The BBC has announced that content downloaded from its iPlayer can now be viewed on mobile devices, though the iPhone is still left out in the cold.
Videos can be played back on any mobile device that supports content protected by Windows Media digital rights management. The Sony Walkman E and S series and the Archos Internet Media Tablet are among the supported devices.
Users simply press the ‘for media players’ option on the iPlayer. Once the file has been downloaded to a PC, it can then be dragged to a compatible mobile device and played on the move. Videos are encoded in 320×180 resolution at 500kbps with 128kbps for audio.
The BBC also said it plans to make iPlayer content available for the Nokia N96 and is working on support for iPhone and iPods.
Anthony Rose, head of the online media at BBC Future Media and Technology, said in a blog: “Unfortunately, Apple keeps its DRM technology close to its chest and has so far not licensed that technology to third parties. This means that as of today, it’s not technically possible for us to make rights-protected BBC iPlayer programs available for download from the iPlayer website in a format compatible with Apple devices. That’s a major missing piece for us and a disappointment for Apple device owners, so please know that this has our full attention.”