BBC iPlayer Goes Online This Friday

This Friday the BBC will launch the long awaited iPlayer. Having clicked on to the fact that online telly is pretty much in demand, they may have left it a bit later than they should have but who cares, it is here now, well almost.

This means that choosing between YouTube'ing and general web browsing or watching an episode of Eastenders on TV is a thing of the past, after all, why should you have to glance your eyes over to the TV, that just takes WAY too much effort right? Let alone having to stand up to go over and press the button to turn the thing on. Well now you can stay cemented to your computer chair and enjoy both like a "Computer Chair Potato".

A plus point on the iPlayer is that the Beeb have changed it from invite only (like Joost) to Public Beta which means everyone can give it a go! Or does it? Well.... unfortunately it doesn't mean that anyone can give it a go, along with plus points i guess you always have to have..... minus points?

Anyway, that means that their are some drawbacks. For example, BBC iPlayer will only work on Windows XP and will not work on Mac, Linux or Vista initially, down to DRM matters (Yes, damn those bloody DRMs!) Which has resulted in a strong appeal for the player to be banned until it is available to everyone. But fortunately the plan is full steam ahead and it will be released on the 27th July.

As a consolation for Mac, Linux and Vista users, a version is expected to be released for the Mac in the Autumn with Vista and Linux expected to be slightly later. You know, that ain't really much of a consolation is it? If you have ditched XP for a more hip Vista or converted to Mac or Linux, i suggest you fetch it back out of the bottom of the cupboard!

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