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ITreviewed takes a look at the BBC iPlayer



iPlayer is a slick programme that makes it easy to catch up on your favourite BBC programmes that have been broadcast over the last seven days. It looks great, is easy to use, and video quality is very good at its most basic 500kbps and even better at 832=D7468 'full-screen' resolution, which uses 1500kbps. There's now even a HD mode, allowing you to stream H.264 (1280=D7720p) video through a Web browser at 3.2Mbps (1.5GB per hour of video) or download it. Though close to TV quality, image clarity still isn't as good. It is not without its flaws, however. Most noticeable is that rights agreements mean that iPlayer television programmes are only available to users to download or stream (Click to Play) in the UK. Most radio programmes are available outside the UK in addition to podcasts, although sporting and other programmes may be subject to rights agreements. You'll also need a valid TV Licence, regardless of whether you decide to ditch your regular TV. Another disappointing oversight is the ability to schedule programmes for download from a selected series until the series has ended - much like Sky's Series Link. Those on limited broadband packages will also need to keep a tight handle on usage, as both online video streaming and downloading seriously eats into your bandwidth.
BBC iPlayer reviewed