Topic: BBC iPlayer coming to Wii

[BlackNMild2k1]

BBC's iPlayer coming to Wii - UK only

The BBC and Nintendo UK today unveil a new version of the popular BBC iPlayer on Nintendo's Wii.

First made available through the console's Internet Channel in April 2008, BBC iPlayer will now be available as a dedicated Wii Channel to provide Wii users with a new, richer experience of the BBC's TV and radio on-demand catch-up service.

The new Wii Channel is expected to be available from 12.01am on Wednesday 18 November.

Since BBC iPlayer first launched on the Nintendo Wii, there have been 900,000 requests for TV and radio programmes, and this new version of BBC iPlayer for Wii has been designed to deliver a better and higher quality experience, with a new full-screen user interface allowing the whole family to catch up on TV and radio together in the lounge.

^More at the link (quotes from BBC & Nintendo UK)

More info & Pics:

We have just announced the release of a new version of BBC iPlayer for Nintendo Wii. The new version is a Flash based application using the newly released Video on Demand Framework (VODF) from Nintendo.* From 18 November you can find and install the BBC iPlayer application from the Wii shop at no cost. This version replaces the previous browser based version.

There were multiple challenges on this project. The design challenge was to make the iPlayer work on the television screen in a simple way. The team streamlined the user journeys. We have used the rumble feature on the controller to give feedback. A search feature allows you to find the content easily. The design team went through multiple iterations; user testing and got to what I believe is an experience you would like.

*More proof that Netflix may be on the way and soon.

[rbtr]

We can only hope for Netflix.


It would make me a happy man!

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Such tiny screens to be on HDTVs!

[ShyGuy]

This is what I know about the BBC

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

Graham Norton on Wii

[BranDonk Kong]

A little homebrew should get this on anyone's Wii, no matter which region you're in.

[BlackNMild2k1]

It looks really nice, but I don't think there is anything playing on BBC that I'm interested in.
I'm more interested in "the newly released Video on Demand Framework (VODF) from Nintendo" making this a stealth Netflix on Wii thread.
With how nice the iPlayer looks, that brings forth alot of confidence in the Netflix on Wii(Dec. 2009) rumor.

[Chozo Ghost]

I hope the BBC's support for the Wii goes a bit further with the release of Blackadder and Mr. Bean video games.... with MOTION CONTROL!

[KDR_11k]

Wasn't the Mr. Bean videogame a total disaster?

[that Baby guy]

A little homebrew should get this on anyone's Wii, no matter which region you're in.

Wouldn't you need to have access to British servers?  Just having the channel doesn't mean you'll get full support, right?

Still, this is interesting.  I'd imagine we might be seeing the first of many major networks looking to expand their presence on consoles.  Could we see a FOX channel?  A Hulu channel?  I like where this could head

[EasyCure]

Shy guy = win

[BranDonk Kong]

I don't think it matters where you are located, but I could be wrong. I think once you patch the channel to be region free, then you can connect to it from anywhere.

[that Baby guy]

I think you're incorrect.  As it stands, to access the BBC's iPlayer, from the little I've read, you have to physically connect in the correct region.  You could use a proxy server as a work-around, but that's not even a simple solution for someone who's able to patch the channel.  I believe you can currently even access the iPlayer from the internet channel, or even just using a regular computer to test things out, but the iPlayer is region locked, akin to hulu how hulu doesn't provide the same content to those outside the US.

[Flames_of_chaos]

I think you're incorrect.  As it stands, to access the BBC's iPlayer, from the little I've read, you have to physically connect in the correct region.  You could use a proxy server as a work-around, but that's not even a simple solution for someone who's able to patch the channel.  I believe you can currently even access the iPlayer from the internet channel, or even just using a regular computer to test things out, but the iPlayer is region locked, akin to hulu how hulu doesn't provide the same content to those outside the US.

BBC iPlayer requires a UK based IP due to the fact that the productions are funded by UK TV licensing fees. If the iPlayer can have a dedicated Channel I bet that Netflix will get a dedicated Wii channel.