I'm not personally interested in the BBC's Gimp, but it's been an awful long time in the making... So tell us why exactly you are not interested in it.

31-05-2007, 20:09	#16
KennyT Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NW London Posts: 19,904	One of the many problems with PC-based software are 3rd-party applications. As an example, SWMBO was unable to hear the QVC and BBC live TV streams. She insisted that the PC was at fault (and that it was, therefore, my fault!). I played around and switched the BBC video player from WMP to RealPlayer and hey presto, it started to work. Aha, I said, it's either a problem with the QVC website or WMP. It turned out to be a silly piece of 'chimes' freeware that SWMBO had been playing with some months earlier that was screwing the sound, but only for WMP. No amount of in-house testing will find that sort of thing... K

31-05-2007, 22:49	#17
The Phazer Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 8,213	Quote: Originally Posted by Yoonix This still in test?????????????? Been in test for years hasn't it, and still buggy? Want to get themselves some decent programmers! This is the first formal software beta tests. The other tests were to collect data on what sort of usage was made by it of triallists to inform both rights holders groups during negotiations with the BBC before they consented to it becoming a full service, and for the BBC Trust to do the Public Value Test with. Quote: I recall you were in the first audience for internet broadcasting from the BBC. Do people who know someone in the BBC, as I'm sure you do, get preference on these things. Don't take offence, just enquiring so feel free to put the record straight. I got a formal invite directly from the BBC as part of the negotiations with the rights owners groups. Using such trials is often a lot easier than trying to explain what exactly it is that the technology does. Phazer

31-05-2007, 23:01	#18
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by KennyT One of the many problems with PC-based software are 3rd-party applications. As well as the myriad of drivers, and the fact that machines are likely to be at different release levels for even the same application package.

01-06-2007, 09:23	#19
slow motion Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 10,034	Quote: Originally Posted by mossy2103 So tell us why exactly you are not interested in it. Since you asked, I don't think I'll be needing the BBC Gimp as I don't really watch any BBC anyway. It has been a very long time coming though, I wonder what the R&D bill will be...

01-06-2007, 09:30	#20
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	Quote: Originally Posted by slow motion Since you asked, I don't think I'll be needing the BBC Gimp as I don't really watch any BBC anyway. OK, but there could be some interesting programmes available ... Quote: It has been a very long time coming though, I wonder what the R&D bill will be... Of course, long development times can equate to large R&D costs, but conversely they can also point to things being done with small amounts of resource, thus taking longer. We won't know (unless JE can come up with one of his well-researched links from one of the BBC pages).

01-06-2007, 19:22	#21
ney Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Scotland, Dunfermline Area Posts: 10,705	I got an invite to use BBCi player beta and after a few minor probs trying to instal it now works fine. Darren

DS Forums

BBC's iPlayer

01-06-2007, 19:27	#22
mossy2103 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 68,711	How long ago did you get that invite? I applied when they opened up the invitations, but have heard nothing so far.

09-06-2007, 01:44	#23
irinaderevko Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 33	can somebody help me please? im trying to install bbc iplayer and i get the following error message 'error 1330. the installer has insufficient privileges to access this directory: c:\Documents and Setings\All Users\Documents/My Deliveries the installation cannot continue. Log on as administrater or contavct your system administrater' the thing is i am the system adminstarter and there shoudnt be any restrictions!!! somebody please help i had the same problem with trying to install channel 4 on demand!!

09-06-2007, 16:52	#24
The Phazer Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 8,213	Are you using Vista rather than XP? Phazer

09-06-2007, 17:01	#25
Sananda Maitreya Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,687	for me it is shame that neither the bbc iplayer or 4od will work either with a mac or from abroad. i thought it was going to be a perfect way to feel less homesick while living abroad.