Talk about legit uses of P2P technology.
From
NewMediaZero:
Quote:
BBC confirms it's looking to offer archive over P2P
Jonathan Webdale
The BBC has confirmed that it's investigating the use of peer-to-peer file sharing for the distribution of its programmes.
It follows director general Greg Dyke's announcement at the recent Edinburgh TV festival that the Corporation is planning to make its archive accessible via the Internet.
BBC new media director Ashley Highfield revealed the first details of the plans at the International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam over the weekend.
He said the BBC was developing a 'super EPG' that would work on any platform and let users record programmes as with a PVR.
The Internet Media Player (IMP) will allow programmes to be downloaded or streamed to PC desktops and handheld devices.
P2P would provide the BBC with a cost-effective mechanism for responding to the massive demand for bandwidth that would likely be prompted by the launch of IMP.
'A fully flexible, platform-neutral, super EPG is in development that will allow TV content to be recorded TiVo-style,' said Highfield. 'It'll enable shows being broadcast now to be downloaded or streamed, and most significantly [let] TV shows that went out recently to be recalled from our archive and downloaded.
'To save on the huge bandwidth load this will place on us, we're exploring legitimate P2P models to get users to share our content on our behalf transparently.'
Highfield revealed that the BBC is also embarking on a pilot scheme drawing on its network of 50 local radio stations to create 'ultra-local TV news', drilling down to major towns and accessible by viewers via iTV. A spokeswoman said the pilot was in its very early stages.
|
BBC's move to open its archives to the public for free is a great thing in itself. And should they end up using P2P technology in the delivery, it will set a beautiful example for others to follow.
- tg
