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BBC One and BBC Two to go live online later this month

by Parm Mann on 19 November 2008, 15:23

Tags: BBC

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The BBC's remarkable transition to online services is to take another giant step on November 27th, when its main channels - BBC One and BBC Two - are to be simulcast live on the Internet.

The launch, announced today by director of BBC Vision Jana Bennett, will see the two channels join BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies and BBC News - all of which are already available to view online via their respective websites or BBC iPlayer.

Unlike shows on iPlayer, however, viewers of BBC's live simulcasts on any device are required to be license-fee payers. Just how this will be enforced remains unknown, particularly when users tune in on mobile phones, but it's likely to prove troublesome with the authorities.

In an official statement, Jana Bennett had this to say:

"The launch of BBC One and BBC Two online completes our commitment to make our portfolio of channels available to watch on the Internet. From 27 November licence fee payers will be able to watch BBC programmes, live, wherever they are in the UK on their computers, mobile phones and other portable devices. Through iPlayer and series stacking, they'll have the option to catch up with them later."

The simulcasts will run as part of a 12-month evaluation and will be available at bbc.co.uk/bbcone and bbc.co.uk/bbctwo.

Official press release: BBC One and BBC Two to be simulcast from 27 November



HEXUS Forums :: 4 Comments

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Sounds good.
A step in the right direction but it all depends on how they implement the TV licence check. For TV owners, it is mandatory to get a TV licence, so they need to ensure its done properly otherwise they'll insist all internet users have a licence!!!!

I assume the video will be of comparable quality to that seen on the iPlayer?
If its at least as good as the iplayer, when it's on high mode, i think that should be ok - the sound becomes alot better too.
Sounds good, even just for top gear. Wonder how they'll enforce the “fee payers-only” bit. I haven't seen my license since it fell through the front door, but even I could find it; the only ways I can think of enforcing it is either some form of code or serial on the license itself(because that's worked so well for the software industry) or by address, in which case anyone without a license will enter their gran's details.

I think what is more likely to happen is that it will just be limited to UK only like iPlayer and ITV|F1(now dead).