According to sources close to the BBC’s Future Media and Technology department, a deal between the two parties has still been unable to be reached because Microsoft’s strategy of charging for all content on its Xbox Live platform is incompatible with the BBC’s public service remit. “Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing. It wants to ensure that only those paying for Xbox Live Gold accounts can access its additional content services and even then there is usually a charge on top to get access to those. For example, to access the Sky Player on Xbox, you have to pay for a Gold subscription as well as a Sky subscription,” explained one of the sources close to the BBC. “This does not fit with the BBC’s model and Microsoft will not budge at the moment. It is really frustrating for those involved on the BBC side who want to make sure iPlayer is rolled out on as many popular entertainment platforms as possible,” they added. The BBC cannot charge the British public for access to the iPlayer as it is already included in the licence fee. This situation is a marked contrast to the deals the BBC already has in place with the other two home games consoles. Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PlayStation 3 both offer free access to the BBC iPlayer. Earlier this month the BBC recently relaunched its service on the Wii and now offers its own dedicated iPlayer channel. A BBC spokesman said: “BBC iPlayer has been extremely successful on PS3 and we recently re-launched on Nintendo Wii, from which the public response has been fantastic. People clearly want the BBC iPlayer on their gaming consoles, and we don’t think Xbox users are any different, so we’ve had discussions with Microsoft about bringing the service to the platform.” A Microsoft spokesman declined to comment. The delay in striking a deal with the BBC could harm Microsoft’s ambitions to make its Xbox 360 console become the centre of the home entertainment hub. It is understood to also be in discussions with other content providers, such as Channel 4 and MySpace. I would love the iPlayer on the 360
Microsoft are being rather shitty here, they dont have any room to negitate, the BBC's policys are simple, the iPlayer cannot be premium and require additional payment. So they have a simple choice, either let everyone in the UK use it (both silver or gold members) or not get it at all. They are choosing that no one gets it, which I think is pathetic because iPlayer is much wanted on 360 and there competitors have it. Having the iPlayer on games consoles its brilliant, because in most familiy homes the console has the prime spot in the living room, wheres PC's dont. I usually dont bash Microsoft, but this time they are really being stupid. Whoever is deciding this clearly needs to be fired, or at least get training on how to deal customers.
The iPlayer on the xbox would be great. Hope they get it sorted as soon as possible! But with all this new content coming to the 360 it means it will break earlier lol.
things like these make me wanna switch over to the PS3... (if they charge for this seriously then i will ditch the xbox and buy an PS3
Hasn't Microsoft been going a little too far with this 'policy' in the first place? I mean, Xbox Live has always been a closed network and there wasn't any free membership in it's first generation at all. And putting charges on Marketplace content like downloadable games is logical just like on Wii and PS3. But the thing known as 'micro transactions' has to stop, especially on Xbox Live. This also means no charging for gamerpics and avatar clothing.. Just because both Microsoft and Sony are losing money to their gaming devisions, doesn't mean their running platforms have to be some kind of economy, keep it social and open! That said, I'm a Xbox fan and on LIVE, I only spend money on Gold subscription and worthy Arcade games. Nothing more.
I have to agree those micro transactions are stupid, yet some people have no problem paying for gamerpics, themes and now cloths for there avatars... thats why stuff like this is still sold... speak with your wallet and dont buy them. The iPlayer is free on everything else so i totally understand why the BBC will not allow it on the 360 if its for gold members only. Sky Player is another example, im sure some people would be happy to pay for that however not want to pay an extra £30-40 for Xbox Live gold just to use something on the 360 that they are allready paying £15 a month for. Have to agree with what Nimrod says, when it comes to Xbox Live and the content been offerd Microsoft have made some pretty bad decisions... it did start off well where silver members could do anything but play online, not for some stuff like the Sky Player and iPlayer its just getting silly.
Well you see, if you plan to purchase map packs, game addon's, movies, then you'll normally have enough points on your account after to pay for those micro transactions, such as the new assassins creed clothing for your avatar. Though as far as paying only for one suit of clothing for your avatar or whatever the case be is stupid.
Doesn't Microsoft already have enough money... Why should we give them more if they are treating us like poop by not allowing us to use any of the features such as Facebook, Sky, etc. I dont want to pay for a gold subscription since I have school and dont want to spend time gaming when I could be doing work! Get your head in the game Microsoft...