BBC adopts Flash for iPlayer, web video

The BBC is to make the catch-up TV component of iPlayer compatible with Macs and Linux by adopting a Flash-based file delivery format by the end of the year.

The corporation had been heavily criticised for using Windows Media-based digital rights management technology to secure its content, effectively limiting iPlayer to Windows XP and, with modification, Windows Vista computers.

Today, however, the BBC said it would be working with Adobe in a "strategic partnership" to deliver videos in the more platform-neutral Flash format, which is used by popular video sharing sites including YouTube.

Erik Huggers, controller of the BBC's future media and technology group, said: "I’m delighted to announce this strategic relationship with Adobe. It is important to ensure that BBC iPlayer is available on as many platforms as possible. It will offer our audiences increased flexibility as to how and when they consume our content, both live and on-demand, on bbc.co.uk. With a complete end-to-end workflow, Adobe’s video solutions will revolutionise how we create and deliver content to audiences in the digital age."

The BBC also plans to use Flash to deliver "the majority of streamed video and audio content" on its website.

iPlayer, which is currently in expanded beta, will have a full consumer launch at Christmas.

Adobe chief executive Bruce Chizen said: "Adobe is driving the next generation of video delivery by accelerating the fusion of TV and the Internet. With more control over playback, interactivity and branding, the move to Flash Player compatible video will help the BBC to engage audiences by delivering a seamless, instant-on Web video experience."