Topic: BBC iPlayer will be available on new TV set

[Simon]

A new TV set which offers people the chance to view the BBC iPlayer directly, has launched.

The iViewer, from British firm Cello, has built-in internet access, and requires a broadband or wifi connection in order to view net channels.  It will be sold exclusively in Marks and Spencer stores until March 1 2010.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8403462.stm

[Clive]

Available in M&S no less!  I think it's a brilliant idea! 

[Simon]

It is, if you have unlimited bandwidth with your ISP. 

[Clive]

I do.  Supposedly.   

[sam]

yeah but if you have cable you already have that functionality... and if you have a wii, xbox...

[GillE]

Hang on... isn't broadband supposed to be such an essential that we're being taxed 50p per month on landlines to subsidise its development?  So if we've all got access to the internet, don't we have access to BBC iPlayer anyway?  And shouldn't this TV be taxed at 50p per month too?

[sam]

Hang on... isn't broadband supposed to be such an essential that we're being taxed 50p per month on landlines to subsidise its development?  So if we've all got access to the internet, don't we have access to BBC iPlayer anyway?  And shouldn't this TV be taxed at 50p per month too?

but you will already be being taxed, cause you will have the landline to have the broadband connection to give you the iplayer on your tv...

[GillE]

But if you need broadband for your TV, why bother?  Buy a computer instead.


It's a tax on the elderly anyway.  With one hand, Darling ups the old age pension.  Then he imposes a tax on landlines, knowing full well the demographics which mean that the vast majority of older people use landlines as opposed to mobile phones.

[Simon]

Surely, if you're going to use iPlayer, it's better to watch it on a proper TV, rather than a computer screen?

I agree, though, Gill, it's an unfair tax for those who won't benefit from it.

[sam]

Surely, if you're going to use iPlayer, it's better to watch it on a proper TV, rather than a computer screen?

I agree, though, Gill, it's an unfair tax for those who won't benefit from it.

yeah the tax is pointless - lets the ISPs pay for the broadband infrastructure.

I agree Simon, iPlayer would be nicer to see on the tv, and easier for the older audience.

[Rik]

Who don't have broadband connections... Or did you mean Clive? 

[Clive]

I don't have broadband.  I'm with BT.   

[Rik]

This is true.

[Simon]

 

[jww41005]

OK. As mentioned, if you live in GB what is the point of being able to watch TV channels on the net instead of on your big LCD TV?
As an ex pat, it would be useful for me, but because my isp is foreign, I can't benefit from it.
Anyway, I do enjoy finding ways to watch BBC iplayer.