Gaming

Xbox 360 iPlayer launch postponed

Published Sunday, Nov 29 2009, 11:10 GMT | By Mark Langshaw
Xbox 360 iPlayer launch postponed
The BBC iPlayer's arrival on Xbox Live has been postponed after Microsoft failed to determine a service agreement with the broadcaster.

According to The Daily Telegraph, the two firms are locked in stalemate as the BBC insists that the service should be free, while Microsoft traditionally charges for additional content.

"Microsoft only wants to offer its users access to platforms it can charge for as this is the model it is pursuing," explained a BBC source.

"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.

"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."

The BBC is unable to charge for iPlayer because it is already covered by TV licence fees. The service is currently available for PS3 and Nintendo Wii.

Top Stories

New!
Free games on Digital Spy
Win This Means War luxury screening
A private screening plus hotel stay & dinner for you and 9 friends
DS Games
Play Deal or No Deal for jackpots up to £2 million. Paul M won £1.4 million!
S21 T6.356057882309 {run_id}